Distance from downtown: 0.8 miles Via: Brown Line Best for: Shopping, nightlife Go: Afternoon, evening
POETRY FOUNDATION Chicago’s first museum dedicated solely to poetry, John Ronan Architects’ Poetry Foundation building at 61 West Superior Street is a stunning architectural homage to the written word, and exhibits a 30,000 volume poetry library for browsing within the building’s elegant walls.
MERCHANDISE MART Completed in 1930, the impressive design center spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories tall and boasts over four million square feet. It became the largest LEED-certified building in the world when awarded LEED Silver in 2007 and upgraded to LEED Gold in 2013. Check out the many design showrooms and 1871 coworking space inside.Â
XOCO Serving up exceptionally delicious Mexican tortas, soups and other culinary tidbits like bottled margaritas, fresh guacamole and churros, Rick Bayless’ casual lunch spot XOCO is one of the finest in the River North neighborhood.
GALLERY ROWÂ River North is known primarily for its concentration of restaurants, bars and clubs, but stroll over to Superior or Huron streets between Wells and Orleans to discover design inspiration via the dozens of galleries, boutiques, and interior design shops that constitute the gallery district.
CELESTE Originally constructed as a glass factory in the 1800s by famed Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, 111 W. Hubbard Street now houses one of the city’s hottest programs for well-made cocktails and delectable bites.
