PLAY
The Chicago River borders River North on the west and south, so you can stroll along the Riverwalk or take a kayak or architecture tour. The Merchandise Mart can’t be missed—literally, as it takes up two city blocks, and it’s 25 stories tall. THE MART houses 250 design showrooms to explore during the day. At night, ART on THE MART transforms the 2.5-acre facade of THE MART into one of the world’s largest digital art platforms. For a deeper look into the neighborhood’s arts scene, head to the Addington Gallery for contemporary paintings and mixed-media pieces. From there, you’ll find a number of galleries on Superior Street. You can choose from Gruen Galleries, Gallery VICTOR, Jean Albano Gallery, Andrew Bae Gallery, and Zg Gallery or visit them all.
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EAT
For your daily caffeine intake, head to Caffè Umbria for Italian-style espresso or Blue Bottle Coffee for one of its popular holiday blend coffees. River North has so many great dining spots that you might have a hard time choosing. Beatrix has shareable plates including whipped feta, hot honey Brussels sprouts, and buffalo chicken meatballs. The menu is also full of creative options, including cauliflower mac and cheese and a green chili and chicken enchilada. You’ll find a wide variety of Italian fare at Siena Tavern, including house-made pastas, carne, and pizza. (The burnt pepperoni pizza is a must.) The Smith offers a range of steaks, pastas, and a raw bar with oysters and shellfish. Don’t miss the martini hour menu, available at the bar from 3–6 p.m. Three Dots and a Dash’s tropical vibe is a welcome departure from blustery Chicago winters. Think rum, exotic fruits, and neon drinks named Aloha Felecia and Poblano Escobar. The bar will warm you up even when it’s cold outside.
STAY
Level River North isn’t your average stay in Chicago. This luxury apartment building has all the amenities of a boutique hotel and is available for nightly and extended stays. Guests can choose from studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, each with fully equipped kitchens. On the sixth-floor rooftop patio, you’ll find a pool, barbecue grill stations, a bocce court, an outdoor pet run, and myriad seating options, including some with fire pits. Inside, there’s a fitness center and a pet parlor and spa. For those traveling with kids, a family lounge is equipped with games, toys, beanbags, and even a small clubhouse. With so many amenities, you might not want to leave the property.
