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River North, Chicago, IL

River North, Chicago, IL

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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

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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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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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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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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Citizen Bar

Affluent / Bar Food / Blouses / DJ

Party Earth Review A swanky exposed brick hideout in the winter, the upscale Citizen Bar gets into full swing in the warmer months when it opens a massive five-thousand-square-foot rooftop deck, making ... more

364 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Dick's Last Resort

American Restaurant / Burgers

Reviewed by Gabriella D.

"Dick;s Last Resort is probably one of the only restaurants where you go HOPING the waiters/waitresses are rude to you and boy, are they! Me and a larg ..." more

315 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610

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Underground Wonder Bar

30s / 40s / Affluent / Art / Artsy / Bar

Party Earth Review Founded in 1989 by multi-talented Chicago native Lonie Walker – who still helms the house Bad Ass Company Band – Underground Wonder Bar touts a packed calendar of nightly performances ... more

710 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Blue Frog's Local 22

After Work / Alternative Rock

Party Earth Review Renovated in 2011 by Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, Blue Frog’s Local 22 is a sports and karaoke bar featuring a snazzy sports design and a menu of organic meats and locally brewed beer. Bright ... more

22 East Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60611

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Cuvée

Affluent / Bar / Bottle Service

Party Earth Review Accessed via a dark alley and an impenetrable doorman blocking the unmarked entrance, Cuvée is an upscale late-night lounge with a focus on champagne and pretty people. Developed by ... more

308 West Erie 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

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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House of Blues Chicago

All Ages / Bar / Bluegrass / Blues

Party Earth Review A maze of function rooms, dining areas, and two stages support the House of Blues’ reputation for great music, good grub, and a packed house practically every night. Swaggering locals ... more

329 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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