Top 11 french dip in River North
Craving a mouth-watering French Dip sandwich in the vibrant River North district of Chicago? This area is known for its dynamic dining scene, and French Dip sandwiches are a popular item on many menus. Indulge in tender, juicy meat and flavorful au jus at one of the many River North eateries offering this classic dish. Visit now and discover your new favorite spot for a French Dip in River North.
1. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Butcher-driven menu, French-inspired cocktails, Cozy ambiance

The Prime Beef French Dip is a delicious and indulgent sandwich that is priced at $26.95. This dish features high-quality prime beef that has been hand-cut and served on a fresh bun. The sandwich is accompanied by a generous portion of hand-cut fries, which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The gruyère cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to the sandwich, while the au jus sauce provides a savory and beefy taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
This dish is perfect for meat lovers who appreciate high-quality ingredients and rich flavors. The combination of the tender prime beef, crispy fries, and delicious sauces makes for a satisfying and indulgent meal. The use of gruyère cheese adds a gourmet touch to the sandwich, elevating it from an everyday dish to a fine dining experience. Whether enjoyed alone or with others, the Prime Beef French Dip is sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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2. La Grande Boucherie Chicago
Cozy atmosphere, Knowledgeable and friendly staff, Full bar with French wine and beer selection

The French Dip sandwich I had was truly exceptional. The star of the dish was the perfectly cooked ribeye, which was tender and full of flavor. The au jus served alongside the sandwich added an extra layer of richness and depth, elevating the meal to new heights.
This French Dip sandwich featured roasted ribeye, Gruyère cheese, and horseradish, all of which complemented each other perfectly. The meat was expertly prepared, and the cheese and horseradish added a nice balance of creaminess and sharpness. The pomme frites served with the sandwich were cooked to perfection, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
3. Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
Fast-casual dining with a retro atmosphere and friendly service

The French dip sandwich was a standout item at this establishment, featuring well-seasoned beef that was thoroughly enjoyed. However, there was a variation in opinions regarding the bread, with one customer finding it slightly soggy, while the other did not mention any issue with it.
The beef in the French dip sandwich was flavorful and received positive feedback. However, there was a discrepancy in the assessment of the bread's quality, as one customer found it to be soggy while the other did not mention any concerns. Despite this, the sandwich's dipping sauce was a hit, with both customers praising its flavor.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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4. Doc B's Restaurant (River North)
Committed to using fresh, local ingredients with a focus on sustainability.

The French Dip sandwich was a delightful culinary experience, boasting of a perfectly toasted bread and expertly cooked beef. The tender meat, in particular, was a standout feature, providing a satisfying texture in every bite.
Accompanying the sandwich was a flavorful au jus that elevated the dish to new heights. Its rich and robust taste further enhanced the savory beef, creating a harmonious and indulgent flavor profile. This dish is highly recommended for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Gold Coast Cafe in River North
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and classic diner decor

The French Dip sandwich is a popular dish that is known for its tender meat and flavorful dipping sauce. According to one account, the sandwich was created at Philippe The Original, a famous restaurant in Los Angeles. The sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll with a cup of au jus on the side for dipping.
Both accounts agree that the French Dip sandwich is a delicious option, with tender meat and a flavorful dipping sauce. One review remarks on the generous portion size, while the other compliments the "just right" amount of dipping sauce. Both reviews suggest that the sandwich is worth trying for anyone who is a fan of roast beef or hearty sandwiches.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
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6. Brett's Kitchen
Friendly service in a cozy atmosphere

The French Dip sandwich was a standout dish at the restaurant, featuring tender roasted ribeye and Gruyère cheese perfectly complemented by horseradish and pomme frites au jus. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the meal.
The service was commendable, but the food was disappointing. Among the dishes tried were French onion soup, beef tartare, wild mushroom pasta, salmon, hamburger, and oysters, but only the French onion soup received positive feedback. Due to the poor quality of the other dishes, it is not recommended to visit the restaurant for food. Perhaps a return visit for drinks could be considered.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. Hannah's Bretzel
Locally sourced ingredients, sustainable practices, modern atmosphere

The French Dip sandwich I tried at an unspecified location was a delicious take on the classic. The substitution of pretzel bread for the usual roll added an unexpected but welcome twist to the traditional sandwich. On the other hand, the French Dip I had at Hannah's Bretzel was also a standout. The sandwich was expertly prepared, and the au jus had a rich and flavorful taste.
In summary, both French Dip sandwiches were enjoyable, but Hannah's Bretzel's version was particularly noteworthy. The pretzel bread at the first location was a unique touch, but Hannah's Bretzel's sandwich was flawlessly prepared, and the au jus was full of flavor. Both sandwiches were delicious, but Hannah's Bretzel's French Dip stood out due to its exceptional preparation and taste.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
8. Al's #1 Italian Beef in River North
Family-owned business since 1938, Featured on various food shows, Uses fresh ingredients daily

The "big beef" sandwich, measuring around 8 inches, is a flavorful and delicious option. The beef is thinly sliced and has a great taste, while the hot and sweet peppers add a spicy kick to it. The bread is soft and mushy from being dipped in the au jus sauce, which further enhances the flavor of the sandwich.
We ordered a regular Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers, which were dipped in the juice, making it a "wet" sandwich. The sandwich was prepared quickly and the meat was tender and well-cooked. The roll was solid and held up well to the juicy meat and peppers. The only downside was not ordering a larger sandwich or even one each. Both sandwiches were excellent and had a nice spice from the hot peppers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Potbelly
Toasted sandwiches, live music, cozy atmosphere

Potbelly's French Dip sandwich is a popular menu item, known for its hot and fresh quality. The sandwich features tender meat served on bread, with a side of au jus dipping sauce. This au jus adds a rich and flavorful element to the sandwich, making it a standout option.
The French Dip sandwich from Potbelly's does not disappoint. The bread used for the sandwich is toasted to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The dipping sauce is also well-seasoned and complements the flavorful meat and bread. Overall, the French Dip sandwich at Potbelly's is a delicious and satisfying choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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10. Gilt Bar
Housed in a historic building, locally sourced ingredients, extensive wine list

Prime Rib French Dip is a highly recommended dish, known for its delicious flavors and tender meat. The meat in this dish is expertly prepared, resulting in a perfectly tender and enjoyable experience with each bite. A key component of the French Dip is the rich and flavorful au jus, which adds an extra layer of depth to the sandwich.
The French Dip, specifically the Prime Rib variety, is a standout meal that is not to be missed. The au jus served with the sandwich is truly exceptional, providing a burst of flavor that enhances the rest of the dish. Whether you're a fan of sandwiches or just looking to try something new, the Prime Rib French Dip is sure to delight.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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11. Potbelly
Serves fresh and customizable meals in a lively atmosphere with live music on some days.

Potbelly's French Dip sandwich is a popular choice for many, known for its delicious taste and high quality ingredients. The sandwich features a generous serving of juicy meat, enclosed in fresh, perfectly toasted bread. One aspect that sets Potbelly's French Dip apart is its tasty dipping sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor to every bite.
The bread, a crucial component of any sandwich, is always toasted just right at Potbelly. The meat, consistently juicy and well-cooked, is the star of the show. Combined with the fresh bread and flavorful dipping sauce, these elements make Potbelly's French Dip one of the most delicious options available. Whether you're a sandwich connoisseur or just looking for a tasty meal, Potbelly's French Dip is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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