Did you know there are 77 distinct neighborhoods in Chicago? I’ll never forget when I moved to the city and realized that there were all these little neatly packaged cultural hotspots within the city – my inner OCD was JAZZED that I could go to a different ‘hood and experience something unique in every one. Check out this guide to Chicago’s neighborhoods – specifically your guide to West Loop — for a perfect day in the neighborhood! Whether planning your next staycation or just wanting to play it cool for that friend who’s visiting from out of town, I got you. 😉 Enjoy!
Chicago Neighborhood: West Loop
Best Place to Stay: Ace Hotel
Disclaimer: since I dwell in this ‘hood, I haven’t actually stayed at the Ace Hotel, but I have certainly been inside it many times. Between the spaghetti at restaurant City Mouse (I’m told it’s a MUST), from cocktails with a sweeping view at Waydown, perk-me-ups at in-building Stumptown Coffee and boutique accommodations with practical roots and personalized touches, you can’t go wrong at this centrally-located spot.
Best Coffee Spot: Limitless Coffee
You’ve no-doubt seen Limitless’s go-juice at your local grocery store (psst: have you seen their new sparkling caffeine water?), but you probably haven’t been in their new brick & mortar café yet. Step foot in this bright and airy coffee spot and you may get just as much energy from the space as you do the food & brews.
Dry erase boards, community seating, secluded nooks and even a semi-private conference room make this spot your new favorite meeting place, while the imaginative toasts made with local favorite Publican Quality Breads (the banana brûlée is my absolute favorite) satiate early morning hunger AND midday munchies.
Best Spot for a Workout: Barefeet Power Yoga
OMmg – you haven’t had a solid sweat sesh till you’ve tried Barefeet Power Yoga. This little neighborhood studio has tons of different kinds of classes that will get you detoxed in no time. From restorative Nidra yoga (basically guided nap time… you’re welcome) to the playful “Turn It Updog” heated, playlist-accompanied power vinyasa (my personal favorite), there’s a class for everyone.
Best Breakfast Joint: Little Goat Diner
Little Goat Diner is famed Stephanie Izzard (of Girl & the Goat)’s solution to breakfast. Perfect for solo diners, groups and families alike, this is a great spot to fuel your day. My go-to dish? The Bullseye French Toast. It’s basically like French toast, eggs in a basket and chicken & waffles had a baby and threw some strawberries in for good measure. You won’t be sorry!
Best Brunch: Bar Siena
Okay, here’s a scenario. You had every intention the night before of leaping out of bed and seizing the diem… only you had one too many cocktails and as many snooze button encounters. Never fear! Head over to Bar Siena for a hearty brunch and a little hair of the dog. Bar Siena has an upscale, energetic vibe but is completely approachable. And did I mention they actually serve Bombos in-house? That’s right – the insta-famous Bombobar walk-up window menu is completely accessible from Bar Siena. And they even have the Bombo Burger; a sinful American staple served on, yep, you guessed it, a Bombo potato donut.
Best Place for a Snack: Green Street Smoked Meats
I couldn’t write a guide to the West Loop and not include Green Street Smoked Meats – it’s got its own post, for heaven’s sakes! Though this spot is also ideal for lunch or dinner, it’s a great place to stop for a quick bite. The cafeteria-style seating and “by the each” menu items mean you can nibble on one thing, share a few or even go all out for Linner. There’s also outdoor seating and an impressive bar, for when that snack derails into cocktail hour. No judgement here!
Best Place to See Something Cultural: The United Center
Catch a game at the United Center! Whether catching tip off at a Bulls game or cheering on a fight (because they’re exciting, not to mention actually allowed in the NHL!) at a Blackhawks game, there’s something for everyone!
Best Restaurant for Lunch: Chicago French Market
Okay, this is totally a cop-out but hey, it offers something for everyone! And most of the stalls are grab-and-go, which means perfect for strolling the nearby Chicago Riverwalk as you eat. Plus, because it’s a Parisian-themed food court, there is definitely something for everyone. And in the winter and sometimes during other parts of the year they have an artisan market with some amazing Chicago-based vendors selling unique goods!
Best Happy Hour Spot to Grab Drinks: RM Champagne Salon
I love RM Champagne because not only does it feel like you’re schmoozing it up in a hidden back alley speakeasy, but it’s gorgeous no matter if it’s -10 or 100 degrees outside. The interior fire place and plush seating lend a romantic chic vibe in the cold weather months and the cobblestone patio with an outdoor champs bar and string lighting make you feel like you’re in in some secluded corner of the City of Lights.
Best Dinner Pick: Bad Hunter and Swift & Sons / Cold Storage
Picking my favorite travel destination may almost be easier than picking the best dinner spot in the West Loop (after all, our main thoroughfare, Randolph street, is LITERALLY referred to as Restaurant Row… with capital letters!) but I was able to narrow it down to two: Bad Hunter and Swift & Sons/Cold Storage.
Bad Hunter
Avery unique experience that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Dubbed a “veggie-forward” restaurant, they prepare non-meat dishes in ways that will make your brain explode. Love your protein? Never fear – they’ve got that goin’ on too!
Swift & Sons
If you are jonsin’ for a good old-fashioned meal (no matter if for a special occasion or not), look no further than Swift & Sons. It’s as if you’ve found yourself smack dab in the middle of a gilded freeze frame from Mad Men – everything is decadent (including the décor) and the steaks, which they are famous for, leave nothing to be desired. Show up early? Grab yourself a cocktail and slurp down a dozen oysters at the front-of-house Cold Storage seafood counter & bar!
Best Insta-Worthy Photo Op: the B-Line and Surrounding Area
If you checked out my post highlighting 10 of my favorite Instagram-friendly murals in Chicago, you’ll know a good chunk of them are near what’s been dubbed as the B-Line. This stretch along Hubbard, made from the walls that flank the Metra train tracks that run through the area, make for perfectly-sectioned “canvases” that many local artists have taken advantage of. You can also see my favorite “Graffiti Barn”, plus the Rainbow Pixels stretch by artist Felipe Pantone, nearby.
Best Dessert Pick: Tie between Cone Ice Cream and Bombobar
Bombobar
So you probably already know a little bit about Bombobar from my previous rundown of parent restaurant, Bar Siena. Pro tip: if you want to make a clean and timely getaway (read: not waiting in line for an hour for some Insta-fabulous potato donuts), head over on a weekday. The further you are from a peak mealtime, the better luck you’ll have!
Cone Ice Cream Shop
I wouldn’t feel this guide was complete if I didn’t mention Irish ice cream shop Cone. Partly due to the novel flavor list (which includes Baileys, Jameson and Guinness) and partly due to the fact that their tagline is “lick me, I’m Irish”, this dessert spot holds a dear place in my heart. Once only open during the summer, the demand has expanded Cone’s business hours to the colder months too. Happen to be visiting when it’s warm? Enjoy your treat in the outdoor courtyard!
Best Late-Night Food: High Five Ramen
Hands down, High Five is the best place to go for late-night food. And actually, the later you go, the better chance you have of getting a seat! High Five Ramen is a tiny little ramen counter with 16 seats that serves traditional-style ramen and craft cocktails. Typically, you can expect a very long wait (which again, sometimes diminishes the later it gets), but if you put your name on the clipboard they will take your phone number and you can head back out to shuffle between neighboring West Loop nightlife spots until you’re texted and beckoned to the ramen promised land. High Five is open until 11 PM Sunday and Monday, until midnight Tuesday and Wednesday, and until 1 AM Thursday through Saturday.
Did I miss a spot in the West Loop? Want to see other neighborhood guides? Which one! Let me know in the comments!