Cafe Mogador Owners Opening New River North Bar

While the owners of the celebrated Cafe Mogador are indeed opening a new bar, it will be located on St. Mark's Place in New York City, not Chicago's River North. The new venture is designed to be a complementary, bar-forward concept to their iconic Moroccan restaurant. Meanwhile, River North's own hospitality landscape continues its dynamic growth. Boka Restaurant Group, a powerhouse in the city's dining scene, is set to open a new concept called Gingie in the neighborhood between late February and early March 2026. This 150-seat restaurant is a collaboration with chef Brian Lockwood, known for his work at esteemed kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad. This opening adds to the neighborhood's already dense collection of high-end and concept-driven dining, a key amenity for attracting residents to nearby luxury properties. The continued influx of celebrated restaurateurs underscores River North's position as a premier culinary destination, directly impacting its desirability for renters and property investors. Further diversifying the area's entertainment offerings, F1 Arcade is launching its US headquarters in River North in the summer of 2026. Taking over the 70,000-square-foot former Rock Bottom Brewery space at 1 W. Grand Ave., the venue will feature 70 racing simulators, a rooftop terrace, and the brand's signature Octane Bar. This represents a significant addition of "experiential entertainment," a growing trend that blends dining and activity, attracting both locals and tourists. The introduction of large-scale entertainment venues like F1 Arcade alongside chef-driven restaurants contributes to the 24/7 appeal of River North. This vibrant environment is a crucial selling point for luxury multifamily properties, as it provides residents with a walkable lifestyle and a constantly evolving array of dining and leisure options right at their doorstep.