RIVER NORTH

 

 

Chicago’s River North neighborhood is a trendy urban district in the Near North Side area. This hip neighborhood’s converted warehouses are home to the largest concentration of art galleries anywhere in the United States besides Manhattan. River North is also home to a glam nightlife scene, boutique shopping, and some of the city’s best restaurants. The Chicago River wraps around this dynamic district and forms its western and southern boundaries. River North extends to Chicago Avenue in the north and Michigan Avenue in the east.

 

River North’s rich history means it has a diverse array of housing options. Real estate ranges from classic brownstones and elegant Gilded Age mansions to luxurious contemporary condominiums and high-rises. Local landmarks include the iconic 1970s 330 North Wabash skyscraper and the stunning 1883 Nickerson Mansion, now home to the Driehaus Museum. Residents of River North enjoy a walkable lifestyle within easy reach of the Loop and Magnificent Mile.

 

 

 

Originally an industrial district known colloquially as Smokey Hollow, the first artists began moving into River North in the 1970s. From the 1990s through to modern-day, River North has evolved into one of Chicago’s most sought-after and exciting districts. Here, you’ll find quiet, tree-lined residential streets within walking distance of an abundance of attractions and entertainment options. Several dog-friendly parks are located on the west side of River North,and the picturesque Riverwalk runs alongside the Chicago River to the neighborhood’s immediate south.

 

 

The two-block Merchandise Mart was the world’s largest building when it was completed in the 1930s and even had its own zip code until 2008. Its grand Art Deco exterior was designed to beautify Chicago’s riverfront, while its interior concentrated the city’s leading architectural and interior design firms under one roof. Since 2018, nighttime has seen the Mart’s exterior illuminated with the world’s largest digital art projection, known as Art on theMART. Inside, the Mart houses a mix of high-end home showrooms, corporate offices, and the many services and specialty stores of The Shops at the Mart.

 

The nearby East Bank Club is similarly impressive in size, spanning almost two full city blocks. This sprawling health club offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, an aquatics center with two indoor and two outdoor pools, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, cycling and golf centers, high-end spas and salons, several dining spaces, and docks for kayaking on the Chicago River. East Bank Club’s expert staff is available for a wide range of group and individual training programs.

 

River North is also home to House of Blues Chicago, widely regarded as the city’s premier live entertainment venue. Along with a diverse array of live concerts, House of Blues Chicago serves delicious Southern-style cooking and has a full bar with outstanding craft cocktails. Music lovers will also want to head to Hard Rock Café Chicago to dine and drink in a rock ‘n’ roll- themed setting.

 

The eclectic River North dining scene includes standout steakhouses such as GT Prime and Bavette’s, top seafood spots like Joe’s and Shaw’s Crab House, and upscale international options such as Sushi-san for delicious Japanese dishes and Tanta for inventive Peruvian fare.You can sample celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ creative Mexican fusion cuisine at River North hotspots Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and Xoco. The neighborhood is also home to some of Chicago’s best casual eateries. Dine on creative gastropub eats at Good Measure or enjoy a superior take on fast food at the Guy Fieri-recommended BIG & little’s.

 

 

Public schools in River North are operated by the City of Chicago School District. Highlights include: