Best of 12 mac and cheese in River North
In the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood, mac and cheese has taken on a whole new level of deliciousness. Indulge in gourmet twists on the classic comfort food, featuring rich and creamy sauces, artisanal cheeses, and mouth-watering toppings that will leave you craving more. From upscale eateries to cozy dive bars, River North has become a haven for mac and cheese lovers. Come and discover the cheesy goodness that awaits you in this vibrant Chicago neighborhood.
1. Bub City
Live Country Music, Southern-inspired Barbecue, Fun and Lively Atmosphere

If you're looking for a delicious meal, the pitmaster combo plate with its mouth-watering brisket and mac and cheese is highly recommended. Both dishes were bursting with flavor and left a lasting impression. The brisket was cooked to perfection with a good amount of seasoning, while the mac and cheese was incredibly creamy and satisfying.
Meanwhile, my kids were also thrilled with their meal. They couldn't get enough of the mac and cheese and fries. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a hit with my little ones. Overall, it was a great dining experience for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
2. River Roast
Waterfront dining with stunning city views, live music on weekends

The mac and cheese served was incredibly creamy and flavorful, making it a standout dish. Its delicious taste makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys this classic comfort food.
Highlight of the meal was the mac and cheese, with its rich and creamy texture. As a quintessential comfort food, it certainly hit the spot and left a memorable impression.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
3. The Smith
Features local and sustainable ingredients, Cozy and inviting atmosphere, Communal tables and bar seating

Outdoor seating and exceptional dishes, such as amazing mac and cheese and the best shishito peppers, make for a satisfying experience. The appetizer macaroni and cheese stands out with its creamy texture and perfect cheese amount.
Shishito peppers, cooked to perfection, delight with their unique flavor and slight spiciness. Alongside the delicious mac and cheese, they make for a memorable appetizer. The establishment's focus on quality ingredients and flavors makes it a place to return to.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
4. Doc B's Restaurant (River North) in River North
Doc B's River North location also features a spacious patio for outdoor dining and a lively bar area.

The mac and cheese served was incredibly creamy and flavorful, making it a standout dish. Its delightful taste and satisfying texture made it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious meal.
The mac and cheese served was the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy consistency and rich flavor provided a satisfying experience for anyone who tried it. The dish's quality made it a must-recommend for anyone seeking a memorable comfort food meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Weber Grill Restaurant
Features a variety of Weber grills and smokers, offers grilling classes

The mac and cheese dish was a creamy and delicious treat. It was rich in cheese flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any cheesy dish lover. However, its richness might be overwhelming for some.
Despite its strong taste, the mac and cheese is worth trying. Its creamy texture and savory flavor make it a standout dish. If you're a fan of mac and cheese or simply looking to indulge in a cheesy meal, this dish is a must-try.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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6. Beatrix
Kid-friendly options, Gluten-free and vegan mac and cheese available

Beatrix, a popular restaurant in Chicago, serves a creamy and delicious mac and cheese that is not to be missed. This mac and cheese stands out as one of the best in the city, known for its rich and satisfying flavor.
If you're a fan of mac and cheese, you must try the version at Beatrix. Made with high-quality ingredients and a perfect balance of creaminess and texture, it's easy to see why this dish is a standout. Whether you're a Chicago local or just visiting, don't miss out on the opportunity to taste this delicious mac and cheese.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
7. The Kitchen American Bistro
Cozy atmosphere, popular happy hour, live music, and Michelin-starred chef

The mac and cheese dish is a standout, known for its creamy consistency and delightful taste. It is highly recommended and a must-try for any visitor. The cheese blend is well balanced, contributing to the overall delicious flavor.
This mac and cheese dish is a crowd favorite, featuring a perfect combination of cheeses and a crispy top layer. Its creamy goodness and delightful crispy topping make it a truly satisfying dish. The balance of flavors in the cheese blend is exceptional.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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8. RPM Steak in River North
Upscale steakhouse with a lively atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and live music on weekends.

The truffle mac and cheese was a remarkable dish, boasting a perfect balance of flavors and an indulgent richness. Its creamy texture and cheesy taste were delightful, making it an excellent side for our steaks.
This mac and cheese, enhanced with the distinctive and luxurious taste of truffles, was a clear standout. Its creamy consistency and generous amount of cheese made it an ideal companion to our steaks, contributing to an overall satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
9. River North Bistro
Located in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood, this bistro offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a focus on classic American comfort food.

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
10. 3 Greens Market
Locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, cozy atmosphere

The mac and cheese at 3 Greens Market is truly delicious. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a standout dish. The pasta is cooked to perfection, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
Visitors to 3 Greens Market should not miss out on the opportunity to try their mac and cheese. Its combination of creaminess, cheesiness, and well-cooked pasta make it a must-try dish. This mac and cheese is sure to satisfy and leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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11. Yardbird Table & Bar
Local ingredients, farm-to-table, southern-inspired comfort food, sophisticated atmosphere

The chicken biscuits I had were dry and lacked in flavor, making for a less satisfying meal. However, the saving grace was the side of mac and cheese. Its rich and creamy texture lived up to the hype, providing a delightful and enjoyable dining experience.
The chicken biscuits were a disappointment, but the mac and cheese exceeded expectations. Its luxurious and decadent texture made it a memorable dish. Despite the dry chicken biscuits, the meal was still a positive experience overall due to the exceptional mac and cheese.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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12. No Vacancy
Reclaimed wood decor, local beer selection, craft cocktails

The mac and cheese dish is a standout, known for its creamy consistency and delightful taste. It is a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to try a delicious and satisfying meal. The cheesy flavor of the mac and cheese is one of its most appealing aspects, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.
The texture of the mac and cheese is also worth mentioning, as it is cooked to perfection. The combination of its creamy sauce and the tender pasta is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Overall, the mac and cheese is a must-try dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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