River North

Welcome to Chicago's River North

Located just north of Chicago’s Loop and near the Chicago River, River North is an urban neighborhood nestled within the Near North Side community area of Chicago.  River North is bordered by Michigan Ave. to the east, Chicago Ave. to the north, and the Chicago River to the south and to the west.  Popular neighborhoods including the Loop, Streeterville, Gold Coast, River West, and Near North surround one of Chicago’s most bustling areas, River North. 

Most notably a gallery-centric area of Chicago, the streets of River North are also lined with the city’s hottest dance clubs, chic bars and lounges, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and hotels.  More specific to the art scene, River North boasts some of the country’s most well-established boutique design firms, art galleries, photography studios, interior design companies, and architectural monuments.  During recent years, River North has experienced explosive growth from a residential standpoint.  More and more Chicagoans are relocating to this neighborhood know for its vibrant culture and convenient location.

 

 

History

During the mid 1800s, Chicago’s railroad system reached the north portion of the Chicago River.  Given this railroad expansion, the area experienced an influx of activity within the Near North Side.  By the late 1800s, the north bank of the Chicago River was established as a highly industrialized area and also referred to as home by Irish and Sicilian immigrants.  However, prominent residents were appalled by swampy land conditions, and this section of town suffered from horrible industrial pollution.  Eventually, as a result, the area became nicknamed “Smokey Hollow.”  Nonetheless, real estate values were increasing and the possibilities for industrial development seemed endless.  By the 1850s, Chicagoans ventured toward lakefront land and began to build properties.

Following its industrial boom and in years after the Great Depression, the River North neighborhood transformed.  During World War II, manufacturing decreased and many of the once-bustling factories were converted into storerooms and warehouses.  As a result, the area was transformed into a warehouse district which lasted until the 1970s, when the need for warehouses became almost obsolete.  Many of these buildings were closed, and the area was full of vacant spaces.

Modern Day River North

Luckily, as it turned out, these large, open layouts of abandoned buildings seemed to be a perfect fit for starving artists and their creative desires.  By the 1980s, many artists, writers and architects were drawn to the area as they aimed to search for studios and lofts.  Today, River North maintains its status as an art center for the city due to its population of artistically talented residents and vast amount of galleries.

 

Real Estate

You will not find many single-family homes in River North.  However, if residing in a loft on the top floor is your idea of living the high life, this may be the neighborhood for you.  Towering skyscrapers and mid-rise apartment buildings are home to most River North residents.  Among the newer condominiums and residential developments are classic structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries which have been rehabbed to meet modern day living standards. Additionally, many of the old warehouses that were not already occupied by artists have been renovated into stylish, upscale lofts.

Two of Chicago's most notable apartment buildings are located in River North on State St. For example, Marina City (300 N State St, 312-527-4460) is a condominium complex with twin 60-story towers -- often referred to as the "Corncob Towers" – due to their unusual cylindrical shapes that resemble two stripped ears of corn.  Built in the 1960s by Bertrand Goldberg, Marina City was an experimental development because it offered all the amenities of a mini-city under one roof: grocery store, cleaners, bank, restaurants, movie rental and bowling lanes.  The buildings' unique presence has led to appearances in movies, commercials, album covers and more.

Generally speaking, the cost of owning a home in River North has increased, but it can fluctuate considerably from one unit to another.  The price range on a two-bedroom condo can span between $350,000 to over a million dollars, with the average around $535,000. A studio or one-bedroom for $200,000 or $300,000 might be more your pace (it is for us). There are also some four- or five-bedroom rehab townhouses in this Chicago neighborhood for around $3 million. In lieu of the high price, it's common for residential units in this area to include garage parking spots, which is an essential perk if you also own a vehicle.

Good Eats

While this neighborhood is filled with an abundance of art galleries, the restaurant scene is unstoppable, as new restaurants continuously open within the city’s most bustling neighborhood.  The diverse mix of original, “old school” Chicago eateries, familiar chains, and multiple fusion restaurants will appeal to all palates.

Sample your way through specialty Spanish tapas and a large jug of sangria at Cafe Iberico (737 N LaSalle Dr, 312-573-1510). The lively, crowded space is perfect for groups. The appetizer-size dishes here are made for sharing and the classic Spanish background music creates a festive ambiance. Just be mindful of the sangria -- it's tasty and it's strong! Ben Pao (52 W Illinois St, 312-222-1888) is popular for its contemporary Chinese cuisine that incorporates four different regional tastes -- Mongolian, Cantonese, Szechuan and Shanghai. The restaurant is decked in bright reds and golds with peaceful waterfalls and potted bamboo, creating a Zen-like atmosphere that adds tranquilly to your meal. Not sure what you feel like eating tonight? With cuisine that blends Asian and Latin fare, stylish Sushi Samba Rio (504 N Wells St, 312-595-2300) might be just the spot to satisfy your appetite. Mixing traditional Japanese and South American dishes -- with bilingual names to match -- can make ordering a learning experience. Until a recent visit, we had no idea what "Moqueca Mista" was. Now, the next time we crave squid, shrimp, crayfish and bacalhau with roasted cashews, coconut milk, dende oil and chimichurri rice -- we know exactly where to go.

Sink your teeth into a 22-ounce New York strip steak or crack open an Alaskan snow crab claw at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (60 E Grand Ave, 312-379-5637). This River North outpost of a famous Miami spot serves up big portions from their extensive menu of surf and turf that also includes a delectable dessert section, which we are slowly working our way through -- although we seem to have gotten stuck in a rut on our first choice; we can't help it if Joe's key lime pie is incredible. Just want to focus on that steak? Kinzie Chop House (400 N Wells St, 312-822-0191) is at the top of the list as many Chicago locals' favorite place for a steak dinner. Set in a cozy, yet elegant dining room, Kinzie's stands out for its high-quality dishes and amazing service. We are particularly enamored with the award-winning wine selection that offers just the right complement for our mouthwatering flat iron "Kinzie Cut" steak.

One of the city's most legendary restaurants is actually below street level. Billy Goat Tavern (430 N Michigan Ave, 312-222-1525) is famous for its "cheezborgers" which have received the thumbs-up from local food critics and, since it opened, has seen a steady stream of journalist patrons whose bylines and articles hang on the walls (the Tribune Tower is across the street). But across the country, this dive shot to fame as John Belushi's inspiration for the classic Saturday Night Live skit where the short-order cook continuously shouts out "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No Coke, Pepsi ... " at every customer who walks through the door. A simple sign with an arrow pointing down a staircase is the only indication of the clandestine tavern's existence until you descend to Lower Michigan Avenue, where neon lights show you the way inside. Sought out by both resident Chicagoans and out-of-town travelers, the Billy Goat attracts a mix of people all ordering the same thing -- you guessed it -- cheezborgers.

Known more for its name and electric guitar logo than its food, the Hard Rock Cafe (63 W Ontario St, 312-943-2252) draws mostly T-shirt-buying tourists to its River North location. But the food isn't half bad, and the dining room -- sporting an eclectic collection of Rock & Roll memorabilia -- still fills up on weekends. So if you're craving a Joe Perry's "Rock You World" quesadilla, Mad Anthony's grilled skirt steak or a Stormy Blue burger, we suggest making a reservation online 24 hours in advance. Another hotspot for visitors and families from Chicago suburbs is a wacky diner where costume-wearing waitresses talk back and shake their booties up on the countertops. The purposefully wild atmosphere at Ed Debevic's (640 N Wells St, 312-664-1707) is an especially huge hit with children, but we think the servers' crazy antics are appreciated by "kids" of all ages. Just make sure to clean your plate -- or you'll have flashbacks to your younger days as the waitress grabs your fork and "airplanes" that last bite into your mouth.

No Chicago neighborhood can get away without a pizza place or two, and in River North there are several. Giordano's (730 N Rush St, 312-951-0747) serves up some of Chicago's best stuffed pizza -- our favorite is the Special filled with green peppers, sausage, onions and mushroom, and topped with a zesty tomato sauce. The pizza is so thick it takes about 30 minutes to cook (as a note at the bottom of menu informs you). But we're willing to let our mouths water for a half-hour in order to get a taste of this traditional Chicago specialty. Other beloved stuffed pizza joints in this Chicago neighborhood include Pizzeria Uno (29 E Ohio St, 312-280-5120), sister joint Pizzeria Due (619 N Wabash Ave, 312-943-2400), and Gino's East of Chicago (633 N Wells St, 312-943-1124) -- to name a few.


Shopping

Bound by the Magnificent Mile along the eastern edge and Merchandise Mart on the southwest corner, River North will satisfy serious shopaholics and casual window-shoppers alike.

Multi-story malls and flagship stores line Michigan Avenue along the strip better known as the Magnificent Mile. On weekends the stores and sidewalks are quite congested as both tourists and Chicagoans flock to this shopping mecca. Anyone who's shopped the Mag Mile before is probably familiar with the Saks Fifth Avenue department store (312-944-6500). Housed in the eight-floor, Art Deco-style Chicago Place mall (700 N Michigan Ave #808, 312-642-4811), Saks is just part of this high-end retail center. If a stop there doesn't fill your shopping bag, venture out into the mall and check out The Body Shop (312-482-8301), Chicago Fur Mart (312-951-5000), Abby & Yani Fine Furs (312-988-7188), jewelry and watch merchants Landau (312-787-7874) and Watch Station (312-280-5485), and Talbot's (312-944-6059) for more apparel and accessories.

Multi-level retail centers are virtually one-stop shops and essential for Chicago's cold-weather shopping excursions, so we're lucky we have a few within blocks of each other. Westfield North Bridge (520 N Michigan Ave, 312-836-0913) is a few blocks down the street from Chicago Place. Just head for the soaring glass-windowed Nordstrom building (312-464-1515) and you'll discover a sprawling mall beyond its doors. Four floors and nearly nine blocks of brand name designers and upscale clothing retailers like Ann Taylor (312-587-8301), Armani (312-573-4220), Hugo Boss (312-660-0056) and Benetton (312-494-9156), as well as a first-rate selection of health and beauty products, eyewear, shoes, handbags, luggage, accessories and jewelry. Got kids with you (or still feel like a kid yourself?) Don't miss the incredible larger-than-life LEGO® constructions right outside The LEGO® Store (312-494-0760) where everyone is welcome to dig into the bins and build their own original creations. Of course, you may have a hard time just getting past North Bridge's front entrance without stopping for a little cocoa buzz from Ethel's Chocolate Lounge (312-464-9332), strategically located within feet of the main entry.

Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plz, 312-527-4141) is a multipurpose complex that houses a variety of shops, services and year-round trade shows. While a majority of the building is used for wholesale events and fairs, the first couple floors are dedicated to consumer shopping. A&G Clothing & Accessories (312-245-0377) features predominantly European-style apparel for men and women and offers the latest in trendy accessories to complete any outfit. We've found Sue's Hallmark (312-467-1815) a convenient and life-saving shop for those times we might forget an important occasion and need a card ASAP! The LuxeHome Center (312-527-7939) at the Mart specializes in anything and everything for the modern, designer Chicago home. From the best in kitchen countertops at Granite & Marble Resources (312-670-4400) to flooring at White River Hardwoods (800-558-0119) or Ann Sacks Tile & Stone (312-923-0919) to fixtures and doorknobs at Hinges & Handles (312-222-0870) or The Knobbery (312-342-0803), Luxe Home is like shopping for the perfect luxury home -- piece by piece.

Even when your house could not possibly use another candle holder or new piece of cookware, the multi-story downtown flagship Crate & Barrel (646 N Michigan Ave, 312-787-5900) manages to have something (or a lot of things) that would be "perfect" in your home. This huge store is always stocked with seasonal items and patterns -- so there's always reason to go back and buy more. We like to ride the freestanding escalators up to the top floor to get an overview of everything there is, then work our way down to the checkout -- but allow ample time because a houseware heaven of this size requires a little extra browsing time.


Art, Artists, Architecture

Built and opened by 2008, the Trump International Hotel & Tower (330 N Wabash Ave, 312-822-0690) is a 92-story glass skyscraper which has become almost legendary in just a few years. Mega real estate mogul Donald Trump is the mastermind behind this extravagant venture, complete with hotel rooms, luxury condos, private spaces, spas, restaurants, etc. 

While much taller than the Chicago Sun-Times building that was formerly at this site, the tower's reflective glass-curtain façade is meant to discretely merge the building with the sky and river, reducing its appearance to fit the city landscape. The Trump Tower plans also include a 1.2-acre riverwalk and park to run directly along the Chicago River. A nice touch for any resident in the area.

A Chicago landmark you may be familiar with is the world-famous Wrigley Building (400 N Michigan Ave, 312-923-8080). Constructed in the 1920s, the long-standing corporate headquarters of the chewing gum empire on Michigan Avenue is a celebrated Chicago site that has attracted millions of curious visitors to River North. The white terra-cotta facade, intricate exterior ornamentation and lofty two-story clock make the Wrigley Building one of Chicago's most striking architectural achievements.

Another oldie but goodie of Chicago architecture in River North is the Holy Name Cathedral (730 N Wabash Ave, 312-787-8040), the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. It is definitely hard to miss this beautiful example of Gothic Revival style as it stands out among its neighboring contemporary office and residential buildings along State Street. Built in 1875, the cathedral replaced the previous church which was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871. The interior is impressive with grand, arching ceilings, dramatic religious artwork and intricate stained-glass windows. If you look upwards over the altar you will see a handful of tasseled, wide-brimmed red hats attached to the rafters -- it is tradition to raise the "galeros" of deceased cardinals to a spot above the church's congregation where they are to stay forever.

As Chicago's primary art district, collectors and appreciators will discover incredible galleries, antique shops and interior design boutiques concentrated near the Superior, Huron and Wells intersection of the River North neighborhood. The individual galleries are all unique, exhibiting different styles of artwork from all over the world. The Aldo Castillo Gallery (675 N Franklin St, 312-337-2536) highlights traditional pieces from Latin America while the Andrew Bae Gallery (300 W Superior, St 312-335-8601) presents modern pieces from Asian cultures. Gruen Galleries (226 W Superior St, 312-337-6262) features European sculptures and paintings and the David Leonardis Gallery (215 W Huron St, 312-863-9045) mainly shows Pop Art, photography and other contemporary work. A number of antique dealers and a wide selection of businesses that specialize in home furnishings and decor have also set up shop here in River North over the years.

Nightlife

This side of the river rocks almost nightly at the House of Blues (329 N Dearborn St, 312-527-2583). This legendary music club draws local residents and out-of-towners with its lineup of blues, country, jazz, rock, Latin, alternative and any other genre you can think of. The main music hall hosts performances by the best of the best like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Etta James. A second, separate stage is part of the Back Room, where people can enjoy live tunes while getting a bite to eat or a drink at the bar. Besides the music, the art here is worth a look alone -- the walls (even in the bathroom) are decorated with a massive collection of American folk art. For a different sort of scene, the Redhead Piano Bar (16 W Ontario St, 312-640-1000) is a treasured River North entertainment destination. Join the patrons singing along with the piano man, or hang back and simply enjoy an evening of classic "oldies" and timeless tunes.

For a little less singing and a lot more dancing, knock back a cocktail and hit the dance floor for some extreme after-hours fun at hip Chicago hotspots the Excalibur (632 N Dearborn St, 312-266-1944) and Sound-Bar (226 W Ontario St, 312-787-4480), popular stops for late-night clubbing. Despite its medieval exterior, Excalibur is all the rage for the here-and-now crowds. Housing several different nightclubs, lounges and bars -- all with their own music and atmosphere -- we like to jump from one party scene to the next simply by scaling a staircase. As you might expect from a place called the Sound-Bar, the audio system here is top-notch. With three DJ booths and state-of-the-art sound, this place is hopping all night long with some serious bumping and grinding.

As much as we love a wild night out, there are evenings where a quiet (meaning no thumping base-heavy music) drink at the bar is better suiting. On those occasions, there are all kinds of River North bars, taverns and lounges to choose from. How about a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub? Then, step into the Brehon Pub (731 N Wells St, 312-642-1071) and grab a spot at the bar for Guinness and other authentic Irish brews. A customary family coat-of-arms hangs above the entrance of the Brehon Pub, established in 1980 by a couple of Irish-American brothers. Set in a post-Great Fire historic building, you'll see the original tin ceiling when you tip your glass up and tilt your head back to finish that last drop of beer. If you like that old-fashioned feel, the Green Door Tavern (N Orleans St, 312-664-5496) has been around since 1921, housed in a rare wood structure built after the Great Fire of 1871 but before strict city ordinances banned the use of wood building materials. Green Door clientele appreciate the bar's aged character, which includes slanted doorways and cracks running along the walls. We don't mind a few imperfections as long as the beer is cold and the taps still work.

Fun for a gathering with close friends, Clark Street Ale House (742 N Clark St, 312-642-9253) is a cozy neighborhood bar known for its large selection of mircobrews on tap and bottled. Once temperatures get above 65, the Ale House moves it outside to their patio beer garden which draws sun-loving beer-drinkers from around the city -- and we're right there with them.

When we want to step it up a notch, this Chicago neighborhood has some upscale, swanky locales that warrant high heels and a dress shirt. It's easy to drop some serious cash at Narcisse (710 N Clark St, 312-787-2675), a posh champagne lounge and restaurant. While caviar and filet mignon grace the dinner menu, high-end bottles of champagne are the drink of choice. Draped in red velvet and chandeliers, Narcisse sets the mood for a purely lavish evening of wining, dining and late night dancing. Slightly more low-key, is a subterranean nightspot called none other than -- Underground (56 W Illinois St, 312-644-7600). The bar's grand opening was preceded by a secretive campaign headed up with YouTube Internet ads and an undisclosed location ... very mysterious. But now that the Underground is out in the open, Chicagoans descend the steps to this after-hours bomb shelter-like lounge and nightclub where the drink specials have names such as Espionage and M16.

Live entertainment can really spice up the evening -- especially when it's a stage full of burlesque female impersonators. That's the shtick at the Baton Show Lounge (436 N Clark St, 312-644-5269), known for its Vegas-style review of showbiz's famous actresses and singers like Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Cher, complete with feathers, makeup, wigs and stilettos. We have to admit, it's hard to tell some of these lovely ladies are actually men...but that's part of the humorous attraction to this raunchy, laugh-out-loud performance.


Save the Date

Shared by two Chicago neighborhoods, the Gold Coast River North Art Fair (700 N LaSalle Dr, 847-926-4300) is a three-day event held the first weekend in August. The fair moved from its original location in the Gold Coast to a new spot in the River North Gallery District (on La Salle Street between Superior and Erie streets) in the early 1990s. Drawing hundreds of thousands to the area, this is one of Chicago's largest art fairs and has been around for half a century. Each year we are impressed all over again by the sheer number of artists who come from around the globe to be a part of this juried event. River North residents and out-of-town visitors roam about the art tents, music venues and food stands that have moved into the neighborhood for the duration of the festival. If you love artwork -- or even like it a little -- don't miss this world-class art fair.

River North's neighborhood block party is not your average grilled hot dogs and throw out the paper plates affair. The River North Summerfest (655-676 N Kingsbury St, 312-645-1047) pulls out all the stops with live music, children's activities and a whole lot of food. In late July residents from around the neighborhood assemble at Erie Park and along Erie Street between the Chicago River and Kingsbury Street for this annual event.


Transportation and Getting Around

Given River North's location, you're likely to see almost as many taxis on the street as regular cars. So, hailing a cab is always one option for getting around this Chicago neighborhood quickly and easily. Of course, public transportation is also convenient. The above ground CTA Brown Line (and Purple Line during rush hour) stops at Chicago & Franklin and Merchandise Mart, while the Red Line travels underground below State Street, letting you out at Chicago and Grand avenues.

Depending on the time of day, sometimes we feel it's just as fast to walk to a designation within the neighborhood limits. However, there are also several bus routes that service River North -- giving residents, visitors and those in the area for work plenty of transit alternatives.

If you have a car, parking in this section of town is mostly limited to ramps and lots found on nearly every street corner. It's often pricey to park there, but the only other alternative is to park on the street, which -- to find a legitimate, available spot -- is a crapshoot.


School Information

Tucked in amongst all the commercial, dining, retail and entertainment neighborhood institutions, there are a slew of educational facilities in River North that span from elementary to graduate levels. For more info on schools in this Chicago neighborhood and others check out our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Argosy University 350 N Orleans Chicago - (312) 777-7600
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 325 N Wells St - (312) 329-6600
Feltre School 25 W Erie St - (312) 255-1133
Frances Xavier Ward School 751 N State St - (312) 337-7180
Illinois Institute of Art 350 N Orleans St - (312) 280-3500

And don’t forget…

When living in or visiting River North, you do not have to travel far for everyday necessities such as groceries, prescriptions or school supplies.  Going out for an evening on the town?  We've got you covered in that department as well.  We will even tune you into the area's coolest events and area happenings...

The following list includes restaurants, grocery stores, event information...and much more!!


Area Events

Gold Coast River North Art Fair (early August) 700 N LaSalle Dr - (847) 926-4300

River North Summerfest (mid-July) 655-676 N Kingsbury St - (312) 645-1047


Entertainment

Loews Michigan 9 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 255-9340
ESPN Zone 43 E Ohio St - (312) 644-3776
House of Blues 329 N Dearborn St - (312) 527-2583
The Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 922-9410
John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 939-2438
Aldo Castillo Gallery 675 N Franklin St - (312) 337-2536
Andrew Bae Gallery 300 W Superior St - (312) 335-8601
David Leonardis Gallery 215 W Huron St, 312-863-9045
Gruen Galleries 226 W Superior St - (312) 337-6262
Marina City 300 N State St - (312) 527-4460
Trump International Hotel & Tower 330 N Wabash Ave - (312) 822-0690
The Wrigley Building 400 N Michigan Ave - (312) 923-8080

Groceries

The Artisan Cellar 222 Merchandise Mart # 116 - (312) 527-5810
Galleria Market 340 W Superior St - (312) 337-9300
Jewel-Osco 550 N State St - (312) 527-2162
Orleans Market 316 W Illinois St - (312) 645-0904
Whole Foods Market 30 W Huron St - (312) 932-9600

 

Health & Fitness


David Barton Gym 600 W Chicago Ave - (312) 836-9127
East Bank Club 500 N Kingsbury St - (312) 527-5800
Mike George Fitness System 401 W Ontario St # 100 - (312) 943-6700
Sharper Fitness Ultra Gym 401 W Ontario St - (312) 836-9127

Pharmacies

CVS 121 W Kinzie St - (312) 970-2880; 344 W Hubbard St - (312) 222-2570
Jewel-Osco 550 N State St - (312) 527-2162
Walgreens 641 N Clark St - (312) 587-0904

Post Offices

222 Merchandise Mart Plz - (312) 321-0233;
540 N Dearborn St - (312) 644-0485

Public Transportation

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

 

Shopping

Accessorize 5 E Superior St - (312) 482-9780
American Girl Place 111 E Chicago Ave - (312) 943-9400
Ann Taylor 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 587-8301
Barnard Ldt. 375 W Erie St - (312) 475-0210
Bed Bath & Beyond 530 N State St - (312) 755-9890
Chicago Harley-Davidson 66 E Ohio St - (312) 274-9666
Crate & Barrel 646 N Michigan Ave - (312) 787-5900
Eddie Bauer 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 951-8484
Gilbertson Clybourn Inc 55 E Chicago Ave - (312) 573-8075
Hastens Beds 430 N Wells Street - (312) 527-5337
Jazz Record Mart 444 N Wabash Ave - (312) 222-1467
The Kohler Store 100 Merchandise Mart - (312) 755-2510
Love from Chicago 700 N Michigan Ave - (312) 787-0838
Marshalls 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 280-7506
Mary Walter 33 W Superior St - (312) 266-1094
Mig & Tig Furniture 540 N Wells St - (312) 644-8277
Montauk 401 N Wells - (312) 951-5688
Orange Skin 223 W Erie St - (312) 335-1033
Paper Source 232 W Chicago Ave - (312) 337-0798
Pet Stuff 509 N Lasalle St - (312) 222-1012
Ralph Lauren 750 N Michigan Ave - (312) 280-1655
Wear Eyewear 207 W Superior St - (312) 255-1212
2nd Wind Exercise Equipment 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 464-0684
The Bose Store 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 595-0152
Eyeglass world 44 E Grand Ave - (312) 527-9477
Glenn Poor Chicago 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 836-1930
H2O Plus 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 397-1243
Kenneth Cole 540 N Michigan Ave - (312) 644-1163
Levi's the Original Store 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 642-9613
Linens 'n Things 600 N Michigan Ave - (312) 482-9366
Nordstrom 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 464-1515
Pistachios 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 595-9437
Room & Board 55 E Ohio St - (312) 222-0970
Virgin Megastore 540 N Michigan Ave - (312) 645-9300
Chicago Place 700 N Michigan Ave - (312) 642-4811
Abby & Yanni Fine Furs & Outerwear - (312) 988-7188
The Body Shop - (312) 482-8301
Chiaroscuro - (312) 988-9253
Chicago Fur Mart - (312) 951-5000
Home Element - (312) 587-8752
Landau - (312) 787-7874
Russian Creations - (312) 573-0792
Saks Fifth Avenue - (312) 944-6500
Sunglass Hut - (312) 440-1725
Talbots - (312) 944-6059
Talbots Kids - (312) 943-0255
Tall Girl - (312) 649-1303
Time-Us - (312) 266-0330
Watch Station - (312) 280-5485
Westfield North Bridge 520 N Michigan Ave - (312) 836-0913
Merchandise Mart 222 Merchandise Mart Plz - (312) 527-4141

Dining

American Contemporary
Aigre Doux Restaurant & Bakery 230 W Kinzie St - (312) 329-9400
Allen's New American Cafe 217 W Huron St - (312) 587-9600
Bin 36 339 N Dearborn St - (312) 755-9463
Camille's Sidewalk Cafe 400 N LaSalle St - (312) 329-9727
Chic Cafe 361 W Chestnut St - (312) 873-2032
Crofton on Wells 535 N Wells St - (312) 755-1790
Ember Grill 320 N Dearborn St - (312) 836-5499
Karyn's Cooked 738 N Wells St - (312) 587-1050
Kitsch'n River North 600 W Chicago Ave - (312) 644-1500
Rainforest Cafe 605 N Clark St - (312) 787-1501
Roy's Chicago 720 N State St - (312) 787-7599
Zealous 419 W Superior St - (312) 475-9112
Zocalo 358 W Ontario St - (312) 302-9977

American Traditional
Carson's the Place for Ribs 612 N Wells St - (312) 280-9200
Ed Debevic's 640 N Wells St - (312) 664-1707
Hard Rock Cafe 63 W Ontario St - (312) 943-2252
Harry Caray's 33 W Kinzie St - (312) 828-0966
Hooters 658 N Wells St - (312) 944-8800
Hop Haus 646 N Franklin St - (312) 280-8832
Keefer's Restaurant 20 W Kinzie St - (312) 467-9525
Potbelly Sandwich Works 540 N Clark St - (312) 644-9131;
520 N Michigan Ave - (312) 644-1008
RL Ralph Lauren Restaurant 150 W Chicago Ave - (312) 280-1655
Soupbox 50 E Chicago Ave - (312) 951-5900
Smith & Wollensky 318 N State St - (312) 670-9900
Steve's Place 230 W Chicago Ave - (312) 337-2462
Weber Grill Restaurant 539 N State St - (312) 467-9696
Wildfire 159 E Erie St - (312) 787-9000

Asian Cuisine
Ben Pao 52 W Illinois St - (312) 222-1888
Japonais 600 W Chicago Ave - (312) 822-9600
Kevin 9 W Hubbard St - (312) 595-0055
Kizoku Sushi & Lounge 358 W Ontario St - (312) 335-9888
Oysy River Nort h 50 E Grand Ave - (312) 670-6750
P F Chang's China Bistro 530 N Wabash Ave - (312) 828-9977
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brwry 1 W Grand Ave - (312) 755-9339
Silver Spoon Restaurant 710 N Rush St - (312) 944-7100
Singha Thai 350 N Clark St - (312) 467-0300
Star of Siam 11 E Illinois St - (312) 670-0100
Sushi Naniwa 607 N Wells St - (312) 255-8555
Sushi Samba Rio 504 N Wells St - (312) 595-2300
Vong's Thai Kitchen 6 W Hubbard St - (312) 644-8664

Cafe/Coffee Shops
Bake for Me! Bakery & Cafe 350 N Clark St - (312) 644-7750
Bella Luna Cafe - 731 N Dearborn St - (312) 751-2552
Brett's Kitchen - 233 W Superior St - (312) 664-6354
City Food 400 N State St - (312) 755-1107
Cosi 55 E Grand Ave - (312) 321-1990
Dunkin' Donuts 404 N Wabash Ave; 222 Merchandise Mart Plz - (312) 222-1196
Starbucks 444 N Michigan Ave - (312) 832-9851;
670 N Michigan Ave - (312) 787-2165;
38 E Ontario St - (312) 951-0662;
600 N State St - (312) 573-0033;
414 N Orleans St - (312) 467-1173;
750 N Franklin St - (312) 274-0092;
430 N Clark St - (312) 670-3920

Fast Food
Al's Italian Beef 169 W Ontario St - (312) 943-3222
Mr Beef 666 N Orleans St - (312) 337-8500
Portillo's Hot Dogs 100 W Ontario St - (312) 587-8910
The Original Rock 'n Roll McDonald's 600 N Clark St - (312) 664-7940

French Cuisine
Brasserie Jo 59 W Hubbard St - (312) 595-0800
Cafe Simone 546 N Wells St - (312) 467-0546
Le Lan 749 N Clark St - (312) 280-9100

Fusion
Naha 500 N Clark St - (312) 321-6242
Vermilion 10 W Hubbard St - (312) 527-4060

Indian/Pakistani Cuisine
Baba Palace 334 W Chicago Ave - (312) 867-7777
Gaylord India Restaurant 678 N Clark St - (312) 664-1700
India House 59 W Grand Ave - (312) 645-9500
Klay Oven 414 N Orleans St - (312) 527-3999

Italian Cuisine
Ballo 445 N Dearborn St - (312) 832-7700
Barnelli's Pasta Bowl 100 W Ontario St - (312) 587-8930

Club Lago 331 W Superior St - (312) 951-2849
Coco Pazzo 300 W Hubbard
Maggiano's Little Italy 516 N Clark St - (312) 644-7700
Osteria Via Stato 620 N State St - (312) 642-8450
Rosebud on Rush 720 N Rush St - (312) 266-6444
Quartino 626 N State St - (312) 698-5000
Scoozi 410 W Huron St - (312) 943-5900

Latin American
Mambo Grill 412 N Clark St - (312) 467-9797
Rumba 351 W Hubbard St - (312) 222-0770

Lebanese
Kan Zaman 617 N Wells St - (312) 751-9600

Mexican/Tex-Mex
Chili's Grill & Bar 2 E Ontario St - (312) 943-1510
Chipotle 291 E Ontario St - (312) 587-7753
Lalo's Restaurant 500 N Lasalle St - (312) 329-0030
Puerto Vallarta 431 N Wells St - (312) 755-0420
Su Casa 49 E Ontario St - (312) 943-4041

Mediterranean
Tizi Melloul 531 N Wells St - (312) 670-4338

Nuevo Latino
Nacional 27 325 W Huron St - (312) 664-2727

Pizza
Alibi 23 W Hubbard St - (312) 464-0609
Delicious 308 W Erie St - (312) 787-6691
Gino's East of Chicago 633 N Wells St - (312) 943-1124
Giordano's 730 N Rush St - (312) 951-0747
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria 439 N Wells St - (312) 828-9800
Pizza Ria 405 N Wabash Ave - (312) 602-4444
Pizzeria Uno 29 E Ohio St - (312) 280-5120
Pizzeria Due 619 N Wabash Ave - (312) 943-2400

Regional Mexican
Frontera Grill 449 N Clark St - (312) 661-0381
Topolobampo 445 N Clark St - (312) 661-1434

Seafood
Blue Water Grill 520 N Dearborn St - (312) 777-1400
Devon's Seafood Grill 747 N Wabash Ave - (312) 440-8660
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab 60 E Grand Ave - (312) 379-5637
Redfish 400 N State St - (312) 467-1600

Spanish
Cafe Iberico 737 N LaSalle Dr - (312) 573-1510

Steakhouse
Brazzaz 539 N Dearborn St - (312) 595-9000
Chicago Chop House 60 W Ontario St - (312) 787-7100
David Burke's Primehouse 616 N Rush St - (312) 660-6000
Erie Cafe 536 W Erie St - (312) 266-2300
Fogo De Chao 661 N LaSalle St - (312) 932-9330
Gene & Georgetti's 500 N Franklin St - (312) 527-3718
Lawry's the Prime Rib 100 E Ontario St - (312) 787-5000
Kinzie Chop House 400 N Wells St - (312) 822-0191
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse 431 N Dearborn St - (312) 321-2725
Sullivan's Steakhouse 415 N Dearborn St - (312) 527-3510

Zed 451 739 N. Clark St.  – (312) 266-6691