Welcome to Near North and River North
Getting Here
Near North: If you're arriving from the north by car, take Lake Shore Drive south to the Michigan Avenue exit. From the south, exit at Grand Avenue for Navy Pier. The prepaid parking app SpotHero can save you money.
The 3, 4, 144, 145, 146, 151, and 167 buses run along Michigan Avenue. Buses 29, 65, and 66 all service Navy Pier. If you're using the El, take the Red Line to Chicago Avenue or Clark and Division.
River North: The Merchandise Mart has its own stop on the El's Brown and Purple lines. For drivers, there is a parking lot at 350 North Orleans Street. If you are heading to the northern tip of the neighborhood, take Wells Street to Chicago Avenue. You can also walk west from the Mag Mile a few blocks to get to the area.
Making the Most of Your Time
If you have kids, factor in at least a day for Navy Pier’s family-friendly attractions. Art lovers can pass a day at the Museum of Contemporary Art and assorted galleries, while dedicated shoppers can easily spend the same amount of time flexing their wallets on the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago shopping spot. Along the way, get a bird's-eye view of Chicago, including the Tribune Tower, Trump Tower, and Marina City, from the State Street Bridge.
Top Reasons to Go
Enjoy the views: Have a drink at the John Hancock Center’s Signature Lounge, or just drink in the vista at 360° Chicago.
Kick back with the kids: The engaging Chicago Children's Museum is just one reason why families flock to Navy Pier.
Get your retail fix: Browse the shops of the Magnificent Mile, pausing for world-class people-watching en route.
Quick Bites
Big Bowl. The chef at this Pan-Asian restaurant is a stickler for using natural ingredients, and the menu of Thai and Chinese dishes has many options for those seeking gluten-free or vegetarian options. 60 E. Ohio St., River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. 312/951–1888; www.leye.com/restaurants/directory/big-bowl. Sun.–Thurs. 11:30–10, Fri.–Sat. 11:30–11.
Billy Goat Tavern. Behind and a level down from the Wrigley Building is the inspiration for Saturday Night Live's classic "cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger, cheeps, no fries, no Coke, Pepsi" skit. Grab a greasy burger at this no-frills grill, or just have a beer and absorb the comic undertones. 430 N. Michigan Ave., Lower Level, Near North, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. 312/222–1525; www.billygoattavern.com.
Brett's Kitchen. Under the El at Superior and Franklin, Brett's Kitchen is an excellent spot for a pastry, sandwich, or omelet. It's open until 4 am. 233 W. Superior St., River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60610. 312/664–6354; www.brettskitchen.com. Closed Sun.
Ed Debevic's. The purposefully sassy waiters and waitresses at this touristy '50s-style diner keep the crowds entertained. 640 N. Wells St., River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654. 312/664–1707; www.eddebevics.com.
Gino's East. Fill up on yummy Chicago deep-dish pizza at the graffiti-covered Gino's East. 500. N LaSalle Street, River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654. 312/988–4200; www.ginoseast.com.
L'Appetito. For great Italian sandwiches, try this deli and grocery off the John Hancock Center's lower-level plaza. 875 N. Michigan Ave., Near North, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. 312/337–0691; www.lappetito.com.
Lavazza Espression Café. This is the place to grab some Italian pastries, an espresso, or a quick drink. 360º Chicago (John Hancock Center), 875 N. Michigan Ave., Near North, Chicago, Illinois. 888/875–8439; www.360chicago/cafe.
