This is the River North location of the Avec in the West Loop. It's much larger, and yes, they have the bacon-wrapped dates here, too.

Doma is a Croatian cafe in River North with great food.

Bar Avec is the rooftop restaurant on top of Avec River North.

Fremont is a club in River North with an over-the-top brunch.

Ciccio Mio is a great Italian restaurant in River North from the team behind Gilt Bar and Bavette’s.

Sunda is an Asian-fusion restaurant in River North that’s been around for a while, but still has great food.

Eataly’s an Italian megastore with restaurants, bars, and lots of tourists.

The Bassment is a club and music venue in River North.

Tzuco is an upscale Mexican restaurant in River North.

Pizzeria Portofino is an upscale pizza place right on the Chicago River serving bad Italian food and mediocre pies.

Fabcakes is an all-day cafe in River North with specialty pastries and sandwiches.

The Smith is a chain restaurant from New York. It’s a good place to get together when food isn’t the most important aspect of the night.

Torchio is a casual Italian restaurant in River North with just-fine handmade pasta.

The Bamboo Room is a secluded bar-within-a-bar at Three Dots And A Dash that features vintage rum drinks and attentive bartenders.

Gilt Bar is the rare River North spot that’s easy to get into, and also has great food. Prepare for a lot of meat, butter, and salt.

Topolobampo is a fancy tasting menu Mexican restaurant in River North.