Gold Coast: Livin’ In the Lap of Luxury

If only the best will do, dahling, then the Gold Coast it must be. This is where you’ll find Chicago’s most amazing, and most amazingly expensive, views of the skyline, and much of the city’s finest wining and dining venues. Luxury lives here, where the city’s first mansions were built, and where tourists flock to spend their childrens’ inheritance at the Magnificent Mile. So if you need a seriously posh place to live, and quick access to Lakeshore Drive or to the Loop to boot, you just might be Gold Coast material.

The Gold Coast’s most notable housing option is the high-rise, with the highly coveted scenic views of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for a smaller building, don’t despair; those are also options in this neighborhood. Here a studio runs about $1,200, a one bedroom around $1,500, a two bedroom near $2,200, and a three bedroom apartment close to $2,800.

Gibsons Steakhouse keeps people (and celebrities), eagerly coming back to shell out the dough for their massive steaks. Do your best to save some room for their fantastic sides and desserts (also massive), like the double-baked potato and the macadamia turtle pie. For a real taste of luxury (and a more vegetarian-friendly experience), check out the Signature Room and the Signature Lounge. Housed on the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock Center, this upscale bar and restaurant experience offers a spectacular view of the city, fancy food, and a wine list so long your eyes will glaze over long before you get to the end. When it’s time to take off your fancy pants, Dublin’s is sure to please, with more than just the expected Irish pub food, as is The Lodge, where you’ll eat peanuts and drink the night away with your 25 new best friends.

In addition to the fine art of shopping, the Gold Coast also offers the fine art of art with its summer Gold Coast River North Art Fair. Other outdoor activities, including biking, segway tours, boat cruises, fireworks, and mini golf can all be found at Navy Pier (which is super kid-friendly, but watch out for all the tourists), and Oak Street Beach is the place to go for catching sun. If you want to stay indoors, catch an IMAX movie at Navy Pier, a classic play at ShawChicago Theatre Company, or play some skee ball at Dave & Buster’s.

Do your best to avoiding driving in this area, especially during rush hour (which in Chicago can be any time that isn’t night or 10am), as it is full of crazy cab drivers and confused tourists. The Red Line has two stops near the Gold Coast, at Chicago and Grand. There is also a Brown/Purple Line stop further west on Chicago. City buses run along the major streets of Chicago and Grand that will take you into the Gold Coast. The Grand bus will also take you even further west to connect to the Blue Line. A number of city buses run along Michigan Avenue, such as the Water Tower Express bus, which takes you to the Water Tower from various Loop locations. The major street LaSalle also has a city bus that is useful to Gold Coast residents. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always take one of the horse-drawn carriages up Michigan Avenue. It’s probably faster than driving.