By The Editors By The Editors | August 21, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
From world-class galleries and design showrooms to chic hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and A-list nightlife, Chicago's River North neighborhood is one of the city's most buzzing districts. Whether you want to dine, shop, relax or play, here's everything you need to know about River North in Chicago.
Where To Eat
449 N. Clark St. / Website
Frontera was born out of owner/TV host/Top Chef Master Rick Bayless' devotion to the delights of regional Mexican cuisine, and is a go-to for delectable fare.
218 W. Kinzie St. / Website
This hip, European-style steakhouse features a retro-cool atmosphere with an oh-so-flattering candlelit atmosphere. While there are plenty of terrific steaks, it’s the non-red-meat offerings—baked crab cake and spiced fried chicken—that top its must-have list.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide To The Mag Mile
217 W. Huron St. / Website
The city’s first Indian restaurant with a Michelin star, this comfortable, cosmopolitan hot spot from chef Sujan Sarkar offers contemporary takes on classic Indian cuisine that suit vegetarians and carnivores alike.
720 N. State St. / Website
Chef Carlos Gaytán helms this contemporary Mexican stunner, which has foodies cheering over exquisite dishes like tuna ceviche verde with grilled tomatillo aguachile, cucumber, red, onions, avocado and choclo, and shrimp aguachile made with raw shrimp, cucumber, red onions, avocado, cilantro, chiles toreados, lime juice and tostaditas.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide To The Gold Coast
500 N. Franklin St. / Website
Founded in 1941, this charming restaurant is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse. Soak up the history as you dine on filets, strips, ribeyes and Italian specialties like veal scaloppine.
51 W. Kinzie St. / Website
Top Chef fave Fabio Viviani along with the DineAmic Team is behind this happening River North spot that features rustic Italian food in addition to a crudo/pizza bar and an expansive lounge area.
See Also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Where To Stay
330 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
A perfect place to relish the city, The Langham hotel hosts 268 guest rooms and 48 suites designed to comfort and enthrall, adorned with warm color tones, rich textiles, dark woods and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows. Nosh on contemporary seasonal American cuisine at Travelle, or recline in an elevated cinema suite with an 111-inch screen and a theater-inspired private dining menu.
108 E. Superior St. / Website
This elegant oasis just off Michigan Avenue has celebrated over 20 years in Chicago. In 2021, USA TODAY named The Peninsula the most romantic hotel in Chicago and the second-best holiday hotel in the U.S.
401 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
Soaring 92 stories above the Chicago River, this premier five-star hotel offers a birds-eye view of downtown Chicago. Just steps from the historic Riverwalk and the exclusive shops of the Magnificent Mile, Trump Tower promises a stay of flair and pleasure, from a sumptuous 23,000-square-foot spa to fabulously inventive cuisine.
See Also: The Ultimate Magnificent Mile Guide
Where To Relax
330 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
Every treatment at Chuan Spa at The Langham, Chicago begins with the optional Chuan Bathing Ritual, recommended to prepare your body and mind. In the comfort and privacy of gender-separate locker rooms, guests can make their way through four hot and cold rooms to loosen muscles and stimulate the senses. The Herbal Sauna opens the respiratory system; the Salt Stone Sauna reduces stress and heals skin ailments; the Experience Shower uses aromatherapy to awaken and invigorate; and, finally, the Oriental Steam room soothes with the scent of chamomile.
108 E. Superior St. / Website
The cozy environment of wood-paneled walls, dim lighting and soothing music play off the luxurious treatments and superior level of service that makes this spa, located in the well-appointed Peninsula Hotel, one of Chicago's finest.
303 W. Erie St. / Website
With five float suites and three different types of tanks, there’s something for everyone at Float Sixty. Floating in an Epsom salt-concentrated tank reduces stress-causing cortisol and increases dopamine and endorphins, resulting in benefits from increased immune function to pain management. Finish your session in the calm room with a cup of soothing tea.
Where To Shop
15 E. Huron St. / Website
Chicago style icon Ikram Goldman is behind this luxurious red-clad boutique filled with fashion's hottest designers of the moment. If it's in the store, you'll want to be seen wearing it.
613 N. State St. / Website
This essential River North shop opened in 1997 and houses some of the finest, most unique gems sourced from around the globe, including tableware, pottery, jewelry and so much more.
520 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
Covering six city blocks, The Shops at North Bridge include over 50 stores, with all the top brands in clothing, jewelry and cosmetics. While both casual, quick bites and three-course meals can be enjoyed here, perhaps the most fun can be had at Eataly, a multilevel Italian marketplace complete with a fresh pasta counter, wine bar and culinary education center.
120 West Kinzie St. / Website
This family owned business offers exquisite artisan rugs out of its River North showrooms on Kinzie Street. From neutral hues to splashy patterns, there's much to explore at this long-standing Chicago staple.
325 W. Huron St. / Website
Nestled in the River North Gallery District, Zolla/Lieberman Gallery showcases works across a vast range of genres, and is a hub for both established and beginning collectors.
Where To Hit The Town
435 N. Clark St. / Website
Craving a tropical escape? Head to tiki speakeasy Three Dots & A Dash in River North. Cocktail expert Kevin Beary leads the expert team, who creates unique drinks served in the spot’s signature tiki mugware. Tucked inside the bar is the Bamboo Room where guests can take a guided journey through the bar’s rum offerings.
632 N. Dearborn St. / Website
After having dinner at the restaurant, head over to the TAO Nightclub where big-name acts like Diplo keep the party going all night long.
111 W. Kinzie St. / Website
This modern speakeasy of sorts combines a 100-seat restaurant—think oysters Rockefeller, steaks—with a bar and a lounge featuring live entertainment, all in a refined 18,000-square-foot space.
Cultural Experiences
40 E. Erie St. / Website
Steps from the Magnificent Mile, Driehaus Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into one of the few remaining examples of palatial homes erected by the wealthy people of America’s Gilded Age. The galleries, elegantly furnished with period pieces selected from the Driehaus Collection, are presented in harmony with the interiors and surviving furnishings, immersing visitors in the original splendor of this late 19th century home.
61 W. Superior St. / Website
The Poetry Foundation in River North is the first space in Chicago dedicated to the art of poetry, and its seemingly endless supply of material promises an intriguing day.
360 N. State St. / Website
Explore the realm of media at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, which is dedicated preserving radio and television history. From the history of presidential debates to the pioneers of radio, all facets of media are unpacked here.
Hidden Gems
678 N. Orleans St. / Website
Green Door Tavern opened its doors in 1872, one year after the Chicago Fire. Situated on the corner of Orleans and Huron Streets, this inviting and exciting tavern is a River North gem.
16 W. Ontario St. / Website
With live music every night of the week, the basement-level Redhead Piano Bar is a local favorite across generations. Stop by and sing along to your favorite tunes while sipping on delicious cocktails.
Photography by: Cover photo by Pedro Lastra/Unsplash
