Review: River Roast

My daily commute has served as a countdown for the River Roast opening. Ever since it was announced that Fulton's on the River was closing, I've been monitoring the progress. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting anything real amazing to take over the space, but was looking forward to something new by my office with outdoor appeal.

By my estimations, the opening was delayed, much like our summer weather. Recently on one of those wonderfully perfect summer Chicago days, I knew I had to take advantage and find an alfresco lunch spot. Just my luck that River Roast had finally opened - game on!

You really can't beat the location on the patio - food, drinks, sun, skyline. I'm interested to see the results of the river walk construction and how it will add to the river beatification initiative.

All hail beef.

Carving station to-go upstairs by the bar. Although I would recommend staying for awhile and enjoying the atmosphere. The downstairs has another bar and open dining area. The place was packed for lunch - to get a first come patio spot you may need to show up before noon.

Soaking in Chicago summer.  The fresh baked bread and sweet onion butter isn't bad either.

A manageable drink menu - enough options to please a crowd but not overwhelming. I love the description for the "Book Club" drink (it's like a sangria). For those cider lovers out there - get 'em by the bottle.

I went for the "Giant Peach of Doom" and am happy to report that the name is all talk - no doom here. It was just the right amount of booziness and the River Roast version of a traditional sazerac whiskey cocktail.

Trying to keep things light at lunch with the Seafood Salad (shrimp, calamari, octopus, hearts of palm, fresno chili, tomato). It had a kick to it, which I like. This dish is considered an appetizer but you can definitely order it as lunch if you're not too hungry (or to save room for dessert, so worth it).

The Shaved Salad (mushroom, artichoke, tomato, fennel, radish, parmesan, lemon, olive oil) with beef - I don't think my dining partner loved the salad, but did enjoy the beef. I enjoyed the seafood salad a lot more than this one - the shaved salad lacked in exciting flavor profiles. I would ditch trying to be healthy at River Roast, that's not their specialty and you'll miss out (noted for my next visit).

The famed Hoosier Mama pie shop has a few featured menu items on the dessert list. The peach pie was the seasonal specialty and it did not disappoint.

Flaky dough, crunchy sugar, warm and sweet peach with creamy ice cream...helllllllo amazing.

The wishbone decides who pays. My treat this time :)

I will definitely be back soon to check out the dinner menu - I've already heard rave reviews of the whole roasted chicken. I think River Roast is a nice addition to the neighborhood and look forward to enjoying the patio for as long as the weather will allow.