Chicago, Illinois – River North/Gold Coast Posts

Traditional white tablecloth fine dining room and adjacent oyster bar. Cool 1940s vibe to enjoy classic fish and seafood preparations. Staying power; powered by Lettuce Entertain You.

Authentic and refined Chinese cuisine served in large and boisterous dining room. Hand pulled Lamian noodles and dim sum in River North.

Inspired by the great hotel lobby bars of Chicago, Sparrow is nestled in an art deco Gold Coast apartment house. Cocktails are 1930s focused with a Cuban accent and an extensive rum selection. Jewel of a spot in the midst of high-energy Rush Street.

Opulent and beautifully conceived design showroom for Restoration Hardware.  Housed in the 1914 Holarbird & Roche former Three Arts Club, a club serving women studying the “three arts”: music, painting and dramaSpread over five levels with large outdoor roof space. Be prepared for a wait at the elegant 3 Arts Club Cafe in a sumptuous setting. Three arts of music, XX and drama.

Snack on the Chicago Mix: CaramelCrisp + CheeseCorn and bring loads of napkins. The perfect combination of textures, sweet, salty and savory. You won’t stop until your belly tells you to.

Small Italian cafes serving subs, panini, and slices of pizza. Wash lunch down with an espresso and biscotti as well as gelato. Fine selection of groceries, deli counter and Italian cookies. Michigan Avenue location has a small bar.

Fresh roasted beans of the highest quality. Minimally designed shop.

Spiffy donuts shops where classic and new-age treats are created in small batches, right before your eyes. Locally roasted top-notch coffee served.

Consummate Chicago hot dog and burger stand, on the outskirts of the Gold Coast. Everyone goes here.

European open-faced sandwiches served in pleasant cafe. Small and fully of flavor; try the Slovak, Kabanosy, Picante, Herring, Sardinella and Boquerone.

If you are looking to stay in the midst of the Rush Street people-watching vitality, boutique-laden Oak Street and mingle with many out of towers look no further than Thompson Chicago. Smartly and comfortably designed with an eclectic eye for detail. Visit Nico Osteria for your dining and drinking needs.

Situated just off fashionable Michigan Avenue and proximate to Chicago’s cultural and financial Loop, Freehand is a two minute walk to the red-line subway, quickly transporting you to the best of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Roman and Williams brilliant reincarnation of the Tokyo Hotel, Freehand is an intimate, hip and cozy mix of private guestrooms and hostel rooms accommodating four co-ed or female guests.  The entire place is warm and inviting, yet hip and “of the moment.”

Cafe Integral serves delicious toasts, pastries and coffee opposite the reception desk. Broken Shaker features crafted cocktails and “street” food within a semi hidden, tiki-inspired room and cozy intimates nooks. Freehand Chicago “gets it” and does it right.

Formed in 1895, non-profit organization to enable artists to spend more time working with live models. Housed in 1870’s mansion, the organization offers open studios and instruction in painting, drawing and sculpture.

New burlesque speakeasy housed in a former speakeasy. Craft cocktail menu on tarot cards, movies of old Chicago streetcars. Descend the stairway and rather than hitting the WC push the bookshelves.

Bento boxes, noodles, ramen, udon, sushi and tapas served in contemporary River North space.

Loft space in the heart of bustling River North. Serving foods influenced by the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria.

Authentic food and beverages of Peru served in high energy and festive dining room. In season, limited menu served in spectacular outdoor space overlooking the skyline.

No more Trade Vic’s in the Loop or Don the Beachcomber up north, so if you can’t travel to suburbia for Tiki, the best alternative is this River North hot spot. Festive cocktails and crab rangoons served. You can even purchase a souvenir mug. Enter down the alley on Hubbard Street.

Local food and drink featuring large but well edited collection of craft beers. Midwestern sourced served with an interesting twist in a tavern that is classic Chicago.

Fine dining with staying power in contemporary and bright room in the middle of River North. Consistent consistent, seasonal and imaginative cuisine.

Yes, you might be lucky enough to capture this event, or better yet, participate in it. It moves all over town so the chances you will see it are slim… and only once a month! Celebrate your bike and explore neighborhoods of Chicago you never knew existed. Grab some Dew&JD and your favorite candy to share with this vibrant community. Plan to attend the last Friday of every month at Daley Plaza for an energy-charged ride. “Happy Friday!”

Boutique hotel with an energy of its own in the heart of River North. I/O Urban Roofscape provides dramatic indoor and outdoor space for dining and lounging with skyline views.

Reliable good vibe cafes, lots of natural woods, hipsters galore and local coffee roasts. Many locations; conveniently located.

Everything is homemade and made from scratch using the finest ingredients and techniques. Exquisite croissants, breads, macarons, sandwiches, soups and more. Charming and inviting. Hidden gem amidst Michigan Avenue.

Amidst the glamour of Oak Street lies Boguslaw. Up the stairs, right then left and you will fine a tailor extraordinaire. Ornery at times, Boguslaw will let you know this thoughts at all times.

Since 1976, Zolla/Lieberman has been featuring a wide variety of genres and artists specializing in contemporary art. One of the original galleries in the River North Gallery District; founded when the area was a gritty industrial neighborhood.

First Crate & Barrel store opened on North Wells Street in Old Town in 1962.  Inspired by the founder’s honeymoon in Europe, where they became interested in “providing functional yet aesthetically pleasing products to young couples just starting out.” Many locations but Michigan Avenue flagship features furniture and kitchenwares.

High quality American made men’s clothing, footwear, denim and accessories. Tucked away upstairs on Oak Street.

Premier auction house specializing in modern and contemporary design.

Beautifully curated selection of home accessories, jewelry and fashion.

Luxe women’s clothing boutique of stunning design; cafe as well.

Luminaire “is an interactive design research center, a playground for the soul, an esplanade for discovery. More than anything else, however, it is a resource focused on creating environments that affect people’s lives.”

Premier studio glass movement gallery. Formerly Marx Gallery then Marx-Saunders Gallery. Exhibitions featuring the most innovative artists working in glass from around the world.

Premier paperie specializing in custom invitations. Fine selection of greeting cards, ribbon, fine writing papers, gift wrap and much more. Now a large and rapidly growing chain; visit the original location in River North. “Do something creative every day.”

Shop located on the first and second levels of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Forward looking items for the home and yourself. Well curated selection of jewelry, toys, videos and books. Most items have a sense of humor and smartness.

Super charming shop located in the Tree Studios. Featuring an ever-changing array of hotel and estate silver, china, goods collected from Europe flea markets and other unique items for the home. Sneak into the secret garden if you can.

Exceptionally beautiful and expansive shop specializing in furnishings from Asia and Europe, with a few local items. Originally specializing in Thailand, the store now carries goods from all over Asia and more recently Europe. Impeccable service matches the atmosphere. Today’s inventory is eclectic; “a unique blend of ancient and modern, rustic and refined.” Your senses will be aroused. Not many retail establishments have been around since 1989 and adapted to the times; there is a reason. Congratulations Golden Triangle.

Beautifully and thoughtfully designed cocktail arounge atop the Raphaello Hotel, just off North Michigan Avenue. Enjoy craft cocktails in any of the distinctive spaces or outdoor terrace.

Originally built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, a men’s club for the Shrine organization. Perfectly situated on North Michigan Avenue just over the River from the Loop. Wander the stairways and marvel and the Hall of Lions, King Arthur Court and Renaissance Room. Don’t miss the ornate and spectacular junior Olympic swimming pool. Be certain to book your room in the historic tower.

Lovely family-owned hotel on tree-lined street just off Rush.  Vintage with an English accent.

Architecturally stunning hotel of straining design. Le Bar for cocktails in a swanky setting; nice food and setting at Cafe Des Architectes.

Considered by many to be Chicago’s finest hotel, the Peninsula enjoys a prime Magnificent Mile location and a full array of restaurants, bars and amenities that rivals anything locally. Shanghai Terrace is an intimate fine dining Chinese spot with gracious service and outdoor seasonal terrance seating. Pierrot Gourmet is a charming, street level cafe that serves informal foods and house baked goods three meals a day. The Lobby serves three meals in a grand and sunny setting. The Bar is dark and sultry and is located off the lobby. impeccable service throughout.

Grande dame of Chicago’s hotels; Benjamin Marshall design from 1920. Coq d’Or off the Arcade serves light fare, Bookbinder Red Snapper soup and stiff drinks and often has a piano player; Palm Court serves afternoon tea with live music on the upper lobby; Cape Cod Room is one of Chicago’s loveliest seafood rooms; Club International is private and dignified. Although the gloved elevator operators, soda fountain with best chicken salad, hearth bakery oven and Camellia House are long gone, The Drake still exhibits elegance from a bygone era. Most everyone has attended an event in the Gold Coast Room.

Elegant dining room off the lobby of Raphaello Hotel. Focus is on homemade pastas and contemporary Italian cuisine. Feels like NYC.

Small Italian cafes serving subs, panini, and slices of pizza. Wash lunch down with an espresso and biscotti as well as gelato. Fine selection of groceries, deli counter and Italian cookies. Michigan Avenue location has a small bar.

Turn of the century brownstone off Michigan Avenue serving French cuisine in stunning intimate dining room. French fine dining; a rarity in Chicago.

Clubby dining room serving a American classic cuisine.  Located within Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Avenue. Many “regulars.”  Self proclaimed “modern city club” and it fits.

Reliable food and drink served very late-night with full bar in warm atmosphere. Popular among restaurant employees when their own spots close.

Charming and light filled dining room and bar in the heart of the Gold Coast. Enjoy Salade Lyonnaise, Moules Marinieres, Pate, Vol-au-Vente and Steak au Poivre. An oasis of civility.

Gold Coast outpost of mini-chain, almost always packed. Serving delectable breakfast; famous for apple pancake, dutch baby and real whipping cream for your coffee. Everyone eats here.

Lovely and bright dining room located within a vintage apartment house. Enjoy breakfast anytime, lunch, dinner or a glass of wine. Most everything simple and homemade and the ring of a cash register adds to the comfort. Third Coast has been serving the neighborhood since 1985.

Longtime hidden gem inside the Canterbury Apartment Hotel, intimate piano bar with a lively cast of characters.

The former Ambassador East Hotel has been re-conceived and transformed by Ian Schrager into Public Chicago. The Pump Room pays homage and recaptures the spirit of one of Chicago’s most famed restaurants, but with a completely modern twist and attitude. Living Room provides drinks, coffee and snacks with communal work tables.

Longtime north of River North bistro, serving French cuisine for many years. This restaurant is a relative of the charming, subterranean and long-gone Le Bourdeaux on Madison Street.

Feast on prime rib, yorkshire pudding, spinning salad bowl and mashed potatoes in grandiose dining room. Visit the Side Door for more casual fare. Built in the 1890’s as the McCormick Mansion that later became the Kungsholm Puppet Theatre. Side Door features more informal fare around the corner from the main entrance.

Lovely penthouse restaurant and bar within Barneys. Open long after the store closes.

Climb down the stairs in front of the Wrigley Building and look for the Billy Goat Tavern. Original subterranean location since 1964. Cheezborger… cheezborger… cheezborger… no fries… chips; Olympia Cafe from Satuday Night Live. Order a double cheeseburger or egg, ham and cheese sandwich for breakfast. Good cocktails and reliable coffee. Several other Chicago locations but visit the original. Longtime haunt for newspaper columnists and workers from the nearby Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times when they are prominent. “Butt in any time.”

Classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Perfect crust and sauce. Many locations.

Located on the seventh floor of Bloomingdale’s; 40 Carrots in a contemporary yet traditional department store lunch counter, serving abundant salads, sandwiches and frozen yogurt.

One-of-a-kind Chicago steakhouse founded in 1941.

Classic Chicago Italian Beef sandwiches; order with fries and grab a seat at the communal table.

Comfortable place to catch jazz, just off Michigan Avenue. Reliable food served along with a variety of jazz musicians.

Unos was first established in 1943 by Ike Sewell with Due opening in 1955. There are many restaurants with the same name due to franchising but the two originals are the ones to visit for arguably among the best deep dish Chicago pizza in town.