Explore the eclectic Mediterranean menu at Beatnik On The River, Chicago’s premier riverfront restaurant and wine bar. Savor dishes like Palestinian Chicken Musakhan, Angus Beef Short Ribs, and inventive cocktails while enjoying stunning river views and exceptional service.
Beatnik On The River presents a captivating menu that masterfully blends Mediterranean flavors with eclectic twists. Nestled along Chicago’s scenic riverfront, this restaurant is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The all-day weekend spreads highlight vibrant dishes like Baba Ganoush with whipped labneh and pomegranate, and Octopus & Hummus featuring fennel and vadouvan curry—each plate showcasing fresh, bold ingredients. Their meat selections are truly outstanding, from the rich Palestine Style Chicken Musakhan glazed with cipollini onions and garlic toum, to the hearty Angus Short Rib Stew layered with apricot and chickpeas. The NY Strip Steak with chipotle romesco and black garlic zhug stands out for its depth and balance. What makes Beatnik exceptional is how thoughtfully the dishes complement the stunning river views, creating a dining experience that is both sensory and satisfying. Each bite is a discovery of Mediterranean soul elevated with passion and precision.
A few dishes from the current card — tap any shot to view larger.
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Roasted Beets Tahini, Goat Cheese, Basil Oil
Grilled Octopus, Fennel, Vadouvan Curry
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Creamy Sumac Dressing, Red Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crispy Garbanzos
Preserved Lemon Labneh, Harissa Spice Olive Oil
Green Shakshuka, Plant-based Feta Cheese, Fennel
Grilled Pineapple, Gem Lettuce
Palestine Style Chicken, Za'atar Shatta, Glazed Cipollini Onions, Garlic Toum
Angus Beef, Apricot & Chickpea Stew, Pomegranate
10oz Prime Angus Beef, Chipotle Romesco, Black Garlic Zhug, Pickled Pearl Onions
Braised Pork Ribs, Salsa Capon, Pico De Gallo, Corn Tortillas
Tzatziki, Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower, Cucumber Salad, Hummus, Grilled Pita
Angus Beef, Caramalized Onion Aioli, Dill Pickles, American Cheese, Sesame Bun
Orange Jam, Vanilla & Anise Chantilly
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Roasted Beets Tahini, Goat Cheese, Basil Oil
Grilled Octopus, Fennel, Vadouvan Curry
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Creamy Sumac Dressing, Red Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crispy Garbanzos
Avocado Citrus Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, Nectarines, Watermelon Radishes, Aleppo Pickled Raisins
Preserved Lemon Labneh, Harissa Spice Olive Oil
Green Shakshuka, Plant-based Feta Cheese, Fennel
Grilled Pineapple, Gem Lettuce
Sinaloa Salsa Negra, Avocado
Palestine Style Chicken, Za'atar Shatta, Glazed Cipollini Onions, Garlic Toum
Angus Beef, Apricot & Chickpea Stew, Pomegranate
10oz Prime Angus Beef, Chipotle Romesco, Black Garlic Zhug, Pickled Pearl Onions
Braised Pork Ribs, Salsa Capon, Pico De Gallo, Corn Tortillas
Tzatziki, Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower, Cucumber Salad, Hummus, Grilled Pita
Angus Beef, Caramalized Onion Aioli, Dill Pickles, American Cheese, Sesame Bun
Orange Jam, Vanilla & Anise Chantilly
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Roasted Beets Tahini, Goat Cheese, Basil Oil
Grilled Octopus, Fennel, Vadouvan Curry
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Creamy Sumac Dressing, Red Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crispy Garbanzos
Preserved Lemon Labneh, Harissa Spice Olive Oil
Green Shakshuka, Plant-based Feta Cheese, Fennel
Grilled Pineapple, Gem Lettuce
Palestine Style Chicken, Za'atar Shatta, Glazed Cipollini Onions, Garlic Toum
Angus Beef, Apricot & Chickpea Stew, Pomegranate
10oz Prime Angus Beef, Chipotle Romesco, Black Garlic Zhug, Pickled Pearl Onions
Braised Pork Ribs, Salsa Capon, Pico De Gallo, Corn Tortillas
Tzatziki, Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower, Cucumber Salad, Hummus, Grilled Pita
Angus Beef, Caramalized Onion Aioli, Dill Pickles, American Cheese, Sesame Bun
Orange Jam, Vanilla & Anise Chantilly
Avocado Citrus Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, Nectarines, Watermelon Radishes, Aleppo Pickled Raisins
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Creamy Sumac Dressing, Red Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crispy Garbanzos
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Roasted Beets Tahini, Goat Cheese, Basil Oil
Sinaloa Salsa Negra, Avocado
Nikkei Style, Leche di Tigre, Daikon, Nori
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Tahini Hummus,Tzatziki, Feta Salad, Za'atar Manassesh
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Fire Roasted Peppers, Spiced Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Naan
Goat Cheese, Green Salsa Mocha, Fried Egg
Braised Kale, Gruyere Cheese, Hot Sauce, Hash Brown, Brioche Bun
Angus Beef, Caramalized Onion Aioli, Dill Pickles, American Cheese, Sesame Bun
Aleppo Infused Maple Syrup, Sesame
Nutella Cream, Berries, Maple Syrup
Whipped Labneh, Balsamic, Pomegranate, Pita
Tahini Hummus,Tzatziki, Feta Salad, Za'atar Manassesh
Dill Vinaigrette, Persian Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crispy Pita
Fire Roasted Peppers, Spiced Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Naan
Goat Cheese, Green Salsa Mocha, Fried Egg
Braised Kale, Gruyere Cheese, Hot Sauce, Hash Brown, Brioche Bun
Angus Beef, Caramalized Onion Aioli, Dill Pickles, American Cheese, Sesame Bun
Aleppo Infused Maple Syrup, Sesame
Nutella Cream, Berries, Maple Syrup
Hear me out. Most places that are popular for their beautiful scenery or atmosphere tend to miss on the quality of their food, it’s never a hit on both scenery and food quality. However, this restaurant not only had the most beautiful interior and view of the river, but the food tasted delicious. My mom, sister, and I each got our own plates and I tried some food from their plates and every bite was truly delicious. We got the salmon eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and rib eye hash: 10/10!!! In addition, we went Jan 3 so it was definitely very cold outside, and the cold leaks into the restaurant because we are close to the windows. But the Beatnik would give bursts of heat that was perfect and would keep you warm, I wasn’t cold at all. Drinks at the bar were also delish, bartender was very funny!
Opening hours, the full address and the best way to get there are all on the restaurant page. Booking policies differ from place to place — so call ahead, or simply walk in.