Things to Do in River North, Chicago Adjacent to the Magnificent Mile, known for its shopping and tourism. The area features a mix of art galleries and restaurants, with notable spots along Wabash Avenue.
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The Merchandise Mart ★ 4.5 · 2.6k
commercial building in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat Closed
Sun Closed Where to eat & drink in River North
The Green Door Tavern ★ 4.5 · 1.6k· $20–30
Long-running watering hole featuring American fare in a comfy, vintage setting.
Mon 5 PM – 10 PM
Tue 4 PM – 12 AM
Wed–Thu 4 PM – 2 AM
Fri 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Sat 11:30 AM – 3 AM
Sun 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Blue Chicago ★ 4.7 · 1.8k· $20–30
Late-night blues club with a casual crowd of adults (21 & over) enjoying music & drinks.
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Fri 8 PM – 1:30 AM
Sat 8 PM – 2:30 AM
Sun 8 PM – 1:30 AM · $$$$
In a city where kitchens break molds and defy expectations, Chef Sujan Sarkar makes a splash of his own on this quiet strip of River North.
TARY ★ 4.7 · 1.0k· $20–30
Food is our medicine. At the heart of every dish is tary — a rare, gluten-free superfood packed with essential micro and macro elements, harvested from the golden steppes of Kazakhstan.
Mon 7 AM – 8 PM
Tue Closed
Wed–Fri 7 AM – 8 PM
Sat 8 AM – 8 PM
Sun 8 AM – 8 PM
Fado Irish Pub ★ 4.5 · 2.6k· $10–50
A traditional Irish atmosphere, with Guinness, whiskey & pub food faves, plus European soccer on TV.
Mon–Wed 5 PM – 12 AM
Thu 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Fri 11:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Sat 11:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Sun 9 AM – 5 PM
Arbella Cocktail Bar ★ 4.6 · 1.3k· $20–60
Hip, lofty lounge where intricate, globally inspired cocktails pair with eclectic small plates.
Mon 4 PM – 12 AM
Tue–Fri 4 PM – 2 AM
Sat 5 PM – 3 AM
Sun 6 PM – 1 AM
Dearly Beloved ★ 4.7 · 822· $40–100
A Chicago cocktail bar and restaurant in River North offering an elevated craft cocktail menu and modern American cuisine in a luxurious ambiance.
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Thu 4 PM – 1 AM
Fri 4 PM – 2 AM
Sat 4 PM – 2 AM
Sun 4 PM – 1 AM
Caffe Umbria ★ 4.6 · 1.1k· $1–10
Chic coffeehouse featuring Italian-style drinks brewed from house-brand beans, plus baked goods.
Mon–Fri 7 AM – 5 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Portillo's ★ 4.4 · 24.7k· $10–20
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Every day 10 AM – 1 AM
The Hampton Social - River North ★ 4.7 · 5.2k· $30–90
Breezy hangout serving seafood & beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings.
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri 11 AM – 12 AM
Sat 10 AM – 12 AM
Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
Ambar Restaurant, Chicago ★ 4.8 · 2.9k· $40–90
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
Mon–Thu 12 PM – 10 PM
Fri 12 PM – 11 PM
Sat 10 AM – 11 PM
Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
Matilda Restaurant ★ 4.9 · 1.7k· $50–100
At Matilda, we invite you to explore the vibrant crossroads of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. Rooted in tradition and elevated with creative freedom, our menu is a tribute to the cultures that inspire us, and the memories we create at the…
Mon–Thu 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM
Fri 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM
Sat 11 AM – 11 PM
Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
Mercadito ★ 4.6 · 6.1k· $30–80
Mixologists make cocktails in an intimate space at this modern lounge with Latin-style small plates.
Mon–Wed 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thu–Fri 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sat 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sun 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
River Roast ★ 4.6 · 5.9k· $30–90
Vibrant social house for refined, modern American tavern fare like whole roasted chicken, fish & beef, plus scenic river views.
Mon–Wed 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Thu–Fri 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
Shamrock Club ★ 4.5 · 649· $10–20
Down-to-earth neighborhood bar with a typical range of drinks & pub grub, plus a pool table & patio.
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 2 AM
Sat 11 AM – 3 AM
Sun Closed Planning time in River North?
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1 The Merchandise Mart 2 The Green Door Tavern 3 Blue Chicago 4 Indienne 5 TARY 6 Fado Irish Pub 7 Arbella Cocktail Bar 8 Dearly Beloved 9 Caffe Umbria 10 Portillo's Ready to plan River North? Turn these River North picks into a day-by-day Chicago plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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The Merchandise MartSpecialty Store
The Green Door TavernSports Bar
Blue ChicagoLive Music
