River North
Galleries by day, restaurants and bars after dark.
River North is north of the river and west of Michigan Avenue, full of galleries, restaurants, bars and converted industrial buildings. It is the best base for eating and going out, and still walkable to the Loop and the lakefront. Hotels range from boutique to large chains, and rooms can be lively rather than quiet. It is also busy and commercial, and the nightlife streets get loud on weekends.
What works
- The best concentration of restaurants and bars
- Walkable to the Loop and the river
- Galleries and design shops
What doesn’t
- Loud on weekend nights
- Commercial and busy
- Fewer quiet residential streets
One local move
Book a room away from Hubbard and Division if you want sleep, and eat on the side streets rather than the main nightlife strip. For a quieter evening, walk to the river and cross into the Loop.
Getting around
The Grand, Chicago and Merchandise Mart stations on the Brown and Purple lines, plus Red Line stations along State Street, connect the area. The river bridges link to the Loop on foot.
Safety
Safe and busy, with more late-night noise than danger. Watch your belongings in the bar crowds and avoid walking into unfamiliar blocks west of the area after midnight.
4 picks in River North
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
The Langham, Chicago
A refined riverside hotel in a Mies van der Rohe building with large rooms, a spa and a quiet club floor; one of the city's best stays.
Hotel Chicago Downtown
A modern hotel near the river with comfortable rooms and easy access to River North's restaurants; practical and well located.
Freehand Chicago
A hostel-hotel with dorms, private rooms and a lively bar; good for younger travellers and groups.
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
A modern hotel with a rooftop lounge and a strong design identity; a social, central stay that feels more boutique than chain.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
Girl & the Goat
New American
Stephanie Izard's celebrated restaurant with shared plates and bold flavours; book well ahead and go hungry.
Mr. Beef
Italian beef
A no-frills stand for Chicago's Italian beef sandwich; order it dipped, use the peppers, and bring napkins.
Portillo's
Chicago fast food
A local chain for hot dogs, Italian beef and chocolate cake; not gourmet, but a reliable, cheap Chicago experience.