Gilded Gal’s Guide to Girls’ Night Out at Block 37 | sip, shop, snack

After a long day at work, there are few things better than a girls’ night out. As soon as 5 p.m. rolls around, the question comes up – where to? And for some reason, I always seem to overlook places in the Loop, instead, choosing bars and restaurants in River North or Lincoln Park. But as a blue line rider, these neighborhoods can be a little inconvenient when it comes time to head home.

This post is sponsored by Block 37 – all opinions are by own.

Chances are, your friends all live in different neighborhoods, too. Which makes a girls’ night out in the Loop much simpler – because let’s be honest, the less time you spend commuting for that cocktail, the better. And even better if you can find a spot to sip, shop & snack after a long day at work – all the necessary activities in my book.

Every day, I walk through Block 37 at least twice on my way to and from the train. For me, it’s always just been a quick spot to grab a coffee on my way into the office or much-too convenient way to spend money on my way home {I’m looking at you, Zara}. But, after a little exploration around the three floor mall {!!!}, I learned that there’s a whole lot more to Block 37, which makes it the best destination to sip, shop & snack for your next girls’ night out in the heart of the Loop. To make it easy on you, here’s Gilded Gal’s Guide to a Girls’ Night Out at Block 37.

Sip

Latinicity

Not long ago, happy hour wasn’t a thing in Chicago, and I’m not sure how we survived. Now, I drink exclusively at bars with happy hour specials, because discounted beer is the best beer. The cafeteria-style restaurant on the third floor of Block 37 has a fully stocked bar and Monday through Friday, they have an unreal happy hour, too. From 4 – 7 p.m. {aka the perfect after-work hours}, stop in for $5 margs and sangria or $3 draft beers {FYI – they have Corona on draft!}.

When the cold weather makes its way to Chicago, and the thought of going outside on the weekends becomes a chore, I have good news for riders of the red and blue lines. On a blustery Saturday or Sunday, take the train to Block 37 and walk upstairs without ever stepping outside for a bottomless brunch with mimosas, sangria and all of the food for only 40 bucks!

Shop

Zara

Zara is one of my favorite stores, and the Block 37 location really upped my obsession. Since it’s located right on the corner of Randolph and State, it’s too easy to stop in after a long day at work when my inner voice is saying, “treat yo’self.”

I love that you can find stylish, super on-trend pieces – like these pants that I’m loving for all for only $30. Or, if you’re one of those people who thinks they can’t pull these off {you can}, they have everyday basics, too {I’m partial to their crew neck tees – they’re only $7!}. There is something for everyone to shop – regardless of their style – which makes it the perfect Girls’ Night Out shopping destination.

North & Hudson

North & Hudson is a mobile boutique, so if you’ve been to street fests in the city, chances are you’ve seen their trailer. But, did you know that they have a semi-permanent location on the ground level of Block 37? I’ve sorted through the racks countless times on my way to the train – their clothes are quality, but unbelievably inexpensive. The kind of inexpensive where you need to really search to find an item {other than an adorable faux-leather jacket I was eyeing} for more than $100.

And their crowning glory? For only ~$60, you can get a custom dress made just for you! You know that feeling when you go into a store, try on a dress and although it’s so cute on the hanger, it’s just not great on your body type? North & Hudson eliminates that problem by creating a dress – based on your design selections {drop-waist, three-quarter length sleeves anyone?) – for the same price you’d pay for an off-the-rack dress at a similar boutique.

Aviate Press

In July, the Chicago Design Market opened on the third floor of Block 37. The market – an assembly of five local pop-up shops – is open until December, and you’re definitely going to want to check it out!

The pop ups rotate every month, which means you only have one more week to shop at Aviate Press! If you’re a fan of cheeky cards for every occasion, tiny notebooks that perfectly in your purse for when genius strikes or unique prints for your gallery wall – this is your spot.

Snack

Magnolia Bakery

I’m a fan of dessert before dinner. Luckily, my friends are too, so you know we made a Magnolia stop before heading up to Latinicity. It just makes sense – shop, get hungry, treat yo’self {which is obviously the theme of any girls’ night}.

If you’re a frosting person, Magnolia is for you. But also if you’re a cake person, banana pudding person or cookie person, too! The red velvet is my jam, duh.

Latinicity

When you enter the Latin-inspired eatery, they hand you a card to swipe after ordering at each of the stands. So, if you’re realllly hungry {always}, Latinicity is your spot. When you leave, they swipe your card and check you out. If you’re thinking this is like a normal mall food court, nope – not at all. They have tons of options and the whole thing about a full bar that I mentioned earlier. Dinner and drinks for two was ~$40.

FYI – the al pastor tacos are amazing.

Want to have your own Girls’ Night Out at Block 37?

If you’d like to have your own girls’ night out at Block 37 head over to Instagram to and enter my giveaway* for a chance to win a $50 gift card! So, where’s your favorite destination for an after-work girls’ night out? Tell me in the comments below or over on Instagram! And if you ever want to meet up for a red velvet cupcake or a margarita after a long day at the office, let me know!

Photos taken by the talented Alisha of Lish Marie Photography located in Chicago.

*Open to U.S. residents only. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of any and all responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.