West Loop Chicago Guide: Top Eats, Stays & Things to Do

Where To Eat

Avec

Simple and delicious is the name of the game at this Mediterranean- inspired small plates restaurant. This food and wine double threat is famous for dishes like chorizo-stuffed dates as well as its communal seating. 615 W. Randolph St.

Au Cheval

Restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff reimagined the classic diner and came up with Au Cheval. The star of the menu is the cheeseburger, featuring cheddar, prime beef, housemade pickle and a shmear of Dijonnaise. 800 W. Randolph St.

Bar Siena

Top Chef star Fabio Viviani partnered with DineAmic Hospitality owners Lucas Stoioff and David Rekhson on this lively, more casual sister concept to Siena Tavern—one that returns to the trio’s original inspiration of a high-energy Italian bar and eatery. Pizzas from the imported Italian oven are a standout, alongside desserts from BomboBar (don’t miss the walk-up window for a to-go treat). 832 W. Randolph St.

Bar Tutto

This hot new all-day Italian café channels the energy of Italy’s piazzas, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Guests can grab an espresso at the counter, linger over wood-fired dishes like radiatore with fennel sausage or lobster bucatini, and toast the evening with spritzes on its lively patio. 1110 W. Carroll Ave.

BLVD Steakhouse

Gold mirrors and crystal chandeliers evoke 1950s Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard at this glamorous West Loop lounge. Dine on delights like Wagyu filet mignon and surf and turf, or head to the second-floor Champagne room to sip Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage by the glass at this hot spot. 817 W. Lake St.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar

Chef John Manion channels Argentina at this sexy West Loop spot. Seasonal vegetables, meats and seafood all benefit from a visit to the custom-built grills, which add a terrific, subtly smoky flavor. The marble bar showcases South American-inspired cocktails like the Maté Mule, with maté-infused vodka, lime and ginger beer, and the Brasero caipirinha, a cachaça blend with lime and crushed ice. 845 W. Washington Blvd.

Ever

This moody, modern spot serves an eight- to 10-course tasting menu from Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy. Ever holds two Michelin stars, with a seasonal menu that evolves frequently and a dining experience lasting about two and a half hours. After dinner, head next door to its cocktail bar, After, for a nightcap. 1340 W. Fulton St.,

Girl & the Goat

Stephanie Izard’s original, iconic restaurant is a West Loop fave and one of the first eateries to open on Restaurant Row. Share plates of Spanish-, Asian- and Italian-influenced cuisine like goat empanadas, curry fried pork belly and roasted pig face. 809 W. Randolph St.

Lyra

Inspired by their travels through the Greek islands, David Rekhson and Lucas Stoioff opened Lyra in partnership with internationally acclaimed chef Athinagoras Kostakos. This Fulton Market spot serves fresh, Mediterranean fare with standout dishes like charred octopus with cipollini onion and kalamata olive relish, slow-roasted lamb gyros, and Maine lobster linguini with preserved lemon and basil. 905 W. Fulton Market,

Monteverde

One of the city’s top toques, James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg heads up the kitchen at buzzy, much-lauded hot spot Monteverde—and with a slate of dishes like ’nduja arancini and fusilli con ragù alla Napoletana, the accolades are more than deserved. 1020 W. Madison St.

Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas’ James Beard Award- winning restaurant Next completely changes its menu and experience multiple times each year. From experiences inspired by Hollywood to Tokyo to Ancient Rome and 1987 Wall Street, Next always keeps us on our toes with evolving presentations and globally inspired ingredients. 953 W. Fulton Market

Oriole

At the two-Michelin-starred Oriole, chef-owner Noah Sandoval (Senza, Schwa) delivers an ever- evolving tasting menu of refined, ingredient-driven dishes. Each course showcases precision and creativity, while acclaimed pastry chef Genie Kwon turns out equally striking desserts. 661 W. Walnut St.,

Prince Street Pizza

This pizzeria brings New York– style Sicilian “SoHo” squares and Neapolitan pies to Chicago, with slices and whole pies made from scratch daily. Standouts include the Spicy Spring with Fra Diavolo sauce and the Meat Lovers, alongside garlic breads, salads and indulgent Italian desserts. 939 W. Randolph St. #1W,

Sepia

A longtime favorite, Sepia is set in an 1890 print shop (hence the name) and features custom tile floors and modern chandeliers. Under chef Kyle Cottle, the kitchen highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, while a talented bar team treats cocktails with the same level of care as the cuisine. 123 N. Jefferson St.,

Where To Stay

The Emily Hotel

This boutique spot offers not just 159 chic guest rooms but also a ground-floor restaurant, as well as
a coffee bar serving locally roasted Sparrow Coffee. In the summer, head to the rooftop, where the Rooftop Cinema Club presents open-air movie screenings (just make sure to bring your own blanket). 311 N. Morgan St.

The Hoxton, Chicago

The Hoxton channels the creative energy of the West Loop via vibrant decor, inventive food and beverage offerings (like Peruvian- inspired rooftop restaurant Cabra Cevicheria) and spacious coworking areas—all of which make for a memorable stay. 200 N. Green St.

Nobu Hotel Chicago

Located along bustling Randolph Street, this 115-room hotel offers the Japanese-influenced luxuries expected from a Nobu property in the heart of the West Loop. Dine in the first-floor restaurant before heading to the rooftop for a nightcap and finally retreating to your elegantly appointed guest room at the end of the night. 155 N. Peoria St.

The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast

With just 11 cozy guest rooms, this West Loop B&B is the ideal urban retreat, accessible to the neighborhood’s buzzing scene yet graced with a rich sense of privacy. Originally built as the Free Methodist Publishing House, the historic building features inviting accommodations and is home to wine bar The Press Room. 108 N. May St.,

Soho House

Both a hotel and private members’ club, Soho House Chicago leaves no box unchecked for guests with a lower-level bar, an outdoor rooftop pool, a screening room, a gym with a boxing ring and the Cowshed Spa. 113-125 N. Green St.

Where to Relax

Cowshed Spa

Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago offers a serene retreat for a self-care day, with a complete range of facials, massages, body treatments and bespoke therapies designed to relax, detox and rejuvenate. 113-125 N. Green St.

The Cryobar West Loop

CryoBar’s West Loop location offers services like whole-body cryotherapy, localized cryotherapy, cryotoning facials, cryoskin body contouring, compression therapy, infrared sauna and Celluma light therapy to revitalize and recharge. 1215 W Madison St.

Eastend

This modern wellness club blends high-tech, science-backed treatments with time-honored practices, offering contrast therapy, light therapy and other modalities designed to help members restore, regulate and reconnect. 1132 W. Fulton Market

Where to Shop

SVRN

This buzzy streetwear boutique with an ultra-modern interior stocks cutting-edge brands in sneakers, apparel and accessories. Discover lifestyle selections like books and home goods alongside the latest drops from designers like Rick Owens, Fear of God and other sought-after labels. 171 N. Aberdeen St.

Notre

Another go-to for fresh fits, Notre draws fashion insiders with a curated selection of sneakers and apparel from labels like Bode, Guidi and Diptyque, all set within a minimalist, modern boutique. 118 N. Peoria St., #1N

Primitive

A four-story wonderland of immersive vignettes and global artifacts, Primitive showcases pieces from more than 100 cultures, creating a Zen-like space that feels equal parts treasure trove and meditation retreat. 130 N. Jefferson St.

Open Books

This beloved used bookstore from Open Books offers 50,000 titles for all ages, plus cozy reading nooks— and a mission to expand literacy access across Chicago. 651 W. Lake St.

Where to Hit the Town

The Aviary

Some of Chicago’s most inventive cocktails are served at The Aviary, a forward-thinking bar from the brains behind Alinea and Next. Double your pleasure with a trip downstairs to intimate speakeasy The Office, where bartenders serve vintage spirits and classic cocktails in a low-lit space dotted with vintage finds that feel straight from an old movie. 955 W. Fulton Market,

Bisous

A 1960s Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Fulton Market, this lounge charms with warm orb lighting, floral wallpaper, and subtle kiss motifs, serving expertly crafted martinis, inventive French 75s, and playful seasonal cocktails that make every visit feel like a toast to mid- century French elegance. 938 W. Fulton Market,

GG Piano Bar

This West Loop wine bar, commonly referred to as GG, offers a nod to old-school Chicago glamor. With exposed brick walls, vintage decor and an extensive wine list that even includes large-format selections—perfect for when celebrations are in order. 858 W. Lake St.

Kumiko

The focus at this Japanese-inspired cocktail bar is as much on delectable food as on highly curated cocktails, as owner and notable mixologist Julia Momosé works magic with Asian ingredients and techniques. 630 W. Lake St.

Moneygun

Under the Green and Pink Line tracks, Moneygun is a no-frills cocktail bar serving classics alongside beer, wine and spirits, with a “Dirty Thirty Club” challenge that rewards those who try all 30 drinks. 660 W. Lake St.

United Center

Home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls and a regular stop for some of the biggest acts to come through Chicago, the United Center is the city’s premier venue for big games and big names. With eateries like the Ketel One Club and hangs like the FanDuel Sportsbook, the fun extends beyond showtime. 1901 W. Madison St.

Cultural Experiences

National Hellenic Museum

This engaging cultural destination’s mission is to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story. Explore exhibits like CHANGE: The Story of Coins and extensive collections of clothing, documents, homeware and more, which delve into the experiences of Greek Americans from ancient times to today. 333 S. Halsted St.,

WNDR Museum

At WNDR Museum, a rotating lineup of contemporary artists and creatives fuels an ever-evolving
mix of immersive, interactive installations—from Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room to light- reactive floors, optical illusion spaces and multi-sensory environments where visitors become part of the art itself. 1130 W. Monroe St.,

Hidden Gem

Press Room

Located inside The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast, this cozy subterranean wine bar sets the
scene for an intimate evening complemented by sophisticated sips. Press Room offers an array of white, red, orange and rosé wines along with cocktails and entrees, plus happy hour on Tuesdays through Thursdays. 1134 W. Washington Blvd.,

Check out our Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide here.