The Dawson

The Dawson The Dawson is a new American restaurant and bar located on West Grand Avenue in River West, Chicago. They specialize in craft food, drink, and hospitality with an emphasis on seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. From their famous huevos rancheros to inventive cocktails like the Coconut Cadillac, The Dawson has something for everyone.
(1846)

Recent social media posts

Start the long weekend on the patio with DJ Evie the Cool. Tonight | 7–10 PM⁠⁠Reservations at the-dawson.com
09/03/2026

Start the long weekend on the patio with DJ Evie the Cool. Tonight | 7–10 PM⁠

Reservations at the-dawson.com

September starts on the patio. 🎶 Dawson City Limits keeps the summer energy going with another week of DJ sets, live mus...
09/01/2026

September starts on the patio. 🎶 Dawson City Limits keeps the summer energy going with another week of DJ sets, live music, cocktails, and Sunday grill specials.⁠

🎧 Thursday, 9/3 | Evie the Cool | 7–10 PM⁠
🎸 Sunday, 9/6 | Mike Jansen | 4–7 PM⁠

Reservations at the-dawson.com

Sunday sounds better on the patio. Radio Free Honduras takes over Dawson City Limits today from 4–7pm. Live music, cold ...
08/30/2026

Sunday sounds better on the patio. Radio Free Honduras takes over Dawson City Limits today from 4–7pm. Live music, cold drinks, and summer in the courtyard. 🇭🇳 🥁

Summer on a plate, best enjoyed on the patio. Hummus & Woodfired Summer Veggies with local farmers market vegetables, gr...
08/29/2026

Summer on a plate, best enjoyed on the patio. Hummus & Woodfired Summer Veggies with local farmers market vegetables, grilled lemon, za’atar and grilled naan.

A perfect summer night, queued up. ☀️🍸 DJ Ryan Silver takes over the patio tonight from 7–10 PM.
08/27/2026

A perfect summer night, queued up. ☀️🍸 DJ Ryan Silver takes over the patio tonight from 7–10 PM.

Close out August with another week of Dawson City Limits. 🎶 ⁠⁠🎧 Thursday, 8/27 | DJ Ryan Silver | 7–10 PM⁠🎸 Sunday, 8/30...
08/26/2026

Close out August with another week of Dawson City Limits. 🎶 ⁠

🎧 Thursday, 8/27 | DJ Ryan Silver | 7–10 PM⁠
🎸 Sunday, 8/30 | Radio Free Honduras | 4–7 PM⁠

Reservations at the-dawson.com

Gather around the table 🍽️ Join us for wood-fired favorites, seasonal cocktails and wines worth lingering over.Reservati...
08/25/2026

Gather around the table 🍽️ Join us for wood-fired favorites, seasonal cocktails and wines worth lingering over.

Reservations at the-dawson.com

Week 4 is bringing the summer sounds to Dawson City Limits. 🎸⁠⁠Join us for live music, late nights, crafted cocktails, a...
08/17/2026

Week 4 is bringing the summer sounds to Dawson City Limits. 🎸⁠

Join us for live music, late nights, crafted cocktails, and Sunday BBQ specials.⁠

🎧 Thursday | DJ Set | 7–10 PM⁠
🎸 Sunday | Live Music | 4–7 PM⁠

Reservations at the-dawson.com

Ease into Sunday with Keithen Banks live on the patio. 🎶 Dawson City Limits is back today from 4–7pm, with cocktails flo...
08/16/2026

Ease into Sunday with Keithen Banks live on the patio. 🎶 Dawson City Limits is back today from 4–7pm, with cocktails flowing and the grill fired up. 🔥🎸

Some corners are made for settling in. Grab the group and claim a couch on the patio.
08/15/2026

Some corners are made for settling in. Grab the group and claim a couch on the patio.

Wood-fired and built for summer. Spanish octopus with fennel, Fresno chile, crispy potato, red pepper emulsion and toast...
08/14/2026

Wood-fired and built for summer. Spanish octopus with fennel, Fresno chile, crispy potato, red pepper emulsion and toast.

Address

730 W Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
60654

To get to West Grand Avenue in Chicago, you can take the CTA Blue Line to the Grand Station and then walk west to West Grand Avenue. Alternatively, you can take the bus (Line 65) and get off at N Milwaukee Ave & W Grand Ave stop, which is close to the restaurant.

If you're driving, take I-90/94 and exit at Ogden Ave/Lincoln Park. Continue on W Ogden Ave and turn left onto N Ashland Ave. Then turn right onto W Grand Ave and The Dawson restaurant will be on your right.

There are several parking lots near The Dawson restaurant as well as street parking available nearby. However, it's recommended to check for parking options ahead of time, as it can be limited during peak hours.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 4pm - 9pm
Wednesday 4pm - 9pm
Thursday 4pm - 10pm
Friday 4pm - 11pm
Saturday 10:30am - 11pm
Sunday 10:30am - 9pm

Alerts

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What people say

New American restaurants are known for their innovative and diverse cuisine that blends traditional American flavors with global influences. The Dawson, located on West Grand Avenue in Chicago, is a prime example of a new American restaurant that celebrates the craft of food, drink, and hospitality.

The Dawson is not just a restaurant but also a bar and gathering place that offers an exceptional dining experience. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a graduation or looking for a night out with friends, The Dawson has got you covered.

One of the things that make The Dawson stand out is its commitment to using fresh and locally sourced ingredients in its dishes. From appetizers to entrees, every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. Their menu features an array of mouth-watering options such as the roasted chicken with truffle jus or the grilled octopus with chorizo and chickpeas.

In addition to their delicious food, The Dawson also offers an impressive selection of cocktails and spirits. They frequently host events like Sunday Seisiún where guests can enjoy live music, Irish fare, and collab cocktails. They even welcomed NYC's 'World's Best Bar' Winner for a night of cocktails, live music, and great craic.

Overall, The Dawson is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Chicago's River West neighborhood. With its exceptional cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to quality ingredients, it's no wonder why this new American restaurant has become such a popular gathering place in the city.