The Most Instagrammable River North Chicago Bars

Last Updated on May 1, 2019

It has been a few years since I spent a considerable amount of time in River North bars and clubs.  It’s a pretty trendy area of Chicago and often times, it’s a little too loud for my liking.  But, it does have some really beautiful design. To be honest, some of the prettiest spots in Chicago are at River North Chicago bars.  If you visit on a weekend, it may be crowded or loud because these are the best restaurants and bars in River North.  On an early evening during the week, however, these places are downright peaceful. The sound of nondescript rhythmic beats are prevalent at that time of day.  Later in the evening, these may be replaced with louder and trendier songs, so use your discretion as to what is more suited to your taste.

Celeste

111 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Housed in a Louis Sullivan building from 1888, the outdoor rooftop is enclosed with skylight for all year round access. Exposed brick, greenery, and Victorian era furniture pepper the room.  On a still-chilly spring or fall day, this is where I want to spend my time.  Under the setting sun, the lighting is ideal, making Celeste one of the most instagrammable River North Chicago bars.   Don’t forget to check out the first and the second floors as well for equally pretty period decor, only fitting for the best bars in River North.

The Terrace at Trump

401 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, Il 60611

If you like soaring cityscapes and the tastiest dirty martinis around, you can’t miss the Terrace at Trump. It doesn’t feel like an oversized balcony; it’s spacious and wide.  It has views of the river, of Lake Michigan, and of numerous iconic buildings such as the Tribune Tower. This is another one of the most instagrammable River North Chicago Bars.

Wondering which has better views: 360º Chicago vs Skydeck Chicago?

Joy District

112 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60654

Some people have to traipse across the city looking for street art and wall murals against which to “get the shot.”  If you like brightly colored wall murals and outdoor bulbs, then the rooftop at Joy District will be the most instagrammable River North Chicago bar and club for you.

The Hampton Social

354 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 606054

If you are looking for an airy, East Coast vibe of oysters, rosé, and nautical décor, then the Hampton Social should be your go-to bar.  White drapery, hammocks, anchors, and blue and white stripes are peppered throughout the building. The “Rosé all day” neon signage helps too.  They also make a mean frosé which looks great when you are instagramming this best River North Chicago bar and restaurant.

Not into Booze: How about High Tea Chicago Suburbs Edition?

Fremont

15 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

The only bar on the list to have a retractable roof, Fremont’s bar, restaurant, and sometimes club is a happening place.  With guest DJs and theme parties, the art installations in the atrium vary.  From massive balloon displays to hanging umbrellas, these ever changing displays make Fremont one of the most instagrammable River North Chicago bars and clubs.

Need a place to stay while you hit up the instagrammable River North Chicago bars? Consider Kinzie Hotel Chicago.

Beatrix

519 North Clark, Chicago, IL 60654

Part café, part restaurant, and part bar, Beatrix is welcoming to anyone within reach.  Not only does the space have beautiful light fixtures, should you order a meal, expect a work of art.  Paired with the coffee art and the tasty pastries, Beatrix is one of the most instagrammable River North Chicago bars.

The Flamingo Rum Club

601 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Whether you are inside the building or outside of it, the Flamingo Rum Club in Chicago is quite the sight. It’s iconic painted flamingos on the outside of the building are fun and vibrant, while the inside is an art deco dream.  Patterned floors, patterned wallpaper, patterned seating, it all lends to taking great photos.  Inside and out, this is one of the most instagrammable River North Chicago bars and clubs.

What are your favorite River North Chicago bars? Let me know if I’ve missed any by writing in the comments.