Smith & Wollensky’s is a steakhouse with a total of nine restaurant locations, from New York to London, but their Chicago location is a great spot to have lunch or dinner along the Chicago River.
I like to eat outside at Smith & Wollensky’s for lunch. On a day with great weather this lunch spot provides awesome views of the skyscrapers surrounding the restaurant, and views of the boats, big and small, that pass by on the river below. If you do plan on sitting outside then be prepared for more noise, and possibly people partying on boats, but it is all part of the downtown Chicago atmosphere.
If you are sitting inside then I would suggest requesting a spot downstairs next to the windows that look out on the river. This spot is great for dinner, colder weather, or when you want a quieter atmosphere. The view is great at night when the city lights up and the river is calmer.