RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO - Neighborhood Guide & Tour (Knowledge from a Local)

In this video we pay a visit to one of the most touristy neighborhoods in Chicago, River North. It is located North & East of the Chicago River, south of Chicago Avenue, and West of Michigan Avenue.

River North is known for great dining, exciting nightlife, fun things to do, historic architecture, and being part of Chicago's downtown.

River North has a rich history, starting with the American Indian tribes who called this area home for many years. They used the Chicago River as a mode of transportation.

As Europeans moved into the area, River North became Chicago's first "neighborhood". Italian immigrants also settled in the area, earning the neighborhood the nickname "Little Sicily".

River North became a hub of manufacturing, shipping, railways, and warehouses. The smog from the factories was so bad that you couldn't see the sun, earning the neighborhood the nickname "Smokey Hollow".

As industry began to move out of River North, the area became a skid row, but in the 1970s Albert Friedman began buying up and restoring the old buildings.

The architecture of River North includes Italianate, Dutch Renaissance, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Modern.

To get to River North, take the CTA Brown Line and get off at the Chicago or Merchandise Mart stop. Other options include the CTA Red Line to Grand or Chicago. You can also take the 22, 36, 156, 65, or 66 CTA bus.

River North is known for its varied and highly rated restaurants. From casual spots like True Food Kitchen, Eataly, Corey's NYC Bagel, Sweetgreen, and Lyfe Kitchen to fine dining like Sunda, Sushi San, GT Fish & Oyster, and Ema. Our favorite coffee spots in River North are Big Shoulders Coffee and Dollop.

There are many things to do in River North like attend mass at Holy Name Cathedral, enjoy nature at A. Montgomery Ward Park, watch stand-up comedians at The Comedy Bar, relive Chicago's Gilded Age at the Dreihaus Museum, or purchase some paintings at one of the various River North art galleries.

PLACES VISITED IN THIS VIDEO:

Holy Name Cathedral
The Comedy Bar
A. Montgomery Ward Park
Merchandise Mart
True Food Kitchen
Dollop
Corey's NYC Bagel
Chicago Riverwalk

My favorite things to do in River North include playing arcade games at Headquarters, enjoying the historic details of the Dreihaus Museum, and watching the boats float down the Chicago River.

I hope you enjoyed this Chicago Vlog / River North Chicago Travel Guide!

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[jazzcatjohn]

Night life in River North is incredible. A couple personal favorites are Andy's Jazz Club for jazz and Blue Chicago for blues.

[lliizzk]

this guy needs more subs. these videos are awesome, i’m always baffled that chicago related videos don’t get many views, like apartment tours, student vlogs and videos like this. what’s up with that!?

[michaelnobles]

River north is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago!

[FD_and_B]

Luis your love for your hometown is contagious

[cjoutright]

I live here in Chicago (born and raised) and in person River North is very captivating. I use to go down there all the time before COVID and I even went to the French program there. Love my city!

[karimianaviation]

Literally the perfect video I needed. My gf and I plan on moving to River North in a couple years cause we fell in love with chi so much!!!

[ericmathiasen]

Having lived in River North for over 17 years, I definitely love the area and love the explosive growth it's had in that time making it all the more active. Nice work on this guide!

[pattallant]

I have to say I’m happy to have found your great videos of my hometown! It just takes me back and makes me smile. I haven’t been back since I left in 73 as I have developed a phobia of flying. Only 2 blood relatives there are still alive. So not being able to go there in person, I have your videos to take me back. Big thanks! 🤗👍👍

[Dstergurl]

I absolutely love Chicago.. I'm watching this video to hold me over until it gets warm again.

[allanwinters]

I started my radio/TV production compayi in 1986 in River North and loved the neighborhood. Spent 13 great years in this community

[lizetharce]

I love your Videos, I will be there in Dec. greetings from Costa Rica

[RicV]

Awesome, I loved the bloopers at the end. Keep making the city proud

[er]

Thank you so much for the amazing work, because of your channel I decided to visit Chicago and after a few days there I’m now thinking about moving 🙌🏼 all because of your channel, I had never ever considered Chicago before

[fathanfamily]

i come to you again my FRIEND
THANK you for GREAT vidio
GOOD luck for you

[keeganmcguire]

Fantastic job Luis, I appreciate how thorough your history, and the inclusion of Native American presence in the region. These videos are entertaining, useful, and a classy job!

[kateospeaks]

I'm in Chicago often I really enjoy your videos you turned me, on to a lot of points of interest in the city. Because of your videos everytime I come to visit. I always have some new places to explore also things to do. Thank

[elonmuskrat]

Your Chicago videos are a Godsend for someone new to the area. Keep it up Man!

[cw]

Thanks so much for your informative vids! ❤

[amymalone]

I've been staying in River North for the past 6 years or so when I visit Chicago. Highly recommend an architectural boat tour for anyone looking for something to do.

[joefisher]

New subscriber here! Very informative vid! I'm staying in this neighborhood later next month at the Hilton Garden Inn on Grand Street! Can't wait!