If you head to the Gold Coast in Chicago, you’ll be reminded of old-money opulence. From grand residences lining scenic streets to luxurious designer shops and dining establishments, it’s a neighborhood that many frequent rather than permanently live in. While living there may be expensive, who says we can’t have a little staycation? Here are some lavish things to do in the Gold Coast, Chicago, if you’re looking to make the most of the day.
1. Start your weekend at the Talbott Hotel
Whether you’re out of town or looking to have a staycation in the Gold Coast, Chicago, the definitive hotel to stay at is The Talbott. The classic boutique hotel is located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, offering an intimate experience for anyone who is looking to unwind and relax. Besides the spacious, luxurious guestrooms and suites, the hotel is ideally located on a secluded tree-lined block on Delaware Street.
2. Grab your morning coffee at Whispers
When you’re staying at the Talbott, of course, you can stop by LAUREL for coffee; their on-site restaurant has a scenic 100-seat outdoor patio, and if you order an Americano and squint your eyes, you’re almost in the streets of a quaint European town. Yet, when you open them, you’ll remember you’re in the streets of Chicago.
Suppose you want to explore the Gold Coast further. In that case, we recommend walking a couple of blocks over Mariano Park, colloquially known as the Viagra Triangle (you can figure that out yourself). Whispers is a seasonal spot with plenty of black metal chairs and tables, each accompanied by umbrellas. At the center of it all is a splashing fountain, creating a tranquil atmosphere with its rhythmic sounds reminiscent of white noise.
3. An idyllic brunch at The 3 Arts Club Café
After your morning coffee, you may have built up an appetite for breakfast, lunch, or, preferably, brunch. Luckily, Gold Coast, Chicago, has one of the most stunning spots in the whole city—The 3 Arts Club Café.
What makes The 3 Arts Club Café unique is it’s located in the atrium of Restoration Hardware, an upscale modern furnishing retailer. The restaurant blurs indoor meets outdoors with a grand central garden courtyard restaurant and a cast-stone fountain trickling with water. The brunch menu carries a selection of elevated delicacies, such as the RH Scramble, elevated scrambled eggs, a creamy New York Lox bagel, and appetizing Avocado Toast.
4. Get out your credit card and shop at 900 North Michigan Shops
We know this list is getting a little expensive, but what isn’t pricey in the Gold Coast? It’s known for being high-end, so that’s where the day will take us. After a fancy brunch, why not walk off the calories by climbing the escalators of the 900 North Michigan shops?
The luxurious, bright, and airy mall is one of our favorites. The shops here are grand, including Bloomingdale’s, Kate Spade, Gucci, J. Crew, Club Monaco, North Shore Exchange, and the newly opened Londo Mondo. Every store offers a refined and intimate shopping experience. What’s even more appealing is that if you head to the food and drink oasis, Aster Hall, you can order yourself a mimosa to shop with.
5. Wander Washington Square Park
If you need a subdued break from the exhaustion of shopping, wander through Washington Square Park after. While it may not be as sumptuous as the New York version, it’s Chicago’s own little sanctum.
This small park is tucked across the street from the Newberry Library, and you’ll find dogs frolicking through the field or someone playing a song on the piano that stands at the far end of the park.
6. Visit The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Since we’ve had a few extravagant activities on the list that are costly, why not throw in something that’s extravagant yet free (sometimes)? We adore the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, which explores the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th century with a focus on the Gilded Age.
The current exhibition is Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective. The exhibition has over two hundred pieces of rare and historically significant jewelry from the 17th century to the present, all from prominent Chicago collections. This first-of-its-kind exhibition includes a range of never-seen-before jewelry and decorative arts objects. While tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for seniors and $10 for students), you can go for free on Wednesdays.
7. Head to LAUREL or Le Colonial for dinner
Now, after walking around all day, you’ll probably want to return to The Talbott and gently rest your eyes. If you’re drained from a day full of movements (like we usually do), you might want to LAUREL for dinner. The dining destination seamlessly blends New American creativity with Mediterranean flavor with menu items like the renditions of Muhammara, Taramosalata, and Roasted Beet Mutabal mezes, which are must-orders, or the delicious yogurt-marinated Chicken “Joojey” and Tagliatelle Pasta “Tsouhti.”
However, if you feel like experimenting with another restaurant, we have a few options. While the Gold Coast is filled with high-end spots, like the Frog Bar, Gibsons, Fig & Olive, there is one that we’re particularly gravitated towards–Le Colonial.
This upscale French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant is reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With various spaces in the restaurant, the decor meshes the vivid flavors of Vietnam and French romanticism that feel separated yet cozy. The menu features traditional Vietnamese recipes alongside contemporary takes on classic dishes.
8. Late-night drinks at Sparrow
If you’re feeling intoxicated by the exuberant atmosphere in the Gold Coast, Chicago then you’ll want to keep the vivaciousness going at Sparrow. Located in an Art Deco building dating back to 1927, this sophisticated Cuban-inspired bar, nearly 100 years old, has a Prohibition-era feel.
Inspired by the grand hotel lobby bars of the 1930s, this stylish bar has an assortment of cocktails, including the La Floridita and the Roasado. Sparrow will transport you back in time and make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old movie.
9. Frolic to music at the Zebra Lounge
We might be biased, but Chicago’s live music scene is a chef’s kiss. Zebra Lounge, one of our favorite piano bars, is perfectly centered on the Gold Coast. With cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere, it’s the quintessential way to end your night.