Castaways
| Address: | 1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-281-1200 |
| Site: | castawayschicago.com |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Working: | 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
LA
Lauren Strec
During the summer, Castaways is a good place to chill for a bite and a few drinks, if youre hitting up North Avenue Beach, or taking a bike ride or run down Lakefront Trail. The food is good American-style summer eats: expect some fried dishes, hamburgers, sandwiches/wraps, salads, and a good selection of appetizers. From my experience, the hummus is tasty, and my Jerk Chicken sandwich was juicy. They also have a decent selection of blended cocktails to go along with the beach/vacation theme. Service is usually reflective of the amount of people. If youre in a rush, this may be a spot for a quick bite. This place is somewhere you want to be when youre taking it easy with your food and drinks, and sitting back and enjoying the summer. The unmissable boathouse is located on North Avenue Beach, and Castaways is located on the top deck. This is obviously a convenient summer spot, so it can get crowded. During the weekend, the place can be jammed-packed and look like a huge vacation party spot, especially when they have DJs or entertainment. During the week, you may not get as feisty as a crowd, but either way, its great for people-watching.
JO
Jonah Berg-Ganzarain
Castaway restaurant is a great place to eat with great service along with phenomenal food. First, of course is the view only 10 feet away from the North Ave. beach this is a nice place to stop and get a burger after swimming or relaxing at [or in] beautiful Lake Michigan. When you walk in there is an employee there to tell you that you can choose your seat, when we take our seat immediately a waiter or waitress comes and asks your for your drink (soft drink, margarita etc.) than you get 5-10 minutes to think and read about what food you would like to order. I got a hamburger with cheddar cheese, onion and lettuce. Also, these guys have the best fries in Chicago they have salt and pepper and they are made to a crisp, woo-hoo perfect. The cheeseburger was the best I had ever, ever had! I almost ordered another (but since I had to walk all the way home I thought not...) Overall, this is a great restaurant with a great taste. So next time you are strolling by the lake check out Castaways! No matter if you are a biker, runner, jogger, walker (power walker) or just a person check it out when you have a chance! ☆☆☆☆☆
SA
Sam Gillmer
Castaways is an interesting place right on North Avenue Beach. While its in a prime location, they do not take much pride in the upkeep of their establishment. North Ave. is known to be a little rowdier of a place, and it really shows here. Theyll get customers, and Im one of them, because of where they are, and because they have a host of volleyball leagues right outside their doors, however it isnt a place that I would ever leave the house with the intent to go to. A good way to explain it is that, if I want a Summer Shandy on the beach, I dont mind getting it here. There are many better patios though if youre only intent is sitting outside, and you arent concerned with being right on the beach.
AM
Amy Ravit Korin
We celebrate Chicagos City Experts with a Summer Beach Bash at Castaways last week and there is no better place to take in the North Avenue Beach scene than from a table perched on top of a tug boat! We had a private band, Chicago-style eats: pizza, fajitas and Chicago dogs and lots of great wine and beer. When not here for a private event, the food is whatd you expect, beach-side burgers, chicken sandwiches and bar bites. Cold beer and summery cocktails. This is a really fun place for weekday happy hour and private parties.
A
A Private User
My idea of a great cup of coffee includes: 1. Ice. Lots of it! 2. It must be enjoyed in a good company or on ones own if no company is appropriate at the time 3. Nice location. You cannot walk in a pizza and order a coffee. Really!? 4. It must be served with a smile, with the delicacy of years of experience as a waiter. I know this is arguable but for me the prelude is really important. So...this more or less explains why I love Castaways ice cold coffee and why I end up drinking a cup of it every once in a while.
SP
Spencer Wade
Attended a Google City Experts Event yesterday and this place was awesome. The location is wonderful right in the heart of the downtown skyline. The beach with Volleyball and of course the people and the food. The city experts put on a great event and the food and hospitality were hard to beat, the music and games were fun too. If you get a chance go check this place out. they do have parking and there is lots to do right in this area. Great place, great location, great people and food.
AJ
Aja Boon
Come here if you dont mind terrible service and staff who comment unnecessarily on your attire. Views are lovely and its actually a really nice spot. Employees of this eating place let it down. Specialises in fried food casual eating which is kind of nice for after your water activities but the overall experience here was not as enjoyable as it could have been. Unfortunately its youre only option if you want to eat and drink at this part of the beach.
MA
Matthew Horrocks
Its a great location with amazing views but because they have no competition it is very evident they do not care about how they treat their customers. Very aggressive and combative servers, not much in the way of choices as far as the menu goes. My friend enjoyed himself but I have no interest in going back. If you are already drunk and want to either be shouted at or ignored by the staff then this is the place for you.
DA
David Kinsey
Castaways is that place where you go when you wanna get drunk on the beach. No doubt. It has a great location right on North Avenue beach, where you can enjoy your drinks while hanging out on the large deck. Shaped like a ship, castaways gives you a great view of the beach, so you can scope out volleyball games and beach goers or just relax in the sun. Will be very crowded and packed with 20 somethings.
KR
Kristina Dehlin
Castaways is a great location because it is right on the sand of the beautiful North Avenue beach of Chicago. Its a cool place to hang out in the city that has a nice view and isnt too crowded of congested. Kiss FM has events there a lot so thats cool and exciting. Overall its a pretty fun place to hang out and get food or use the bathroom during your beach trip.
KA
Kayleigh Parham
I arrived today, walked upstairs and had my bag searched rudely, sat myself because neither of the two employees I asked would acknowledge me. And am now sitting after 15 minutes. Will be leaving without being served and will not be returning shortly after finishing this review. What a shame. The view was nice while I sat and waited for nothing.
D
D Pham
Great place to hang out while at the beach. It overlooks the North Avenue Beach Crowd below. The place itself has loud music which brings loud people. Theres a decent beer selection, but the food is more along the lines of cafeteria food. However, it probably is the best food option in the area.
MI
Mike Martens
It has a nice view of the lake and beach from the top. The food is bar food, good for a day at the beach but quality left somthing to be desired. Service wasnt good. We ask for water and were told to get it yourself at their water station. Ordering drinks too took too long to show up.
