The '''Near North''' is the shop-and-awe center of Chicago. It's bounded by North Avenue to the north, the Chicago River to the west and south, and Lake Michigan to the east.

With a whirlwind rush of department stores, restaurants, and luxurious hotels, there's no better place to abuse your budget than the Near North and its celebrated '''Magnificent Mile'''.

Understand

The Near North includes the neighborhoods of '''River North''', full of art galleries, commercial lofts, and some tourist restaurants, nightclubs and bars; '''Streeterville''' and the Gold Coast, with expensive living for rich folks and many of the city's most impressive hotels; and the most prestigious shopping district in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, which includes one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks, the '''Water Tower'''.

This area has been a part of Chicago from the beginning, when Fort Dearborn was built on the other side of the river in 1803 (and burned to the ground nine years later, establishing an unfortunate civic trend). But ever since the early 1920s, when bridges were built to draw shoppers away from State Street in the Loop, there has been too much to sell, too much awe to inspire, and not a minute to spare. That's why the Near North can be such a delight at a tourist's pace. The locals are in a hurry, but if you're not, the serene image of the old Water Tower or the resolutely quiet riverwalk can take on the feel of a private discovery, even with all of these people around.

That's not to say you can't have fun getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, of course. The sheer amount of shopping on Michigan Avenue cannot be overstated. The world's most elite fashion designers are all represented here, and the rest wish they were. River North has many of the city's busiest (if not best) clubs, with a dense row on Rush Street. In the Near North, you'll find a few significant members of the Chicago skyline, including the '''John Hancock Center''' and '''Lake Point Tower''', which stands alone to the east at the end of a new, steel-and-glass future-scape in south Streeterville; it makes for an impressive view from Lake Shore Drive, and serves as an entryway to one of the city's most popular tourist spots, '''Navy Pier''', a great place for entertaining children and catching the breeze from Lake Michigan with an evening stroll or a turn on the 150-foot tall '''Ferris Wheel'''.

Get in

By train

The CTA '''Red Line''' has stops near the entertainment in River North (Clark/Division) and the Magnificent Mile (Chicago, Grand).

The CTA '''Brown Line''' and '''Purple Line''' stop in the midst of the River North galleries (Chicago), and the Merchandise Mart has the next stop all to itself.

By bus

An intricate web of CTA bus lines serves the Near North, most converging upon the northern end of Michigan Avenue. Several express buses from other parts of the city serve Michigan Avenue, notably the '''147 Outer Drive Express''' from the north side and '''3 King Drive Express''' from the south side. Once you're here, though, you'll find it better to cover the Magnificent Mile on foot.

  • '''22 Clark''' is useful for travelers coming from the Loop and the North Side to River North.
  • '''65 Grand''' travels down Grand Avenue, connecting with both the Red Line and the Blue Line further west.
  • '''66 Chicago''' travels down Chicago Ave from the lakefront to Michigan Avenue, through River North, and on to West Town.
  • '''124 Navy Pier''' serves Navy Pier directly from train hub Union Station and Millennium Park in the Loop.
  • '''125 Water Tower Express''' brings you to the Water Tower from the other Loop train hub, Ogilvie/Northwestern Station, and the Merchandise Mart.
  • '''157 Streeterville''' runs close to Navy Pier and on to the Loop.
  • By car

    Don't drive to the Near North unless you have a very good reason for doing so. Streets are packed with taxis, confused tourists, desperate businessmen late for something or other, and even the occasional horse. Your knuckles don't need the strain.

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    See

    Along the Magnificent Mile is a one day and night itinerary that connects the Near North with the Loop for shopping, food, skyscrapers, parks, and amazing views of Chicago from high and low.

  • Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. 76 N Michigan Ave. ake CTA. 1 312 977-0227. h-M 10AM-5PM. 3 adults, children under 5 are free. ttp://bridgehousemuseum.org/home/. Open late spring (mid-May), summer, and fall. A new, small museum spread over the five floors of the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Visitors can see displays on the history of Chicago's famously abused river, and also check out the machinery used for raising the bridge.

  • Hancock Observatory. ohn Hancock Center, 875 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. -888 875-8439. AM-11PM. 15 adults, $9 children, $10 seniors; $3 for additional entry within 48 hours. ttp://www.hancockobservatory.com. 360-degree view from the 94th floor. Not quite as high as the Sears Tower Skydeck, but with a Museum of Contemporary Art. 20 E Chicago Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 280-2660. ttp://www.mcachicago.org/. u 10AM-8PM, W-Su 10AM-5PM. 12 ($7 student, free Tuesdays). Contemporary art from around the world. The MCA has a great location and plenty of financial backing, but it's still fighting for recognition in the museum world; while not an upper-tier institution as yet, that has resulted in some interesting exhibitions. There isn't much of a permanent collection, so check what's on before you go. Also, Wolfgang Puck operates a lunch-only eatery in the MCA.

  • Newberry Library. 0 W Walton St. hicago Red Line. 1 312 943?9090. eading rooms Tu-Th 10AM-6PM, F-Sa 9AM-5PM. ree. ttp://www.newberry.org/. The oldest public library in Chicago, although not part of the city library system. The collection focuses on the humanities, American and European history, and the age of exploration. Occasional author events are held.

  • Pritzker Military Library. 10 N Fairbanks Ct. rand Red Line. 1 312 587-0234. -F 8:30AM-4:30PM. ree. ttp://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/. A goldmine for people interested in military history, both scholarly and as told by the men and women who lived it, with a vast collection of books, prints, photos, and other military artifacts, and gallery exhibitions. Free evening events with major authors and Medal of Honor recipients are held throughout the year, mostly on Thursday nights; check the schedule on the website.

  • Tribune Tower. 35 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 222-9100. Built in 1925, the walls of the Tribune Tower contain rocks from many famous world landmarks, including: the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, the Great Pyramid, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and most recently from the demolished World Trade Center. The Tribune Tower even managed to get its hands on a moon rock, but so far NASA hasn't allowed it to add the rock to the wall.

  • The Trump Tower. 01 N Wabash Ave. 1362 ft. The Trump Hotel and luxury residential building is both the newest member of the Chicago skyline, completed at the beginning of 2009, and the tallest after the Sears Tower — indeed, it is the second tallest in the United States, ninth in the world. The Donald intended for it to be the tallest in the world, but decided to scale back to a mere "second tallest in
  • Chicago Children's Museum. 00 E Grand Avenue, #127. 1 312 527-1000. u-W, F 10AM-5PM; Th, Sa 10AM-8PM. dmission $8, free Thursday after 5PM, free for children on the first Monday of every month. ttp://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/. Hands-on exhibits for kids, including the popular Dinosaur Expedition.

  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 00 E Grand Ave. avy Pier. 1 312 595-5600. ttp://www.chicagoshakes.com/. 54-$70. The CST has offered high production values and somewhat bland production experiences since the company moved into their new, $24 million dollar theater in 1999; not ''bad'', mind you, but not likely to leave you with much more than a pleasant, faintly-remembered evening. Still, if you're in the mood for Shakespeare, you'll find a professionally-mounted production of one of his major works here throughout the year.

  • Fireworks. ummer: W 9:30PM, Sa 10:15PM. You can watch the fireworks display from anywhere on the Pier. Booze and live music of varying quality are available at '''The Beer Garden''' (+1 312 595-5439, summer W-Sa to midnight, Su to 10PM).

  • IMAX Movie Theater. 1 312 595-5MAX. howtimes begin 10AM-8PM. ickets $9-$15. ttp://www.imax.com/chicago/. Both Hollywood movies and IMAX films are shown on the six-story movie screen here.

  • <listing name="Internet Access" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="$4/30min with ice cream purchase">Available at terminals next to the Haagen Dazs cafe about halfway down Dock Street, just past the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.</listing>
  • Pier Park. -Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-10PM. ach attraction $5, Ferris Wheel $6. ttp://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/pier_park.html. Includes the signature '''Ferris Wheel''', a mini-golf course, remote-controlled boats, and more.

  • Skyline Stage. 1 312 902-1500. ox office 12-6PM, W-Sa. ickets $14.50-$29.50 for most shows. ttp://www.navypier.com/things2do/entertainment/skyline_stage.html. Shows of mild interest, ranging from jazz and blues to small touring circuses.

  • Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. 1 312 595-5024. ree. ttp://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/smith_museum.html. A mix of antique pieces, including several from Tiffany in New York, and also some contemporary work. Curator-led tours are available at 2PM on Thursdays.

    A few Chicago restaurants have branches here [http://www.navypier.com/din_shop/dining.html]. There's also a food court, and vendors along the dock during the summer. You're much better off making the short walk to one of the nearby restaurants off the pier, though — you'll save money and likely eat better. There's no cost for re-entry to Navy Pier, after all.

    Among the restaurants, '''The Billy Goat''' and '''Charlie's Ale House''' serve beers that are brewed in-house. Try the dark beer from the Billy Goat or head down to the The Beer Garden to sample Chicago brewers Goose Island.

    Shopping [http://www.navypier.com/din_shop/shopping.html] is in plentiful supply, although it's pretty much limited to tourist-souvenir Chicago kitsch type stuff.

    Do

    '''Horse-drawn carriages''' ply routes along the Magnificent Mile and through Streeterville, usually beginning around the Water Tower. (You might see police officers on horses as well.) While there are too many cars to establish the kind of atmosphere you might expect in, say, Central Park, you'll probably know whether the night calls for a carriage ride, and choose accordingly. Expect to pay about $35 for a half-hour tour. College students also roam the area with small yellow cabs attached to the backs of bicycles for a low-cost, low-point alternative.

  • Drury Lane Theater. 75 E Chestnut St (Water Tower Place). hicago Red Line. 1 312 642-2000. ox office opens 10AM, 11AM Sundays. ickets $59.50-$69.50. Dinner packages are offered with the Mity Nice Grill. ttp://www.drurylanewatertower.com/. Part of the Broadway in Chicago crew, although most of their offerings are locally-produced, amiable shtick.

  • Lookingglass Theater. 21 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 337-0665. ox office opens at 10AM on weekdays, 11AM weekends. ickets range from $20 on weekdays to $58 on weekends. ttp://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/. Modern theater company, currently resident in the old Pumping Station across the street from the Water Tower, most famous for being co-founded by David Schwimmer.

  • Oak Street Beach. etween 500–1550 Lake Shore Dr. pen during the summer, from dawn to dusk. There is plenty of everybody doing everything at Oak Street Beach. Beyond swimming and sun-tanning, it's one of the city's most popular spots for beach volleyball, and there are concrete paths for cycling and skating. (Do not, however, plan to eat lunch at the restaurant on the beach.) To get here, cross under Lake Shore Drive through a pedestrian underpass.

    Events & Festivals

  • Air & Water Show. Every August, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds headline a five-hour show over Lake Michigan. "Show Central" is at North Avenue Beach, but the action may be viewed anywhere from Northerly Island to Montrose Point, inland through Lincoln Park, and offshore by boat. (If you go by water, take a big boat, as the heavy traffic makes for choppy, seasickness-inducing waves.) A dress rehearsal takes place on Friday, often with multiple run-throughs by the headlining act. You won't see 100% of the weekend show, but it's a great way to avoid the crowds.

    Buy

    Magnificent Mile

    One of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, this stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to massive department stores, wildly expensive boutiques, and larger-than-usual stores for national chains like '''The Gap''', '''Banana Republic''', and '''Crate & Barrel'''. Some retailers even have two or more branches here: one standing alone, and another in one of the department stores. This isn't the place to look for discounts, though. Remember, you're not shopping here because it's cheap — you're shopping here because it's the Magnificent Mile.

  • 900 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 915-3916. -Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM. ttp://www.shop900.com/. 70 specialty shops in the most stunning of the Michigan Avenue department stores. Includes '''MaxMara''', among the most expensive stores for women's apparel on a street that's known for expense.

  • American Girl Place. hicago Red Line. 11 E Chicago Ave. 1 877-247-5223. u-W 9AM-7PM, Th-Sa 9AM-9PM. ttp://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_chi.php. Dolls. Doll houses. Doll hair salon. A doll hospital. Doll photo studio. Tea with dolls. Brunch, lunch, and dinner with dolls. Stories about dolls. Theater with dolls. Dolls starting controversies by calling Pilsen an unsafe place to grow up. Other than that, pretty much your average store.

  • Ann Taylor. 00 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 587-8301. -Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. ttp://www.anntaylor.com/. Money rushes out of wallets at this fashionable women's store, anchor of the 600 N Michigan shopping complex. If you like what you see, also check out the '''Ann Taylor Loft''' [http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.jsp] at 520 N Michigan, and another at Water Tower Place (see below).

  • Apple Store. hicago Red Line. 79 N Michigan Ave. 1 312 981-4104. -Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. ttp://www.apple.com/retail/northmichiganavenue/. For some, a welcome respite from all of the clothes; for others, just more expensive fashion. This Apple-sleek showroom carries the full line of the company's products and accessories, and is usually packed with on-lookers pawing at all of the pretty designs. Several workshops are held each day for the true believers.

  • Burberry. 33 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 266-7440. -Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.burberry.com. Fashion for men, women, and children from the English retail legend, famous for their made-to-order trench coats.

  • Cartier Inc.. 30 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 787-2500. -Sa 10AM-6PM. ttp://www.cartier.com. Boutique for the French jeweler and watchmaker.

  • Chicago Place. hicago Red Line. 00 N Michigan Ave. 1 312 266-7710. -F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.chicago-place.com/. Eight-level retail center, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue.

  • The Disney Store. 17 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 654-9208. -F 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. You know what you're getting into when you walk through these doors. It's the perfect place to reward a Disney fan who's been well-behaved during your family trip, but if you're on a budget, don't risk coming within two blocks.

  • Ermenegildo Zegna. 45 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 587-9660. -Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.zegna.com. All of the elements for an excessively fashionable man, from shoes to shirts to suits.

  • Giorgio Armani. 00 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 751-2244. -Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.giorgioarmani.com. Boutique for the star Italian designer of men and women's fashion.

  • Neiman Marcus Showroom. 37 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 642-5900. -Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/info/store.jhtml?storeId=19/MA&_requestid=32492. Prada, Chanel, and other designer accessories in this distinctive Michigan Avenue store.

  • Niketown. 69 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 642-6363. -Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. ttp://www.niketown.com. Not quite the hot-spot it was after it opened in 1993, when lines wrapped around the block to get in, but Niketown still exists somewhere between a store and a shrine to Nike products. Athletes from visiting sports teams can often be seen here paying homage (and cash).

  • Nordstrom's. rand Red Line. 5 E Grand Ave. 1 312 464-1515. -Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. ttp://www.nordstom.com. Clothes and accessories for men, women, and children, including a wide selection of shoes.

  • Old Plank Antiques. E Huron St. rand Red Line. 1 312 981-7000. -Sa 11AM-5PM. ttp://www.oldplankonhuron.com/. Antiques from around the world, intended to be accessible to budgets large and small.

  • Salvatore Ferragamo. 45 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 397-0464. -Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.ferragamo.com. Fashionable boutique for women's apparel and accessories. The store is far from cluttered; what they have will sell, and they know it.

  • The Shops at North Bridge. rand Red Line. 20 N Michigan Ave. 1 312 327-2300. -Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm. ttp://www.theshopsatnorthbridge.com/. Includes another Nordstom, a Spa Nordstom, a LEGO store, fifty more specialty shops, and physically connected to the Conrad Chicago hotel.

  • Tails in the City. E Delaware Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 649-0347. -Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.tailsinthecity.com/. Designer treats and accessories for the fashion-conscious cat and the trend-minded dog.

  • Tiffany & Co.. 30 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 944-7500. -Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 12-5PM. ttp://www.tiffany.com. Internationally renowned retailer of jewelry, sterling silverware, china, crystal, and more.

  • Water Tower Place. hicago Red Line. 35 N Michigan Ave. 1 312 440-3166. -Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. ttp://www.shopwatertower.com/. Features an eight-level atrium and over a hundred stores, from fashionable clothes to the Chicago Cubs Clubhouse.

    Other shops

  • Abraham Lincoln Book Shop. 57 W Chicago Ave. hicago Brown Line. 1 312 944-3085. -W,F 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Offers "Historical Americana," namely Lincoln and Civil War items, rare and autographed books, an amazing collection of Civil War photographs and salt prints, and all sorts of fascinating miscellany. Check out their "Essential" shelves for aspiring collectors and see how your own stacks up. Appraisal services are also available.

  • Alaska Gallery of Eskimo Art. 04 E Oak St. 1 312 943-3393. ttp://www.alaskainuitart.net. -F 11AM-3PM, Sa 12:30PM-5PM. Probably one of the better places to buy Inuit Art in the world, with an expert, honest staff and high-quality Inuit carvings for sale.

  • <listing name="The Merchandise Mart" alt="" directions="Merchandise Mart Brown Line" address="222 Merchandise Mart Plaza" phone="+1 312 527-7990" email="" fax="" hours="Hours vary by store" price="" url="http://www.merchandisemart.com/officeretail/shops/"> The Mart strides the barrier between River North and the Loop, with a train station and a zip code all to itself, not to mention a Holiday Inn, several offices, a school, two radio stations, restaurants, and, of course, shopping. It also includes the Chicago Apparel Center [http://www.merchandisemart.com/apparelcenter/apparelcenter.html]. None of the stores are considered major destinations by themselves, but there are frequent trade shows, and many other reasons for business travelers to find themselves at the Mart.</listing>
  • Eat

    Budget

    This is expensive territory — if you're on a tight budget, you're likely to be stuck with fast food. Most of the department stores on Michigan Ave have food courts.

  • The Billy Goat. 30 N Michigan Ave, Lower Level. rand Red Line. 1 312 222-1525. -F 6AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 11AM-2AM. 4-7. ttp://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html. The original location of the famous cheezborger joint. Due to its location under the Tribune Tower, this one has been a haunt for Chicago newspapermen for decades.

  • Dao Thai. 30 E Ohio St. rand Red Line. 1 312 337-0000. ttp://www.daothai.com/. u-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. 7-9. Thai food in a spacious, beautiful dining room with plenty of flavor and filling portions. The service can get a bit distracted, but the cooks are always focused.

  • Downtown Dogs. 04 N Rush St. hicago Red Line. 1 312 951-5141. -Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-7PM. Chicago-style hot dogs, all the way down to the traditional prohibition on ketchup. And dog lovers (of the furry kind) will likely be tickled pink by the wild, mixed-media canine propaganda.

  • Eppy's Deli. 24 E Ontario St. hicago Red Line. 1 312 943-7797. -Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 8AM-7PM. 6-8. Good, fresh, "over-stuffed" sandwiches with reasonably priced meal deals that make for a full lunch. Eppy revels in Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" comparisons, and the food goes down nicely with the glee taken by the staff as they crush the predatory Subway that moved in right next door.

  • Mr. Beef. 66 N Orleans St. hicago Brown Line. 1 312 337-8500. AM-5PM M-Th, 10:30AM-4AM F-Sa. Should Mr. Beef ever decide to raise an army, city hall ought to be concerned; his Italian beef sandwiches have a fiercely loyal following among the River North lunch crowd, some of whom won't bother with anywhere else. It's closed for dinner, but open for the late-night weekend club scene.

  • Original Rock 'n Roll McDonald's. 00 N Clark St. rand Red Line. 1 312 664-7940. pen 24 hours. It's still McDonald's, with all that entails, and reportedly the third-busiest one in the United States; but there's vintage rock and roll memorabilia to excuse the visit to your conscience, if that's possible.

  • Portillo's. 00 W Ontario Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 587-8910. 0AM-11PM. ttp://www.portillos.com/. Polishes, Italian Beef, Burgers, and everything else you would expect at a hot dog place, plus one surprise—the chocolate cake milkshake (it's not on the menu, but order a "cake shake," and sweet tooths will have their day). This location, which includes a drive-thru, is decked out in a "Gangster" theme, which is known to produce delight in tourists and queasiness in locals.

  • Wow Bao. 35 N Michigan Ave. 1 312 642-5888. -F 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-6PM. 1-3. A good way to fill up on cheap delicious food on the Magnificent Mile, Wow Bao offers carryout steamed Chinese buns filled with all sorts of wonderful meaty goodness.

    Mid-range

  • Cafe Iberico. 39 N LaSalle St. 1 312 573-1510. ttp://www.cafeiberico.com/. -Th 11AM-11:30PM, F 11AM-1:30AM, Sa Noon-1:30AM, Su Noon-11PM price="$18-30. Spanish tapas place, usually crowded. Quite good food.

  • Le Colonial. 37 N Rush St. 1 312 255-0088. 1 312 255-1108. unch: noon-2:30PM daily, Dinner: M-F 5PM-11PM, Sa 5PM-midnight, Su 5-10PM. 18-30. Excellent upmarket Vietnamese cuisine with a French Indochina theme. Reservations would be a good idea.

  • Ed Debevic's. 40 N Wells St. hicago Brown Line. 1 312 664-1707. u-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11:30PM. ttp://www.eddebevics.com/. Affable tourist trap with burgers, mock-rude service and occasional ''Grease'' style song-and-dance performances by the wait-staff.

  • Frontera Grill. 45 N Clark St. erchandise Mart Brown Line. 1 312 661-1434. unch Tu-F 11:30am-2:30pm, Sa 10:30am-2:30pm; Dinner Tu 5:20-10pm, W-Th 5-10pm, F-Sa 5-11pm. ttp://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html. Renowned chef Rick Bayless presents Mexican cuisine as most have never experienced it, with a particular emphasis on seafood. Frontera won the 2007 James Beard Award for Outstanding U.S. Restaurant. :* <eat name="Topolobampo" alt="" address="445 N Clark St" directions="" phone="+1 312 661-1434" email="" fax="" hours="Tu 11:45am-2pm, W-F 11:30am-2pm; Dinner Tu-Th 5:30-9:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm F-Sa" price="" url="http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html"> The high-class, dressier side of the house. Frontera is more casual, though still top-notch. Reservations are necessary at Topolobampo, while Frontera is first-come, first-serve.</eat>

  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. 30 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 337-9330. ttp://www.ghirardelli.com. u-Th 10AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight. Right behind the Water Tower; stop in for the soda fountain, the hot fudge sundae, and other chocolate treats.

  • Gino's East. 633 N Wells St. rand Red Line, Chicago Brown Line. 1 312 943-1124. -Th 11am-10pm, F-Sa 11am-11pm, Su noon-9pm. ttp://www.ginoseast.com. Deep-dish and thin-crust pizza.

  • Kendall College Dining Room. 00 N North Branch St. rd floor. 1 312 752-2328. ttp://www.kendall.edu/TheDiningRoom/tabid/219/Default.aspx. unch: M-F noon-1:30PM, Dinner: T-F 6PM-8PM, Sa 6PM-8:30PM. 20-30. Fine dining, ''fantastic''
  • Pizzeria UNO. 9 E Ohio. rand Red Line. 1 312 321-1000. u 11am-11:30pm, M-F 11am-1am, Sa 11am-2am. ttp://www.unos.com/. By some reckonings, the original deep dish pizza joint. The name has been diminished over the last few years by over-expansion, but this is the original location — they do it better here. See also DUE, around the corner at 619 N Wabash.

  • Tutto Pronto. 01 E Ontario St. 1 312 587-7700. ttp://www.tuttoprontoitaliano.com. -Th,Su 7AM-10PM, F-Sa 7AM-111PM. 10-18. It's not right for a place that's this good to be this little known. Tutto Pronto is a gourmet Italian deli with an import store for wine and other niceties, and an ideal lunch spot. They serve panini sandwiches unlike anywhere else that are eyes-watering good every time.

  • Weber Grill. 39 N State St. nside the Hilton Garden Inn. 1 312 467-9696. 1 312 467-0536. ttp://www.webergrillrestaurant.com/. -Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-midnight, Sa 11:30AM-midnight, Su 11:30AM-11PM. 12-36. A local grill & BBQ chain from the suburbs serving up the best BBQ in downtown Chicago. But keep in mind that the steaks are of low quality and overpriced and that the best of Chicago barbecue is off in the neighborhoods — look for Smoque on the Far Northwest Side or any of the great South Side Memphis-style BBQ joints.

    Splurge

  • Cite. 05 N Lake Shore Dr. 1 312 644-4050. 1 312 644-4066. ttp://www.citechicago.com. u-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-11PM. 51+. An upscale French/American restaurant most notable for its 360 degree views from the 70th floor of the Lake Point Tower. The food, while very good, does not quite live up to its price, but the view is really what you come here for anyway. Jacket required.

  • Coco Pazzo. 00 W Hubbard St. 1 312 836-0900. unch M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM, Su 5-10PM. 30+. ttp://www.cocopazzochicago.com/. Very tasty Italian cafe. Try the gnocchi, and save some room for the fruit desserts.

  • Fogo de Chao. 61 N LaSalle St. 1 312 932-9330. unch M-F 11AM-2PM, Dinner M-Th 5-10PM, F 5-10:30PM, Sa 4:30-10:30PM, Su 4-9:30PM. rix fixe, lunch: $24.50, dinner: $38.50. ttp://www.fogodechao.com/locations/chicagoIL.htm. Brazilian steakhouse with a twist: diners receive a disc to put in front of their plate, and if it's green, waiters will surround you with skewers of hot meats, unrelenting until you flip the disc over to red.

  • Gene & Georgetti. 00 N Franklin St. 1 312 527-3718. 1AM-midnight. ttp://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/. This venerable Chicago steakhouse (over 60 years old) has played host to venerable Chicago steak eaters like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball as well as contemporary big shots. It is a traditional Italian-American steakhouse and serves some of the best steak in a city that takes these things seriously.

  • Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse. 028 N Rush St. lark/Division Red Line. 1 312 266-8999. 1AM-midnight; bar 11am-2am. ttp://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/. Look on the wall at the pictures of countless celebrities who have dined at Gibsons and you'll see why it's a must for those who want to stretch their wallets during a visit to Chicago. You may run into a celebrity yourself.

  • Lawry's Prime Rib. 00 E Ontario St. 1 312 787-5000. unch M-Sa 11:30AM-2PM, Dinner M-Th 5-10:30PM, F-Sa 5-10PM, Su 3-10PM. ttp://www.lawrysonline.com/theprimerib_chicago_gen_info.asp. As elegant an interior as any Chicago restaurant can offer. Mind the dress code, and come carnivorous or don't come at all.

  • Naha. 00 N Clark St. 1 312 321-6242. ttp://www.naha-chicago.com/. unch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM, Dinner: M-Th 5:30PM-9:30PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-10PM. 40-80. An exceptional fusion restaurant headed by a star Armenian-American chef and specializing in Californian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

  • Rosebud's Steakhouse. 92 E Walton Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 397-1000. ttp://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest4.php?s=home. -Th 11:30AM-11PM, F 11:30AM-midnight, Sa 3PM-midnight, Su 3-10PM. A strong contender in the Best Burger in Chicago stakes, and not bad for steaks either. There's also '''Rosebud's on Rush''' [http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest3.php], an older branch with more celebrity photos on the wall, but the Walton location is more of a favorite with the neighborhood.

  • Spiaggia. 80 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 280-2750. -Th 6-9:30PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM, Su 6-9PM; Lounge 5:30-11PM. ttp://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/DiningExperiences/Restaurants/Group2/Spiaggia.htm. World-class contemporary regional Italian fair with classic touches in a remarkable dining room overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Jackets required for men, though ties are optional.

    Drink

    '''Rush Street''' is probably the single best-known street for drinking and clubbing in Chicago. It's lined with late-night bars, both fashion-of-the-moment designer clubs and generic fake-Irish pubs. Rush Street branches off from State south of Elm and runs parallel to State from there, although the action is north of Chicago Avenue. There's also a similar densely-populated strip of late-night clubs on '''Division''', between Clark and State.

  • Andy's Jazz Club. 1 E Hubbard St. 1 312 642-6805. 1 312 467-9394. -F 11:30AM-1:30AM, Sa 5PM-2AM, Su 5PM-1AM. dmission: Su-Th $5, F-Sa $10, Dinner: $15-25. A nice and slightly less pretentious jazz club featuring straight-ahead performances nightly.

  • Blue Chicago. 36 N Clark St. hicago Brown Line. 1 312 642-6261. u-F 8PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-3AM. over Su-Th $8, F-Sa $10. ttp://www.bluechicago.com/. Live blues most nights of the week, except for Sundays. Has a sister club by the same name just a couple blocks away at 536 N Clark (312 661-0100, no music on Mondays).

  • Cityfront 455. 55 N Cityfront Plaza. n the NBC Tower. 1 312 494-1452. -Th 4PM-10PM, F-Sa 4PM-midnight. A very nice wine bar in the NBC Tower lobby with helpful staff. Also serves high quality vodkas and martinis.

  • Excalibur. 32 N Dearborn St. 1 312 266-1944. pen 5pm-4am most nights, until 5am on Saturdays. ttp://www.excaliburchicago.com/. Listed more for the spectacle than the actual experience of drinking and dancing here, this dance club has been attracting minor celebrities and hordes of hook-up seeking city-dwellers and suburbanites for years. Just watching partygoers totter in from the outdoor seating at Pizzeria UNO (see above) can be hysterical.

  • The Hangge-Uppe. 4 W Elm St. 1 312 337-0561. u-F to 4AM, Sa to 5AM. ttp://www.rushanddivision.com/hanggeuppe.shtml. The best bar in the Rush/Division nexus. Drinks aren't over-priced, the decor is cool, and there are two floors for dancing, depending on whether you prefer retro or modern beats.

  • House of Blues. 29 N Dearborn St. 1 312 923-2000. ours vary by event; Sunday morning gospel brunch starts at 10AM. ickets can run as low as $10 and upwards of $55 for some national touring acts. ttp://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/. Food, drinks, and music. Blues fans may find something good, but the roster of bands can stray from the classic old bluesman with a guitar to the worst of twentieth-century music (no genre excepted), so don't show up without checking the schedule first.

  • The Original Mother's. 6 W Division St. 1 312 642-7251. u-F 8PM-4AM, Sa to 5AM. ttp://www.rushanddivision.com/mothers.shtml. Hugely popular bar that trades on old rock-and-roll cred — Cream, The Velvet Underground played here long ago — to adorn a modern dance floor and pool tables.

  • Pippin's Tavern. hicago Red Line. 06 N Rush St. 1 312 787-5435. u-F to 4AM, Sa to 5AM. ttp://www.rushanddivision.com/pippins.shtml. Fake Irish pub, notable mainly for being tucked away behind the Water Tower, right off the Magnificent Mile. The after-work crowd is generally laid back, and the lack of (excessively) loud music and sports TV makes this a decent choice for exhausted shoppers in need of a beer.

  • The Redhead Piano Bar. 6 W Ontario St. 1 312 640-1000. at 7pm-5am, Sun-Fri 7pm-4am. ttp://www.theredheadpianobar.com/. Cocktails, live music, and a schmaltzy sort of elegance.

  • Second Story Bar. 57 E Ohio St, Apt 2. rand Red Line. 1 312 923-9536. u-F noon-2AM, Sa noon-3AM. It's no small feat to find this place — look for the pink-lettered sign up on, well, the second story. Inside, you'll find a gay bar that falls on the fun side of sleazy (or the sleazy side of fun), far more of a dive than you would expect in these surroundings and the perfect antidote to hotel bars.

  • Signature Room. ohn Hancock Center, 875 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 787-9596. ttp://www.signatureroom.com/. u-Th 5-10pm, F-Sa 5-11pm. Just above the Hancock Observatory (above). Expensive drinks on the 95th floor, with live jazz on the weekends. Skip the over-priced food, but the view makes this a great place for evening cocktails, and a more civilized alternative to the sometimes over-crowded observatory one floor below.

    Sleep

    Again, this is expensive territory — nearly every tourist stays here, and the rates reflect that. If price is a concern, remember that this area is well-served by public transportation from every direction, including places where you can sleep a bit cheaper. On the other hand, if part of the vision for your vacation is a memorable hotel, this is definitely the place to be.

    Budget

  • The Allerton Hotel Chicago. 01 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 440-1500. ooms from $189 a night. ttp://www.theallertonhotel.com/. Classic Chicago building with modern interiors; generations have known it for the neon TIP TOP TAP at the top of the building, referring to the swanky club that operated up there in the 1950's (but not any more).

  • Best Western River North. 25 W Ohio St. hicago Brown Line. 1 800 704-6941. ooms from $159 per night. ttp://www.rivernorthhotel.com/. A little bit out of the way, but close to I-90/94 for easy travels by car; amenities include free parking and an indoor pool.

  • Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Chicago Hotel. 5 E Ohio St. rand Red Line. 1 312 894-0900. ooms from $179 a night. ttp://www.chicagocomfortinn.com/.

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. 16 E Ontario St. rand Red Line. 1 312 787-3777. ttp://www.fairfieldsuiteschicago.com/. ooms from $129. 185 guest rooms and suites just one block east of Michigan Avenue on the corner of Ontario St and N St Clair St.

  • Flemish House of Chicago. 8 E Cedar St. 1 312 664-9981. maczka@rcn.com. 1 312 664-0387. ttp://www.innchicago.com/. ooms from $150. Furnished studio and one bedroom apartments in a historic 19th century greystone on a quiet Gold Coast street.

  • Howard Johnson Inn Downtown Chicago. 20 N LaSalle St. hicago Brown Line. 1 312 664-8100. ooms from $139 per night. ttp://www.hojo.com/HowardJohnson/control/Booking/modify_dates?id=01752&propBrandId=HJ. Slightly inconspicuous, but in a great location for sights throughout the Near North and the Loop. Parking available.

  • Red Roof Inn. 62 E Ontario St. rand Red Line. 1 312 787-1299. ooms from $139. ttp://www.redroof-chicago-downtown.com/. A bit incongruous, but right in the middle of things.

  • Tokyo Hotel. 9 E Ohio St. rand Red Line. 1 312 787-4900. ooms from $45. Seedy to the hilt, but it's in a safe neighborhood, and a historic building. Popular with international backpackers. The hotel has two budget restaurants by its street entrance: '''Ginza''' (Japanese, +1 312 222-0600) and '''Yu Shan''' (Chinese, +1 312 527-4400).

  • The Whitehall Hotel. 05 E Delaware Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 944-6300. ooms from $169 a night. ttp://www.thewhitehallhotel.com/. An independent, high-rise hotel in a quiet pocket just down the street from the Hancock and Water Tower Place.

    Mid-range

  • Avenue Hotel Chicago. 60 E Huron St. rand Red Line. 1 877 283-5110. ooms from $209 a night. ttp://www.avenuehotelchicago.com. Located in the heart of Magnificent Mile, formerly the Radisson.

  • Conrad Chicago. 21 N Rush St. rand Red Line. 1 312 645-1500. ttp://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/index.do?ctyhocn=CHICICI. ooms from $215. Adjoins The Shops at North Bridge.

  • The Drake. 40 E Walton Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 787-2200. ooms from $255 a night. ttp://www.thedrakehotel.com. It was swallowed into the Hilton chain some years ago, but The Drake is still the definition of old Chicago elegance. Founded in 1920, it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and probably has a longer list of celebrity guests than any hotel in the city. It's right off North Michigan Avenue and the prime shopping district.

  • Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown Magnificent Mile. rand Red Line. 00 N State St. 1 312 943-3800. ooms from $249 a night. ttp://www.embassysuiteschicago.com. Not right on Michigan Avenue, despite the name, but an easy walk.

  • Four Points by Sheraton Chicago. 30 N Rush Street. 1 312 981-6600. ooms from $275. ttp://www.fourpointschicago.com. New hotel with 226 rooms and suites that include in-room refrigerators and microwaves; many rooms also feature balconies and whirlpool tubs.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. 0 E Grand Ave. 1 877 782-9444. ooms from $229 a night. ttp://hiltongardenchicago.com. Located just off the Magnificent Mile, and adjacent to the River North dining & entertainment area.

  • James Hotel Chicago. 5 E Ontario St. rand Red Line. 1 877 526-3755. ooms from $279 a night. ttp://www.jameshotels.com/chicago/index.php. A luxury boutique hotel. Rooms have plasma screen TV_fs; the hotel offers a luxury spa, modern gym, and restaurant.

  • Omni Chicago Hotel. 76 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 944-6664. ooms from $229. ttp://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Chicago.aspx. Among the amenities are an indoor swimming pool and two rooftop sundecks.

  • Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. 01 E North Water St. rand Red Line. 1 877-242-2558. ttp://www.sheratonchicago.com/. ooms from $199 a night. The Sheraton does enormous business for business meetings and conventions. Most rooms offer views over the Chicago River. The hotel has a steak house (Shula's) and a burger joint, as well as an indoor swimming pool.

  • The Talbott Hotel. 0 E Delaware Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 944-4970. ooms from $209 a night. ttp://www.talbotthotel.com/. 16-story boutique hotel down the block from the Hancock. Though built in 1927, they tout their eco-friendly updates. ''Crain's'' ranked it the city's best hotel for business travelers.

  • Wyndham Chicago Hotel. 33 N St Clair St. 1 312 573-0300. ttp://www.wyndham.com/hotels/ORDDT/main.wnt?aff=wyn11. ooms from $233. Friendly staff, decent rooms with plenty of business amenities. If you register for the Wyndham ByRequest "frequent traveler" program, when you arrive, your favorite music will be playing in your room and a plate of fruit and iced tea (or whatever you choose) will be waiting for you.

    Splurge

  • The Four Seasons. 20 E Delaware Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 280-8800. ooms from $470 a night. ttp://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/. Right across from the Hancock.

  • InterContinental Chicago. 05 N Michigan Ave. rand Red Line. 1 312 944-4100. ooms from $349 a night. ttp://www.icchicagohotel.com. Originally built as an athletic club, the InterContinental is flush with gorgeous 1920's design flourishes. The grand swimming pool on the 14th floor is simply astonishing — worth a look whether you've brought your trunks or not. (If you're not staying here, $15 can usually get you access to the sauna and pool.)

  • Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. 63 E Walton Pl. hicago Red Line. 1 312 751-8100. ttp://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumchicago/index.html. ooms from $329. Across from the Drake and right around the corner from Michigan Avenue, with '''Nix''', a quiet, knockout-delicious cafe/restaurant on the first floor (at knockout-expensive prices).

  • The Park Hyatt. 00 N Michigan Ave. hicago Red Line. 1 312 335-1234. ooms from $495 a night. ttp://parkchicago.hyatt.com. A bona-fide member of the

  • <listing name="Chicago Public Library, Near North Branch" alt="" directions="Clark/Division Red Line to 70 Division bus" address="310 W Division St" phone="+1 312 744-0991" email="" fax="" hours="M-Th 9AM-9PM, F-Sa 9AM-5PM" price="" url="http://www.chipublib.org/002branches/nnorth/nnorth.html"> Public internet access. It's between the Sedgwick and Chicago Brown Line stations, but a long walk from either. The area is safe during the day, but don't walk far by night.</listing>
  • <listing name="Cyber Cafe" alt="" directions="" address="25 E Pearson St" phone="+1 312 915-8595" email="" fax="+1 312 915-6473" url="" hours="M-Th 7AM-9:30PM, F-Sa 7AM-5PM" price="">A Jesuit run internet cafe with coffee, snacks, antiques, and a quiet atmosphere.</listing>
  • The '''Apple Store''' (see Buy) is a de facto free internet cafe, with all of the floor models hooked up to wi-fi, and the salesmen-to-customer ratio virtually ensures nobody will bother you if you want to dash off a few emails home.
  • Get out

  • Old Town is just north, and segues neatly into the Near North with smaller boutiques, smaller palatial mansions, and the city's landmark theaters Steppenwolf and Second City.
  • Wicker Park offers a parallel Magnificent Mile of hip, independent stores, bars and clubs. Lincoln Square is another exceptional shopping destination.