The Dawson

The Dawson Reviews

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• If you visit The Dawson don’t forget ask for a drink made with Pueblo Viejo Tequila.

  by Pueblo Viejo Tequila C

  
  

• River West: Is it the sprawling patio, the elevated mixology or the wood-fired steak and seafood that make us love this place so much? We don’t know and, frankly, we just want another old-fashioned.

  by PureWow

  
  

• Easter is also a great time to celebrate with #MyPuebloViejo. Visit The Dawson this Easter.

  by Pueblo Viejo Tequila C

  
  

• There’s nothing like a frozen drink to cool you down, and at The Dawson in Chicago, the Frozen Mai-Thai will do just that, while also looking pretty cool itself.

  by Reserve A

  
  

• The Dawson actually sports multiple fireplaces, including one outdoors. This huge bar/restaurant at the corner of Grand and Halsted boasts an impressive beverage program.

  by Eater

  
  

• Love the GTO cocktail. Both the Bacon Flight and Duck Confit Enchiladas were to die for!

  by Kevin D.

  
  

• Voted Best Hipster Brunch by Bitches Who Brunch in 2016!

  by Bitches Who B.

  
  

• The Dawson has a gorgeous industrial space that is ideal for a sunny brunch date in West Town. The brunch menu doesn’t win on cocktails, but is full of delicious modern twists on breakfast dishes

  by Bitches Who B.

  
  

• Awesome environment and cool food choices - try the Irish coffee and chicken-fried lobster!!

  by s L

  
  

• Great brunch!

  by Spencer B.

  
  

• Wonderful pork chop with lentils. Cocktails: GTO or Boulevardier

  by Samantha K

  
  

• get the mahi mahi tacos, more than enough for two people.

  by Adam B

  
  

• GTO cocktail is a must try-- one of my favorite drinks in the city

  by Amanda T

  
  

• Great cocktails. Great ambiance and outdoor seating.

  by Adam s

  
  

• The large, cozy patio can accommodate plenty of guests while a toasty fireplace keeps it warm when the temps drop. A bar outside makes ordering drinks like the popular Frozen Mai Tai a breeze.

  by Eater

  
  

• An outdoor bar makes casual, bi-level The Dawson a go-to among al fresco enthusiasts, the wisest of whom snag shotcicles and frozen mai tais to accompany their burgers and chicken-fried lobster.

  by Chicagoist

  
  

• Frozen Mai Tai

  by Amber Lowey

  
  

• With modern lighting and graphic, textile floor, The Dawson’s stylish bar is an ideal spot for taking in their handcrafted cocktails, international wines and beers.

  by Savoteur S

  
  

• Mahi-mahi fish tacos are amazing!!!! And end the meal with strawberry cheesecake 👌🏻

  by Karla P

  
  

• Mahi-mahi fish tacos, ceviche with tiger milk and the octopus absolutely tasty and for dessert you need to try strawberry cheesecake and pistachio ice cream😋 I will definitely come back !

  by Karla P

  
  

• overpriced

  by Caitlin

  
  

• With a new build-your-own Bloody bar, and creative twists on brunch classics, The Dawson will be one of the busiest patios this season, guaranteed.

  by Bitches Who B.

  
  

• Es muy casual y con toda la onda. Diariamente se prepara un destilado distinto en el lugar. La barra es hermosa. El menú tiene ilustraciones y diseño de uno de los barman que atiende. Con reservación.

  by Rosa María N

  
  

• The Dawson offers an eclectic menu from Chicken-Fried Lobster to Grilled Oysters, and the Frozen Mai Thai is a must-try! This delightful lime drink gives your tastebuds the wakeup call it needs.

  by Serious Eats

  
  

• Nice decor, food was tasty but not memorable

  by ISC C.

  
  

• The Easter colors reflect in a Margarita mixed with Pueblo Viejo. Get yours here at The Dawson!

  by Pueblo Viejo Tequila C

  
  

• Oh yes. Drinks, apps, bites, entrees, socializing, people watching, west loop hanging and a little swank. Just what you wanted.

  by Colin R.

  
  

• Cocktails are great. Pork belly, yum!

  by Alex F.

  
  

• Cocktail and food are both great !!

  by Angie m

  
  

• If you want to freshen up with a delicious cocktail at The Dawson, try a Paloma mixed with Pueblo Viejo Blanco.

  by Pueblo Viejo Tequila C

  
  

• Nice cocktails and small foods

  by Shinji K.

  
  

• Cucumber, red onion, paprika and flatbread accompany a chickpea hummus appetizer at this traditional American destination in River West.

  by Reserve A

  
  

• La comida y los postres y la cerveza todo eso esta bueno

  by Manuel M

  
  

• Went for brunch and loved their unusual take on grits. Small-ish brunch menu but great cocktails

  by Dana Jensen

  
  

• Meat loaf only in Thursday's was on point! Love this place!

  by michelle jimenez

  
  

• If you are in The Dawson, try a Margarita with Pueblo Viejo Blanco.

  by Pueblo Viejo Tequila C

  
  

• Great space. If the bar downstairs is crowded, just run up to the bar on the 2nd floor. Scallops dish is a solid choice.

  by Noel Rodriguez

  
  

• Get lots of things to share so you can really take in what this place has to offer. So. Good. Musts: Ceviche w/ tiger's milk, Chicken-Fried Lobster, Salted Candy Bar dessert - & the BBQ Pork Cupcake.

  by Nanaenay E

  
  

• This meal is so delicious. It's a must try'

  by michelle jimenez

  
  

• Excellent brunch, great atmosphere. The lobster was fabulous.

  by Mariah C

  
  

• Super cute outdoor patio. Sit at the bar because the bartenders are awesome and really know their stuff!

  by Angie O.

  
  

• Any of the drinks are creative and delicious. However, try the GTO.

  by Eric B.

  
  

• 🎼🎤🎧🎶🎵

  by Gulsun P.

  
  

• The Dawson!🌺

  by Gulsun P.

  
  

• The $11 Field & Stream at The Dawson is made with Famous Grouse scotch, Benedictine, spiced ginger hazelnut and lemon. Served hot, the drink has the lightness of tea with the spice of cider.

  by Chicago Tribune

  
  

• Great Patio.

  by Carly B.

  
  

• The bar has stepped up their glassware game!

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• Drink this: the Field & Stream made with Famous Grouse scotch, Benedictine, spiced ginger hazelnut and lemon. Served hot, the drink has the lightness of tea with the spice of cider.

  by Chicago Tribune

  
  

• Great date spot. Cocktail menu is super impressive, as is their food menu. Tried the pork belly lettuce cup tacos and albacore tuna ceviche. Both appetizers were perfect!

  by Taylor K.

  
  

• Great outdoor seating. And the pork belly lettuce cups? They are like candied pig. Yum!!

  by Kirstjen L.

  
  

• Little overpriced but great vibes

  by Leslie d.

  
  

• Roasted chicken and Arctic Char are excellent entrees. Steamed mussels killed as an appetizer. Great atmosphere and some of the best service I have had in a restaurant in Chicago in a long time.

  by Joseph Vajda

  
  

• Good food- short rib & Brussel sprouts. Service just ok for a place at this price point.

  by shannon s.

  
  

• The cocktails here are fan freakin tastic. Superb service with the friendliest staff working here. Can't wait to go back and try the food. It looks so good.

  by Angela L.

  
  

• Really nice interior. A lot of food per plate.

  by Madm F.

  
  

• Great drinks atmosphere Again 2 of the BEST(yes needed capitals) owners to welcome Chicago diners to one of the Billy's 3 establishments. Always the host with the most.

  by Natalya Lisa

  
  

• It's all right.

  by siuwaaan V

  
  

• Drinks were good. Bartenders def know what they're doing. Love the atmosphere too :)

  by Yura L.

  
  

• The BBQ Bloody offers plenty of kick, blending vodka, Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce, tomato, cheddar, jalapeno and onion. If whiskey's more your style, try the Brunch Manhattan.

  by Redeye Chicago

  
  

• Nice outdoor patio and cool vibe at the indoor downstairs bar, too. Cocktails are amazing. Don't miss the burrata app and short rib sandwich. Stellar!

  by Stefanie K

  
  

• Ask about their special Jell-O shots.

  by Emily Jurlina

  
  

• The bacon flight might be the best thing I've ever pit in my mouth! And the biscuits and gravy ate so unique!

  by Darren J.

  
  

• Nice selection of unique beers. A bit expensive, high end. Good wine selection. Excellent atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the upstairs.

  by Louis Klieger

  
  

• Great outdoor patio!

  by Andrew H.

  
  

• Slow service oh ma gaaaaahhhhd

  by Kelly D.

  
  

• The small plates and salads were actually better than the entrees. Everything was pretty good though.

  by Jasmine J.

  
  

• Don't miss the BBQ Bloody Mary. Great great food.

  by Pete B.

  
  

• Order the BBQ Bloody to go with your brunch.

  by Matthew L.

  
  

• Started with wine and we are happy with wine selection and recommendation to try "Poema" by Clint Rogers, General manager

  by Mirko P.

  
  

• Get the pork tacos. They are amazing!

  by Jason N.

  
  

• Great vibe. Food and drinks were excellent. Will definitely go back.

  by Viviana J

  
  

• Delicious food, excellent drinks...get the pork tacos, grilled oysters or burgers. Specialty cocktails are delicious. Atmosphere is loud but tolerable.

  by Allie S

  
  

• The food was delicious, especially the gnocchi. The drinks were great, and the music rocked as well. This place definitely deserves a thumbs up.

  by Melanie Y.

  
  

• Get the Gnocchi!

  by Susanne

  
  

• Had an amazing assortment of seafood last night at The Dawson. They can do a mean raw bar - hope they put the crab claw salad and ceviche on the menu soon!

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• Damn, that's a tall burger! Smack dat pattie!

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• Get the deviled eggs and mussels. Stay away from the pistachio orange biscotti.

  by Jenn K.

  
  

• Great deviled eggs with white anchovies and deviled eggs. Great old school Manhattan

  by Loren M.

  
  

• Woah, their menu went all deconstructed after the New Year - see the Hunters Consommé and the freeze dried ice cream Pecan Banana Bread

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• Nice. Great burger. Good pulled pork tacos. Best vodka gimlet in Chicago!

  by Nai W.

  
  

• Pork tacos appetizer is amazing.

  by Caitlin M.

  
  

• Arrive after 11pm and order a saca palabras! Annemarie te dejará sin palabras!

  by Elizabeth C.

  
  

• You'll find cocktails, a daily dram, and an assortment of non-alcoholic concoctions from an in-house soda jerk here.

  by Serious Eats

  
  

• The seafood stew is spot on perfect so start with it.

  by David W.

  
  

• Chef Rene DeLeon's eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout is bringing patrons in.

  by Eater

  
  

• Order a beer and they bring you three drinks! Awesome.

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• Amazing service! Great food! Awesome friends!!

  by Ximena A.

  
  

• Super good food, super nice people, all around great meal and great experience. I look forward to coming back.

  by Ron T.

  
  

• Do yourself a favor and get a shot from the cold press drippy drip! The cocktails are great as well as the beer list!

  by Adam S.

  
  

• Annemarie, Clint, Jason, and Chef Rene- how could anything go wrong? The cocktails are delicious; the food is fantastic! Can't wait to go back for more.

  by James W.

  
  

• Try the beef tongue sliders!!

  by Jessica Emilia

  
  

• Raoul, Chris, Lindsey rock!!! Awesome cocktails!

  by Lori K.

  
  

• One day in and kitchen is already operating at near peak efficiency!

  by Christopher N.

  
  

• The fireplace upstairs is pretty cool. Not opened yet. Very loud but the atmosphere was cool.

  by Michael M.

  
  

• Amazing! I highly recommend the pigs in a blanket, squid and chorizo and the pork shank!

  by Veronica G.

  
  

• Cozy lighting. Great food. Slow on drink service and really loud needs some kind of sound buffer

  by Sheri W.

  
  

• Finally open - awesome place that will rock!!

  by Paul S.