I’m back with another Chicago Neighborhood Guide and today I’m sharing all about a small slice of Streeterville, specifically the area around the Ogden Slip. It’s a tiny plot of land that has waterfront activities, boat tours, restaurants and a nearby hotel. The Ogden Slip in Streeterville was originally built as a parallel body of water to house cargo ships coming down the Chicago River. In later years it was developed into commercial space and most recently it houses apartments and restaurants.
The slip is at it’s best in the spring, summer and fall. It does get a little cold in the winter and enjoying outside dining just isn’t as fun in the cold. However, it is really cool to see Ogden Slip covered in snow and ice in the winter, plus the restaurants all have indoor space for year-round enjoyment.
Chicago Neighborhood Guide – Ogden Slip in Streeterville
Restaurants
This one block in the city is home to some of my favorite restaurants.
Roberts Pizza and Dough Company
Two reasons to love this place; the pizza and the outdoor space. My two favorite pizzas here are the Seafood and Cup & Char Pepperoni. Trust me on the seafood pizza, it’s unique, and delicious! And if you aren’t a huge fan of spice, ask them to go easy on the calabrian peppers on the Cup & Char Pepperoni. Grab the marinated olives as an appetizer and save the oil to dip your pizza crust in. You will need a reservation here, as walk ups are nearly impossible to get, especially in the summer.
Pinstripes
It’s technically a bowling and bocce place, but we go for the food all the time. The menu has snack time favorites and classic italian dishes. Go for happy hour and get half off apps, flatbreads and wine! The best flatbread is the prosciutto and fig, it’s even delicious leftover cold the next day.
Carson’s Ribs
Full slab or half slab it doesn’t matter, the ribs here are out of this world! It’s a more upscale restaurant, but not stuffy. They are known for their ribs, but they also offer steaks, chicken and salads. You will need a reservation here or take your chances and grab a seat at the front bar or back bar. You can also get it to go. They have one of the most efficient and sophisticated take out systems I’ve seen.
Pinched on the River
A Mediterranean-style restaurant with a huge offering of build your own bowls, wraps or salads. The set up on Ogden Slip is cozy and inviting. I love it for lunch or even dinner. After dinner grab a huge soft serve cone and enjoy it by the water.
Molly’s Cupcakes
Chicago has a ton of cupcake places, but Molly’s is by far my favorite. Their cupcakes are moist and always fresh. You can stop in after dinner at one of the spots on the slip and grab a cupcake to go or eat it there. I prefer the mini cupcakes because I can justify eating two or three and have a variety. Be sure to get a red velvet or carrot cake with cream cheese frosting as they have the best cream cheese frosting around.
Activities
Chicago Line Boat Cruise
The only boat cruise that boards on the slip is the Chicago Line Boat Cruise. They have several types of cruises, but the most popular is the Chicago River architectural tour. Head to their website to find out more details.
Winter’s Jazz Club
If you like jazz then you will love Winter’s Jazz Club. Located next to Robert’s, Winter’s Jazz Club is open Wednesday through Sunday with multiple shows each night. They are popular, so be sure to check out their website in advance to purchase tickets.
Navy Pier
Technically it’s not on Ogden Slip, but if you want to walk all the way down the entire slip and under the Lake Shore Drive Bridge you will arrive at Navy Pier. Navy Pier has something for everyone. They recently added a few more rides on the upper level. And if you are going here around Halloween be sure to check out Pier Pumpkin Lights.
Loews Chicago Hotel
The hotel overlooks Ogden Slip and gives a birds-eye view to everything going on. We recently did a staycation at the Loews hotel and had the best time. We did the family package which is ideal for small kids. It offers a slightly larger room with two double beds, bathtub, in room tent and play campfire set as well as family friendly snacks. Needless to say the actual room was a huge hit for Lizzie!
We also enjoyed the swimming pool while there and spent the evening in the lobby eating and hanging out. They have in-house dining at Streeterville Social, which is their rooftop dining space that also serves food in the lobby. We like hanging out in the lobby because it offers space for Lizze to run around, do seated activities and we can enjoy an appetizer and drink. Everyone wins! You can read about our full staycation at the Loews Chicago Hotel in this post here.
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