Before the weather turns frosty, the lucky four-legged residents of the South Loop apartments at NEMA Chicago and their owners are encouraged to explore the many nearby dog-friendly parks, bars, and restaurants. Here’s our list of the first stops every pooch should make.
Located just seven minutes from NEMA Chicago’s front doors, Grant Bark Park is a great place for pups to run, play, and meet new friends. This 18,000-square-foot dog park features a variety of terrains as well as open areas for dogs to stretch their legs with an invigorating game of fetch. The Bark Park is nestled in the middle of the larger Grant Park, which encompasses plenty of trails and paths that are perfect for walking or jogging with a leashed pooch.
When they get hungry or thirsty, dog-loving NEMA residents can grab their furry friends and head north to the Navy Pier, where they have their choice of dog-friendly establishments. The legendary Billy Goat Tavern welcomes pooches in its outdoor seating: named after the goat that brought a 71-year-long curse to the Chicago Cubs. The Billy Goat Tavern serves classic Chicago burgers and hot dogs as well as foaming mugs of beer, and the memorabilia-lined interior makes for a great Instagram picture backdrop. Dogs are also welcome at Harry Caray's at Navy Pier, a BBQ and burger joint named for local sports broadcaster Harry Caray that also features plenty of baseball relics alongside delicious food and decadent cocktails like the Patron Margarita Tree.
Whether they’re a new resident or simply want an excuse to go on an adventure with their dog, NEMA residents can leash up their four-legged friends and board one of the many water taxis and tour boats that cruise the city’s riverways and shoreline. A Shoreline Sightseeing vessel will treat them to a tour of Windy City architecture from up-close on the river or contextualized in the skyline from the lake. If residents just need to go from point A to point B with their pooch, Chicago Water Taxi will take them on any number of routes while avoiding the traffic.
Once they’ve sniffed their fill, NEMA Chicago’s dogs will love returning to the comfort and convenience of their own building, possibly making a stop at the Spaw to wash up before settling into their comfy home in the sky. If this sounds like the ideal setting for you and your dog, reach out today to schedule a tour at nemachicago.com.