With colorful souvenir shops, boat cruises on blue waters, fun rides, and trendy restaurants on Navy Pier, your time in Chicago will be full of happy memories.
Your day at Navy Pier will be full of fun shopping, beautiful displays and events, live music, and maybe even fireworks! So you will undoubtedly be famished by the end of the day.
From a quick snack to a fancy dining experience, the Navy Pier restaurants provide you with all sorts of treats and delicacies after a long day of exciting adventures.
1. Dive Into The Food And Fun Of Navy Pier
What comes to your mind when you think of the famous waterfront destination along the shore of Lake Michigan?
Maybe a vision of the huge Ferris Wheel under the dome of blue sky? Perhaps you think of the fun cruises, exciting rides, or rows of charming shops?
However, there’s more to Navy Pier than that. While this place is not known for its food, the many diners, cafes, and restaurants on Navy Pier with numerous delicious options will improve your trip.
2. Top 10 Restaurants On Navy Pier
Navy Pier has endless cuisines that satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.
You will find flavorful and authentic Chicago food in all forms, colors, and shapes in the top restaurants on Navy Pier.
2.1) America’s Dog & Burger
In a carnival-like atmosphere with rides, games, and shops, many tourists and visitors opt for the traditional hot dogs and burgers.
This family-owned restaurant comes with many choices to order from. You can have salads, burgers, chicken, and hot dogs with various flavors and fillings.
The best thing about the food from America’s Dog & Burger is that it is tasty and affordable at the same time.
The most loved items include:
- Chicago Dog
- Louisville Dog
- Fresh Cut Fries
- Ghost Burger
- Bacon Cheddar Burger
2.2) Giordano’s
Among the best restaurants on Navy Pier is the pizza place called Giordano’s, which is an obvious choice.
This American pizza place specializing in Chicago Deep-Dish has many branches all around the country in places like Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, and more.
You have had the burgers and dogs; it is time to savor a heavenly slice of cheesy.
After a day at the Chicago Children’s Museum, you will find no better place to grab a quiet bite or maybe go for a heavy dinner. This casual food place offers a diverse assortment of pizzas to choose from.
In Giordano’s, you must try their signature Chicago-style deep dish and double-crusted and thin-crust pizza. Some of the other highlights of Giordano’s are:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Mozzarella Triangles
- Stuffed Pizza
- Giordano’s Sampler
- Traditional Chicken Wings
2.3) Harry Caray’s Tavern
If you are near the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Harry Caray’s Tavern should be one of your top choices among the restaurants on Navy Pier.
With a wide range of local craft beer, delightful BBQs, and cool sports memorabilia, the tavern also has a dog-friendly policy.
So bring along your furry friend for a great time at Harry Caray’s Tavern and try some of their most popular items like:
- Poutine with Pulled Pork
- Cajun Chicken Sandwich
- Foot Long Chicago Style Hot Dog
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Harry’s Chicken Vesuvio
For drinks, try the Goose Island Vanilla Cream Soda, Blue Moon, and Goose Island.
2.4) Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill
With the island-themed atmosphere and tropical-style dishes, this Navy Pier at Grand Ave restaurant also has an outdoor seating arrangement.
What could be more in style than a tropical theme with grilled food and margaritas after a day cruising the waters of the Navy Pier?
Some of the tourist favorites from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill consist of:
- Volcano Nachos
- Beach Club Sandwich
- Cheeseburger in Paradise
- Landshark Lager Fish & Chips
- Key West Chicken Quesadilla
Don’t forget to wash down your delicious meal with a refreshing drink. You can try the classics like Strawberry Margarita or Piña Colada.
And if you feel a bit adventurous, try the Last Mango in Paris, Bahama Mama, and Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita.
Outstanding smoked barbecue, cheese curds, breakfast plates, salads, and a great selection of gluten-free items are also available at this perfect place.
2.5) Big City Chicken
Occasionally, you crave something fried, and what is better than tender pieces of chicken fried to perfection?
Big City Chicken is one of the most loved and visited restaurants on Navy Pier. Apart from the obvious choice of fried chicken, you can try plenty of other mouthwatering goodness in a short and simple menu.
A meal at Big City Chicken isn’t complete without some classic fried chicken, but make sure you also taste some of the other popular highlights of the restaurant:
- Chicken Strips and Waffle Fries
- Cheese Fries
- Crispy BBQ Sandwich
- Hot and Spicy Sandwich with blue cheese mayo and pickles
2.6) Offshore Rooftop & Bar
Enjoy fine dining surrounded by views of neverending blues and buildings in one of the newest restaurants on Navy Piers. Along with a traditional American menu, the restaurant takes pride in its biggest rooftop deck.
Even a simple sip of hot coffee becomes much more delightful with a great view.
A perfect space to eat for business meetings or work dinners, the menu highlights are:
- Fried Amish Chicken Sandwich
- Oysters on the Half-Shell
- Organic Salmon Poke Bowl
- Beer Battered Fish Taco
- Sparkling Sapphire Cocktail
2.7) IDOF – I Dream of Falafel
Change it with authentic Mediterranean dishes to give your taste buds a new experience.
Located near the grand Centennial Wheel, IDOF has diverse dishes and vegan options.
Apart from the traditional falafel and create-your-own-plate options, the best items on the menu of this halal restaurant include:
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Idries that are topped with gyro and pepperoncini, along with hot sauce
- Chicken Bowl
- Falafelicious Wrap
- Chicken Shawarma Wrap
2.8) Snow Dragon Shavery
Now that you know some of the best restaurants on Navy Pier, it’s time for some desserts!
Overindulge in some frozen goodness and sweet treats of this Navy Pier outpost without guilt, as there are plenty of nonfat options.
Try some of the most loved goods of Snow Dragon Delivery, which includes
- Frozen Yogurt with Toppings like fruity pebbles, peanuts, m&ms, and coconut shreds
- Macaron
- Fresh Coconut Water
- Cotton Candy (You can also have it on a glow stick!)
- Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich
2.9) The Original Rainbow Cone
If you have a sweet tooth and are still craving dessert, The Original Rainbow Cone is the place for you.
One of the most exquisite restaurants on Navy Pier based on ice cream, this place is only a short distance from many attractions.
Try their signature 5-in-1 ice cream with layers of orange sherbet, pistachio, strawberry, chocolate, and the special Palmer House, and enjoy it with friends and family.
Moreover, you can experiment with a huge assortment of toppings and flavors. Some of the best treats of this place are:
- Rainbow Cone
- Wild Berry Sorbet
- Cookies and Cream Cone
- New York Vanilla Shake
- Rainbow Round Cake
You can also try some of their new and feature flavors like Chocolate Fudge Brownie, S’mores, Cotton Candy, Blue Sky, Mint Flake, and Blueberry Pie.
2.10) Dine on the Blue Waters
You came to Navy Pier to try the exciting rides or go on a fun cruise.
So it goes without saying that if given the option of two birds, one stone, you will take that. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to dine and cruise without trying any Navy Pier restaurants.
So, if you would rather dine in style floating on the blue waters, you have plenty of options to explore. So hop onto one of Navy Pier’s fancy cruise boats, the top and favorite choices being:
- Odyssey
- Mystic Blue
- Spirit of Chicago
With brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can enjoy the scenic views, historical sites, and a delightful feast.
And you have already had a satisfying meal in one of the top restaurants on Navy Pier, good for you!
Try one of the great boat cruises anyway and learn about the rich history and culture of the place with a side of Chicago’s spectacular sights, landmarks, and architecture.
Final Thoughts
The restaurants on Navy Pier have some of the most authentic and delicious food in Chicago. Most of them are just a few minutes or only a walking distance away from many shops, museums, and rides, so you will never need to roam about in confusion if you need a quick bite or a heavy meal.
You cannot go wrong with these Navy Pier restaurants, from the best American burgers and fries to authentic Mediterranean falafel.
So when you hear your stomach growling for good food after a day of exciting rides, fun shopping, and amazing cruises, head straight to the best restaurants on Navy Pier and indulge all your cravings.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
