West Loop

It’s a trendy, artsy, and vibrant community that is now one of the hottest neighborhoods to live in.

Welcome to West Loop

A sleek, evolving town with a streak of individualism that sets it apart from other Chicago neighborhoods.

A former industrial zone and meatpacking district, West Loop is now a hip, thriving community full of some of Chicago’s best dining and nightlife venues. Its fabled Restaurant Row is full of niche eateries with global cuisine options. Elsewhere, places like Randolph Street and Fulton Market are teeming with high-end boutiques and excellent open-air shopping. 

It’s a trendy, artsy, and vibrant community that is now one of the hottest neighborhoods to live in after a major overhaul of its gritty, factory-laden vibe. West Loop has become modern and contemporary, making it very attractive to tech gurus and young entrepreneurs.

What to Love

  • Variety of restaurants
  • Greektown
  • Art galleries
  • Fulton Market
  • Restaurant Row
  • High-quality residences

People & Lifestyle

West Loop’s edgy allure has made it a mecca for young professionals, families, restaurateurs, and tech industry members. Google and Twitter are two major companies that have set up headquarters in West Loop. 

Thanks to its bustling downtown, public transit options, and proximity to expressways, it’s an excellent community for commuters and residents who like to be close to everything significant in the vicinity. Life in West Loop is fast-paced and booming—there’s always something going on, which makes it attractive to creative types, especially with its cosmopolitan art galleries and luxury boutiques.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Since West Loop is considered a paradise for foodies, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants from niche ramen shops to upscale dining. There is an entire stretch of excellent eateries on a section of Randolph Street affectionately dubbed Restaurant Row. 

Greektown is a nightlife and dining district in West Loop and a popular destination for Chicago residents. Visitors can immerse themselves in Greek heritage and culture by visiting The National Hellenic Museum, celebrating at the Taste of Greece Festival, and even riding a Greektown Trolley.

For Instagram-worthy desserts, there is no better place than BomboBar. Try their famous Bombolinis, which are holeless Italian doughnuts filled with various flavors. They also serve scrumptious sandwiches, seasonal chocolate beverages, gelato, coffee, and sundaes piled high with every topping under the sun.

If you’re a dog person, you’ll love Little Goat Diner, owned by executive chef Stephanie Izard. It’s a dog-friendly establishment and a cozy diner with a massive menu full of comfort food and diner favorites with a creative twist.

Chicago might be up north, but if you’re ever craving Southern food with a Cajun twist, look no further than Wishbone. Chef Joel Nickson’s “southern reconstruction cooking” constitutes favorites such as blackened catfish, Carolina crab cakes, and mashed sweet potatoes. Even better, Wishbone tries to avoid using too many heavy oils so their dishes are healthier than you might expect.

Things to Do

Many community events are hosted in Skinner Park, a 7.01-acre open space that shares the use of Whitney High School, allowing for the usage of an indoor swimming pool and gym. Seasonal sports, table games, and after-school programs are held at the park. There is also a spacious, well-maintained dog park for pet owners to take their furry friends.

During the warm summer months, gather the family for the annual Movies in the Parks series. Taking place at numerous parks across the West Loop and Chicago area, the city’s park district sets up a big inflatable screen to play family-friendly films and classic favorites!

Speaking of movies, film buffs absolutely must stop by Union Station, an iconic Chicago landmark with decadent architecture that you’ll recognize from several notable films such as The Untouchables, Man of Steel, My Best Friend's Wedding, and more. They offer tours, and there is lots to explore in this national railroad hub.

Trying to find something a little more unique? Brooklyn Boulders in West Loop is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of rock climbing. It’s an expansive, state-of-the-art facility built in a lot where an old church once stood. You can take classes with trained professionals to—literally—learn the ropes!

Schools 

Private schools in the area include the Montessori Academy, which uses the Montessori Method of teaching. Other private academies are The Gardner School and Intercultural Montessori Language School. 

Other educational institutions of note include:

  • Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School
  • Chicago Virtual Charter School
  • Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

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