Welcome to River North
River North is a trendy and lively neighborhood full of exciting entertainment and energy.
River North is a Near North neighborhood of Chicago and one of the most exciting in the area. A popular destination for the ideal night out, River North bursts with eclectic cocktail bars, nightclubs, and restaurants and has quickly become a modern mecca of entertainment. Hubbard Street in particular offers dozens of spots to catch a live band out on the dance floor.
With two of Chicago’s most popular destinations for shopping and outdoor recreation in the River North neighborhood, this bustling community has no shortage of things to do. The Magnificent Mile, where you can find the most upscale shopping in all of Chicago, runs through downtown from north to south, and features dozens of high-end luxury shops, like Gucci, Cartier, and Burberry. The Riverwalk runs through River North from east to west and offers a handful of excellent dining options, breweries, and fun activities along the river. Residents rent boats or kayaks for a day out on the water and stroll along the bank at night to catch the latest public art installation with Art on the MART.
The area is exceptionally stylish with art on every corner. There is delicious dining all around River North thanks to the area's posh atmosphere and luxurious feel. Living in River North offers unique advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
What to Love
- Many of Chicago’s best sites
- Excellent dining and entertainment
- Luxurious community
- Artist community
Local Lifestyle
Although Chicago is known for its hustle and bustle, River North moves at its own pace. It has its own unique energy that is both busy and relaxed. Because of its commitment to the arts, you’ll find that River North is an artist haven between piano bars, cooking courses, theMART, the River Walk, and more. TheMART is a commercial building and a premier location for international business. Most residents find that living in River North means expecting the best and getting it. River North provides some of the finest places to be and things to do in Chicago. River North is a neighborhood that sets trends. The stylish area means you’ll always see something beautiful and exciting.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
On North Michigan Avenue is the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping district. Exclusive jewelry stores, such as GRAFF, Harry Winston, and Cartier are on the Magnificent Mile. Some of the other luxury brands in the district are Louis Vuitton and Burberry. The American Girl Place and Disney Store are the favorites of the little ones, and everyone can find something at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
You can feel the neighborhood flip its switch as night settles over River North. The food scene comes alive after dark. Eataly is a world-renowned Italian marketplace. They have restaurants, wine stores, cafes, counter-dining, and a fresh market. There is also a cooking school on-site and private dining area. Quartino’s Italian Restaurant is a can’t-miss dining experience if you’re looking for a lively dining experience. Locals love the thin-crust pizza and shareable portions, perfect for large family gatherings.
Make a reservation at River North’s premier steakhouse, Steak 48. Offering impeccable service and menu options in an upscale environment, Steak 48 is a contemporary and chic steakhouse with a 3,000 bottle wine vault in a dining space of over 12,000 square feet. Menu items include heirloom tomato salad, a raw bar, and Wagyu filets and New York Strip steaks carefully cut in-house by Steak 48’s master butcher.
Another popular steakhouse is Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf. It gives a French flair to the classic steakhouse with dimly lit dining rooms decked in leather and wood.
River North is home to the House of Blues where they have live concerts, a member’s only nightclub, and a southern inspired restaurant. It is a hopping venue where the music is lively, and the food is soothing.
A famously posh nightclub, TAO, is a glamorous venue where celebrities have been spotted. It is a high-energy nightclub with DJ’s and live performances. The restaurant, downstairs, serves fine Japanese cuisine and sushi. No matter where you go River North has something for everyone to enjoy. This Chicago neighborhood is truly something special.
Things to Do
River North is an energetic area of the city with art and design at the forefront. You can find art galleries, historically beautiful buildings, theMART and more to fulfill artistic endeavors. Visit The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) for exhibits, educational programs, and unique experiences for all ages. MOCA was established in 1976 with a mission to bring “new and experimental work in all media” to the citizens of Chicago. The museum also collects and preserves art, with over 2,000 works in the preservation collection.
Take an architectural boat tour along Riverwalk for a perfect day on the water. Each tour presents an in-depth look at Chicago’s history through its architecture. From the 100-year-old Art Deco buildings to the Gothic Cathedrals, you’ll learn something new about the stunning, world-famous architecture of the Windy City on one of these comprehensive tours.
If you’re looking to enjoy some live music, visit the iconic House of Blues and The Bassment. Both venues feature local and national artists and can accommodate private events. House of Blues features a full restaurant and bar and The Bassment offers reservations for entry.
Chicago’s premier piano bar, Red Head Piano Bar, is a basement-level, intimate bar where locals go to catch great tunes and great company. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy live music at this unique venue — they feature live performances almost every day of the week at 7:30 and 11:30 p.m.
Schools