The story
Crafted with passion, served with love
A Chicago Institution for American Dining
RL Restaurant, located at 115 E. Chicago Avenue, has earned a reputation as one of Chicago's more distinguished addresses for American cuisine. Its recognition with Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2024 speaks to a commitment that goes well beyond the plate — the wine list here is taken seriously, curated to complement the kitchen's output with genuine care.
The Wine Spectator Standard
Earning Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence is no small matter. The designation is reserved for restaurants whose lists demonstrate strong depth, smart pairing options, and consistent quality. For a restaurant rooted in American cuisine, this recognition underlines an ambition to deliver a complete dining experience — one where what's in the glass is as considered as what arrives on the table.
Worth Knowing
RL Restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, making it a rare option in its category for guests looking to experience its American cooking across different moments of the day. Whether you're stepping in from Michigan Avenue for a midday meal or settling in for an evening, the address on Chicago Avenue places you at the heart of the city's most walkable stretch of dining and culture.
Recognition