Looking to explore Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood? Long before this area was the newest hot-spot in the city, it was an industrial hub strategically positioned for manufacturing, shipping, and distribution. Nowadays, the West Loop is one of the best places to go out in Chicago, along with being home to numerous restaurants, trendy shops, and boutique hotels. If we haven’t met, I’m Gina, and I’m so excited to show you around the West Loop!
The West Loop has a vibe that perfectly blends its old cobblestone streets and historic warehouses with designer hotels and newer buildings. IMO, I think it’s the most beautiful neighborhood of Chicago, and one that I have to frequent every time I visit. In fact, I lived in Chicago for a short while, and found myself going to West Loop all the time.
History of Chicago’s West Loop Neighborhood
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the West Loop was known for its meatpacking district and industrial warehouses. In particular, the Fulton Market District became the heart of Chicago’s meatpacking industry, and was home to stockyards and butcheries that processed and shipped meat to cities across the country.
Nowadays, the Fulton Market District is known for being one of the top foodie spots in Chicago, but we’ll talk more about that in a minute!
Alongside meatpacking, the West Loop housed numerous warehouses and factories. These buildings stored goods ranging from textiles to machinery, contributing to the city’s thriving industrial economy. To this day, you can see the architecture and aesthetic of that era. The brick facades, loading docks, and utilitarian designs still define much of the neighborhood today.
The West Loop: Modernized Today
I don’t know who woke up one day and thought, “you know, this area would REALLY be a hit with the young professional crowd,” but whoever it was, they were correct. The West Loop has become THE area to eat, go out, get coffee, and to simply enjoy your time in the city. I’m not sure if I can say it surpasses the Magnificent Mile in terms of shopping, but there are definitely some cute and popular stores here. In other words, you can totally have a girls day in this fun little neighborhood!
Related post: 9 of The Best Things To Do in Chicago (For Your First Visit!)
Where To Eat in the West Loop
Since the West Loop is largely known for its food scene, I highlighted 2 of the most notable streets in the neighborhood where you can find a lot of good restaurants. I linked a separate blog post below with my favorites, but trust me…once you hit these 2 streets, your options are endless and everything is good.
For a list of my favorite foodie spots, check out 7 of the Best Restaurants in Chicago’s West Loop
Randolph Street
Randolph Street has been nicknamed “Restaurant Row” thanks to its seemingly endless food options. Visitors can enjoy everything from relaxed eateries to upscale, Michelin Star restaurants. This area has a ton of different cuisines: you’ll find Italian, French, Japanese, modern American…the list goes on and on. After dinner, the street comes alive with cocktail bars, wine lounges, and rooftop spots.
Fulton Market District
Like I mentioned earlier, Fulton Market has transformed from Chicago’s meat packing industry to the other notable street with Michelin Star spots and other restaurants. The “olden days” charm is still there though: iconic signs from old businesses like Swift & Company still dot the neighborhood. You’ll also find hotels like The Hoxton and Nobu Chicago that blend luxury with a nod to the area’s industrial past.
If you’re someone who loves foodie tours AND sweets, check out this Fulton Market Donuts & Sweet Treats Walking Tour
Going Out in the West Loop
The West Loop has a reputation for being one of Chicago’s safer neighborhoods. When I lived here, I learned the West Loop was quickly becoming the newest place to go out in the city because it tends to attract less riff-raff. I also felt like it seemed to attract less college-age kids than when I went out in River North. (No offense if you’re reading this and you’re in your early 20s. Wait til you’re in your mid-30s. You’ll understand what I’m saying.)
I went out here a couple times and had a blast. Places like LÝRA, La Josie, and Costera Cocina Tulum are hip restaurants that turn into a dance-friendly atmosphere with a live DJ on the weekends. I also loved Blind Barber, a speakeasy that played hits from my own college days, and The Hoxton, a hotel that always attracts a crowd at the bar.
Where to Shop in the West Loop
The West Loop is home to popular shopping stores that you’ve likely heard of, along with some smaller, privately-owned boutique shops. I’ve found that a lot of the popular stores are on West Randolph Street, whereas a lot of the privately owned boutiques are on West Madison Street.
Popular stores along West Randolph Street include:
- Free People (fyi – I like this FP store better than the Water Tower one on the Magnificent Mile)
- Lululemon
- Madewell
- Uncommon James (Kristen Cavallari’s Nashville-based jewelry boutique)
- Bluemercury
Some of the boutiques and gift shops on West Madison Street include:
West Loop Architecture and Vibe
I feel like the vibe of West Loop is very Brooklyn-meets-Manhattan. There’s the grunge of the old warehouses mixed in with modern skyscrapers and apartment buildings. It gives the whole area a very rustic-chic feel.
A lot of the restaurants and bars have string lights outside that illuminate the neighborhood when it gets dark. Call me basic, but I LOVE a place with some string lights. I’ve (shamelessly) spent a lot of time walking up and down the streets just staring at everything!
Getting Around the West Loop
The West Loop area is very walkable and a short distance from downtown Chicago. You can take public transportation, Uber, or even walk to get here, depending on where you’re at in the city.
Because public transportation in Chicago can sometimes be a liiiiittle sketchy, I usually advise everyone to Uber to the West Loop if they’re staying in the city center. There were a couple times my friend and I walked to and from River North to the West Loop, but if you do this, make sure you go in groups or with at least one other person.
Where to Stay in the West Loop
The West Loop has become one of Chicago’s most in-demand areas for boutique hotels, especially for travelers who want walkability, design-forward spaces, and easy access to restaurants. Below, some top-rated hotels:
The Hoxton, Chicago (200 N Green)
Industrial-chic rooms, a rooftop pool, and three on-site restaurants. Ideal for travelers who want a stylish, social hotel with strong neighborhood access.
Nobu Hotel Chicago (155 N Peoria)
Minimalist Japanese design, an excellent sushi restaurant, and one of the best rooftop lounges in the area. A good fit for travelers seeking luxury in the heart of Fulton Market.
The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan)
Creative, artsy aesthetic with a café, rooftop space, and frequent community programming. A solid mid-range boutique option.
Hyatt House Chicago – West Loop (105 N May)
Reliable, modern, and more budget-friendly than the boutique properties. Good for families or longer stays needing larger rooms and amenities.
- Pro Tip: If you’re a SoHo House member, you’re able to stay at SoHo House Chicago in the West Loop. Non-members are still able to eat at The Allis, the restaurant located on the ground floor.
A Mini-Itinerary for the West Loop (and Beyond!)
- Start your morning with a latte and pastry from Sawada Coffee
- Walk around and check out the architecture of the West Loop.
- Go shopping on West Randolph St. and West Madison St.
- Take a pilates class at Page One Pilates
- Grab lunch (and…okay…maybe another pastry) from Beatrix Fulton Market
- See if there are any happening events in the area (festivals, etc.)
- Take a quick ride over to the Loop. Explore the River Walk, or book an architecture cruise
- Come back to West Loop and eat dinner at Alla Vita
- Get after dinner drinks at Costera Cocina Tulum (and stay for the dance party if you’re there on a weekend!)
Explore the Best Things To Do in Chicago!
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