What Makes the Gold Coast so Great?

The Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago is well defined as Chicago's most affluent district. Everything from the people, the shops and the tree-lined streets distinguish this neighborhood from all the others, but it's the restaurants and nightlife that gives the Gold Coast its swagger.

If you find yourself walking down Rush and State Streets, it is hard to miss the wide variety of steakhouses, seafood and other fine dining eateries. Also known as the "Viagra Triangle" to Chicagoans, Rush and State houses many prosperous night clubs and bars, with the drink menus easily trying to outdo the next.

Not only does this neighborhood house famous steakhouses like Morton's, Gibson's, and the well-known Lettuce Entertain You chain. True, there is also a wide variety of family owned businesses that have flourished in the area. Tavern on Rush, Table Fifty-Two which is owned and operated by the renowned chef Art Smith (aka Oprah's chef), and the celebrated II Mulino New York are all well accredited to restaurant critics everywhere.

Not only will the restaurants keep you entertained, but there is plenty of nightlife for the young, and not-so-young at heart. Rush Street nightlife was dubbed the "Viagra Triangle" for the great quantity of older wealthy men who frequent the night scene in the area.

If a stiff dirty martini isn't your thing, there are plenty of PBR and Miller Lights flying off the shelves at Butch McGuire's, Finn McCool's and Dublin's, more frequented with the younger crowds and all within walking distance of each other.

Chicago's Gold Coast has a little something for everyone, it's where the rich and famous seem to reside and stay when visiting this fine city. If you find yourself in the neighborhood though, treat yourself to a bistro or a bar, the people watching is worth it.