The West Loop, anchored by Fulton Market and Randolph Street's "Restaurant Row," is Chicago's hottest dining neighborhood. Once a meatpacking district, it's now home to some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants and trendiest bars.
📍 Where is West Loop?
Boundaries: Ashland (west), Halsted (east), Lake St (north), Eisenhower Expwy (south)
Restaurant Row: Randolph Street between Halsted and Racine
Fulton Market: Fulton Street area, focused around Fulton and Randolph
Getting there: Green/Pink Line to Morgan, Uber from downtown is quick
Celebrity Chef Destinations
Girl & The Goat
Top Chef winner's flagship. Adventurous, bold flavors. Reservations book up fast.
Avec
Paul Kahan's Mediterranean spot. Communal tables, small plates, legendary chorizo-stuffed dates.
The Publican
Pork-focused, massive beer selection, communal dining. One of Chicago's best.
Roister
The Alinea Group's casual concept. Open kitchen, wood-fired cooking. Walk-ins welcome at bar.
Steakhouses
Chicago is a steakhouse city, and the West Loop has heavy hitters.
Swift & Sons
Beautiful space in the old meatpacking district. Prime steaks, excellent cocktails.
RPM Steak
Lettuce Entertain You's sleek steakhouse. Great for business dinners and celebrations.
Trendy & Modern
Monteverde
Sarah Grueneberg's pasta palace. The tortelloni and tiramisu are legendary.
Oriole
Hidden luxury. One of Chicago's best tasting menu experiences. Worth the splurge.
Elske
Scandinavian-inspired tasting menus. Beautiful, refined, memorable.
Aba
Sunny Mediterranean with a rooftop patio. Great for groups and warm weather.
Casual & Quick
Au Cheval
Possibly Chicago's best burger. The wait is real, but so is the quality.
Time Out Market
Multiple restaurants under one roof. Great for groups who can't decide.
West Loop Tips
- Reserve ahead: Top spots like Girl & The Goat and Monteverde book up weeks out.
- Valet is common: Many restaurants offer valet. Worth it, as street parking is tough.
- Bar seating: Many spots keep bar seats for walk-ins. Great for solo diners or couples.
- Late night: The neighborhood stays lively late, especially on weekends.
- Walk Randolph: Restaurant Row is best explored on foot. Stroll and discover.