Where to Find Dog Parks in River West

Dog parks are a must if you and your furry friend are Windy City living. Give your pet a chance to let loose and run around one of the popular dog parks River West offers.

Larrabee Dog Park: Easily accessible to River West, this popular dog park is located at 652 N Larrabee Street. This fenced-in area is a cool place to take your pet to spend the afternoon. Your pup can socialize, play games, and hang out next to the scenic Chicago River. The park sits on an elevated gravel patch and comes equipped with benches for you to relax while your dog has fun. Doggie bags are also available if you forget yours on your way out the door.

Ohio Place Dog Park: Located at 350 W Ohio Street, this dog park offers plenty of space for your pet to run around and release all of that pent-up energy. Here you can find a good mix of concrete, dirt, and grass for dogs to play on. There’s also a running water fountain for you or your pup to grab a drink.

West Loop Dog Park: Situated right next to Mary Bartelme Park at 115 S Sangamon Street, this dog park is just a few miles south of the River West area. In the summer there are kiddie pools and a sprinkling fountain that the dogs go crazy for. Keep in mind that this park is a bit on the smaller side, which means that nice weekends can get pretty crowded. 

Dog-Friendly Places Nearby

After a fun visit to the dog parks near River West, take your pup to other pet-friendly places in the area.

Paw Naturals is steps away from the West Loop Dog Park and has become the neighborhood’s favorite dog-friendly pet store. Here you can find nutritious and natural food to nourish your pooch.

If you’re looking to grab a drink or a bite after a day in the dog park, snag a table on Bar Siena’s dog-friendly patio. You can even request to see the dog menu so that your furry friend can also enjoy delicious bites.

Saint Lou’s Assembly has another fantastic pato that welcomes canines. While your dog lounges around, you can treat yourself to upscale cafeteria-style food, a refreshing adult beverage, and a round of bocce ball.

Sip on a cup of coffee with your dog by your side at Nohea Cafe. Along with specialty coffees and teas, this dog-friendly cafe also serves freshly baked bread, homemade sandwiches, and custom gift baskets.

The Best Places for River West Nightlife

If you’re looking to spend an evening out on the town, rest assured that the River West neighborhood offers plenty of fun bar options.

Discover some of our favorite spots that make up the River West nightlife.

Bars with the Best Food

What’s better than spending an evening out with great people, great drinks and great bites?

If you’re looking for a night full of delicious drink and equally tasty food, pencil in the Aberdeen Tap. This fun neighborhood bar boasts an extensive selection of draft beers and gourmet pub fare.

Twisted Spoke is another bar with an impressive menu. This motorcycle-themed bar serves top-notch bites and unique hand-crafted cocktails to suit any and all taste buds.

Jefferson Tap & Grille is an excellent option if you’re looking for a laidback evening with friends. Along with an incredible pet-friendly patio, the bar’s cozy interior makes for the perfect place to grab a drink and a late-night meal.

Bars with the Best Happy Hour

Happy hours are a great way to end the workday, especially when there are so many options in the area.

For a great bang for your buck, spend an evening at the Dawson. This hip bar and restaurant offers $10 beer and pizza on weekdays from 4 to 6 pm.

The Matchbox is a great happy hour option if you’re looking for a tiny, hip spot to grab a drink. While the space is small, the laidback bar isn’t lacking in the beverage or food selection. Be sure to try the house-made margarita.

If the ideal happy hour involves a dive bar experience, Richard’s Bar is the spot. This classic taproom makes for the perfect place to unwind after a long workday.

Bars with Best Entertainment 

If you’re looking for an evening full of excitement, rest assured that River West is home to bars with various entertainment.

Recess, the neighborhood’s newest bar, provides quite the bar experience. This 5,000-square-foot government themed bar, adjacent to City Hall,  provides hand-crafted cocktails, tasty food, live music, and laid back vibes. 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to sip some drinks over a few rounds of pool, be sure to swing by City Pool Hall. You can also find dartboards and high definition arcade games scattered throughout the bar.

Catch your favorite sports game at Clover’s. This casual sports bar offers impressive rotating drafts, dart boards, and plenty of television screens.

Be sure to get a group of friends together and take advantage of the exciting River West nightlife!

The Top River West Italian Restaurants

River West, part of the West Loop community, is located on the west bank of the Chicago River South Branch. Once a booming market area, River West is still home to locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and bakeries.

Among the community’s impressive dining options, the River West Italian restaurants have made quite an impression on residents and visitors alike.

Why River West has the Best Italian food

The River West neighborhood boasts an incredible selection of Italian restaurants.  

Many of these restaurants were opened by Itallian immigrant families, who wanted to bring a taste of Italy to the Windy City’s River West community. That’s why the neighborhood guarantees authentic Italian recipes, often passed down over generations.

While all of the River West Italian restaurants feature delicious homemade dishes, each spot has its own unique feel and atmosphere.

Best spots for Any Occasion

La Scarola is one of the city’s classic Italian restaurants, perfect for any family meal. From the moment you step inside this ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant to your first bite, you’ll feel transported back into time and into another country. The homemade Italian dishes are as authentic as you can get.

For a quaint Italian dining experience, spend a meal with friends at Mart Anthony’s. This family-owned neighborhood restaurant carries on their Sicilian family’s recipes and legacy. Here you can find simple but delicious Italian meals, incredible steak, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Piccolo Sogno guarantees the perfect date night. The restaurant’s Italian name translates to ‘little dream’ in English, and the romantic ambiance proves that the name holds true. If you’re booking reservations in the summertime, be sure to request a table on the charming, lush patio. 

Which Restaurant has the Best Signature Dish or Pizza

If you’re looking for unrivaled pizza, check out D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub. For over 50 years, this family-operated restaurant has served some of the city’s favorite thin crust and deep-dish pizza. Stop by on a Monday for incredible food and their infamous trivia night!

Oggi Trattoria is another beloved family-owned Italian restaurant in River West. For the signature Oggi dish, choose between their classic pizza or pasta. The Oggi pizza features homemade tomato sauce, sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, onions, and mushrooms, while the Oggi pasta is an angel hair pasta dish topped with special Matarocco sauce.

Don’t miss out on the mouth-watering River West Italian restaurants and make a reservation today!

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