Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Engine ( & 312/335-9302 ), the only toy store on North Michigan Avenue with all
things dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine (wooden train sets, apparel, books,
videos, and accessories); and Gamers Paradise ( & 312/587-0077 ), with its large
collection of board games, card games, video games, and more. The mall is home
to Abercrombie & Fitch (p. 229), GapKids (p. 230), Limited Too, Claire's Bou-
tique, Jacadi (p. 230), Campus Colors, with Chicago's largest selection of colle-
giate wear, and Gymboree (p. 230).
900 NORTH MICHIGAN AVE. The most upscale of the Magnificent Mile's
three vertical malls, 900 North Michigan ( & 312/915-3916 ) is often called the
“Bloomingdale's building” for its most prominent tenant. The mall avoids the
tumult of Water Tower Place by appealing to a more upscale shopper, while still
generating the vitality essential to a satisfying shopping spree. In addition to
about 70 stores are a few good restaurants and a nice salon on the lower level.
Young teens will make a beeline for the ground-level outpost of Club
Monaco ( & 312/787-8757 ), with minimalist casual-chic clothes at affordable
prices. On the second floor, J. Crew ( & 312/751-2739 ) offers sweaters, slacks,
hats, belts, and other clothing featuring the scrubbed-clean look, popular with
young teens to adults. You'll also want to check out the fifth floor, home to Galt
To y s (p. 237), and Mini Me (p. 230), which features great kids' clothing.
The mall's bathrooms are large, clean, and well equipped with infant chang-
ing areas; you'll find them on the second and fifth levels. An added treat: Shop-
pers are serenaded by live piano music on weekends from noon to 5pm on the
second level. You'll also find kid-friendly restaurants, including Tucci Benucch,
a casual Italian restaurant that has a kids' menu, coloring sheets, and crayons;
and Oak Tree, a bustling place on the sixth floor that welcomes families.
CHICAGO PLACE Inaugurated in 1991 at 700 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Place ( & 312/266-7710 ) has been looking for an identity ever since. The mall is
mainly notable as the home of Saks Fifth Avenue ( & 312/944-6500; p. 229).
You won't find much for kids here, except a Talbots Kids (p. 232) for those seek-
ing out the preppy look, and a food court on the eighth floor that features cheap
eats. You'll find the usual mall favorites (McDonald's, Subway, Taco Bell), but
healthier dishes are available at Pita Pavilion (Mediterranean). Kids love the
crispy french fries at the Great Steak & Potato Company and the hot dogs at
Chicago Dog & Grill. Grab one of the tables near the gigantic windows for a
great Michigan Avenue view.
WESTFIELD NORTH BRIDGE The best concentration of kids' stores on the
Mag Mile is located in this mall at 520 N. Michigan Ave. The third floor is devoted
to children's shops, the best of which is The Lego Store ( & 312/494-0760 ). Look
for the replicas of Chicago landmarks built out of those distinctive colored-plastic
blocks, and be prepared to stay awhile: Kids can easily spend an hour here. Other
stores of interest to kids are Benetton Kids (p. 230), Chicago Harley-Davidson,
The Children's Place, Jordan Marie, Oilily (p. 231), and Sanrio.
The anchor of the mall is a four-story Nordstrom ( & 312/379-4300 ). The mall
includes the first Chicago location for A/X Armani Exchange ( & 312/467-5702 ),
Giorgio Armani's younger and more affordable line that's a big hit with teens.
There's a large food court on the fourth level with local standouts like Potbelly
Sandwich Works (p. 113). Other eating options near the North Bridge mall
include Big Bowl (p. 120), ESPN Zone (p. 120), California Pizza Kitchen
(p. 121), and a host of fast-food outlets on the fourth floor.
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