By Trent Modglin

Gibsons Italia
Hard to believe it’s been open eight years already, but this dynamic West Loop addition to the famed Gibsons Restaurant Group is a tri-level gem perched alongside the Chicago River with a knack for prime steaks (Gibsons prime Angus, grass-fed Australian, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki, and Carrara Wagyu) refined Italian dishes and homemade pasta. Mmm…. scallop risotto.

The restaurant has a stylish rooftop enclosure in case the weather isn’t ideal, and the spacious, flower-lined patio is both striking and casual at the same time. Undoubtedly some of the best dining views in the city are found here, with the rare opportunity to see the river head in three directions.

233 N. Canal. GibsonsItalia.com

River Roast
As if the stunning views of downtown and the Chicago River weren’t enough, the deceptively spacious River Roast (six spaces in all) is also home to James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano. The menu leans toward contemporary American tavern fare, and some the presentations can be dramatic, especially the whole-roasted chicken and fish and slow-roasted beef, all carved tableside), with several options meant to be shared (try the mussels in a tomato broth and white wine).

Insider’s tip: Check out their popular brunch with live music from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekends, and a solid weekday happy hour from 4-6 p.m.

315 N. LaSalle. RiverRoastChicago.com

Beatnik on the River
Our first visit to Beatnik on the River — years ago when they proudly debuted their riverfront patio and dining room to the media (the original Beatnik resides on Chicago Avenue in the West Town neighborhood) — left us awestruck because there was nothing really quite like it in Chicago. The restaurant has no shortage of Bohemian vibes, as the exotic patio is filled with pillow-topped Indonesian daybeds, Moroccan lanterns, plenty of lush greenery and funky, upbeat music from around the world. The globetrotting menu blends the bold flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, northern Africa and Mexico.

Insider’s tip: Check out their happy hour from 2-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, where you can enjoy $6 beers of the day, $9 wines, $10 classic cocktails and $10 burgers and salads.

180 N. Upper Wacker Dr. BeatnikOnTheRiver.com

LH Rooftop at the LondonHouse
The LondonHouse hotel, located just off the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue, offers an open-air rooftop bar on the 22nd floor that has some gorgeous, sweeping city views, light bites and a quality cocktail list. If you have indoor dining reservations at LH on 21, you can hit the rooftop before or after, or just swing by to soak up the unique vantage point of the river and architecture.

Bonus: LondonHouse’s Luminescence theme returns for its fourth season (think glowing floral lights, seasonal cocktails, and all the nighttime summer vibes you could ask for). Insider’s tip: Try the mushroom empanadas, scallops and a Purple Rain sangria. And make sure to share.

85 E. Wacker Dr. LondonHouseChicago.com/rooftop