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A draw for Chicago’s wealthier citizens since the turn of the twentieth century, the Gold Coast is full of traditional mansions and deluxe modern day high-rises – but the glitz and glam doesn’t preclude vibrant scenes both day and night, with wining and dining options for practically any budget.
Most notable is the wild Rush & Division bar scene that explodes nightly along Division when budget-conscious college kids crash the raucous dives and gritty pubs that have been churning out hangovers since the 50s.
World-class eateries on Rush Street bring in powerful politicians looking to destroy massive steaks or intricate Italian cuisine, while restaurants on the surrounding blocks offer more affordable fare.
Daytime brings residents, zealous dog-toting fashionistas, and wide-eyed tourists to nearby Oak Street – frequently called Chicago’s Rodeo Drive – for some swanky shopping at the dozens of high-end boutiques, spas, custom clothiers, and the 900 North Michigan Shops Mall with its six levels of designer paradise, not to mention a stop at Fred’s for brunch and a view of Lake Michigan.
Architecture buffs will like the two residential blocks along the Gold Coast’s Astor Street, whose buildings are all part of the National Register of Historic Landmarks, while nearby Oak Street Beach – often considered the classiest beach in town – welcomes anyone looking to get their Vitamin D alongside Chicago’s elite.
Although living on the Gold Coast may require a hefty bank account, visiting is as affordable as a comfortable pair of shoes.
All Ages / All Types / Casual / TVs
Reviewed by Nick T.
"In a city known for its deep dish pizza, Pizano's definitely competes for best deep dish in the city. (Second only to Lou Malnati's in my book) Before ..." more
864 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
20s and up / 30s / 40s / Affluent
Party Earth Review It may be one of the smallest of Chicago’s lakefront beaches, but Oak Street Beach is also one of the most popular – and certainly the most upscale. Nestled in the ... more
500–1550 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
30s / 40s / 50s Music / 80s Music
Party Earth Review Marked by a sign with the image of a happy man hugging records and a tagline promising “the most fun you won’t remember,” The Hangge Uppe has been a prime Gold Coast spot for drinking ... more
14 West Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60611
30s / Absinthe / Ambient / Blazers
Party Earth Review Tucked inside the ultramodern Sofitel Hotel, Le Bar is a stylish and intimate lounge best known for its French fusion snacks, intricate cocktails, and assortment of gourmet cheeses ... more
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 East Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611
20s / 30s / 40s / Affluent / Ambient
Party Earth Review A classic tavern where the typical dad would hang out with his buds to watch the Bears, P.J. Clarke’s offers a chill vibe and plentiful comfort food, two ingredients that have made ... more
1204 North State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
ATM / Bar Food / Brunch / Burgers / DJ
Reviewed by Sarah N.
"The Chicago edition of New York McFadden’s, it offers all the comforts of an Irish bar within the convenience of a Gold Coast location. Perfect for s ..." more
1206 North State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
30s / 40s / Affluent / Ambient / Darts
Party Earth Review A quintessential Irish pub just north of swanky Rush Street, Butch McGuire’s has been doling out bar fare and beer since 1961 and draws an energetic crowd of affluent professionals ... more
20 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610
30s / 40s / After Work / Bar / Casual
Party Earth Review Despite its proximity to the lavish shops and restaurants of the Magnificent Mile, Pippin’s Tavern has been drawing in one of the most eclectic and diverse crowds in Chicago since 1973 ... more
806 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
20s / 30s / Bachelor Parties / Bars
Party Earth Review Set in the swanky area of Chicago known as the Gold Coast, Rush and Division is an odd mix of flashy, loud, and slightly seedy that features a range of venues from the rowdy bars along ... more
Intersection of Rush Street and Division Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Bar / Bar Food / Baseball Caps / DJ
Party Earth Review Set between the swanky shops of Rush Street and the wild bar scene of Division Street, The Cedar Hotel – a crime-riddled boarding house in the 1920s – now provides a bit of both worlds ... more
1112 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
30s / Breakfast / Date Place
Reviewed by Lauren M.
"My boyfriend and I dined at NoMI this past weekend and we were beyond impressed! Our waiter was extremely helpful and provided many suggestions, the o ..." more
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 North Michigan Avenue, 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
30s / 40s / Affluent / After Work
Party Earth Review Located at the north end of the swanky Rush Street shopping district, Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse is a Gold Coast neighborhood institution that has been alienating the basic tenets of ... more
1028 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611