Heading out on the water in Chicago, but are worried about getting hungry? Introducing: Dock and Dine.

Dock-and-dine, the activity of cruising on your boat to a waterfront restaurant, is a particularly awesome activity to enjoy in Chicago during the summer months. It’s one of the best ways to see the city: arrive by boat, tie up near a waterfront restaurant, and enjoy the skyline with your meal.

Below is our guide for some of the best restaurants in Chicago to dock and dine at, plus general boating and docking tips for these local establishments.

Book your boat rental and come hungry!

What to Bring & How to Plan for your Dock & Dine

  • Tell your boat captain. If you’re planning to experience dock and dine as a passenger on a private charter, let your captain know your desired itinerary. This enables them to plan for docking and ensure you arrive at the restaurant in time for any reservations.
  • Call ahead. Many riverfront restaurants don’t maintain public slips and will either direct you to a managed dock (Downtown Docks, Ogden Slip, Navy Pier Marina) or advise a nearby public mooring.
  • If you plan to use the lakefront facilities in the Navy Pier area, reserve a slip in advance. Navy Pier Marina now accepts short-term transient bookings and is the main Lake Michigan option downtown.
  • Know the weather and wakes: Lake Michigan conditions change quickly. The river is more protected, but be aware of bridge openings and commercial traffic.
  • Docking etiquette: Offer to leave your lines on the dock only if asked. Tip the restaurant and valet staff if they assist you. Also, avoid blocking other boat traffic.
  • Bring at least two dock lines and 2–4 fenders rated for your boat’s size. Tie-down cleats on the dock can be tight—better to be prepared. If you’re booking a captained charter, you won’t need to worry about this, as local Chicago boat captains are well-versed in the dock and dine lifestyle.

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Chicago’s Best Dock & Dine Restaurants

1) River Roast on the Chicago River

315 N LaSalle Blvd in River North

Food & vibe: River Roast serves up contemporary American tavern fare with whole roasted fish and chicken entrees and river views — lively atmosphere and patio seating right along the riverwalk. Good for groups and special occasions.

Docking: River Roast sits directly on the Chicago River with riverwalk tie-up points nearby. Many boaters use Downtown Docks and the riverwalk transient slips where available — call River Roast or Downtown Docks ahead for best local tie-up guidance.

Recommended dishes: whole roasted fish or their slow-roasted beef presentations; starters and shareable platters for a boat-to-table party.

2) The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake

2401 N Lake Shore Dr

Food & vibe: The Lakefront offers a classic lakefront tavern-style menu with a “Skyline Patio” and direct lake views — relaxed, year-round operation and great for a scenic brunch or sunset dinner.

Docking: There’s no public guest dock attached to Theater on the Lake. If you’re coming on Lake Michigan, the closest managed transient facility is Navy Pier Marina (short-term slips and concierge) or other Lake Michigan marinas — plan to dock there and taxi or tender to Lincoln Park / Fullerton. Reserve slips at Navy Pier in advance.

Recommended dishes: The restaurant offers a seasonal Midwestern menu — lighter “beach bites” in summer; salads, sandwiches, and approachable seafood for daytime visits.

3) Azul on Goose Island, Chicago River

1177 N Elston

Food & vibe: Azul offers upscale Latin-inspired seafood dishes in the Goose Island area along the river; known for fresh seafood preparations and bold flavors.

Docking: Azul is riverfront in the Goose Island stretch — river tie-ups in that industrial/restaurant zone vary. Call Azul to confirm where you can tie up; if unavailable, look for nearby managed docks or plan a short tender from a public slip.

Recommended dishes: Mexican seafood specialties — ceviches, grilled seafood, and more.

4) Soul & Smoke Rockwell on the River Location

3057 N. Rockwell Street

Food & vibe: Soul & Smoke serves up bold-flavored BBQ and soul food, and it has a riverfront location in Avondale at the Rockwell on the River marine complex.

Docking: Book a slip through Rockwell on the River.

Recommended dishes: classic smoked meats, creative sides and shareable platters — great for casual group dining.

5) Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp

2120 S Canal St

Food & vibe: Famous Chicago fried seafood spot (family-owned since 1950), Lawrence’s is a local favorite for shrimp, fish sandwiches, and fried seafood plates. Good, casual, no-frills seafood.

Docking: The Canal Street location has a dock and is next to the Canal Street Marina — call ahead to ask about reserving a spot.

Recommended dishes: fried shrimp basket, fish sandwich — classic, cheap-and-happy seafood.

6) Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company Riverwalk

465 N McClurg Ct

Food & vibe: Casual artisan thin-crust pizza with a bar and riverwalk-facing patio. Robert’s has a small dock/outdoor patio right along the Ogden Slip, a hidden gem in the city. This pizza spot is great for casual family or group meals.

Docking: Robert’s is along the Ogden Slip — tie-ups in Ogden Slip are common for transient boaters, but space is limited. Call ahead (Robert’s: 312-265-1328) and ask about guest docking. Ogden Slip is a popular place to tie up for riverwalk dining when space allows.

Recommended dishes: artisan pizzas, shareable salads, and approachable bar snacks — ideal for a relaxed boat-to-table pizza night.

7) Smith & Wollensky in Marina City

318 N State St

Food & vibe: This iconic steakhouse (USDA prime steaks, seafood, robust wine list) is located on the riverfront near Marina City — offering stunning river views and classic steakhouse service.

Docking: This Smith and Wollensky location is on the Chicago River (Marina City area). While the restaurant itself is not in a public marina, riverboaters frequently tie up in the Marina City/nearby riverwalk area. Call the restaurant for the best tie-up guidance and check for transient docking options nearby.

Recommended dishes: Enjoy dry-aged steaks, premium seafood, and a strong wine program — ask for a river-facing table when you reserve.

8) City Winery — Riverwalk

11 W Riverwalk

Food & vibe: Wine-centric restaurant & tasting room on the Riverwalk — good for a refined but casual meal paired with their wines and music events. City Winery’s Riverwalk presence is explicitly boat-accessible if you coordinate docking.

Docking: City Winery’s Riverwalk FAQ asks boaters to contact Downtown Docks to arrange docking — they’ll advise on where to tie up along the Riverwalk and any fees or restrictions. Great spot to plan a multi-stop riverwalk dock-and-dine route.

Recommended dishes: seasonal small plates, shareable entrees, and strong wine-by-the-glass selections — ideal for a tasting-style meal.

Practical Dock & Dine Routing Ideas

  • Short River Run (loop): Start at Navy Pier Marina (if on Lake Michigan), cruise the river, tie at Robert’s (Ogden Slip) for pizza, then continue to River Roast for drinks or dessert along the Riverwalk. Use Downtown Docks for info on where transient tie-ups are permitted.
  • Lakefront brunch: Book a Navy Pier slip, tender (or short taxi) to The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake for brunch and enjoy a lakeside stroll afterward. Reserve slips in advance at Navy Pier Marina.
  • Date night: Tie near Marina City for Smith & Wollensky and request a river-facing table an hour or more before sunset.

Reservations, contacts & useful resources

  • Downtown Docks / Riverwalk docking info — contact for Riverwalk transient docking arrangements
  • Navy Pier Marina — transient slip bookings, VHF Channel 10, (312) 600-DOCK — good option for Lake Michigan access near many attractions.
  • Check out the Chicago Harbors website for more information on locations and booking a reservation at a slip.

Final tips & safety reminders

  • Always call the restaurant and the dock manager (Downtown Docks, Navy Pier Marina, or the restaurant itself) before you go — slip availability changes daily and during the summer, the slips fill fast.

  • Bring cash for small docking/valet tips and a fully charged phone (and VHF if you have one) in case a marina needs to reach you.

  • Respect posted no-tie and private-dock signs. If a tie-up isn’t permitted, use a nearby marina and walk/taxi in.

  • If you’re renting a boat or chartering, confirm whether the captain will handle docking/lines — good charters include crew who manage the tie-up for you.

Chicago

Fast Casual & Takeout Restaurants Near Chicago’s Marinas

Not planning to stop at a restaurant but want to grab food before heading out on the water? These takeout spots near Chicago’s top marinas and departure areas for boat and yacht charters will have you enjoying delicious eats on the lake or river.

Belmont Harbor

Escencia Urban Kitchen

Just a 20-minute walk or 8-minute drive from the harbor, Escencia serves up delicious Latin-inspired homestyle meals, including Tex-Mex brunch options. Stop here to pick up breakfast to-go before catching your boat at the harbor.

Stella’s Diner

Another short drive to Belmont Harbor, Stella’s offers classic American diner fare, available for takeout or curbside pickup. Don’t forget to try a milkshake!

Oak and Honey

Stop here to pick up breakfast classics, salads, sandwiches, and other healthy menu items. Oak and Honey is great for quality meals that will keep you going all day on the boat.

Chef Ciccio

Located in the Navy Pier Food Hall, Chef Ciccio’s Beef-Balls-Beer is a beloved spot for Italian Beef and other sandwiches. Don’t miss your chance to secure the best boating food - sub sandwiches to-go from a Chicago icon.

Reunion by Chef Art Smith

Also located on the pier, Reunion offers Southern comfort dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and more. Order ahead for curbside pickup and enjoy southern flavors while cruising Lake Michigan.

AD&B...America's Dog & Burger

Grab a few Chicago dogs, cheeseburgers, and chili cheese fries from this local franchise on Naby Pier.

Chicago is one of the busiest boating destinations in the world during the summer months, and there’s no reason to be hungry while you’re out on the water! From the amazing riverfront spots to waterfront restaurants along Lake Michigan, find delicious food in the Windy City to indulge in during your boat day.