Find the Best Things to Do in River North
By Emma Watters
About River North
Originally home to the city's manufacturing plants and factories, River North's mixture of high-rises and historical buildings adds to the neighborhood's eccentric feel. Home to hot dance clubs, celebrity-owned restaurants, and top-drawer art galleries, the district is definitely worth a trip. You'll find bistros and boutiques housed in century-old warehouses, not to mention the world's largest blues and jazz record shop.
See & Do
Location, location, location. River North is covered in a grid of above-ground El tracks and high-ceiling galleries. The whole area is functional eye-candy. Architectural Foundation River Cruise gives a generous deal of attention to the skyscrapers lining these streets. A handful of Chicago real estate companies will pick you up to see potential apartments. I tried it out. Their first question, what is it you're looking for? My answer: a sweet view. I was taken around River North.
Eat
The perfect restaurant spot where cutting-edge meets traditional. Everything else is showcased in style, cuisine is no different. Block by block there are tons of options that appeal to all tastes. River North knows a thing or two about wine and the prime cut to go with it. A consistent name on the “What's New” list.
Party
Hands down, the neighborhood of choice for Chicago's younger-but-legal bar scene. Expect your typical Saturday night line out the door. Places like Sound Bar where you need to “know” someone to get in without paying $20 at the door. Find a far more welcoming crowd singing along at dueling piano bars.
Stay
Fashion, cupcakes and now hotels are ‘boutiqued.’ Individualizing a major avenue of Chicago commerce, that’s a no-brainer. Boutique hotels are at home amidst River North’s designer-themed district. Housing a smaller number of guests, they are styled with personal taste. Hotel Felix’s modern theme is most evident in the simple artwork gracing the walls.
Shop
River North is Chicago's gallery district. West of Michigan Avenue and just short of the river, an area of former warehouses have been turned into exhibition spaces. Recently, young gallery owners have introduced cutting-edge furniture design stores. Lightology is a must-see for designers. North America's largest contemporary lighting showplace displays chandeliers, quirky lamps and hand-painted fixtures from over 400 manufacturers.