Chicago’s waterfront dining scene centers on boat-based meals that combine great food with city views. These floating restaurants offer well-executed multicourse dinners, typically lasting 2-4 hours. Many cruise options stand out: the Christmas Eve dinner cruise is especially magical with its festive atmosphere, while the New Year’s celebration provides front-row seats to fireworks. The Father’s Day brunch cruise remains a local favorite.
We particularly love the intimate dinner cruises for their attentive service and carefully crafted seasonal menus. The evening entertainment – featuring live music and cultural shows – adds genuine value without feeling touristy.
These waterfront dining experiences typically cost $200 and up per person, with holiday cruises commanding premium rates.
Check out these top-rated Chicago dinner cruises that consistently impress our team:
Key Points
- Chicago offers a variety of unique dining cruise experiences, ranging from 2-4 hour durations with gourmet, chef-prepared 3-course meals and festive holiday options.
- Dining cruises feature a celebratory atmosphere with live entertainment like DJs, live music, and special events like pyro-musical fireworks displays.
- Pricing for Chicago dining cruises typically starts around $341.59 per person, with additional packages like Platinum Open Bar available for an extra fee.
- Dining cruises accommodate a range of group sizes, from intimate experiences of 19 travelers to larger events of up to 300 people, with accessibility features.
- Chicago dining cruises offer a unique and memorable experience, with convenient arrival instructions, nearby parking, and flexible seating arrangements.
Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Though the duration of the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan may range from 2.5 to 3 hours, the experience promises an unforgettable evening.
Guests can enjoy a 3-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service, accompanied by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
Entertainment includes an onboard DJ and dance floor, while the maximum capacity is limited to 19 travelers.
The cruise departs from Navy Pier and offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, Shedd Aquarium, and Navy Pier.
While the menu features seasonal hors d’oeuvres, entrées, side dishes, and desserts, the food quality has received mixed reviews from past guests.
Read our full review: Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan Review
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Chicago: Christmas Eve Gourmet Dinner Cruise Lake Michigan
The Chicago: Christmas Eve Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.
Departing from Navy Pier, the 2.5-hour cruise features a 3-course plated dinner with choices like turkey, salmon, and seasonal gnocchi. Diners can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and scenic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline while an onboard DJ plays holiday tunes.
The event is wheelchair accessible, and infants 0-2 can attend for free.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy and customer reviews praising the experience, this Christmas Eve cruise provides a memorable dining adventure on Lake Michigan.
Read our full review: Chicago: Christmas Eve Gourmet Dinner Cruise Lake Michigan Review
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Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise With Buffet
For those seeking a unique and festive dining experience in Chicago, the Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet offers a memorable evening on the waters of Lake Michigan.
With a price tag of $193.94 per person, the cruise includes a fireworks display (weather permitting), a buffet dinner, live entertainment, and drinks.
While reviews are mixed on the food quality, the cruise is praised for its staff service and entertainment. Guests should note the dress code and that seating isn’t guaranteed together.
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Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
Chicago’s Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers an exceptional dining experience with panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline. Priced from Kč 2,882 per person, the 2-hour cruise departs from Navy Pier and features a non-refundable cancellation policy.
Theres some good a buffet of seasonal fare, including breakfast staples, seafood, and desserts, accompanied by unlimited coffee, tea, and brunch mimosas. Along with live DJ entertainment and games, the cruise boasts 360-degree views from the rooftop deck, allowing passengers to admire landmarks like the Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium.
With a wheelchair-accessible design and comfortable attire recommended, this cruise promises a lively and memorable dining outing on Lake Michigan.
Read our full review: Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise
Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise offers a captivating dining experience for up to 15 travelers along the iconic Chicago River.
The 2.5 to 3-hour cruise features a 3-course plated dinner with attentive table service, as well as unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Guests can upgrade to a surf and turf option for an additional cost.
The cruise showcases breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and landmarks, accompanied by live DJ entertainment. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, guests can enjoy a 30-minute pyro-musical fireworks program.
While the interior is climate-controlled, some guests have reported issues with extreme cold.
Read our full review: Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise Review
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Chicago: Tapas & Flamenco Dinner in Ukrainian Village
Nestled in the vibrant Ukrainian Village neighborhood, the Tapas & Flamenco Dinner experience invites guests to indulge in a captivating culinary and cultural journey.
For $153.22 per person, guests can enjoy a 4-course Spanish tapas dinner prepared by a Michelin-trained master chef, accompanied by wine and sangria.
The evening is further enhanced by a live Flamenco performance, providing an authentic introduction to the history and passion of this renowned dance form.
The experience lasts 2 hours and accommodates groups of 3 to 12 people, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Easily accessible by car or public transportation, this immersive culinary and cultural event promises an unforgettable evening in Chicago.
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Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Offering visitors a unique way to experience Chicago’s iconic skyline and fireworks displays, the Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan invites guests aboard a luxury yacht for a captivating evening on the water.
Featuring a three-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service, the cruise also includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and optional upgrades like a surf and turf menu.
Passengers can admire the city’s skyline and finish the night with a fireworks show, weather permitting.
While the experience has received mixed reviews, with some citing issues with food quality and service, many praise the views, fireworks, and staff service.
Priced starting at $172.21 per person, the cruise is a popular option for those seeking a special night out in the Windy City.
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Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise
What better way to experience Chicago’s renowned architecture and skyline than aboard a gourmet river cruise?
Chicago’s Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise offers a 2-2.5 hour sightseeing excursion with stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, and Navy Pier.
Priced from $146.24 per person, the cruise features chef-prepared meals, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and optional alcoholic drinks.
Brunch cruises even include bottomless mimosas.
Along with the delectable cuisine, guests can enjoy architectural narration and lively entertainment like an onboard DJ.
Though non-refundable, the cruise receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its excellent food, service, and memorable experience.
Read our full review: Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise Review
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Mothers Day Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
The Mothers Day Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the special women in your life amidst the stunning backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline.
Priced from $129.70 per person, the cruise offers a delicious buffet-style dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
Guests can also enjoy live DJ entertainment while taking in the scenic views of the city.
With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers and guaranteed seating for your party, this event promises an intimate and memorable experience.
The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
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Chicago: Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Chicago’s Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan promises a captivating evening of lakefront sights, gourmet cuisine, and live entertainment.
Costing from $193.94 per person, the 3-hour cruise offers a multi-course buffet, scenic views of the city skyline, and the best views of the Navy Pier fireworks.
The menu features a variety of salads, vegetables, entrees, and desserts, with options like oven-baked sole, honey-sesame chicken, and braised beef short ribs.
Guests can enjoy the live DJ and rooftop games while taking in the unique experience under the stars.
With an overall 3.8/5 rating, the cruise delivers a memorable evening, though some wish for a longer duration.
Read our full review: Chicago: Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan Review
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New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Promising a captivating New Year’s Eve celebration, the New Year’s Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan whisks guests away for a 4-hour excursion.
Departing from Navy Pier, the cruise offers a 3-course gourmet dinner with attentive tableside service, along with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
Passengers can indulge in a Platinum Open Bar package and enjoy onboard entertainment, including a DJ and dancing.
With a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, the cruise provides scenic views of the city’s skyline and fireworks displays.
Priced from $341.59 per person, this event is a popular choice for ringing in the new year in style.
Read our full review: New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan Review
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Premier Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Guests embark on a captivating journey along the Chicago River aboard a modern, glass-enclosed boat for the Premier Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise.
The cruise offers panoramic views of the city’s architectural wonders while guests indulge in a gourmet, 3-course meal with attentive table service.
The experience is enhanced by live entertainment, including a DJ and a spectacular 30-minute pyro-musical fireworks display against the Chicago skyline backdrop.
The cruise accommodates up to 100 travelers, who should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Alcoholic beverages can be purchased, and the cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible with non-smoking areas indoors.
Read our full review: Premier Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise Review
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Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River
The Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River offers a delightful way to celebrate the occasion.
This 5-hour event takes place on the scenic Chicago River, with a maximum of 200 travelers. The dining experience includes a delicious plated dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Gratuities are included.
Live DJ entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere. The cruise departs from and returns to 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, with nearby parking available.
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can sit on laps. While non-refundable, the event offers a lowest price guarantee starting at $207.61 per person.
Read our full review: Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River Review
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New Years Eve Chicago River Plated Dinner Cruise
Ringing in the new year aboard a festive cruise along the Chicago River, the New Year’s Eve Chicago River Plated Dinner Cruise offers a unique way to celebrate the occasion.
This event features a 3-course, chef-prepared plated menu, a sparkling wine toast for guests 21 and older, and a fireworks display.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise also includes DJ entertainment and complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
The cruise is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, and infants can sit on laps.
While non-refundable, the cruise is priced from $409.93 per person with a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: New Years Eve Chicago River Plated Dinner Cruise Review
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Recap
Chicago offers a variety of gourmet dinner cruises on its scenic waterways. From Lake Michigan to the Chicago River, these cruises provide exceptional dining experiences, often with stunning views and special events like fireworks displays. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or just a night out, these cruises are a great way to enjoy the city’s culinary and scenic delights.