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The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into River North
June 6, 2017
Brought to you by Chicago’s Best River North Movers
Located right in the bend of the Chicago River, River North has been a center of commerce since the city was settled. Once the home of Chicago’s very first businesses, it’s now a hotbed of swank offices, hotels, restaurants and museums that really draw in tourists. But full time River North dwellers are never at a loss for great places to shop, relax and socialize, either. As your trusty River North movers, we’ll help you navigate the busy streets and settle in to your new home, so you can start exploring right away and find your favorite places. Fair warning: choosing may take a while.
Almost 15,000 people live in River North today. It’s an even mix of men and women, singles and marrieds, with a sizable number of families, too. The average income is $140k and most adults have bachelor’s degrees.
As Chicago was founded in the 1830s, the area that became River North was the site of the first taverns, stores, bridges and hotels. When it was rebuilt after the fire in 1871, it became a largely industrial district. The area became shadier once the 1920s hit, then lost even illegal businesses throughout the 1960s and 70s. But in the mid-1970s, as it was renamed “River North” to invite new interest, the neighborhood began to revitalize. It’s been thriving ever since.
Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your River North life.
Things to Do in River North
- Washington Square Park: Historic landmark.
- Newberry Library: Also historic. Free.
- Merchandise Mart: Public park space, amenities, and design showrooms.
- 3 Greens Market: Food, coffee, beer, and hangout space.
- Museum of Broadcast Communications: TV and radio exhibits.
- Wendella Boats: Architecture tour or leisurely river cruises.
- Wateriders: Kayak rentals on Chicago River.
- House of Blues: Nationwide music venue.
- The Escape Room: Solve puzzles with a group to get free.
- After-Words Bookstore: New upstairs, used in the basement.
Best Restaurants in River North
- Pizza: Two iconic local chains. Both deliver.
Lou Malnati’s: Full bar.Gino’s East: Comedy venue upstairs.
500 N LaSalle St. | (312) 988-4200 - Sandwiches: Portillo’s. Chain famous for burgers, hotdogs, shakes, more.
- Low Key: BIG & little’s. High-end counter service.
860 N Orleans St. | (312) 943-0000
- Japanese: Roka Akor. Sushi and steak.
456 N Clark St. | (312) 248-7164 - Mexcian: Frontera. Expect a wait.
445 North Clark St. | (312) 661-1434 - Mexican/Korean: Seoul Taco. Street food and beer. Delivers.
738 N Clark St. | (312) 265-1607 - Italian: Gene and Georgetti. Old school. Classic.
500 N Franklin St. | (312) 527-3718
- Seafood: Shaw’s Crab House. Two sections, upscale and casual.
21 E Hubbard St. | (312) 527-2722 - Brunch: Bridge House Tavern. Patio on the river.
321 N Clark St. | (312) 644-0283 - Special Night: The Boarding House. Truly fine dining.
720 N Wells St. | (312) 280-0720
Best Bars in River North
- Cocktails: Three Dots and a Dash. Tropical tiki hideout.
435 N Clark St. | (312) 610-4220 - Beer: Centennial Crafted Beer + Eatery. Brand new.
733 N LaSalle Dr. | (312) 284-5353 - Food: Bottlefork. Small plates.
441 N Clark St. | (312) 955-1900 - Bowling: 10Pin Bowling Lounge. Ping pong and pool, too.
330 N State St. | (312) 644-0300 - Ping Pong: SPiN. Swanky ping pong. Reserve tables in advance.
- Arcade: Headquarters Beercade. Games are free.
213 W Institute Pl. | (312) 291-8735 - Music: Howl at the Moon. Dueling pianos.
26 W Hubbard St. | (312) 863-7427 - Dancing: Studio Paris. A go-to nightclub.
59 W Hubbard St. | (312) 377-9944
- Intimate: Broken Shaker. Artsy space and tasty menu.
19 E Ohio St. | (312) 940-3699
Grocery Stores in River North
- Jewel Osco: Right off the Red Line.
550 N State St. | (312) 527-2162 - Trader Joe’s: Ask for parking validation.
- Whole Foods: May be busy at peak hours.
30 W Huron St. | (312) 932-9600
Coffee Shops in River North
- Starbucks: Four locations and counting.
- Bow Truss Coffee Roasters: Coffee only.
406 Wells St. | (312) 255-7301 - Fabcakes: Coffee, lunch and dessert.
714 N Wells St. | (312) 397-3300
- Cafe Integral: Next to Broken Shaker, above.
19 E Ohio St. | (312) 940-3699
Gyms in River North
- River North Gym: Equipment and classes. Expanding.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza | (312) 239-8282
- ENGRi Fitness: Group fitness focus.
215 W Ohio St. | (312) 846-6989 -
East Bank Club: High end city club with full amenities.
500 N Kingsbury St. | (312) 527-5800
River North Local Post Office and Delivery
- US Postal Service
540 N Dearborn St. | M-F 8:30am-6pm, Sat. 9am-3pm, Sun. 10am-2pm - US Post Office
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, # 102 | M-F 10:30am-5pm - UPS Store
301 W Grand Ave. | M-F 7am-9pm, Sat. 8:30am-5pm, 10am-4pm
Dry Cleaners in River North
-
Ontario Cleaners460 W Ontario St. | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-5pm
- Kathy’s Cleaners on Dearborn
678 N Dearborn St. | M-F. 7am-7pm, Sat. 8:30am-5pm - Olympia Cleaners Inc.
320 W Illinois St. | M-F 7:30am-6:30pm, Sat. 9am-3pm
Parking in River North
- Ward 42 resident parking information
This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new River North home. As a seasoned River North moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!
As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book River North movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest River North life.
Learn More About Moving in Chicago
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Rogers Park
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Roscoe Village
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into South Loop
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Streeterville
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into The Loop
Page Updated on November 16, 2018
