Layover In Chicago on St. Pat. Day questions

Question

We are taking Amtrak from NY to NOLA and will have a layover in Chicago on 3/15 ( 10 am-9pm ). So it looks like we can walk to the dyeing of the river then the parade. Great. We would love to do some bar hopping and dinner at a good restaurant but it looks sounds like it will be too crowded to do that anywhere within walking distance of Union Station. My question is how far away from downtown do we need to go to find an interesting neighborhood we can walk around and find places to eat and drink without a mob of people around? Can anyone suggest an area? We don't mind taking public transit or uber.

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting layover planned in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day! The St. Patrick's Day festivities are sure to make the downtown area (especially near Union Station) crowded, so it's a great idea to consider exploring other neighborhoods for a more relaxed experience while still being close to some great bars and restaurants.

Here are some nearby neighborhoods where you can escape the crowds but still enjoy Chicago's vibrant bar scene and fantastic dining options:

West Loop: Located just a short distance from downtown, the West Loop is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and a lively, upscale atmosphere. The area is home to some of Chicago's best dining spots, and although it can get busy on weekends, it's still a bit more laid-back compared to downtown on St. Patrick's Day. You’ll find places like Girl & the Goat (a local favorite) and Au Cheval (famous for its burgers). To get there from Union Station, it's only a 5-10 minute Uber ride or a short walk to the nearby Ashland/Lake stop for the Green Line.
River North: While River North will also be bustling with St. Patrick's Day revelers, it has a wide range of options where you can find bars and restaurants that are a little less crowded. If you want to stick closer to the action but avoid the madness, try heading to Fulton's on the River or The Dawson for a relaxed atmosphere. This area is a 10-15 minute walk from Union Station and is just far enough away from the dyeing of the river to not be overwhelmed.
Logan Square: If you're looking to venture a little further away from the downtown chaos, Logan Square is a vibrant neighborhood with a laid-back vibe and plenty of excellent bars and restaurants. Some great spots include Longman & Eagle (great for food and cocktails) and Revolution Brewing for craft beers. To get to Logan Square from Union Station, it’s about a 20-minute Uber ride or a 25-minute trip using the CTA Blue Line from Washington station.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: Another great option a little further from the downtown crowd, Wicker Park is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants. You can enjoy a more local vibe with spots like The Violet Hour for cocktails or Big Star for tacos and drinks. It’s a 15-20 minute Uber ride or a 30-minute trip via the Blue Line from Union Station. This area tends to be a little more relaxed, especially later in the evening.
South Loop: The South Loop is also close to downtown and offers some great bars and eateries without the intense St. Patrick's Day crowds. There are some nice spots near Roosevelt Road, like Mercat a la Planxa (tapas) or The Berghoff (a classic Chicago spot). It's a 10-minute Uber ride from Union Station, or you can take the Red Line to Roosevelt Station.

Additional Tips:

Public Transit: If you don't mind using public transit, Chicago's CTA trains and buses are very convenient for getting to these neighborhoods. You can hop on the Blue Line at Union Station to head towards Logan Square or the Green Line to explore the West Loop.
Uber/Lyft: Uber or Lyft are good options to get to the neighborhoods mentioned above. It’s generally easy to get a ride, and the distances are short, so the prices shouldn’t be too high. They’ll also help you avoid the crowds if you’re looking to get away from the St. Patrick’s Day chaos in downtown.

Overall, if you want to enjoy some time away from the biggest crowds while still being close to good food and drinks, I would recommend either heading to the West Loop for trendy dining and bars or taking a short trip to Logan Square for a more relaxed neighborhood vibe. Both offer excellent spots to enjoy your time and explore Chicago like a local!

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