Things to do in River North, Chicago

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Dom Bewley
things to do in river north chicago

Heading to Chi-Town for your vacation and looking for things to do? Look no further than River North. It's one of the best areas in Chicago, with something for just about everyone. Read on and discover our top picks!

Including:

  • Theater performances
  • Live comedy
  • Arcade fun
  • Nightlife
  • Culture
  • and more!
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Performances to die for

First on our list, let's talk about theater. Chicago has a rich history of performance, from musicians to comics. And thankfully, that includes plays too. There are theater venues all over the city, and even two sublime ones right in River North.

Firstly, one that's gone from strength to strength. In under two decades, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater troupe upgraded from the back of a bar to a huge theater on Navy Pier. This Tony Award-winning group may specialize in the great English writer's work, but they also tackle other works and even musicals. Go check out their brilliant performances when you're visiting River North!

The other choice on our list wears its influence on its sleeve. The Lookingglass Theatre leans into the hallucinogenic weirdness of Alice in Wonderland by taking well-known literary pieces and putting their own weird, hectic twist on them. Founded by David Schwimmer of Friends fame, they're another Tony Award-winning company that does things differently. Go see what's on when you're in town and catch a show!

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Split your sides

Turn that inevitable frown upside down with a spot of comedy. At The Comedy Bar in River North, you won't just get laughs. Yes, they have a weekly rotation of great local and national comics gracing the stage, bringing you a laugh-a-minute experience, but it's also a great place to go eat, drink, and have a good time. A Gino's East residency means they'll bring some of the best deep dish, Chi-Town style pizza right to your table. They offer a wide selection of refreshing beverages to wash it all down, and they even accept event bookings. In town for a birthday? Go book a table and see what all the fuss is about!

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It's all fun and games

If you're in the mood for more fantastic fun, then River North has got you covered - and then some.

If you like your fun tinged in neon and accompanied by the nostalgic sounds of '80s arcades, then get up immediately, leave the house, and head to FTW Chicago. Prepared to be transported back to the prime of the arcade scene, where you'll find old coin-op cabinets with classic games like Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, among other Pac-Man-related games. Challenge your friends and family to a friendly game of air hockey. Fight to the death at the Skee-Ball machines. Or tear your enemies apart on the mini-golf course. You can even win prizes, should you best your enemies utterly and absolutely. All of this fun is backed by a burgeoning bar full of beer and delightfully colored cocktails.

Or, check out Beercade, which offers a massive selection of free arcade machines for you and your friends to play. Combine that with an arcade ton of beers, and some tasty treats on the menu, and you've just found yourself the perfect night out. They even show sports, if you like putting your hopes and dreams in the hands of ludicrously-paid strangers.

Or, work up a sweat at Lucky Strike, Chicago's premier bowling slash ping pong slash pool slash arcade bonanza. Kitted out in real props from The Big Lebowski, it's the perfect place to blow off some steam, grab a drink or a meal, and geek out.

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Nights out

If you prefer your nights out of the less active variety, then guess what? River North has got. You. Covered.

At the Underground Wonder Bar, you'll find delicious Mexican food paired with some brilliant live music from the jazz, blues, and soul scene. They also have rap and R&B-focused open mic sessions each month, and it's open til late. Truly a wonder bar you'll find underground!

If you prefer to add a little electronic music to your dance-y night, Rec Room has great DJs spinning records every week, a cozy dancefloor to embarrass yourself on, and great drinks to boot.

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Art for the heart

Let's switch gears to something less heart-pumping and more mind-opening. We're talking about culture, ladies and gents, and by golly River North has a ton to go see.

For a great collection of great art from all across the globe, head to Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. It's one of the biggest collections of modern artwork in the country. Step inside, and you'll find comprehensive galleries, a rotation of exciting exhibits, as well as live performances from artists. Then, when you're all cultured out, grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee from the on-site cafe.

The Carl Hammer Gallery has a great mix of old and new art styles on display, with paintings, sculptures, and photographs from local artists that will certainly leave you staring and pondering the meaning of life and society.

You'll find a similar mix of interesting and exciting art at the Zolla/Lieberman Gallery. Featuring walls of contemporary art pieces that embrace a wide variety of genres, you're sure to find something that draws the eye. You can even support the local community by picking up a piece for yourself, if you're in the market.

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Bites and delights

And finally, let's end our list with some delicious food. Unsurprisingly, North River is full of fabulous eateries. So, if you're visiting Chicago, grabbing a bite to eat is one of the best things to do!

For fans of Asian cuisine, there's Sunda Chicago, which features a menu brimming with Asian fusion dishes, sushi, and cocktails. They also have a happy hour menu, and do a brunch every week too, so no matter when you're hungry, you'll be satisfied! Top it all off with a chic, modern design, and you've got yourself a great restaurant.

The Smith, on the other hand, will tickle your New American sensibilities, with delicious modern takes on American classics. If the weather's good, you'll find a large garden there with enough table space to spread out and make the most of the sunshine.

Or, if you're feeling continental, Ema has delicious, authentic Mediterranean dishes that are sure to hit the spot!

And that'll do it for the best things to do in River North, Chicago!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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So, you've decided to vacation in Chicago. Good for you! The Windy City is a great place to explore, with tons of fun and experiences just waiting for you. Wondering where to pitch your tent? Why not try Greektown? This historic district of Chicago is brimming with history, amazing food, and authentic Greek experiences. Don't believe us? How dare you. You will believe us when you read our guide to the best things to do in Greektown, Chicago! You'll see. You'll all see. Including: Skydeck Chicago Art Institute of Chicago Parks Museums Food and more! Get high Let's start this list with something for the daredevils. If you want to see the beautiful Chicago skyline from a different point of view, then check out Skydeck Chicago. And by a different view, we're talking birds-eye, from over 1,300ft up in the air! Ride to the top of Willis Tower, all 103 floors of it, and gaze over the city. You'll see the likes of Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile from up there. 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With a massive collection of impressionist works from some of the most famous artists that ever held a brush, to contemporary collections from all over the world, you'll find something inspiring at the Art Institute of Chicago. Easily one of the best things to do in Greektown, this unmissable museum is one of the jewels in Chicago's cultural crown. Get some green in Parks are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get a little closer to nature. Even if you're on vacation, the unrelenting concrete can become a bit overwhelming. Thankfully. Greektown has some amazing parks just a stone's throw away. Millennium Park is arguably Chicago's most famous green space, featuring three square blocks of flora and fauna on the lake, as well as entertainment opportunities like a Ferris Wheel, live music, and even ice skating in the winter months. It's also a great place to take some shots for your socials, thanks to Cloud Gate. Known locally as 'The Bean', it's a giant, metallic, bean-shaped sculpture that's appeared in movies like Source Code. Or, if you like your parks a little less busy and more free from tourists, try Mary Bartelme Park, which has plenty of the good green stuff, alongside an amazing kids' play area and a dog park too. Get historic You might not know much about Greektown, though the clue's in the name. If you'd like to know more about the area and how it got its name, head over to the National Hellenic Museum. Inside, you'll learn all about how Ancient Greece helped create the tenets of Western civilization, how and why many Greeks emigrated to the US, and how their culture helped shape Chicago into the city we know and love. There are tons of exhibits, as well as videos of Greek immigrants that share their stories throughout the 20th-century. A fascinating look into Greektown, and one of the best things to do in Chicago if you're staying in the area! 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And right next to Palmisano Park is McGuane Park, which has a host of facilities for the athletic types reading this. Head there, and you'll find a big indoor pool, a gym, baseball fields, tennis courts, and even a playground for the little ones! Art for you Do you like art? Do you like supporting the local scene? Do you want original pieces that your friends and family will envy forevermore? Well, head down to the Bridgeport Art Center! Myriad artists work there throughout the year, creating exciting pieces. However, every three weeks, they open the space to the public and let visitors explore their works, and even buy them if they want. So, if you're in the market for some unique art, head down there and beat the competition with your money. Market Life Looking for a little fresh produce for your Airbnb, or simply looking for something tasty to munch on? Just outside the Bridgeport Art Center, you'll find the Farmers Market, right in the adjacent parking lot! Head there on Saturday between 7-11 am, and you'll find a wealth of fresh, locally-sourced produce that'll make your dishes delightful. Get your eat on If you prefer your meals cooked by great chefs and served by excellent staff, then no matter. Bridgeport has some amazing restaurants to sate your hunger. If you like birds of the quacking variety, then go check out the Duck Inn. This cozy, retro eatery puts a DuckTales twist on American favorites. Duck hot dogs, rotisserie duck, alongside non-duck-related greatness like pasta and fried chicken. No matter your cravings, trust they'll be fulfilled at the Duck Inn; it's one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago! Or, if you're in the mood for some Asian deliciousness, hit up A Place by Damao. This traditional Asian cuisine from the Szechuan province of China, pairs national classics like dumplings, noodles, and braised duck, with different levels of spice. 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Dom Bewley

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