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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

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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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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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

Andy's Jazz Club

20s / 30s / 40s / Bar / Blues / Couples

Party Earth Review A part of Chicago’s rich jazz and blues history since the late 1970s, Andy’s Jazz Club serves up multiple live sets seven nights a week. Located just two blocks from the tourist magnet ... more

11 East Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60611

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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