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River North, Chicago, IL

River North, Chicago, IL

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Venues
Events

Includes: Near North Side.

With its proximity to the moneyed mecca of the Gold Coast and the downtown Loop, River North boasts some of the most coveted loft space, longest stretches of art galleries, and highest concentration of retailers in the city, while its nightlife scene is easily one of the most glamorous around.

The four-million-square-foot Merchandise Mart – so large it had its own zip code until 2008 – is one of the largest commercial buildings in the world, drawing nearly twenty thousand shopaholics a day looking for everything from deluxe home décor to cooking classes and art fairs. Meanwhile, the Gallery District on the northern end of Franklin Street entices moneyed couples and art hounds with its nearly eighty independent dealers packed into a few short blocks.

During the day, diverse ethnic restaurants bring in a young crowd of professionals and post-grads for laid-back lunches on Saturday afternoons, or to unwind over after-work mojitos at a mellow rooftop bar.

Although River North is home to affluent finance types and powerful business people who frequent the posh restaurants along Kinzie and Clark Streets, its upscale demeanor doesn’t preclude a vibrant nightlife – and when the sun goes down, Chicago’s party-seeking youth move in.

East Ontario and North Dearborn are lined with posh nightclubs, sleek lounges, and the see-and-be-seen crowd that comes with them, while Hubbard Street is somewhat more budget friendly, attracting gaggles of tourists looking to pass the hours singing at a piano bar or catching a show at a jazz club.

There’s definitely money in River North, but its nightlife does not discriminate.

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What to Do in River North

Bull & Bear

30s / Affluent / After Work / Beer

Party Earth Review Even on the most crowded and rowdy evenings, Bull & Bear maintains a level of decorum worlds apart from the often raucous venues that dominate Chicago’s sports bar scene. In true Wall ... more

431 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Enclave

20s / 30s / Affluent / Button-downs

Party Earth Review Situated at the far end of an unremarkable parking lot, Enclave is a cavernous dance club where the only indication that something exists behind the unmarked door is the line of sexy ... more

220 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60686

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Mercadito Chicago

30s / 40s / Affluent / Bar / Brunch / DJ

Party Earth Review Located in upscale River North, the Chicago outpost of the Mercadito chain is a top spot with affluent locals and trendy couples in the mood for intricate Mexican fare and more than ... more

108 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Clark Street Ale House

30s / 40s / ATM / After Work / Bar / Beer

Party Earth Review Laid-back vibes and a beer and whiskey selection in the hundreds make Clark Street Ale House a favorite for a wide variety of low-key sippers, at least those who prefer relaxed haunts ... more

742 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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The Purple Pig

Street Parking / Casual / Groups

Reviewed by Daniel W.

"One thing I truly love about Chicago is not only the abundance of great little spots open past midnight, but that often they are busy on the most unli ..." more

500 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

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The Underground

20s / 30s / Bottle Service / Club / DJ

Party Earth Review With its military theme and unmarked basement level entrance, The Underground nightclub takes its aura of exclusivity seriously, which suits the see-and-be-seen clientele just fine ... more

56 West Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Public House

30s / Affluent / Bar Food / Beer / DJ

Party Earth Review Beer lovers in search of a new hangout will make a new home at Public House, a ten-thousand-square-foot gastropub that pours more than 120 labels, including its own seasonal brew produced ... more

400 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Nacional 27

30s / Affluent / After Work / Club

Party Earth Review True to its name, Nacional 27 brings to Chicago a little bit of flavor from all twenty-seven countries in Latin America, drawing a diverse crowd of trendy, fun-loving partygoers eager ... more

325 West Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Sunda

All Ages / All Types / Cocktails

Reviewed by Ayesha J.

"Sunda is one of Chicago's hot spots for great sushi (market-priced sashimi will make your heart melt!), fabulous cocktails, networking contacts, you n ..." more

110 West Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Epic

Button-downs / Cocktails / DJ / Bar

Reviewed by Scott N.

"One of the most underrated bars in Downtown Chicago. Instead of taking the usual route of most people. Try the skyline bar EPIC. Perfect for that s ..." more

112 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60654

Café Iberico

Dinner / Good for Groups / Tapas

Reviewed by Nicole Alexandra P.

"Venture on over to Café Iberico to experience not only the most authentic, delicious and satisfying tapas around Chicagoland, yet I'd have to argue, t ..." more

737 North LaSalle Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60654

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Studio Paris

A-list / Blazers / Button-downs

Party Earth Review There’s always a line of stiletto-wearing ladies and sharply dressed dudes outside Paris Club restaurant, and though the swanky French eatery is itself ridiculously popular, most of ... more

59 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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