Hello and welcome to my new Chicago series, Chicago Neighborhood Guides! As you may know, I live in downtown Chicago with my family. Part of the draw to living in Chicago is the ability to experience so many different neighborhoods within walking distance. We normally spend a weekend day walking around the city and exploring. One of my favorite neighborhoods is the Gold Coast and specifically the area right around Mariano Park.
The area is nicknamed the Viagra Triangle mainly because it’s known for older rich gentlemen trying to pick up the younger girls. And trust me you can take in some great people watching up there, but it’s also filled with families hanging out in my favorite city park, Mariano Park. It’s also home to one of the best old-school Chicago restaurant scenes. We spend a lot of time up in this area. In the morning we eat breakfast in the park before heading to the farmers market. And in the evenings we have dinner at one of the many restaurants and gelato in the park after.
Mariano Park
This park is located in the heart of the triangle and is literally sitting on a piece of land shaped as a triangle. The park features gorgeous old trees offering great shade, a large fountain and Whispers Café. The café serves coffee, juice and gelato. It also offers plenty of seating, with benches and tables and chairs.
While I love the park in the early morning to have breakfast (we bring our own), the park offers the perfect after dinner treat. After we eat at one of the restaurants in the area we head to the park for gelato by the fountain. When the sun goes down the twinkle lights come on and create the best ambience. It’s great for kids and adults.
Restaurants in Mariano Park
There are over six restaurants located on the triangle surrounded by State, Rush and Bellevue. During the pandemic they closed down the streets to cars and let the restaurants spill into the streets with tables for outdoor dining. This was one of the many positive things that came out of the pandemic because they are still allowing it. The best restaurants include the following and I can say I’ve dinned at all of them and they are delicious!
Gibson’s
Gibson’s is a Chicago original that has grown to become a mini-chain of restaurants around the Chicago area. The menu is a traditional steakhouse menu and they offer brunch and dinner. The steaks here are huge so I would split one with someone and grab more sides.
Tavern on Rush
Steaks, steaks and more steaks. If you love red meat you have to eat here. It’s a classic Chicago Steakhouse and the service is top notch.
Carmine’s
This might be my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. They serve up classic Italian dishes and sauces alongside the best caprese salad in town. Service is amazing and outdoor dining is the best. They also have a small covered outdoor patio that is cozy in the fall because of the heaters.
Luxbar
Brunch at Luxbar is a Chicago right of passage. Find a friend and split the turkey club and one of their salads along with a side of truffle fries. You will leave full and happy. I also love that they serve mini glass Coke bottles!
The Original Pancake House
This place is more than just pancakes, but the pancakes are so good. They have a huge breakfast menu and blueberry pancakes are their specialty. Its first come, first serve and while they flip the tables quickly there is always a line in you arrive after 8am.
Velvet Taco
A fast casual taco spot with unique taco choices. The menu is written on the wall and offers several “fun” tacos, like the Kobe Bacon Burger Taco and upscale traditional tacos. I typically order two tacos and a side of elote and that is plenty for a meal.
Maple and Ash
A new-school steak house that has that club-staurant vibe. The music is loud, the lighting is dim and the food is delicious! They will pre-print you a menu if you are celebrating a special occasion with your name or event on it. So be sure to tell them that when making a reservation.
Hotels
There are great hotel options around the Mariano Park area. You can sleep right where all the action is. The Viceroy is a newer hotel in the area and brings all the high class luxuries they are known for to Chicago. With a restaurant and bar on site along with a rooftop pool, this trendy hotel has you covered.
The Thompson Hotel is equally as cool for other reasons though. The lobby bar is cozy and fun. And while they have Nico onsite for a restaurant I would suggest skipping that and eating out at the other restaurants just steps away.
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