The River North District in Chicago recently underwent a complete transformation. While the streets were once lined with industrial warehouses, today, they’re home to shops, restaurants, bars, and residential apartments and condos. Today’s River North District in Chicago is trendy, glamorous, and perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action.
River North location
Welcome to the land of gingham shirts, reservations, and valet parking. Chicago’s River North neighborhood is located in its Near North Side, surrounded by bougie areas like Streeterville and the Gold Coast. As its name suggests, this lively locale sits to the north of the Chicago River, just across the Kinzie Street Bridge from the Loop and steps away from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile. The River North District of Chicago is also just a short walk to the Chicago Loop.
This urban area is densely populated with nine-to-fivers, a cornucopia of eateries, galleries galore, busy bottle-service dance clubs, and luxurious high-rises. The vibrant community is also blessed with the Chicago Riverwalk, which offers ample views of the city skyline.
River North transportation
The River North District is right next to the best of Downtown Chicago. Many restaurants, bars, and entertainment attractions are walkable from this location. Public transportation is also easily accessible from the district for destinations that are farther away.
The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line shuffles between the North and South Sides via downtown 24/7, stopping along the way at River North’s Grand subway station on North State Street. Both the Brown Line and Purple Line stop at Chicago Avenue and Merchandise Mart before making their way to the Loop.
Many bus routes serve the area, with stops every few blocks. 22 Clark travels from the Loop and the North Side to River North. 65 Grand goes down Grand Avenue before connecting with both the Red and Blue Lines farther west. 66 Chicago goes from Michigan Ave to West Town via Chicago Ave. Whatever you do, don’t drive. The L can get you to the city’s central business district, The Loop, in less than 15 minutes.
Most people in River North don’t own a car. While it may be possible, parking isn’t included with most rentals. Communities that do have parking garages charge a lot more in rent. Also, driving usually takes much longer than walking or public transportation.
River North schools
River North has several school options available. Public schools like the Noble Academy are available within the district. Parents who prefer to send their children to a private school can choose from schools like the Latin School of Chicago or the British International School.
River North is a great place to live if you attend any of the colleges in the Chicago area. Chicago is home to Loyola University, the University of Illinois, DePaul University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and many others. Many students choose to live in the River North District because of its proximity to the colleges.
Dining and drinking in River North
River North District in Chicago is one of the trendiest dining destinations in the city. The lively area is home to restaurants that serve all types of cuisines, and bars with tasty drinks and great atmospheres. Check out some of the top restaurants and bars in the area:
The Doughnut Vault
401 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
Some Chicagoans stay in Saturday night just to line up for at The Doughnut Vault bright and early on Sunday morning. With delicious creations like the grape jelly with peanut butter icing and the wedding cake doughnut, it’s no wonder they always sell out. Pro tip: Grab a Starbucks to sip on while you wait.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
You’ll need a new favorite pizza place if you move to River North, and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a great option. During the warmer months, you can grab a slice or two and enjoy a true Chicago pizza while dining on the patio. You can order a Chicago-style deep dish or go with a thinner crust pizza. Either way, it’s delicious. The local family-owned chain is known for its crunchy, buttery crust.
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Late at night, you’ll often find bar-goers at Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Grab a Chicago dog or world-famous Italian beef sandwich. The River North location is the classic Chicago chain’s flagship spot. If you’re really craving something sweet, a “cake shake” is an off-menu dish that locals rave about.
Green Door Tavern
678 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
The Green Door Tavern is kind of reminiscent of a Bennigan’s, but the burger bar is sitting on a subterranean secret, The Drifter. This basement bar is a legit Prohibition-era speakeasy, complete with hourly cabaret acts and an incredible rotating cocktail list presented on a series of tarot cards, and is one of the reasons River North made our list of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals.
Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Tell your date to pack their bags, because you’ve got two tickets to a tropical paradise. They’ll be happy once they have a flamboyantly garnished rum-tastic tiki beverage in their hands. A tropical getaway feeling is nothing short of guaranteed at Three Dots and a Dash.
Shopping in River North
You’ll find a wide range of shopping in River North District, including trendy boutiques and eclectic gift shops. Upscale shops and luxe fashion outlets line Chicago’s premier commercial district, the Magnificent Mile. The Shops at North Bridge takes up six blocks of it, featuring a Nordstrom store and Eataly among its 50+ shops and restaurants. Head to N Wabash to get your big brown bag of goodies from Bloomie’s.
Merchandise Mart, referred to as “The Mart,” houses showrooms, restaurants, and offices. An interior design district surrounds this sprawling, iconic building.
Entertainment in River North
The River North District is right in the middle of theaters, farmers markets, and parks. If you choose to move to the River North District, you’ll never run out of entertainment. River North is just a hop, skip, and a jump from many Chicago attractions, including Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum, 360 Chicago, Lake Shore Drive, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).
Theaters and museums in River North
River North has an abundance of art, history, and theaters to enjoy. The Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and the Lookingglass Theater sit across the street from each other in historic gothic buildings on North Michigan Avenue. The former is on the first floor of the historic Water Tower, while the latter is inside the old Pumping Station. The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Illusions Chicago are also both near the River North District.
Historic Gilded Age architecture meets interior design at The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, a restored 19th-century mansion on Eerie Street. Count the different types of marble (there are 17), gaze up at the hand-painted ceilings, and marvel at the carved exotic wood wainscoting.
River North is actually short for River North Gallery District, so named for its gaggle of galleries, primarily congregated along Chicago, Superior, and Huron streets. Check out the photography collections at the Stephen Daiter Gallery and Catherine Edelman Gallery, and admire the Asian art at the Andrew Bae Gallery.
Farmers markets in River North
The nearest farmers markets can be found in the Museum of Contemporary Art (SOAR Farmers Market) and at Division and Dearborn (Division Street City Market). But what River North lacks in outdoor markets, it makes up for by having both a Whole Foods (West Huron Street and North Dearborn) and a Trader Joe’s (East Ontario Street and North Wabash).
Parks in River North
Even though River North District Chicago is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the big city, its residents still have access to outdoor recreation. With a lot of outdoor parks in the area, you can easily fit in your fitness routine or daily fresh air.
On the banks of the Chicago River, the modest Ward (A. Montgomery) Park offers a place for both K9s and kiddos to play. To the north in the Washington Park/Woodlawn neighborhood, Washington Park boasts nearly 350 acres of fun, featuring three playgrounds, a pool, an arboretum, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, sports courts, a lagoon, a game room, a racquetball court, and more.
It’s also home to the renowned Fountain of Time sculpture by Lorado Taft and the DuSable Museum of African American History. Grant Park, Millennium Park, Cloudgate (The Bean), and Buckingham Fountain are just 20 minutes away by train.
Riverwalk in River North
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Riverwalk. For the best views, we recommend entering on Franklin Street and then walking down to Dusable, with a stop for wine at City Winery or ice cream on the way.
Renting in River North
Renting in River North District Chicago puts you central to the best food, bars, and entertainment the city offers. Here is what you can expect to pay for a rental in River North, Chicago:
- Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,982 per month
- Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $2,481 per month
- Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $3,618 per month
The amenities you choose in your rental significantly influence how much you can expect to pay each month. The north side of Chicago tends to have slightly higher rental prices than the south side. However, you can reduce transportation costs by relying on the public transportation system to get around the city.
Rentals in River North are usually large, high-rise buildings with modern architecture. Many of them have premium lobbies, and some have door service. You may also be able to find a building in River North with beautiful views of the city from your living room or bedroom. Some rentals also have rooftop pools or lounge spaces. Choosing a furnished rental in River North also costs more than supplying your own furniture.
The River North District is home to a lot of students and young working professionals. While some rentals with more bedrooms may be available for larger families, they’re less common and come at a much higher price. Check out all available rentals in the River North District of Chicago today.
Ready to move to River North? Search thousands of River North apartments on Zumper and get ready to call this neighborhood home.
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