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Neighborhoods to Know and Go: Chicago's Streeterville

June 9, 2010 at 4:45 PM | by | Comments (0)

Perhaps you've visited Chicago before and seen all that there is to see, or maybe you ever live there and relish in the awesome places the city has to offer, but there's a pretty good chance you haven't even tapped the wonder of Streeterville.

Streeterville is a small neighborhood, right in the center of everything and with enviable access to both Michigan Avenue and the lakefront. In fact, it's the portion of land bordered on its west by Michigan Avenue, at its north by North Avenue, on its east by Lake Michigan, and by the Chicago River at the southern end. The land is manmade, developed only in the early 1900s when silt was dumped there and a man by the name of Streeter attempted to claim the newly-made prime lakefront property.

These days, it's still some of the most expensive property in the city, and one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks—The John Hancock Tower—stands in a proud position in Streeterville. If you've already shopping on Michigan Avenue or staying in a nearby hotel, seeing Streeterville could be the easiest diversion you'll make. And perhaps the most memorable.

Join us in Streeterville...

Where to Eat and Drink:

If you're not averse to brunching next to hot young doctors and nurses from the Northwestern Medical School, then the West Egg Cafe is where you down to a few bloody marys. It's absolutely affordable for any meal, but breakfasts here are the real attraction. 620 North Fairbanks Ct at Ontario.

French and fancy, Les Nomades is where you go to find foie gras. Once briefly banned in Chicago a couple years ago, the goose liver delicacy is a favorite of the Streeterville set. Go with the Arctic Char or Lobster Bisque for your entree, and do not miss the Grand Marnier souffle for dessert. 222 East Ontario near Fairbanks Ct.

Every time, almost every day, that we're near Streeterville, we'll hop into the Wow Bao on the first floor entrance of the Water Tower Mall for a spicy peanut salad and a couple baos. A bao is a delicious and tender steamed Asian dumpling filled with the best stuff, like barbeque pork, curry chicken or even melted chocolate. Check in here on Foursquare, show the cashier that you did, and you get a free bao with purchase of one. Inside Water Tower Place Mall, 1st floor, 835 North Michigan Avenue.

If you're looking for a dive bar, then you're on the wrong side of Michigan Avenue. But it you don't mind a 4-star hotel bar with dive bar tendencies, then drop into Coq d'Or at The Drake Hotel. Order any cocktail in the "executive" size and it's like super-sizing your alcohol intake. Plus, the leather environs and underground feel aren't too bad either. Inside the Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place.

Where to Shop:

Most of the typical retail shopping sits just steps away from the borders of Streeterville, but that's okay because you've got gourmet market Fox & Obel to explore. This place is like a wonderland for foodies, soaring higher into haute groceries than any Whole Foods we know. Check out the anise marshmallows and more around their chocolaterie, or dare to venture into the impressive cheese department. There's also a small area for you to sit and chow down on your purchases immediately. 401 East Illinois Street at McClurg Court.

Don't tell anyone we sent you, but on the second floor of the Water Tower Mall is The Oprah Store. Want one of Dr. Oz's books or just some swag for your mom? This is the place for O-branded goodies. It's also the only branch outside of her Harpo Studios shop on Chicago's southside. Water Tower Mall, 2nd level, 835 North Michigan Avenue.

Where to Stay:

For price and location, you really can't do better than the Raffaello Hotel, which sits directly at the foot of the John Hancock Center and yet keeps a quiet and refined atmosphere. We once scored a king bed room here for $139, which would make other guests of Michigan Avenue hotels loose their shit if they knew about the deal.

For a younger, more modern set, it's got to be the W Lakeshore. For around $250 per night, you'll be steps from the lakefront path and still clear away from the $400 per night places that litter the rest of the area. Plus, Ws just look so good.


Ohio Street Beach as seen from the John Hancock Center

What to Do:

If you've chosen to stay at the W Lakeshore, you almost can't avoid walk the Lakeshore path to Ohio Street Beach. This beach commands one of the best locations, nuzzled right in a curve by Navy Pier and yet unnoticed by most tourists. The serious swimmers set up along here in the summer, trading pools for the cool of the lake, and everyone benefits from the excellent view up the coastline.

You can go to Navy Pier to eat at chain restaurants like Bubba Gump or to catch a lakefront dinner cruise, but we recommend something else entirely: the Pier's Smith Museum of Stained Glass. Over 150 stained glass windows, some by the famous Louis Comfort Tiffany, run the length of corridors. And the best part is—it's free!

We know, we know...everyone loves the Sears Willis Tower. But that skyscraper is set back in the Loop business district and isn't as easily accessible as the Hancock. So reserve $20 for the ticket price and head 95+ stories above the ground for breathtaking views of the lake, Chicago, and all of Streeterville at your feet.

Related Stories:
· Sun, Sand and Deep-Dish Pizza: Chicago's Top 3 Beaches [Jaunted]
· Neighborhoods to Know and Go: NYC's Astoria [Jaunted]
· Nieghborhoods to Know and Go: Chicago's Chinatown [Jaunted]
· Other 'Neighborhoods to Know and Go' [Jaunted]

[Photos: all Jaunted, except for the Fox & Obel desserts, by ellenprather95]

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