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Gibson's Steakhouse in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood
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Gold Coast

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…glittering and glamorous

Stroll through the triangular plaza at State and Cedar at about 9pm on a Friday evening, and you’ll get a sampling of Chicago that you can’t find anywhere else. See, most of Chicago is pretty down-to-earth, and the majority of people would rather hang at a backyard grill-out than let heels or suits get in the way of their down time.

But there are always exceptions, and the Gold Coast—oh, the Gold Coast chic!—is definitely the Chicago exception. This area is where the elite go to see and be seen (or, if you’re truly elite, where you go to hide—at the historic-and-still-hip Pump Room).

Bordered by Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, below North Avenue and around the old water tower, the Gold Coast is the playground for the wealthy and the wannabes. Dine at Gibson’s or Tavern on Rush, drink at C-View or Zebra Lounge, and shop ‘till your doorman drops along the Magnificent Mile, from Water Tower Place to the endless A-list designer shops on Oak Street. At the lakeshore, bronzed bodies have readied themselves for the beach and Navy Pier provides a silly, touristy respite from the sophistication.

As for housing, apartments and condos range from reasonable to ridiculous—i.e., this is the neighborhood where Oprah lives. ‘Nuff said.

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Known for:

So much to do, so little time

Main drag:

Michigan Avenue

Gold Coast blogs and events

Free Music at Millennium Park

This Thursday, July 30, a jazz concert will focus on a tribute to Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

Earlier posts >

Apartments in Gold Coast

One East Delaware Apartments - 1 E Delaware 215 East Chestnut Street Apartments - 215 E Chestnut St
McClurg Court Center Apartments - 333 E Ontario St