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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

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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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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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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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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Howl at the Moon

80s Music / After Work / Bar

Party Earth Review For those who rock out in the shower but are too embarrassed to try karaoke, the pianists at Howl at the Moon offer an introvert’s alternative, playing crowd-pleasers late into the ... more

26 West Hubbard 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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Bevy Chicago

Bottle Service / Coat Check / DJ

Reviewed by D'Andre J.

"Wanna party in class with Chicago's top entertainers and celebs well a Sunday night at Bevy Night club is definitely the place to be. You be surround ..." more

215 West Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60654

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Moe's Cantina

20s / 30s / After Work / Bar / Brunch

Party Earth Review Despite a preponderance of creative galleries and contemporary boutiques in River North, Moe’s Cantina manages to stand apart from the hipster contingent with a cavernous, upscale space ... more

155 West Kinzie 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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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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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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