River North is known as a bustling district with fun nightlife, fine art galleries, upscale shopping, and some of the hottest dining spots in Chicago. It’s one of the more popular neighborhoods in Chicago because of its vast attractions, easy walkability, and trendy culture.
Learn more about Chicago’s River North, fun things to do, and why locals and visitors love coming here.
Where is River North, Chicago?
River North is near the North Side of the Chicago Loop, nestled between the downtown neighborhoods of the Gold Coast, Streeterville, and Fulton Market. It’s a vibrant area with plenty of public transportation options to travel around Chicago’s boroughs easily.
Things to Do in River North, Chicago: Top Attractions, Local Eats, & Shopping Destinations
Searching for fun things to do in River North? Below are some of its top attractions and the best places to eat with directions.
Walk Along the Chicago Riverwalk
A staple of River North is the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s a 27-foot waterfront walkway 3.4 miles long, where you can soak in Chicago’s urban waterways and metropolitan scenery. There’s plenty to do along the way, including ferry boat tours, Ward A. Montgomery Park, and ART on the MART illuminating art installation.
There are various entrances to the Chicago Riverwalk and ways to get there with public transportation.
For the main entrance, the Millennium Metra station is less than a 10-minute walk via the Orange and Red Lines. The Wacker (Upper) & Michigan bus stop is a two-minute walk to the main entrance via Buses 134, 135, and 136.
Shop Your Way Through the Magnificent Mile
You can’t visit River North without shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Known to locals as the Mag Mile, it’s River North’s premiere shopping district. It has over 430 retailers, spanning across 13 walkable blocks.
You’ll find luxury shopping from Gucci to Tiffany’s to Saks, supersized experiences like Chicago’s Nike Store, a three-story Starbucks Reserve and Roastery, upscale malls like Water Tower Place and North Bridge shops, and plenty of Chicago gift shops. They also have events like the weekly Wednesday Market Days, the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and incredible art and floral installations that are changed monthly. And, if you need a sweet treat, don’t miss the new Museum of Ice Cream, where you can experience a Chicago Dog Ice Cream in a pink poppy seed bun!
The Mag Mile runs from the Chicago River to Oak St in the Near North Side.
You can find various public transit stops within close walking distance, including:
•Chicago Metra via the Red Line (seven-minute walk)
•Grand Metra via the Red Line (10-minute walk)
•Michigan & Huron via Buses 3, 26, 125, and more (two-minute walk)
•Michigan (Lower) & Illinois via Buses 120 and 121 (one-minute walk)
Check Out Cool Bars in River North
River North is a hip neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, including speakeasies, clubs, music venues, and trendy bars. Below are some of River North’s best bars and why they’re worth checking out.
TAO Chicago
Credit: TAO Chicago Gallery
Have you ever been to a hybrid nightclub restaurant? Then, add TAO Chicago to your itinerary. It’s a two-level venue serving Asian cuisine reflected throughout their space. They have four private dining rooms with Chinese daybed-influenced sofas and a 3D projected 20-foot Quan Yin statue on top of a koi pond. Their popular menu options include lobster wontons, wagyu yakitori, and Peking duck. And when you’re ready to dance the night away, you can take the staircase to sip on signature cocktails like lychee martinis and orange blossom sake.
The Grand Metra station is a seven-minute walk via the Red Line. The State & Ontario bus stop is a three-minute walk via Bus 36.
Three Dots and a Dash
Credit: Three Dots and a Dash Website
Even in River North, you can feel like you’re in the Caribbean at Three Dots and a Dash. They’re a tiki bar with a tropical setting, serving flavorful, fruity cocktails. From traditional Mai Tais to bourbon with passionfruit and barrel-sized white peach rum in a pineapple, you’ll have a lively experience here.
The Merchandise Mart Metra station is a five-minute walk via the Brown or Purple Line. Multiple bus stops are also within five minutes or less, including Illinois & Clark, Illinois & Wells, and Wells & Hubbard.
The Drifter
Credit: TimeOut
Get a glimpse of the 20th century at The Drifter. They’re a speakeasy where you enter through a hidden doorway and become immersed in a spooky setting. They continuously play vintage horror movies, serve over 100 cocktails on custom Tarot cards, and have nightly performances. The Drifter has a daily changing cocktail menu, with various drink options, including maple bourbon, absinthe, and mocktails. You can also grab small bites like pork belly sliders, bacon-wrapped dates, and fried Nutella sandwiches.
The Chicago Metra station is only a three-minute walk via the Brown or Purple Line. The Orleans & Eerie bus is a one-minute walk via Bus 37.
Eat at the Best Local Spots
Below are some of the best restaurants in River North to try and why they make the list.
Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Credit: Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! Website
Enjoy authentic Spanish small plates (tapas), Sangria, and more at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! You may have heard of their sister restaurant, Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba!, in Lincoln Park, whereas, this location is in the heart of River North. Choose from tapas like fried shishito peppers, lobster tail skewers, and handmade beef empanadas with chimichurri. Each pair deliciously with their extensive drink menus, including Spanish wines, housemade Sangria, craft cocktails, mocktails, and beers.
The Grand Metra station is a five-minute walk via the Red Line. Multiple bus stops are also within five minutes or less, with the LaSalle & Illinois station being the closest via Bus 156.
Cindy’s
Credit: Cindy’s Website
Enjoy dinner with a view at one of Chicago’s best rooftop restaurants, Cindy’s. It’s located on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel under a glass atrium, where you can see the stunning landscape of Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline while you eat.
Cindy’s is a perfect date idea in River North with its all-season terrace and elevated dining experience. The executive chef was a contestant on Top Chef and produces local wild and seasonal menus with quality ingredients. In addition to dinner, they serve lunch, brunch, midday, and even late-night menus starting at 10 p.m. Their ribeye with oxtail jam and jus, braised pork with white kimchi, and salmon with pistachio salsa macha are decadently delicious.
The Millennium Station is less than a five-minute walk via the Red and Orange Lines. The Washington & Wabash bus stop is seven minutes away via Buses 4, 20, 66, 147, and J14.
RPM Seafood
Credit: RPM Seafood Website
Get top-notch seafood alongside beautiful waterfront views at RPM Seafood. They’re a multi-level restaurant by the Chicago River where you can eat al fresco on a large patio or two smaller terraces. During colder seasons, you can still soak in the stunning outdoor scenery with their floor-to-ceiling windows. As the name suggests, RPM Seafood serves quality fish and seafood. From red curry lobster with green papaya to miso black cod and king crab mac & cheese, you can’t go wrong with any dish. They also have an extensive wine selection that pairs perfectly with their meals.
The Clark/Lake Metra station is a five-minute walk via the CTA Blue Red, or Brown Line, and several bus stops. The 321 N LaSalle bus stop is three minutes away via Bus 156.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
Credit: Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf Website
Looking for date night ideas in River North? Take your loved one to Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf. It’s a French steakhouse with a romantic jazz setting that serves exquisite meats, fish, and seafood. Choose from classic options like dry-aged bone-in ribeye and American wagyu steaks, with enhanced add-ons like roasted garlic and peppercorn crust. Their prime beef French dip sandwich, chopped chicken liver, and short rib stroganoff are also sure to make your mouth water.
The Merchandise Mart Metra station is a one-minute walk via the Brown or Purple Line. The Orleans & Hubbard bus stop is less than a five-minute walk via Bus 37 or 125.
Pizzeria Uno
Credit: Pizzeria Uno Website
Get a slice of Chicago history at Pizzeria Uno. As the original creators of deep-dish pizza in 1943, Pizzeria Uno combines Chicago style and Italian cuisine into one hearty pie. They’re now a family-owned chain, serving delicious pizza flavors, like four cheese & pesto and BBQ chicken.
Not craving deep-dish pizza? They also offer other menu items like shrimp and crab dip, pomodoro, and Italian beef sandwiches. Their deep dish sundae with a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream is also a must-try.
The Grand Metra station is a two-minute walk via the Red Line. The Grand & State bus stop is also a two-minute walk via Bus 65.
Discover River North Living: Rent Your Next Apartment with TLC Management Co.
Thinking about making River North your new home? We can help you find the perfect River North apartments for rent or the surrounding areas.
At TLC Management, we own over 36 properties within and around Chicago, each with its unique mix of luxuries and conveniences. As a local company, we have the expertise to guide you based on your budget, needs, and lifestyle. Plus, we’re not just the building owners—we’re dedicated property managers committed to making your renting experience enjoyable.
Our Gramercy Row Apartments in River North have top-notch amenities, including:
•French kitchen doors and high ceilings
•Prime location with steps to shopping, dining, and nightlife
•Fitness center and assigned parking
Searching for apartments around River North or nearby?
Browse our Chicago listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com today!
