Home to the iconic Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art and plenty of lakeside attractions, there’s a lot to love about the Streeterville neighborhood. Here, our favorite spots in this buzzing little corner on the east edge of Chicago.
Inventive cocktails, tempting bites and impressive views await at Offshore Rooftop.
One of Streeterville’s hottest brunch spots, Kanela dishes up flavorful, Greek-influenced American bites like the spicy feta omelet, chicken and waffles and the popular monkey bread (cinnamon, honey butter, caramel, toasted walnuts and powdered sugar). The La Colombe coffee served in-house is the icing on the (pan)cake. 502 E. Illinois St.
The tightly curated Space 519 carries brands like Nashi Home, Isabel Marant and Patou.
Inside an unassuming brownstone on Ontario Street lies fine French restaurant Les Nomades. Lauded by the Michelin Guide as one of the best French eateries in Chicago, the low-key spot’s prixfixe menu includes selects like Caviar Surprise (smoked salmon tartare, sturgeon caviar and potato foam) and an extensive wine list featuring French varietals and other interesting sips from across the globe. 222 E. Ontario St.
This chic 40-seat restaurant and cafe inside boutique Space 519 serves veggie-forward breakfast, lunch and brunch plates made with locally sourced ingredients. In the warmer months, enjoy a bite on the 24-seat, dog-friendly patio. In the foyer, spinoff space The Lunchbox offers grab-and-go selects ranging from sandwiches and baked goods to coffee and wine bottles. 200 E. Chestnut St.
The Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest rooftop, Offshore is a lively haunt at the east end of Navy Pier. Drop into the 36,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor space to enjoy inventive cocktails such as the Bad & Boujee (D’Usse VSOP cognac, passionfruit, prickly pear and lemon) and casual bites like smoked salmon rolls and steak sliders. 1000 E. Grand Ave.
ROBERT’S PIZZA AND DOUGH COMPANY
At Robert’s Pizza, you’re guaranteed a great slice. New Yorke native Robert Garvey’s eatery, known for its artisanal thin-crust pies, was recently named one of the top 50 pizza spots in the U.S. by Italy’s “Top 50 Pizza” list. 465 N. McClurg Court
For traditional Italian dishes like fried calamari, homemade ricotta dumplings doused in vodka sauce and veal sautéed in lemon and white wine, head to Volare. Be sure to start with an order of the meatballs. 201 E. Grand Ave.
Located a stone’s throw from the Mag Mile and walking distance from Navy Pier, the Loews hotel offers an elevated stay and is an ideal spot for exploring the city. Don’t miss alfresco rooftop bar/ lounge Streeterville Social on the third floor. 455 N. Park Drive
Opened in 2021, Sable is Navy Pier’s debut hotel. Its unique location, unparalleled views, Latininspired eatery Lírica and modern accommodations make it a popular destination. 900 E. Grand Ave.
Each room at the Sable Hotel offers a unique perspective.
This two-floor gift shop at the Museum of Contemporary Art offers a plethora of unique design-forward home decor, furniture, books, apparel, jewelry and more. We love the artwork-clad skateboard decks that line the shop’s winding staircase. 220 E. Chicago Ave.
This elevated boutique is owned and curated by globetrotting tastemakers Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel. Explore luxe finds like designer apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, chic gifts and more. 200 E. Chestnut St.
Whether on a bike, rollerblades or on foot, a rendezvous along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail or picnic on the concrete beach is a must.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO
The MCA is one of the world’s largest contemporary art museums and has shown countless exhibitions by big names like Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Virgil Abloh and more. 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Spanning more than 3,000 feet, Chicago’s most iconic tourist attraction is home to a range of restaurants, attractions and cultural institutions. Highlights include the Chicago Children’s Museum (named one of the country’s top 10 by USA Today), Regional Tony Award recipient Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel, new immersive experience Flyover and summer firework shows. 600 E. Grand Ave.
Ohio Street Beach is a popular spot for lounging by the lake and a prime starting point for openwater swimmers. Be sure to grab a bite and some shade at relaxed Mediterranean spot Caffè Oliva. 600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Tucked along the east side of Ohio Street Beach, this secluded park, designed by influential Modernist landscape architect Dan Kiley, showcases stellar skyline views. Pro tip: The quaint main tree-lined path is one of the best places to watch the sunset. 598 E. Grand Ave.
Photography by: FROM TOP: PHOTO BY HEIDI HARRIS/OUR LABOR OF LOVE; PHOTO: BY AIMEE MAZZENGA; PHOTO: COURTESY OF MIKE SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY
