West Loop

Why we love it

The West Loop is a foodie mecca. An explosion of excellent eateries has taken over this former industrial area, turning the historic warehouses into some of the city’s hottest restaurants.

Explore like a local

• Catch a happy hour show or new art exhibit at Epiphany Center for the Arts, housed inside a historic church.
• Catch live music on the patio (or curling in the winter) on the Kaiser Tiger patio.
• Try one of the best burgers in America at refined diner Au Cheval — it’s worth the wait.

Insider tips

Make sure to come hungry: A former meat-packing district, the West Loop has become one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the city. In particular, a stretch of Randolph Street known as Restaurant Row is where you’ll find many of the neighborhood’s most celebrated spots, from high-end tasting menus to hidden ramen joints to fourth-generation sandwich shops.

A few of the must-visit spots near Restaurant Row include Green Street Smoked Meats for house-smoked barbecue, avec for creative small plates, Momotaro for out-of-this-world sushi, Monteverde for fresh-made pasta, and Girl & The Goat for cuisine from Top Chef favorite Stephanie Izard.

Explore the old-school Greektown: The West Loop is also home to Greektown, a bustling enclave overflowing with traditional restaurant restaurants, bakeries, and delis, and the National Hellenic Museum — the second oldest American institution dedicated to Greek culture.

Get your fill on Greek classics at the airy and modern Ithaki Estiatorio, long-time classic Greek Islands Restaurant, and more.

Check out buzzing Fulton Market: Nearby Fulton Market has a cool industrial vibe that bursts with activity, thanks to tons of trendy restaurants and bars that have taken over the old warehouse spaces. Popular spots include lush rooftop Aba, Italian-Croatian Rose Mary, and meat-centric The Publican.

Enjoy arts, music, and shopping: Between meals, you can explore the West Loops’s cool shops, boutique hotels, and art galleries. The WNDR Museum is an immersive, interactive space designed by an array of global artists.

Epiphany Center for the Arts is a former church that now hosts rotating exhibits, live music, and performing arts. City Winery is a go-to for local and national acts, with an excellent menu to boot.

And check the calendar for the next Randolph Street Market for unusual vintage and antique finds. In the summer, the market spills out into the streets of the West Loop for an alfresco European-style vibe.