NEWSFLASH: In 1970-this park was named in honor of Chicago Daily News Reporter and Editor Louis Mariano (1906-1970)!!!!!! About Louis Mariano in the Community- "[H]e also served as associate editor of the World Book Science Year Book. He organized the annual science fair at nearby Ogden School, the library of which also bears his name. For years Mariano spent his evenings at a restaurant across from the park, holding court and seeking out stories for his North Loop News column." According to the Chicago Park District Web Site. See: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mariano-louis-park Park Revitalization and Mayor Jane Byrne's Involvement- The Triangular Park is a nice tribute that was part of Mayor Jane Byrne's, (Chicago's First Female Mayor) urban revitalization program focusing on parks and public spaces for everyone in the city to enjoy. There is a placard/small monument detailing this within the park. What I like about Mariano Park- The fact that Reporter Louis Mariano often spent time in the area seeking out possible news stories for his local North Loop News column. ***That this is a FREE PUBLIC PARK operated by the Chicago Park District.*** Amenities: 1. Numerous Round Tables with Chairs and Umbrellas to seek respite from the direct sunlight on hot Chicago summer days and bring a sandwich, or grab some local nearby food or coffee for some great "people watching." 2. A fountain that people often drag chairs around and talk to each other or enjoy the cool water as it splashes into the air around its rim. 3. Whispers Cafe- which is on-site and offers (in my opinion) one of the BEST fresh squeezed lemonade recipes in the City of Chicago, as well as Coffee, Gelato, Smoothies, packaged snacks like pretzel/chex mix, among other treats. FYI-There are actual Corn (on the cob) plants growing in the park flanking either side of top-point of the triangular area of the park! read more

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It's technically a park. I guess. Nice benches and trees. The location is great for watching the local wildlife. In the Gold Coast that means tourists and locals, working men, and women workin' it. Everybody has bills to pay. The Whispers Cafe is here too. But this is a review of the park. It's a small triangle that's the intersection of Rush, State, and Bellevue. It's the epicenter of highbrow culture that we call the Viagra Triangle. You can see the Jessie White Tumblers here once per year. The annual Santa and Elves in Underwear run passes here too. And if you don't close your eyes fast enough, you'll see the annual Nude Nighttime Bike Parade... fair warning. It's not as titillating as it sounds. Kinda like the "grotto" at the Playboy Mansion turning out to be a filthy dank hot tub from the 1970s. Stop here while you're walking the dog. In the daytime it can be serene, despite the traffic. In the evening, keep your valuables hidden and don't look like a clueless tourist. Life in the big city is nice--if you never let your guard down. Enjoy the gelato! read more

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Super pretty quaint little area. The water fountain lead one way, but it's such a charming asset to this park. I can see that residents from this neighborhood gather here often. There are chairs placed all around the fountain for regulars to enjoy the peaceful fountain. There is a Gelato station and juice station (which is pretty neat). Yellow umbrellas adorn the patio tables and dress up the park as it is very noticeable from a distance with a pop of Hello Mellow Yellow! First time actually stopping by. We have been by here several times before but never stopped to enjoy it until today. Such a lovely place. Great addition to the Gold Coast and it will definitely it be the last for us. My husband and I are having a great time here and we took lots of pictures. You can people watch or car watch too. read more

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Mariano Park is a tiny urban oasis within a triangular parcel of land bordered by State, Bellevue,and Rush Streets in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. It is on the Chicago line of longitude where Michigan Avenue merges into Lake Shore Drive and State Street takes its place as easternmost commercial street parallel to Lake Michigan. Mariano Park is a part of the tapestry of upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels in the vicinity of State Street northwest of Magnificent Mile. Earlier in the month when I visited Chicago, I spent time in Mariano Park. I observed that it is a plaza where people relax. There are plenty of benches and tables, and a fountain under a canopy of trees. It is a nice spot for people and bird watching, and taking in the cityscape. Mariano Park features a Whispers Cafe. Looking for Whispers Cafe, which got great reviews in Yelp, is how I found out about this park. Whispers Cafe definately played a part in giving Mariano Park 4 stars. Eating a delicious gelato or sipping quality coffee in an urban oasis is an activity I enjoy. If I am in the area of State and Bellevue, I might return to Mariano Park. It is a nice urban oasis to relax in. If I am outside the area I would pass on a cab ride here. read more

I feel so lucky to live near Mariano Park. The quaint yet sceney outdoor space is always alive with energy. Whether it's early day with local neighbors having a latte from Whispers Cafe or late evening with tourists & nightlifers taking a break from all the action, it will always offer great people watching. The foliage and water feature add to the ambiance. The yellow awnings at Whispers Cafe keep things bright. There are plenty of seating options of tables and chairs and park benches. Sometimes while walking home I'll sit for a few minutes just because the park is just too cute to pass up. read more

Mariano Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A great people watching spot in the viagra triangle. There's gelato and lots of dogs so I love hanging out here. The fountain is turned off in the winter and the furniture is put up so definitely try to experience it in the warmer months. One of my favorite Chicago parks read more

Mariano Park - Park at night - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The park is a neighborhood gem though I have to say I'm a little underwhelmed with the new recently opened Bow Truss Coffee kiosk. After all the drama concerning the different groups that wanted to come in with ask their fancy development plans, this Bow Truss seems a little "ordinary". No gelato, fruit, cool stuff to eat, nosh etc. Just as couple of bearded, tattooed hipsters banging out some very good coffee. Charming as they are, we just need a little more of a product and/or service offering from Bow Truss. I heard that Black Dog Gelato may come in with as, gelato service, which would be excellent but presently it just seems a little lack luster and needs to be kicked up a notch. The park itself is fabulous though they need to get the fountain working or take it out. In its present form it's unattractive and takes up space. Great space to chill with something to read, enjoy the urban people watching and exotic cars and custom bikes that roll by. read more

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A classic Chicago hangout. Have dinner, sit in the park afterward and drink an Expresso, relax and people watch. Exotic cars, Exotic Women, Characters, Couples, a few tourists, mostly real nice friendly people, good spot to rest between shopping, walking, or dinner. read more

Mariano Park - World conference - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The area around Mariano Park has gained the moniker "Viagra Triangle" because of the mix of older, successful men and younger, beautiful women who fraternize the bars and restaurants around this triangle shaped park and intersection. Games of cat and mouse being played nearby nonetheless, this is a really nice little plaza in the summer. If signs of conspicuous consumption turn you off, you won't enjoy it, but there are plenty of other parks that are more laid back. This park is about sitting out amongst a mix of the rich and, well, richer, enjoying una cafe or an ice cream cone in the shade of the trees and pretending you're in Italy or something. Really, if you like people-watching, this is a nice park. I'm giving it only four stars because it is stuck in between three streets. I'm also rating this more as a plaza than a "park" per se, despite the name. read more

So i been back after 1 Year and im super glad to see that it still exist, i love this unique litel place , and his gelato and juices are soooo good , just sit down enjoy the view and people around you. read more

America needs more small, dynamic plazas like this. I cannot stress that enough. I have yet to find another small plaza as good as this in an urban setting anywhere else in America in any city. Perfect on a nice day for just sitting outside and relaxing if you like people watching and people in a very at times dynamic area. I miss this place and wish my area in Manhattan had something close to this, but they don't. A small touch of a small European plaza inside the states. read more

If you are looking for a good spot to spend a lazy afternoon people-watching, eating your cheapo lunch from the Subway across the way, or longing to be in one of the other surrounding tony cafes of Rush St., then you need to hang out in this park. There's nice furniture, and a small cafe with coffee drinks and gelato. And remarkably, at least during the day, it's easy to find a place to sit. Sun filters through those tiny-leafed trees. There's a breeze off the lake, and just no shortage of stimulation all around you. Greatest outdoor hang in town, if you ask me. Whether you're in for a convention or just a townie out boppin'. read more

Mariano Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This park is cute! The location is interesting. It's in the middle of the Viagra triangle. So it's like this little sitting area in the middle of this urban area. The little coffee shop that is there does not have an extensive selection, but that's ok. It has coffee, it has gelato, it has pastries. I would recommend it because the park is cute- it's a nice place to meet a friend for some coffee in the summer. I wished that the selection at the coffee shop offered more, but really, it's a nice little park, read more

I can't believe I have lived in this area for 5 years now and have never stop to get a smoothie from this stand. My sister and I were craving one and were glad we stopped here. For a reasonable $5.00 you can get a smoothie made with fresh fruit. They had of course the healthier options, but I opted for a Strawberry/Peach and my sister had the Strawberry/Banana. Delicious!!! It was so refreshing. Next time I will have to stop back and try the gelato. The area itself by the stand has many tables and benches you can enjoy your treats at and a cute fountain. Totally cute spot in the middle of the triangle. :) read more

I absolutely love this park, for it's the best place to people watch, as well as enjoy the cities best coffee. Hands down the best latte I have had in my life! The people who work at the shop are extremely nice, my personal favorites are Moe and Erika. If you want a nice relaxing spot to sit with your dog or children, this is the place to be! read more

Lovely. Just all around beautiful little gem in the heart of the Viagra triangle with an uber friendly staff and the best coffee. Must, must try the fresh squeezed orange juice (which they squeeze in front of you) and the lemonade! For about $2 a regular coffee, way cheaper than Starbucks and you can enjoy it in a beautiful park setting! read more

This is a lovely people watching spot where you can grab a coffee at Whispers Cafe and take in the city's vibe on Rush St. A great oasis after a long day of shopping on Michigan and Oak St. read more

Mariano Park is my neighborhood park - just around the corner. I go there to pass the time with friends, take photos of the street scene, and play with my grandson who loves it even more than I. The Whispers Cafe is exactly the right size (making use of the structure designed by Birch Burdette Long, a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright) offering exactly the right menu of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and ice cream. It's a breath of fresh air in the midst of the city with room to stretch out and enjoy a pleasant day. Equally well-used at night as during the day it might be the single best place for people-watching in Chicago. read more

Mariano Park - The fountain was drained in October and my grandson who'd never seen the fountain dry wondered where all the water went. - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cool place to hang out and have a lemonade and people watch. The hanging flower baskets are amazing. So relaxing! Love it!

It's not the same & it's not like Summers before in the triangle. The gelato is not part of the bow- truss which is so much more expensive & nothing interesting enough to remember to go back for. It will never be as nice & friendly as it was as Whispers. read more

Once referred to as The Viagara Triangle this family and dog friendly coffee spot is THE PLACE TO SEE and BE SEEN! For about $2 you can get a GREAT cup of coffee instead of that burnt junk from starbucks! AND...Gelato, sweet, smooth and oh so yummy, fresh squezzed orange juice and lemonaide, and foamy cappuccinos and lattes steamed to perfection! What more can you ask for? Oh I forgot...a friendly staff that makes you want to come back again and again! Come down to Whisper's you won't be sorry! read more