Welcome to West Loop
A modern foodie’s paradise where past meets present
A former industrial and meatpacking district, West Loop is now one of the hottest neighborhoods in all of Chicago. Bounded by the South Branch of the Chicago River, West Loop residents are a stone’s throw from hundreds of trendy restaurants and bars, walking distance from downtown and only a 10-mile drive from Midway Airport. Refurbished lofts stand in perfect harmony next door to glamorous high-rise condos and major employers, making the West Loop the “it” place to be in the Windy City.
With a history largely shaped by immigrants, the West Loop’s
Fulton-Randolph Market District has a deep-rooted past as one of the city’s oldest wholesale markets. In the 1850s, the area was separated into two parts. Randolph Street Market Hall sold produce, while Fulton Street Market sold meat. The district grew over time, eventually leading to the establishment of several other manufacturing businesses. The unobstructed views of the downtown Chicago skyline, thanks to these low-rise sites, were attractive to condo builders when more modern development took off at the turn of the millennium.
What to Love
- The high concentration of eateries on Restaurant Row gives locals a chance to try a new spot each night of the week
- Fulton Market District is a bustling enclave with cafes, pubs, live music, and plenty of delicious food
- Catching a Bulls or Blackhawks game is easy — the United Center is located in the heart of the West Loop
- Many transportation options are available, including several on/off-ramp exits on 90/94 and 290, buses, trains, and the metro
- Once very industrial, the area has since transformed into an urban mecca
- Large companies have set up shop here, including Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, and McDonald’s World Headquarters
Local Lifestyle
The West Loop is a melting pot for various cultures and lifestyles. Residential development began in the 1980s with the conversion of old warehouses into traditional brick and timber lofts. As the years have gone by, larger condo towers have been constructed, providing breathtaking views of downtown Chicago. Those lucky enough to call the West Loop home are also neighbors with immigrant-founded establishments, several of which have been in business for decades.
One major upside to city living is the proximity to a lively arts and culture scene. The Fulton Market District alone features almost 20 art galleries. Despite this high level of urban development, residents do have access to parks located throughout the neighborhood with athletic facilities, gardens and dog runs.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Look no further for the hottest neighborhood in town for dinner, cocktails, and after-hours fun. Walk-in any direction, and you’ll be met with Michelin-star restaurants, celebrity-owned eateries, exotic plates, and popular late-night cravings. Both newer and native Chicago dwellers have a chance to experience different cultures without ever having to wander too far.
Choosing just one top restaurant in the West Loop is nearly impossible, but if forced to do so, many would choose Avec. A Chicago favorite for almost 20 years, Avec serves inventive plates in a calm, minimalist setting. Midwest meets the Mediterranean on their seasonal menus, highlighting the freshest ingredients available. Another viable option can be found at The Girl and the Goat. Chef Stephanie Izard, the first female winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” opened The Girl and the Goat in 2010 as one of the first restaurants on Chicago’s now-famous Restaurant Row. Popular dishes include the glazed pork shanks and goat empanadas.
Fulton Market is the perfect spot to wind down after a long day at the office. Packed with bars and live music, it’s perfectly situated near many offices, so chances are you won’t have to walk far to find a spot to kick off the weekend. One place to find both is City Winery. The 30,000-square-foot space serves wine by the glass, bottle, or flight.
Things To Do
The West Loop is the home of the United Center, where The Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks basketball and hockey teams play dozens of games throughout the year. In the off-season, A-list singers stop here on world tours. Recent and future concerts include Dua Lipa, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, and Billie Eilish. Quieter days can be spent at one of the many neighborhood parks. Union Park, a longtime hideout, hosts movie nights and has an outdoor pool.
Schools
Many excellent education opportunities are available in the West Loop. Some of these include:
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Skinner Elementary School, prekindergarten through grade 8, was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2013, the highest honor available for an American school
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