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Gold Coast, Chicago, IL

Gold Coast, Chicago, IL

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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.

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What to Do in the Gold Coast

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon

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

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Lou Malnati's (Gold Coast)

After Work / All Ages / Beer / TVs

Reviewed by Brooke M.

"I'm quite familiar with the pizza. In fact, I think I'm more in tune with pizza than I am with members of my own family. That being said, I'm most fam ..." more

1120 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610

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Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse

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

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Le Bar

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

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P.J. Clarke's

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

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The Cedar Hotel

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

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Butch McGuire's

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

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The Hangge-Uppe

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

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The Lodge Tavern

30s / ATM / After Work / Blouses / Pub

Party Earth Review Opened in 1957, The Lodge Tavern is the oldest purveyor of drunken revelry on the infamous Rush and Division strip, and late-night hours ensure that anyone in the market for a rowdy ... more

21 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610

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Pippin's Tavern

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

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Rush & Division

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

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Oak Street Beach

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

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