Most people visiting Chicago are drawn to areas like the downtown loop, river north, Logan Square, or Lincoln Park, whereas West Loop being the traditional industrial district tends to fall a little behind on the sightseeing trend. But did you know our adorable West Loop has just as much of culture, food, and experience to offer? Take a look at a Chicagoan’s Itinerary for an unforgettable day if you need pointers. Figure out what to do in the West Loop and fall in love with this neighborhood!
Where To Stay
First of all, let’s figure out the night so you don’t have to worry about where you’re staying. While Chicago is never short of chained hotels like the Mariott and Hampton Inn… But come on. It’s vacay, right? Then, don’t you want more of a unique experience? Thankfully, Chicago has plenty of lovely hotels for a staycation. Below are our favorites located in the West Loop.
Nobu Chicago
854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
With close proximity to the West Loop’s Restaurant Row, Nobu Hotel Chicago is the premier location to decompress after a day of exploring and eating your way through the neighborhood. Jumpstart your weekend with the “Be Well With Nobu” package featuring a private sound bath and guided meditation for two at The Lab located blocks away from the hotel. Then, indulge in ultimate relaxation at the Tranquility Pool with daybeds and a wall lit with handmade, cascading pink resin leaves to let all your cares fall away.
Hyatt House West Loop
105 N May St, Chicago, IL 60607
Set close to restaurants in the lively West Loop neighborhood, this casual hotel is also only a few miles away from the attractions downtown like the Willis Tower and the Art Institute. Featuring airy, laid-back rooms, an indoor pool, a gym, and a beautiful rooftop, Hyatt House is the definition of simplicity and comfort. Looking for more of an Air BnB-ish experience? They also have Studios and one-bedroom suites with kitchens.
Hotel Chicago
1622 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Are you an art lover? Then you’ve got to stay at Hotel Chicago. Featuring large scale in-room murals, Hotel Chicago West Loop will bring you a unique cultural experience like no other. This warm, welcoming, and refreshingly art-centric hotel features 116 guest rooms furnished with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Did you know they also have pet-friendly rooms?
Where to Eat
Assuming you’ve got lodging figured out, it’s time to move onto the best restaurants in West Loop! As we all know, Chicago is huge on its culinary scene, and West Loop, featuring the restaurant row and the famous Fulton Market, is indeed at the core of Chicago’s food culture! Take a look at our personal favorites for your lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktail needs.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar
845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
This West Loop hot spot, known for its selection of rustic flame-finished grilled beef, is known for its live-fire cooking and Argentine inspired menu. Right now, they’ve added 2 brand new immersive experiences:
- The Tour de Bife is a 10-course meal inspired by all things beef and cow. From tartare to beef inspired pasta, sweetbreads and of course steak, this is truly a carnivores dream menu and is available for $195 per person.
- The Grande Tasting is a 10-course tour of Argentina through the eyes of Chef Manion focusing on the magic that happens when pristine ingredients, including various cuts of meat, vegetables, and seafood come together and is available for $175 per person.
Rose Mary
932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.
Read More: 10 Best French Restaurants to Get Lunch and Dinner in Chicago
Sepia
123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
With 12 Michelin stars, Sepia’s cuisine has been continuously lauded for its consistency, inventiveness, and refinement. Chef Zimmerman, a five-time finalist for James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes, has an uncanny ability to transform even the most basic ingredients into something remarkable.
Sepia also offers a four-course menu priced at $85 per course. Additional wine pairings from Wine Director Alex Ring can be added for $55. Additional wine pairings from Wine Director Alex Ring can be added for $55. Sepia’s seasonal menu, rooted in tradition, showcases pristine natural ingredients, organic and/or sustainable when available.
Proxi
565 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
At Proxi, Chef Andrew combines two of his great loves: travel and cooking. Inspired by street food but not restrained by it, his menu wanders freely through Asia, India, Mexico, and beyond, but still feels completely at home in Chicago.
Proxi’s Chef’s Menu is $65 per person and reservations can be made via OpenTable. Meanwhile, Proxi’s a la carte offerings boast a variety of global flavors to take taste buds on an adventure. Pair with one of Wine Director Alex Ring’s hand-picked bottles, and have everything necessary for a transportive evening.
Ramen-San West Loop
Ramen and whiskey? Say no more! Ramen-San has long been the best ramen spot in West Loop, if not across Chicago. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch stop for some hearty broth, or planning a dinner date over Japanese whiskey, Ramen-San can satisfy both.
What to Do
Finally, did you know there are plenty of activities and attractions in West Loop? Don’t let people talk you into “you have to be in the downtown loop for the real Chicago fun” because that’s so not true! Check out our hand-picked West Loop attractions below.
Time Out Market
916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Whether you need somewhere to sit and get some quick work done on your laptop, or are looking to discover new local vendors, Time Out Market is where you need to be. Unquestionably the brightest gem in the West Loop, Time Out Market alone has enough to occupy your full day. Here, you’ll find amazing performances, family-friendly events, Chicago-flavored gift shops, artisan stores, unique dining experiences, and a beautiful space for you to chillax all day long!
WNDR Museum
1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
WNDR Museum is a must visit in the West Loop. From the famous Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room, to the interactive light floor that will bring the dancer out of your soul, WNDR is one of the coolest museums in Chicago, for sure. They also have seasonal programs and artist activities, so make sure you check out their event calendar before you go!
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Kavi Gupta Gallery
219 N Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL 60607
Headquartered in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, the gallery operates multiple exhibition spaces as well as Kavi Gupta Editions, a publishing imprint and bookstore. Kavi Gupta opened in Chicago in 2000. Kavi Gupta has a unique style when it comes to their exhibition curation, and you won’t be disappointed by their bold, compassionate, relevant, and innovative program throughout the year!
United Center
1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League, United Center has become the sacred ground for sports fans when they pay Chicago a visit. It is also one of the hottest venues in Chicago for large concerts and performances. Check out their event calendar and see what’s going on!
The Old Post Office
433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
Featuring art deco and neoclassical architecture, the Old Post Office is indeed a Chicago landmark. This nine-story building is a popular event venue nowadays, used for business events, weddings, and more. But when it is not busy, there are plenty of instagrammable selfie spots for those spending a day in the West Loop.
Do you love history and architecture? Then you need to take a tour in the Old Post Office!
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