Chicago’s riverwalk may not yet have the reputation of say, San Antonio’s, but after Joe Zekas and I spent a sunny afternoon there yesterday, I saw some potential for the place. If for nothing else, as a peaceful escape from the urban chaos above.
Starting from Wabash Avenue, we made our way east all the way past the Lake Shore Drive Bridge to the lake, passing groups of people taking a lunch break on the steps of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a couple cafes, a city-sponsored kids fishing program, and lots of folks leisurely walking and cycling. In many ways it’s a relaxing complement to the often bustling lakefront. On the riverwalk you can sit at a place like O’Briens Riverwalk Cafe or Cyrano’s Cafe and enjoy a quiet dinner or drink right on the water. It’s a much more laid-back scene than say, Castaways.
As of now, the city has only developed the southern shore of the river from Wabash Avenue past Michigan Avenue, but it plans to stretch development all the way west to Lake Street. The section from State Street to Wabash is currently under construction.