ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
The Bellevue
8.1
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Occupying the former Tavern on Rush corner, The Bellevue pairs a two-story dining room with a sizable sidewalk café just off Mariano Park. Contemporary American plates, seafood towers, and a full bar make it a flexible choice for brunch, business meals, and late-night people-watching on the triangle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Gold Coast corner restaurant with big sidewalk café and classics.
Who should go: Business diners and locals wanting polished but flexible American menus.
When to visit: Afternoon into golden hour for patio people-watching and drinks.
What to order: Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib.
Insider tip: Ask for patio facing Mariano Park for liveliest triangle views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically offered during peak meal periods; street parking is limited and competitive around Mariano Park, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished attire fits the Gold Coast crowd; jeans are fine if styled neatly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — patio and bar areas can get energetic, but seated tables generally allow conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio-facing tables in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually brief or no wait, except during peak business lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable-forward starters, and a few mains can be adapted on request.
Vegan options: Limited — expect a small number of modifiable items rather than dedicated vegan dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some items and seafood preparations can be made gluten-free; confirm with server for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the corner setting, patio views, and flexible menu make it a strong pick for a relaxed but upscale first date, especially outdoors during warm months.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for indoor seating outside peak times; patio and prime view tables are heavily requested, so reservations are recommended if you’re timing around dinner or weekend brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accustomed to families earlier in the day and at brunch, though evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor people-watching, business-friendly meals, and flexible American menus with seafood and steaks in a high-energy Gold Coast setting.
Skip if: You want quiet, intimate dining, cutting-edge chef tasting menus, or highly specialized dietary programs.