GOLD COAST / RIVER NORTH

LIFE IN GOLD COAST / RIVER NORTH

Near North is comprised of several neighborhoods, including Gold Coast and River North. While the Gold Coast is traditionally known for its luxury real estate, including skyscrapers and stone mansions, the area also includes some of the best upscale boutiques and shops around! Magnificent Mile is home to many of the world’s leading retail stores. River North includes art galleries, taverns, bars, clubs, entertainment venues, and the city’s recently revamped River Walk! The East edge of the neighborhood is bordered by Lake Michigan, where you can hop on the Lakefront Path and bike for miles or spend a day at the Oak Street or Ohio Street Beach. With so much culture, entertainment, and activities, nestled right in the heart of the city for easy access to the loop, as well as easy access to most other neighborhoods throughout Chicago, Near North is an amazing spot to call home in the city!

OUR GOLD COAST / RIVER NORTH PROPERTIES

801 N Wabash Avenue

801 N Wabash Avenue
Chicago IL 60603
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WHAT TO DO

EAT & DRINK

The entire area is chock full of amazing restaurants. From classic steakhouses like Bavette’s, Chicago Cut, Smith & Wollensky, and Mastro’s, to Italian spots like Ciccio Mio, Siena Tavern, and RPM Italian, to Asian-influenced restaurants, like Roka Akor (try the chef’s tasting menu, you won’t regret it) and Sunda, to American-style fare, like The Smith and Doc B’s, and local favorites, including Portillo’s and Lou Malnati’s, you’re sure to find something to please your palate!

There is no shortage of clubs, lounges, and bars! For a more casual and fun environment, rent a ping-pong table at SPIN Chicago or rent a lane at 10pin Bowling Lounge. If it is cocktails you crave, visit Sparrow, Gilt Bar, or Devereaux, voted one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago by Conde Nast (check out the full article here). If you’re looking for a prohibition-ear vibe, visit the Green Door Tavern, established in 1872 (and be sure to check out their speakeasy room, the Drifter). For a no-thrills type of place, check out The Boss Bar – we can’t really explain why we love it, but we do. For a club-type experience and late-night dancing, visit Underground or Joy District. To let loose late-night tourist-style, The Hangge-Uppe is a must, especially if you enjoy 80s music.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

What isn’t there to do here? If you can’t get your fill on just food and drinks alone, you’ll find plenty of activities and entertainment in this neighborhood!

We might be biased, but you can’t be summer in the city of Chicago! Head East to Lake Michigan and go for a bike ride along the Lakefront Path or kick back and spend the day lounging in the sun at Oak Street Beach. If you or a very good friend happens to own a boat, hang out with other Chicagoans at the Playpen on Lake Michigan, or dock at one of the many restaurants along the Chicago River. No boat? No worries. Hope on one of Chicago’s many boat tours, including the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours for an educational, yet entertaining, boat ride, or take a sail on the Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier to hear all about the Lake Michigan Pirates (not making this up)! Walk along the newly updated Chicago Riverwalk! Grab a glass of wine at City Winery, hop on any one of the riverboat tours, or just take a stroll and enjoy the sites, including multiple art installation exhibits along the pedestrian trail. The lights of the city are especially stunning at night!

Magnificent Mile is renowned for its shopping, entertainment, and dining! From upscale, high-end boutiques, to major department stores, to toy stores, and more, check out the full Mag Mile shopping guide here.

Head to Navy Pier for a day of adventure and take a ride 150 feet up into the air on the Ferris Wheel! Visit the Observation Deck on the 94th floor at the former John Hancock Building for 360 degree views of the entire city, or if you’re really brave, try out Tilt – the city’s highest thrill ride at 1,030 feet in the air! Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary art.

For an evening full of music and entertainment, check out Untitled Supper Club, a restaurant and lounge that features nightly musical acts and burlesque dancers. Or, visit Howl at the Moon, a casual but high-energy environment with live music. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out Redhead Piano Bar, a cocktail bar featuring live piano players and a cozy ambience.
FESTS & MARKETS
During the summer months, you can find one of the best Farmer’s Markets in Chicago in Wicker Park (the actual park)! The streets of Chicago come alive with Street Fests throughout the summer, and Wicker Park/Bucktown is no exception – check out the list of all festivals below!

Farmers Markets:

Division Street Farmer’s Market
- every Saturday 7AM-12PM (beginning May 7th)
- 100 W Division St
Soar Farmer’s Market
- Every Tuesday 7AM-2PM (beginning June 7th)
- 226 E Chicago Ave (in Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago)
Street Fests:
- River North Live – June
- Navy Pier Pride – June
- Bastille Day – July
- Chicago Margarita Festival – July
- Clark After Dark – August

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TRANSPORTATION

Easy walkability throughout the neighborhood, with the Lakefront Path to the East along Lake Michigan’s lakeshore for biking & walking!

CTA Red Line Stops at Division/Clark, Chicago/State & Grand/State
CTA Brown Line Stops at Chicago/Franklin and Merchandise Mart – the Blue Line takes into the Loop (and out to O’Hare should your travel needs be outside of the city)