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Sun / Jan 17
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
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
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 with its unique combination of historical architecture and energetic sports vibe. Popular with a party crowd of post-grads and sports fans ... 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
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 it a casual mainstay in the competitive – and ritzy – Gold Coast neighborhood. A halo of neon over large open windows lights up the front door ... more
1204 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, younger frat types, and party girls looking for a good time. Butch himself originally launched the pub as a singles bar, and although local ... 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 from wealthy shoppers and young businessmen to college students and foreign tourists. The weathered façade, which looks like a gingerbread ... more
806 North Rush Street
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 vegetarianism – and recommended portion size – since 1989. Boasting ice-cold martinis, massive cuts of beef, and desserts that could double ... more
1028 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Breakfast / Brunch / Burgers
Info Hash House A Go Go keeps the fun in food while pulling from the experiences of farm fresh agriculture, live stock, and old recipes with a twist. Hash House A Go Go serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. ... more
1212 North State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
Restaurants in the Gold Coast tend to split into two areas: pricy tourist destinations and places with plenty of grease to soak up the alcohol that flows down Rush and Division Streets. Area pubs have been serving up food since mid-century, and though there are no surprises on their menus, their burgers and fries certainly help patrons get to their 4–5am closing times. Party hotspots like Butch McGuire’s and McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon bring Irish pub grub to their fratty crowds, while more genteel taverns like P.J. Clarke’s serve up the same kind of food in an atmosphere more conducive to having dinner with the parents.
If parents are buying, however, Gold Coast steakhouses might be the way to go. Legendary spots (Gibson’s, Morton’s) and newer spots like David Burke’s Primehouse are the headquarters for the city’s fat cats and those who emulate them. For upscale establishments that are more chic than Wall Street, sparkly pretty places like NoMi and RA Sushi see their fill of groups of girlfriends living the good life as well as dates trying to impress each other.
Recently, Gold Coast restaurants outside of these categories have started opening up, bringing in a diverse crowd from other neighborhoods. Trendy burger grills like Epic Burger and character-filled spots like Ian Schrager’s relaunch of the Pump Room prove that there is a Gold Coast beyond deep dish and old-school dining rooms.