Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Drumbar takes the ‘speakeasy’ to the next level, 200 feet up to be exact. Perched atop the Raffaello Hotel on Delaware Place, Drumbar is a multi seasonal destination with its speakeasy style inside lounge and outdoor garden terrace. Drumbar is a drinking establishment designed to deliver warmth, style, and an energetic spirit of old meets new. Click here for more information.
Perhaps the arrival of an Hermes store in Chicago means the Windy City has really made it in the fashion world. The French phenom brand is the brains behind the all-elusive Birkin bag which has a waiting list of up to two years in some cases and of course a whole slew of amazing scarves that will make anyone look instantaneously French.
Its location couldn’t be more than ideal, across the street from a supersized Barney’s and Prada, Hermes brings the level of chic to this carrefour to a level only this line could. Alas visit the store of the line rumored to have Oprah banging down its doors during off hours for an emergency purchase (the Paris location) and scarve yourself fabulous.
It has been said that Spiaggia has the best Italian food in all of America by notables for Travel & Leisure and Esquire. Yep, read it and weep Northeast coasters who think you’re the only people to recreate Italian masterpieces.
Going strong since 1984, chef and partner Tony Mantuano is a name to be reckoned with in the world of cuisine. Everyone knows he’s a master, no contests necessary. Just take a look at the crowd that eats here: Michelle Obama, Sir Elton John, the late Princess Diana, Sir Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Paul Newman, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.
En sum, “Il mio sogno realizzato” says Spiaggia owner and founder Larry Levy, his dream come true.
Lester Lampert, located on Oak Street in the Gold Coast lives amongst neighbors such as Harry Winston, Hermes and Bvlgari to name a few. But yet it’s possible you’ve not heard the name before — if you’re not a jewelry connoisseur or a Chi-town native. Well, Lester Lampert is both.
One visit to his retail space of dreams, which doubled its original size in 2005, is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. The sparkles, the baubles, the diamonds! But it’s Lester’s unique designs that have gotten him where he is today. Chosen as the designer of the Field Museum‘s most noteworthy gems, Loyola University’s stained glass windows and more Chicago icons, one look and you’ll understand why.
Word of the wise: This is not a store to skip. It is a must visit when in the Windy City…if you like gorgeous things that is.
If there is one iconic restaurant in Chicago, it may just be Gibsons Steakhouse. This is Chicago at its best: mouth watering steaks, a bar that never runs dry and serves nothing but premium liquors and wines, celeb sightings to watch for and enough people watching to compete with your appetite.
Rounding off the “Viagra Triangle,” yes, the ‘hood really is called that because of the Ferrari driving white-haired men and their hot young things, Gibsons Steakhouse is the place to be. In case you don’t want to call its digs the V Triangle, it’s also known as the Gold Coast area where Rush Street and State Street become one. Gibsons Steakhouse is literally packed from Monday through Sunday, partly because of the financial district heads who dine there or the ladies who lunch (and linger until happy hour), but the place gets jumping early and ends late. If you want to snag a good table, you’ll want to head there at 4ish on a weekday!
As for the Johnny Depp connection? Gibsons Steakhouse was a favorite eating place for Depp when filming the mobster flick: Pubic Enemies. Johnny liked the place and its service so much, he left a $4,000 tip! So if it’s good enough for Johnny, you better believe you’re going to love Gibsons.
In the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and two blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Devon Seafood is the 
MidWest’s answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there’s absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment.
Whether it’s Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006.
The chic interior competes with the “oohs” and “ahhs” gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place’s digs.
When the plates arrive, however, it’s all about the catch of the day and yet, you’ll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.
Ask a Frenchie in Chicago where he or she loves to go for la cuisine francaise authentique and you’re most likely to hear “Les Nomades.” Pourquoi? It’s simple, with amazing array of plats premiers like herb roasted Maine lobster, Chantenay carrot purée, sugar snap peas, Madras curry natural jus; main courses like Duo of Squab Breast and Crispy Veal Sweetbreads with mustard greens, quinoa, sauce d’épice; fromage plates and desserts like chesnut bon bon mousse coffee ganache and Guanaja chocolate cremeux. After all this, you’ll wish the five hour, five course meal would never end.
Inside a chic brownstone just steps off of Michigan Avenue, Les Nomades is zee perfect place to rest your shopper’s feet while sipping back wine from the award winning list. From Forbes, AAA Four Diamond, Zagat to Wine Spectator, this place has won all the awards that count. The service alone speaks for its status.
Insider’s Tip: Pay the $130/person for the five course meal, you won’t regret it.
Chicago’s Gold Coast is a mecca of fine dining and celeb sightings. Where Rush Street turns into State Street- what Chicagoans call the Viagra Triangle for its reputation of older men with arm candy dates- is a scene of classic Chicago restaurants where Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House stands out above the crowd as one of the best spots for seafood you’ll find west of the Atlantic.
But before you even get to the mouth-
watering menu options of crab, lobster, oysters (for the aphrodisiac lovers) and fresh fishes, it’s all about the legs. Oui, les frog legs that is. Lathered in garlic and delicious spices, the frog legs at Hugo’s are so scrumptious that even the pickiest of eaters tend to become leg lovers post visit. If you save enough room after the legs, the menu is chalk full of more seafood options and of course, plenty of turf for meat lovers as well.
Equally as notable as the delicious cuisine here however, is the charm of the ambiance. The ol’ maritime interior and swingin’ vibe leave patrons in a jolly good mood as they sip dirty martinis and their conversations begin to spill from one table to the next.
Viagra not included.
Nestled in a perfect Gold Coast locale, the Sofitel Hotel is a hubbub of activity: business people staying, cool locals hanging, and enough gorgeous French people to star in a Sophia Coppola film. Within the hotel lies the delicious Cafe des Architectes with its partner bar, the aptly named Le Bar.
No matter the day or time, people watching here is like eating candy: sweet and energizing. But of course, the people are here for the cuisine. After all, the chef, Martial Noguier was a semifinalist in the James Beard Best Chef of 2009 competition! He will also be starring in his television debut on the upcoming Glutton for Punishment on the Food Network.
His culinary skills have also lent a hand in making Cafe des Architectes a hotspot for Christmas and NYE dining. The five-course menu starts at $89 and goes up to $160 with wine pairings. From short rib tortellini to veal strips and center cut tuna – you will actually need and want to save room for executive pastry chef Suzanne Imaz’s delectable creations like the white chocolate coconut mousse!
Year round this cozy-chic eatery remains a hotspot for food, drinks and gorgeous patrons serving brunch, lunch, dinner and the worker-friendly executive 30-minute lunch. Merci Noguier!
Oftentimes brunch is a euphemism for hangover cure and a time when people aren’t exactly looking their most chic. Au contraire at Fred’s at Barneys New York on a Sunday, the hottest place for brunch in Chicago. Prepare to lo
ok smashing if you want to dine on the delights at Fred’s, because everyone else will be.
Dressed in their Sunday best, but not because they went to church, Fred’s is a see-and-be-seen, plush 5,000 square feet of Gold Coast property heaven (fifth floor ensures amazing views of the lake and streets below). On any given Sunday you can expect to see some of Chi-town’s biggest socialites and business mavens and maybe even a celeb or two. That along with your average slew of really, really, ridiculously good-looking people- albeit collagen-enhanced.
People-watching aside, you’ll actually want to eat. For just $25.00 enjoy the Fred’s brunch special which includes:
The service is impeccable in a dance of sorts, where more people than you’ll remember will have visited your table at a timely perfection to check on you, refill your coffee and keep the dance flowing.
You’ll feel like a real resident at the Residence Inn that offers complimentary breakfast as well as a free scrumptious bbq dinner every Wednesday evening. This Inn, located in the luxe Gold Coast neighborhood, has choice sleeping accommodations that will leave you rested and ready to tackle the multitude of shops and attractions in the surrounding area. If you’re a social butterfly, flit into the gatehouse for social hour with tasty beverages and snacks. We give it two thumbs up!
This neighborhood bar serves up simple, every-day eats in a casual-chic setting. The cuisine is artfully prepared with the freshest organic ingredients, and the delicious specialty cocktails boast a similar caliber. Luxbar, you will love!
Since its opening in 1920, this magnificent hotel has been the top choice of celebrities and heads of state alike. The Drake artfully combines elegance and style to accommodate your every need, whether you’re in town on business or pleasure. Perfectly located in the exclusive Gold Coast area on The Magnificent Mile, this place offers dazzling views of Lake Shore Drive and Oak Street Beach and is just steps from Chicago’s most prestigious boutiques.
The Whitehall Hotel is located on Delaware Place, a one-way, eastbound street, one-half block west of Michigan Avenue and one-half block east of Rush Street. Right in the heart of the Gold Coast, and just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place, Chicago’s lakefront, and Oak Street Beach, The Whitehall Hotel also has easy access to the Loop, the Merchandise Mart, Apparel Center, and McCormick Place. Guest are only steps away from great restaurants including its very own Italian restaurant, Fornetto Mei.