The elegant tree-lined streets of Chicago's Gold Coast are home to some of the city's highest rollers, and it's long been one of the Windy City's most prestigious neighborhoods. From luxe shops to fine eateries and chic hotels, here's everything you need to know about the Gold Coast.
Where to Eat
57 E. Oak St. / Website
French-Vietnamese classic Le Colonial is exotic and elegant, and its lush spot on Oak Street comes complete with fringed lamps, palm fronds and period photography.
120 E. Delaware Place / Website
1028 N. Rush St. / Website
This iconic Gold Coast steakhouse attracts celebs and VIPs nightly with its classically crafted cocktails, USDA Prime Angus steaks—exclusive to Gibsons—and fresh seafood.
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1300 N. Dearborn Parkway / Website
This luxurious spot is known for its gorgeous decor and A-list crowd. Once inside, enjoy dishes like truffle grilled cheese and artisinal prosciutto.
8 W. Maple St. / Website
With two-Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant manning the kitchen, Maple & Ash topples every conventional notion of the steakhouse. Indulge in filet mignon, ribeye and strip steak, or delight in the sumptuous selection of seafood.
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912 N. State St. / Website
This lavish Italian eatery helmed by Michelin-starred chef Soo Ahn dishes up delectable bites like cacio e pepe arancini, charred octopus and fried gnocchi served alongside 24-month prosciutto and a mound of whipped ricotta with honey.
52 W. Elm St. / Website
Home to celebrated chef Art Smith of Oprah fame, this quaint restaurant in a vintage carriage house adheres to a farm-to-table philosophy showcasing cuisine prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms.
6 E. Chestnut St. / Website
This no-frills, neighborhood classic is a beloved breakfast spot that's always packed. You might even see celebs like George Lucas or Oprah Winfrey dining out on the patio next to you.
Where to Stay
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11 E. Walton St. / Website
As one of Chicago’s most renowned hotels, the just-renovated Waldorf Astoria offers an unmatched experience with custom stay enhancements and elevated in-room dining, offering everything from shareable plates to Champagne. The highlight: a premier Greco-Roman spa complete with soothing massage services and facials.
21 E. Bellevue Place / Website
This glamorous Gold Coast hotel is centrally located steps away from the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan and the neighborhood's top luxury shops. Snag one of the two-story penthouse suites for the full Thompson experience.
1301 N. State Parkway / Website
Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, this chic hotel has deep roots in Chicago history as the city's original boutique hotel since 1926 and drawing A-listers like David Bowie and Marilyn Monroe. Recline in a quiet, gilded atmosphere with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the bustle of Michigan Avenue’s iconic shopping scene only steps away.
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20 E. Chestnut St. / Website
The chic Sofitel Chicago fuses the brand's elevated French flair with the luxury of the Gold Coast, resulting in an inviting, elegant retreat for visitors and locals alike. Dine at the property's CDA restaurant, unwind alfresco at the La Terrace lounge or indulge in an in-room spa treatment.
120 E. Delaware Place / Website
One of the finest hotels in downtown Chicago, this award-winning destination boasts posh accommodations, top-notch dining at Adorn, an on-site spa and luxury amenities like in-room martini service (or ice cream sundae service for the kids).
Where to Relax
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120 E. Delaware Place / Website
After a long day of exploring the city, there's nothing better than a bit of R&R. Head to the spa at Four Seasons for a day of pampering and utter relaxation.
1221 N. State Parkway / Website
The serene day spa offers heavenly services including massages, nail treatments, facials and more, assuring a rejuvintaing experience for each guest.
945 N. State St. / Website
Recently opened Gold Coast day spa Milk + Honey is a go-to for your next self-care day, whether with friends or solo. Spa services including massages, facials, waxing, nails, hair care and more assure you'll leave glowing.
33 W. Delaware Place / Website
Specializing in haircuts and color, makeup, waxing, main-pedis, massages and more, Asha SalonSpa's Gold Coast location is a hub for all your beauty and wellness needs.
Where to Shop
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960 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
With a legacy in watch- and clockmaking dating back to 1880s Sweden, the Bern family’s Chicago jewelry business adds serious sparkle to the city with a broad-ranging selection of timepieces as well as bauble brands ranging from Oscar Heyman and Roberto Coin to Chicago’s own Dana Rebecca Designs.
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900 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
The 900 Shops is an iconic Windy City retail destination, housing shops more than 70 shops like Provenance by Diana Michele, Sidney Garber, Aritzia, Gucci, Max Mara and J. Crew. Head here, at the north end of the Mag Mile, for a proper Chicago shopping spree.
Hermès
25 E. Oak St. / Website
Fresh off a top-to-bottom renovation, this boutique from the iconic French luxury design house is once again one of the gems of tony Oak Street, filled with sumptuous selects ranging from luxurious silk and dazzling fashion jewelry to leather, watches and homeware collections.
933 N. Rush St. / Website
Browse Versace’s decadent selects at the two-story, marble-clad shop on Rush Street.
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70 E. Walton St., Second Floor / Website
Exquisite bridal fashion is just the start of this iconic Gold Coast fashion destination’s offerings; owner and head designer Julie Mersine also offers a variety of stunning eveningwear, custom apparel and more.
62 E. Oak St. / Website
Shop Buccellatti's dazzling jewels at the brand's Gold Coast location on Oak Street. A must-visit on any shopping spree, this boutique offers appointments for those looking for the perfect pieces.
30 E. Oak St. / Website
Shop Prada at the brand's Oak Street shop situated among the world-class retail row on Oak Street. Stop by or make an appointment to peruse the brand's mens and womenswear.
109 E. Oak St., Ste. A / Website
Top jeweler Razny houses luxe selects like Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces and dazzling jewels from Cartier, Lagos Tag Heuer and more.
Where To Hit the Town
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11 E. Walton St. / Website
Waldorf Astoria Chicago's beloved cocktail lounge Bernard's sports a new look following a property-wide renovation. Stop by for carefully crafted cocktails in an intimate sanctuary adorned in rich, dark hues complemented by tweeds and equestrian influences.
1220 N. State Parkway / Website
A beloved Gold Coast watering hole since 1929, Zebra Lounge claims the third oldest liquor license in the city. Stop by this intimate piano bar any day of the week to revel in live music. Be sure to keep an eye out—celebs have been known to drop in on occasion.
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39 E. Chicago Ave. / Website
This Chicago staple recently underwent a massive renovation, ushering Pippin's into a new era. Hang at the bar after a day of shopping and sit down for pub bites courtesy of executive chef Amanda Barnes.
20 W. Division St. / Website
Butch McGuire's big green awning on Division Street welcomes guests into the classic Irish saloon. The inviting spot has been family owned and operated since 1961, and as a classic Windy City haunt, it's a must-visit on any trip to the Gold Coast. Plus, stop by during the holidays to check out the famous holiday lights and decor.
Cultural Experiences
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60 W. Walton St. / Website
Whether you're a history junkie or simply want to explore one of Chicago's most historic cultural institutions, the Newberry Library is for you. This public library's collection of resources covering topics like religion, geography, culture and so much more spans a whopping 27.5 miles of shelving—and it's still growing.
1365 N. Astor St. / Website
When driving down Astor Street, there's no missing this historic building—and even more architectural beauty awaits inside. Designed by Louis Sullivan and his junior draftsman Frank Lloyd Wright, the Charnley-Persky House Museum is a national historic landmark and serves as the Society of Architectural Historians; headquarters.
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive / Website
At the International Museum of Surgical Science, visitors journey through the history and evolution of surgery and medicine through engaging exhibits in the 10,000 square feet of gallery space.
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108 W. Germania Place / Website
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, located inside the historic Germania Club Building, is home to the city's hottest immersive experiences including Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive King Tut and the seasonal Immersive Nutcracker, all of which bring stories to life through hundreds of thousands of cubic feet of projections.
Hidden Gem
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12 W. Elm St. / Website
With its antique phone booth, vintage floral wallpaper, lovely light fixtures and wood inlay bar, this Gold Coast spot is a sophisticated throwback to a gentler time of drinking, which fits its low-key location in the lobby of an art decor apartment building.
Check out our Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide here.
Photography by: Photo by Benjamin Rascoe/Unsplash
