River North

River North is a neighborhood in the Near North Side community of Chicago. It is bounded by Rush Street to the east, Chicago Avenue to the north, and the Chicago river to the south and west. This neighborhood has a fascinating mix of industrial grittiness and an historic urban feel that, along with the amenity of the Chicago River and a location remarkably close to downtown, has made it one of the city's hottest emerging neighborhoods.

Back in the 19th century, River North was known as the “Smokey Hollow”, since most of the area was destroyed during the 1871 Chicago Fire, but in the late 1980’s a revival began. Low real estate prices and large spaces attracted artists and entrepreneurs. Beautiful old timber and masonry buildings were rehabbed into galleries, studios, offices, apartments and retail stores. All of this resulted in the fact that today, River North has the highest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues in the city. It is home to the largest number of art galleries outside of Manhattan and is the fastest growing residential neighborhood in Chicago. It's also one of the most popular places in which to own a condominium.

Art gallery owners in the new River North are focused on completely different types and methods of art. The Alan Koppel Gallery features contemporary international artists, while the Kenneth Probst Gallery shows American and European Impressionist paintings. The ZG Gallery hosts group shows that touch upon a variety of themes (some past themes have included the use of color in contemporary abstract painting and the recuperative power of nature). Primitive Art Works features Tribal and Ethnic Artwork. The Bianca Pilat Gallery of Contemporary Art hosts large-scale prints and the Maya-Polsky Gallery hosts sculptures. Portals, Ltd is a unique gallery that features realist paintings, antique furniture and decorative arts; it is devoted to art lovers and collectors.

Mostly, the residents of River North are professionals who have chosen this neighborhood for its proximity to the Loop. They live in a variety of townhouses, mid-rise condos and warehouses that have been converted into upscale lofts.

River North is excellent for antiques shopping. There are almost 20 separate antique, each boasting an impressive inventory of antique furniture, paintings and prints. The Historic Merchandise Mart and the Apparel Center are also located in River North. There are also small independent boutiques such as En Vain, Clever Alice and Henry Beguelin that sell upscale apparel for men and women. The River North neighborhood features the historic Denargo Market, which remains to this day the downtown area's wholesale hub for fresh produce.

River North is full of restaurants (over 100) in all styles of food, including American, Brazilian, Chinese, French, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Thai. Some of these are very famous eateries, such as the Rockbottom Brewery, Ben Pao, Klay Oven (a South Indian restaurant), Chicago’s own Harry Caray’s Restaurant, and the House of Blues.

The nightlife in River North is full of opportunities, as many of the restaurants in the area are open late and there are a number of clubs scattered throughout the neighborhood. Some of the better-known clubs include Excalibur and Sound-Bar, while those looking for a lounge atmosphere where the emphasis is less on dancing can visit Bin 36, Narcisse or the legendary House of Blues. “Sugar” is one of Chicago's only "dessert bar” and represents a bizarre combination of nightclub and candy shop, offering 20 high-end desserts with names inspired by literary greats.