Chicago Dining: Coffeehouse Tables or a Dinner DJ

519 N. Clark St.

Beatrix River North pairs health-conscious American fare with a coffeehouse atmosphere and full-service dining. An onsite bakery counter operates throughout the day. The bar serves handcrafted cocktails. Consider the coffeehouse setting for a daytime gathering, or settle into the dining room for an evening meal.

4.2 (4,034)

Tue – Thu, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 17:00 – 23:00; Sun, 10:30 – 22:00

632 N Dearborn St

TAO Chicago serves Asian cuisine and cocktails while a DJ accompanies dinner. A grand staircase connects two levels furnished with round banquettes and Chinese daybed-influenced sofas. A twenty-foot Quan Yin statue presides over a koi pond. The dress code is smart-casual.

4.5 (3,507)

Mon – Sat, 10:30 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 10:30 – 20:00

548 N Wells St

Al's #1 Italian Beef in River North takes orders at the counter. Sandwiches come wet or dipped, with sweet or hot peppers. Thin, juicy beef comes in generous portions alongside hand-cut fries. Floor-to-ceiling windows and yellow metal chairs frame the dining room.

4.9 (1,719)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:30 – 21:00; Fri – Sat, 11:30 – 23:00

60 E Lake St

Ayayay Mexican Eatery brings global influences to Mexican street food on Lake Street in the Loop. The kitchen pairs homemade tortillas with creative plates such as truffle plantains. Diners single out the tender charcoal chicken tacos and cheesy yuca balls finished with spicy togarashi.