Things to Do in Near North Side, Chicago The Near North Side features the upscale Gold Coast and the shopping along the Magnificent Mile, with attractions like Navy Pier and numerous residential skyscrapers. It's a densely populated area known for its affluence and proximity to Lake Michigan.
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Home / Things to do in Chicago / Neighborhoods / Near North Side Top things to do in Near North Side
Holy Name Cathedral ★ 4.8 · 2.2k★
An 1800s Catholic church with a vaulted ceiling & colorful stained glass, offering guided tours.
Mon–Fri 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Sat 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sun 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saint James Cathedral ★ 4.7 · 230★
church in Chicago, Illinois
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat 9 AM – 2 PM
Sun 8 AM – 2 PM
Rolling Stones ★ 4.6 · 917
Colorful music emporium featuring CDs, DVDs & video games, plus listening stations & special orders.
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 8 PM
Fri 11 AM – 9 PM
Sat 11 AM – 9 PM
Sun 11 AM – 8 PM
Green City Market Lincoln Park ★ 4.7 · 421
Local farm produce, baked goods, dairy, meats & pantry items (Wednesday & Saturday, May-October).
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed 7 AM – 1 PM
Thu–Fri Closed
Sat 7 AM – 1 PM
Sun Closed Where to eat & drink in Near North Side
Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club ★ 4.9 · 730
A refined cocktail lounge in River North devoted to classic cocktails, modern technique, and impeccable service.
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Fri 5 PM – 12 AM
Sat 5 PM – 12 AM
Sun 5 PM – 12 AM
SPIN Chicago ★ 4.5 · 1.2k· $20–30
Energetic, sprawling hangout featuring lots of Ping-Pong tables, plus global food, cocktails & DJs.
Mon Closed
Tue–Thu 4 PM – 10 PM
Fri 4 PM – 12 AM
Sat 2 PM – 12 AM
Sun Closed
Gus' Sip & Dip ★ 4.9 · 3.3k· $20–70
A classic tavern in the heart of River North that welcomes walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mon–Thu 4 PM – 12 AM
Fri 12 PM – 1 AM
Sat 12 PM – 1 AM
Sun 12 PM – 12 AM
Three Dots and a Dash ★ 4.6 · 9.3k· $20–70
Classic tropical cocktails, rums & house daiquiris in a retro Polynesian-style setting.
Mon–Tue 4 PM – 12 AM
Wed 10 PM – 12 AM
Thu–Fri 4 PM – 1 AM
Sat 2 PM – 1 AM
Sun 4 PM – 12 AM
Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown ★ 4.8 · 1.0k· $10–60
A cannabis coffee shop serving THC-infused coffee, edibles, gummies, baked goods, and pre-rolls.
Mon–Thu 8 AM – 10 PM
Fri 8 AM – 12 AM
Sat 8 AM – 12 AM
Sun 8 AM – 10 PM
Headquarters Beercade ★ 4.5 · 4.1k· $20–30
Funky arcade bar with loads of throwback video games plus craft beers, cocktails & upscale pub fare.
Mon–Fri 4 PM – 1 AM
Sat 4 PM – 2 AM
Sun 4 PM – 1 AM · $$$$
This jewel in Rick Bayless' crown welcomes a rush of diners for original Mexican food with an upscale twist.
Frontera Grill ★ 4.4 · 3.5k· $30–70
This linchpin in Rick Bayless’ empire is decidedly unique in its homage to regional Mexican cuisine and displays a cult-like devotion to local product.
Mon Closed
Tue–Thu 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Fri 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
Sat 10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
Sun 10:30 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Tzuco ★ 4.6 · 2.9k· $50–100
Chef Carlos Gaytán plays host to non-stop crowds at Tzuco. Inside this gorgeous space—awash in homey earth tones and decorated with ceramics imported directly from Mexico—the energy is palpable and seating ample.
Mon–Thu 4 PM – 10 PM
Fri 4 PM – 11 PM
Sat 10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM
Sun 10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Rossi's ★ 4.6 · 1.3k· $10–20
This no-frills, stalwart bottle shop & liquor store features an unpretentious on-site bar.
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 2 AM
Sat 9 AM – 2 AM
Sun 11 AM – 2 AM
Benchmark Chicago - Old Town, Chicago ★ 4.5 · 1.8k· $20–60
Lively sports bar with a wide range of bar food from salads to steaks, plus a patio & roof-deck.
Mon–Fri 5 PM – 2 AM
Sat 11 AM – 3 AM
Sun 11 AM – 2 AM
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago ★ 4.7 · 19.4k· $100+
Global comfort fare like fried chicken & waffles, plus cocktails, served in a flashy lounge setting.
Mon–Thu 4 PM – 10 PM
Fri 11 AM – 12 AM
Sat 11 AM – 12 AM
Sun 11 AM – 11 PM Planning time in Near North Side?
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Pick your dates Near North Side map Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
1 Holy Name Cathedral 2 Saint James Cathedral 3 Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club 4 SPIN Chicago 5 Gus' Sip & Dip 6 Three Dots and a Dash 7 Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown 8 Headquarters Beercade 9 Rolling Stones 10 Topolobampo Ready to plan Near North Side? Turn these Near North Side picks into a day-by-day Chicago plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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Holy Name CathedralCathedral
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