Living large: An insider's guide to the Gold Coast
Best known for its pricey restaurants, designer shops and bars overflowing with bachelorettes, Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood is home to much more than that. One-of-a-kind boutiques, local (and affordable) eateries and world-class museums also adorn this ritzy neighborhood - you just have to know where to find them.
Sightseeing
Think all of Chicago's best museums are south of the river? Think again. The Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.) houses works by Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol alongside rotating special exhibits. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students and free on Tuesdays.
Those who prefer historical landmarks should head to the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St.). Unlike most libraries, no books can be checked out, but visitors researching a topic supported by the Newberry's collections can obtain a reader card. Not working on your dissertatio n? Casual visitors can peruse the bookstore on the first floor, take a tour (10:30 a.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Thursdays) and view the special exhibits such as the recently opened "Artifacts of Childhood: 700 Years of Children's Books."
Shopping
Kate Spade, Barney's New York and Prada may make you swoon, but unless you have a bottomless bank account, even a pair of socks at one of these Gold Coast shops could cost you a week's worth of groceries. For fancy but affordable bath and body products, head to Sabon (1152 N. State St.), a small New York chain that sells unique bath balls, body oils, candles and more. For your pampered pet, stop by Tails in the City (1 E. Delaware Place) for gourmet treats and bedazzled dog collars. Most apparel stores in the neighborhood are chains, but you can't go wrong with Anthropologie (1120 N. State St.), American Apparel (46 E. Walton St.) and the Puma Store (1051 N. Rush St.).
Eating
There's no shortage of restaurants in this neighborhood; the challenge is finding one that suits your tastes (and your budget). If you get there in time for brunch, mingle with the locals at the Original Pancake House (22 E. Bellvue Place). Although not original to Chicago, this place draws a huge crowd with its signature Apple Pancake and Dutch Baby. For dinner, don't even try to get a table at Table Fifty-Two (owned by Oprah's personal chef) and opt for Bistrot Zinc (1131 N. State St.) instead, where the steak frites, croque-monsieur and crepes will transport you directly to Paris.
If you're looking for more of a snack than a sit-down meal, you've come to the right place. From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through the end of October, check out the Division Street Farmers Market for fresh produce, bakery and flowers. And for a delectable, on-the-go treat, don't miss the new MORE cupcake boutique (1 E. Delaware Place), where flavors range from traditional chocolate chip and red velvet to the savory BLT and Brie grape Champagne ($3.50 to $4.25 per cupcake).
Drinking
You've probably been dragged to Shenanigans', the Hangge Uppe and McFadden's for countless birthdays and bachelor parties. Luckily, the Gold Coast has a few less obnoxious options for your night out. Zebra Lounge (1220 N. State St.) - a small, intimate piano bar with a set list as varied as the patrons who go there - is the perfect place to sip on a martini. Streeter's Tavern (50 E. Chicago Ave.) is the Gold Coast's best attempt at a dive, and I've never had a bad night at Butch McGuire's (20 W. Division St.), a neighborhood staple since the 1960s.
Chicago's Gold Coast
Where is it? Between Chicago Avenue (south), Clark Street (west), North Avenue (north) and Lake Michigan (east)
While you're there
International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 642-6502, imss.org, $9/$5 for students/free Tuesdays
This unique museum may not be for everyone, but fans of "Grey's Anatomy" and "House" will dig the special exhibits on broken bones, plastic surgery and diabetes.
Alliance Française de Chicago
810 N. Dearborn St., (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org
Another niche attraction, this French cultural center offers classes, a library of French media and public showings of French films (with English subtitles) once or twice a month ($5).
The Goddess and Grocer
25 E. Delaware Place, (312) 896-2600, goddessandgrocer.com
Stop by this European-style market for fresh salads, sandwiches, sinful desserts and unique prepared foods, which can be enjoyed on the spot or taken to go.