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Gold Coast
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The picture-perfect streets of Gold Coast are full of history, beauty, and charm. The overall atmosphere is, honestly, luxurious. Tucked away from the bustle of Downtown, right on the edge of the lake, Gold Coast is full of friendly vibes and high-end living.
You can find townhouses that look like they’re straight out of Architectural Digest, as well as luxury high-rises, vintage buildings, and lots of historic mansions. Gold Coast has been compared to the Upper East Side on more than one occasion, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are you surrounded by charming, historic architecture, you also have quaint, leafy sidewalks, and tons of things to do. Within minutes you find yourself shopping on Magnificent Mile, jogging along the Lakefront Trail, or relaxing at Oak Street Beach, just for starters.
Gold Coast is the epitome of confident, sophisticated luxury. It’s a daily walk through a historic storybook, complete with tree-canopied streets and castle-like stonework. It’s a morning heading to the lake for a walk, and an evening heading out on the town for cocktails. It’s a perfectly cooked filet, chilled Champagne, and the best creme brulee of your life.
Backstory
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of the city, including the area that is now known as the Gold Coast. The area was left barren for years while Chicago slowly rebuilt.
Then a wealthy local businessman named Potter Palmer came along, and he had a lot of influence over the area. Not only did he build and develop the Gold Coast, he was the founder of Palmer House Hotel, and was also in business with Marshall Field. That business would eventually become Marshall Field & Company, one of the largest department store chains in US history (which was eventually acquired by Macy’s, but remains a big part of Chicago’s history).
Right alongside Palmer’s property, where he built his gigantic 42-room mansion, Lake Shore Drive (LSD) was developed. Once LCD was open, it brought new interest and an influx of traffic to the Gold Coast area. And, following Palmer’s lead, a generation of like-minded entrepreneurs and wealthy residents flocked to the neighborhood to set up lavish households of their own.
Today, it’s still a gorgeous, high-end place to live. There are historic buildings everywhere you look, including many of the (now beautifully restored) mansions from those early residents.
Local Fare
- Maple and Ash: An ultra-chic, contemporary steakhouse with a wood-fire oven and a glamorous, yet fun vibe. The cocktails and food are fantastic , and their wine list was named one of the best in the world. And it’s not the only stellar steakhouse in the neighborhood – be sure to check out historic Gibson’s or iconic Tavern on Rush.
- Carmine’s: Giant portions of Italian classics and homemade pastas. The atmosphere is loud, celebratory, and fun.
- Coq d’Or: Pure nostalgia inside the historic Drake Hotel. The second place in Chicago to get a liquor license after Prohibition ended, this place has a whiskey club, their own Rye (from local FEW distillery), and is famous for their Red Snapper Soup.
- The Original Pancake House: This adorable and delicious breakfast spot has been family-run since the 1970s. Obviously the pancakes are fantastic, but their omelets are also pretty amazing.
- Butch Maguire’s: Also a family-owned Chicago original since the 1960s, this place is full of history and tradition. But it’s also just a fun pub to hang out, eat, play trivia, or enjoy a lazy brunch on the weekends.
Things to Do
- Oak Street shopping: Oak Street is a luxurious stretch of shops, and a small extension of Magnificent Mile shopping, with only the finest brands. Look for high fashion, iconic jewelry, and designer accessories, all perfectly displayed along tiny picturesque streets. It’s pretty fun whether you’re splurging or just window shopping.
- International Museum of Surgical Science: This unusual museum is one of those sleeper things to do, and even if you’re not into medicine or science, it’s hard not to be into this. The museum follows the history of surgery through old photos, vintage equipment, a few skeletons, and literally thousands of medical books. And it’s all inside a mansion from the early 1900s.
- 3 Arts Club Cafe at Restoration Hardware: The cafe inside the Gold Coast RH is absolutely stunning. Spend an afternoon browsing furniture, and stay to enjoy a meal or drinks in their super cool dining space, located in an atrium with flowing fountains, plush couches, and twinkling chandeliers. Seriously, no description can do it justice, you just have to go see it.
- Oak Street Beach: Technically there are plenty of beaches along the lake, but Oak Street Beach is next level. When you think of a beach, this is basically what you’re picturing — but it’s just steps from the city. This sandy spot is great for relaxing, biking, or swimming, and there are volleyball tournaments in the summer. The beach is super popular and well-maintained, with food and drink options nearby, and beautiful views. *P.S. - who would have thought Chicago has actual beaches?
Sights to See
- Charnley-Persky House: One of the many historic mansions in the area, this one was designed by Louis Sullivan and his young apprentice...Frank Lloyd Wright. Its unusual look is considered a major step between Victorian and Modern styles.
- Washington Square Park: Perfect for a spontaneous picnic after work, this is actually one of the city’s oldest small parks, and the site of many historic public speeches. You’ll find a restored fountain, colorful flower beds, and huge, shady trees.
- Original Playboy Mansion: Before moving to LA, this is where Hefner’s empire began. The three story mansion was originally built in 1899, became the Playboy Mansion in 1959, and now houses some very high-end condos.
Transportation
You can jump on the Red Line at Clark/Division, or grab a bus on Clark Street, either of which will get you to the Loop easily.. And if you’re driving, you have Lake Shore Drive on your doorstep.
- the Loop: ~15-20 min via Red Line
- the Lake (Oak Street Beach): ~10 min walk
- O’Hare: ~60 min by public transit
