Welcome to West Loop
A hip urban neighborhood with a dynamic culinary industry.
Located along the Western banks of the Chicago River and West of downtown Chicago, the vibrant urban neighborhood of West Loop is bustling with commercial and residential activity. Although the neighborhood is a commercial zone, it also hosts several natural attractions, including parks and a nature conservancy, and provides proximity to the breathtaking Chicago River. West Loop has a continental climate with hot summers for outdoor recreational activities and cold winters for indoor activities.
Established in 1886 as an industrial area for factories, markets, and warehouses, West Loop is still a bustling commercial region. However, it has transformed its former industrial warehouses into restaurants and is currently one of Chicago's leading food tourism destinations. The neighborhood has also transformed its architecture as there are several newly developed modern luxury condominiums and lofts with open layouts created within old buildings targeted toward affluent individuals and families.
What We Love
- Proximity to Chicago River and downtown Chicago
- Thriving culinary culture with a myriad of restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Access to highly-rated private and public schools
Local Lifestyle
West Loop is a hip and vibrant urban neighborhood booming with a dynamic culinary industry, nightlife, and thriving commercial activity. The neighborhood has endless dining, eateries, and bar options and houses major technology companies such as Google, Cameo, Amount, and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios. Most West Loop residents are young professionals looking for employment opportunities or highly educated individuals working white-collar jobs at the technology brands.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There are many dining, entertainment, and shopping destinations in West Loop. If you love fast food, consider visiting Parlor Pizza. You can also visit Federales if you want to try authentic Mexican dishes and beverages.
West Loop also houses a Nobu restaurant where you can enjoy premium accommodation in luxurious rooms and suites alongside an authentic Japanese food menu, which includes sushi and rock shrimp tempura. You should also visit Lyra and try their authentic Greek cuisine and Mediterranean seafood dishes while listening to music from a live DJ. Afterward, you can entertain yourself with live music while having a beer, cocktails, and other beverages at Lazy Bird, Blue Chicago, and Moneygun.
Various shopping destinations in Chicago are in proximity to West Loop. For instance, you can drive to 900 North Michigan Shops and shop at high-end retailers such as Gucci, Bloomingdales, Michael Kors, and J. Crew. You can also shop at The Shops at North Bridge at high-end retailers such as MCM, Nordstrom, MAC cosmetics, and Kiehl's.
Things to Do
Many local attractions and services are available to West Loop residents and visitors. For instance, you can join the community in celebrating the annual Taste of Randolph Festival fundraiser from June 17th to 19th, held at Taste of Randolph. The events allow you to interact with and shop from local businesses, artists, and merchants and sample mouthwatering and unique flavors from the several restaurants that contribute to the diverse culinary culture in West Loop.
Buy your ticket, join the Taste of Fulton Market silent auction, and enjoy sampling food and cocktails from local restaurants, bars and merchants at the Fulton Market while supporting the IRAEF's Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sightseeing, strolls with pets, hikes, bike rides, and play in the 1.4-acre play area at Mary Bartelme Park with children. You can also shop for fresh groceries and spend time with family and friends while enjoying authentic Italian dishes at JP Graziano. JP Graziano is more than a restaurant; it has been part of Chicago's history since 1937.
Schools
West Loop values education and is highly rated private and public schools, including;
- Montessori Academy Chicago, Pre K-8, one of the best private elementary and middle schools in Chicago.
- Whitney Young Magnet high school, grades 7-12, one of the best public middle and high school institutions in Chicago.
- The University of Illinois Chicago, Undergraduate/Postgraduate, one of the best public universities in Chicago.
