RL Restaurant
Quick info
About RL Restaurant
RL Restaurant is an American restaurant in Chicago, serving American classics at 115 E Chicago Ave. The setting spans two floors, with wood panelling, leather seating, and a bar area that anchors the front of the dining room. The menu focuses on composed American dishes, with Lobster Bisque and Escargot appearing as starters, while the RL Burger serves as the signature main. Dining works on a reservations basis, and the bar accommodates both walk-in guests and those waiting for tables. The space also includes a private dining option for larger parties.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid parking lot · Paid street parking · Valet parking
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Good for kidsHigh chairs available · Has kids' menu
- DietaryServes vegetarian dishes
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sea bass sandwich, pigs in a blanket, tomato bisque and key lime pie.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sea bass sandwich, pigs in a blanket, tomato bisque and key lime pie.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the service at RL Restaurant as outstanding and professional, with staff going so far as to split and plate shared orders beautifully. Close behind, reviewers praise the atmosphere, describing the wood-paneled, library-style decor as warm and inviting, especially with festive holiday decorations. Several specific dishes earn repeated mention, including the Canyon Burger, the flaky pigs in a blanket with mustard, the tomato bisque with goat cheese, a sea bass sandwich, and a gingerbread oat milk latte. The tight seating is a recurring caveat, with multiple reviewers noting the cramped layout leads to bumped chairs and a chaotic feel. One reviewer reports a serious service failure where a seafood platter took an hour to arrive, red wine was never poured, and a birthday cake came without a message. Several reviewers suggest making a reservation to avoid long waits. The meal closes on a high note for many, with the key lime pie called off the charts.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the service at RL Restaurant as outstanding and professional, with staff going so far as to split and plate shared orders beautifully. Close behind, reviewers praise the atmosphere, describing the wood-paneled, library-style decor as warm and inviting, especially with festive holiday decorations. Several specific dishes earn repeated mention, including the Canyon Burger, the flaky pigs in a blanket with mustard, the tomato bisque with goat cheese, a sea bass sandwich, and a gingerbread oat milk latte. The tight seating is a recurring caveat, with multiple reviewers noting the cramped layout leads to bumped chairs and a chaotic feel. One reviewer reports a serious service failure where a seafood platter took an hour to arrive, red wine was never poured, and a birthday cake came without a message. Several reviewers suggest making a reservation to avoid long waits. The meal closes on a high note for many, with the key lime pie called off the charts.
Featured reviews
- Đăng Quang - PSA
“Dining at RL Restaurant, located at 115 E Chicago Ave just steps from the Magnificent Mile, is an absolutely magnificent and deeply sophisticated immersion into classic American luxury. As the premier culinary venture by Ralph Lauren, this …”
- F'burg Foodie
“I had heard good things about RL, so when given the chance to have a business lunch here, I was happy to attend. Checking in we were given a table in the main dining room and seated way before this place got completely packed, about 20 minutes later. The dining room reminded me of an upscale RL store, with wood walls, bookcases, and similar upscale library style décor. Service was great… helpful, very professional, and friendly. The menu was filled with many great options and just when I thought I selected what I wanted, our server told us about their specials, which included a sea bass sandwich, so I went for that instead! We started with their pigs in a blanket – They were GOOD!! The mustard that accompanied them really added a nice touch to the flavor and the dough they were wrapped in was flaky and tasty. Next up was a bowl of their tomato bisque, again – RALLY GOOD!! The goat cheese in it added a nice, sharp flavor for each bite. The sea bass sandwich was excellent too! The jalapeño on it added a nice spice and the fish was so very soft, flaky, and flavorful! The bun was incredible too… Overall, a great sandwich! I look forward to returning… Highly recommend making a reservation and joining them!”
- Hyimari Stewart
“Cozy spot with an upscale forwardness to it that’s the vibe at RL. It feels classic Chicago, polished but not pretentious. If you have reservations, you’re in luck. You’ll glide right in and get seated. Us? We like to wing it. And I mean …”
- Ricardo Carreon
“Great experience, above expectations, service and food just amazing and delicious. Atmosphere so so nice. It’s a beautiful restaurant.”
- Sharon Lloyd
“Dined with my parents and we had a blast! Jake was our waiter and he was phenomenal. Sharp, knowledgeable and quick without rushing us. Will be back for sure. There also was a curly haired guy who was helping with tables and I want to spank myself for not remembering his name, I should’ve written it down. Will be back and will update his name also. GREAT STAFF. Great food and drinks. Key lime pie dessert off the charts.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Upscale Ralph Lauren restaurant serving American classics in a sophisticated setting.”
- Has fast service
- Has fireplace
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
- Has great tea selection
Amenities
- Has Wi-Fi
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Offers delivery
Show more amenities
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Has kids' menu
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Has bar on site
- On-site services available
- Offerings· 9
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves healthy options
- Has private dining room
- Serves spirits
- Serves wine
- Popular for· 3
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Highlights· 8
- Has fast service
- Has fireplace
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
- Has great tea selection
- Has great wine list
- Serves local speciality
- Atmosphere· 4
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Family-friendly· 1
- High chairs available
- Dining options· 7
- Serves breakfast
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Parking· 2
- Paid street parking
- Valet parking
- Planning· 5
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Usually has a wait
Location
How RL Restaurant compares to nearby american restaurants
- RL Restaurant · This shop4.61,539 reviews
Mentioned in reviews: sea bass sandwich, pigs in a blanket, tomato bisque
- the Albert4.4722 reviews0.3 mi
Mentioned in reviews: olive oil cake, crudo, brunchissimo brunch
- The Dearborn4.79,518 reviews0.9 mi
Mentioned in reviews: fish and chips, burger, brussel sprouts
- Remington's4.52,753 reviews1 mi
Mentioned in reviews: crab cakes, lobster deviled eggs, espresso martinis
RL Restaurant This shop | the Albert | The Dearborn | Remington's | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6(1,539) | 4.4(722) | 4.7(9,518) | 4.5(2,753) | |
| Price | $50–100 | $20–60 | $30–80 | $30–90 |
| Distance | — | 0.3 mi | 0.9 mi | 1 mi |
| Open today |
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How this listing is sourced
Hours, contact details, and amenities are sourced from publicly available business data and re-checked regularly. Listings are ranked independently — no paid placement.