Why You’ll Love River North in Chicago

Chicago’s River North area was once dominated by factories and warehouses. Today, more than a thousand modern high-rises contrast with the Victorian-era homes that grace the tree-lined residential streets.

It is also the home of the Neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the century-old Wrigley Building, and the historic Water Tower, circa 1869. Developers repurpose warehouses as trendy venues serving up music and fine cuisine. Residents are mere minutes from the Loop, the lakefront, and Navy Pier.

River North’s boundaries include Michigan Avenue to the east and Chicago Avenue to the north. The Chicago River comprises the neighborhood’s southern and western boundaries. On the south side of the river is Chicago Riverwalk, open from 6 am to 11 pm daily. The pedestrian-friendly path stretches for more than a mile from Lake Street to the lakefront. The city dyes the river green on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, making it a temporary “green space” of sorts!

Reasons Why You’ll Love River North

To residents, River North is a vibrant playground. One that offers an enticing brew of trendy destinations, iconic architecture, and ultra-modern skyscrapers. When Thrillist ranked the “Sexiest Neighborhoods in America,” River North came in seventh.

Shopping, entertainment, and attractions

Ubiquitous music venues, dance clubs, and rooftop bars dot the bustling streets of River North. To the east, “The Magnificent Mile” dazzles shoppers with the offerings of more than 450 retailers. Nearby is the Driehaus Museum (40 E. Wabash), also known as Chicago’s “Marble Palace.” The one-time Nickerson Mansion dates to 1883, at the height of the Gilded Age.

One of River North’s biggest attractions (literally) is the 25-story Merchandise Mart, built more than 90 years ago. Today, The Mart’s Design Center showrooms are open to the public. The massive four-million sq ft structure spans two full city blocks. North LaSalle Street bisects the Cathedral District. Holy Name Cathedral (730 N. Wabash) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. St. James Cathedral is a historic Episcopal church at 65 E. Huron.

Marina City’s twin 588-foot cylindrical towers grace the north bank of the Chicago River. The sprawling “City Within a City” was the tallest residential building on the planet in the 1960s. Here, the  House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn) delivers live entertainment, including concerts, DJs in the Foundation Room, and performers in the restaurant and bar.

Chicago River boat tours offer everything from dinner cruises to architecture tours. For two decades, the annual Taste of River North (now at 627 N. Wells) has been a mid-summer staple for area residents.

Dining

Residents of River North enjoy myriad dining options. Try anything from a memorable five-star experience to a quick bite from a streetside vendor. Gene & Georgetti (500 N. Franklin) is an iconic Tuscan steakhouse sporting an eight-decade heritage. In the Party District, savor Indian cuisine as you channel India’s southwest coast at Bar Goa (116 W. Hubbard). Other interesting culinary destinations include Shaw’s Crab House (22 E. Hubbard) and Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill (445 N. Clark).

Savor Middle Eastern cuisine amid the casual sophistication of Sifr (660 N. Orleans). Nearby, the casual Mr. Beef (666 N. Orleans) serves some of the finest Italian Beef in the area. Add an order of hand-cut fries, cooked to perfection.

Next door you’ll find The Green Door Tavern (678 N. Orleans), Chicago’s oldest surviving drinking establishment. It’s housed in a building constructed in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire. Downstairs, The Drifter is the city’s one remaining Prohibition-era speakeasy.

River North is a vibrant playground. One that offers an enticing brew of trendy destinations, iconic architecture, and ultra-modern skyscrapers.