Welcome to River North
Chicago neighborhoods are known for their unique integration, bleeding into one another until they merge to create a community of classic elegance, and River North is no different.
This chic community experienced a reinvention in the 1980s when bright professionals and artists flocked to the sprawling warehouses and converted them into stations of industry and culture. Art galleries, offices, loft apartments, condominiums, restaurants, and storefronts burst onto the landscape, complementing the classic architecture in new and refreshing ways. The skyscrapers on Wabash are intermingled with the Golden Age style found in historic sites like the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, affectionately referred to as Chicago’s “Marble Palace.”
What to Love
- Abundant fine dining
- Designer shops dotting the Magnificent Mile
- Blooming residential real estate and converted loft condominiums
Local Lifestyle
The legacy of young artists and professionals lives on in River North. Eager to maintain momentum, there is a constant evolution keeping the neighborhood on the cutting edge of the industry while preserving the classic Chicago-style architecture seen throughout the community.
There is always a new shop, busting innovation, and chic, artisanal flair within the neighborhood. The Chicago Riverwalk is an endless stretch of high-end boutiques, restaurants, bars, and businesses, each enticing locals to fall further in love with their district.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Dozens of award-winning restaurants reside in River North, some of which overlook the water like Beatnik On The River. This bohemian oasis is dripping with atmosphere and stunning cuisine, saturating their food and even their craft cocktails with delicious spices and flavors. Residents also have their pick of top-rated steakhouses like Erie Cafe, serving the classic steakhouse experience with a lounge ambiance and excellent filet mignon. Chicago Cut Steakhouse holds nothing back in its mission to provide fine dining through prime cuts of meat and exquisite wine.As a testament to River North’s vibrant nightlife, the classic Chicago House of Blues allows locals to immerse themselves in jazz culture and impeccable music. The best and most exclusive spot in River North is TAO Chicago. Tucked inside a historic building is Asian fusion haute cuisine, serving Peking duck with a waiting list. On the second level is an extravagant club with top-rated musicians, DJs, and a prestigious VIP list.
Things to Do
In a city that is a living monument to architecture, it makes sense to have Architectural Tours for those who wish to take in the spectacular structures across Chicago. River North’s placement by the river means residents can sit back and relax on one of the many boat tours focused on highlighting the buildings that make Chicago iconic.
Every year, the designer shops dotting the Magnificent Mile don exquisite window decorations, with the lights turning on for the annual Holiday Lighting of Michigan Avenue. Families and friends enjoy walking up and down Designer Row to see the luxury shops done up for the season.
The Merchandise Mart Plaza, referred to by locals as The Mart, is always abuzz with events. For Art on The Mart, the massive merchandise building transforms into a canvas for the world’s largest video projection art installation, breaking the record while also enchanting onlookers with its bright, colorful lights. During the summer, they host River North Live, a music festival hosted on the Riverwalk showcasing beloved musicians that had their roots in Chicago. These events are local favorites, drawing the community to enjoy good music, food, and company.
