Wednesday, October 6th, 2021
Imagine living somewhere so interesting and exciting that people come from all over the world to experience it, and all you need to do to enjoy the lifestyle is step outside your door. That’s what life is like in the West Loop neighborhood, Chicago’s vibrant home to unique restaurants, unparalleled shopping and family-friendly events.
Iconic Location Near Downtown
Downtown Chicago has been home to the city’s business district ever since the first cable cars transported people to the area in 1882. When the Union elevated railroad was built in 1895, it circled the business district in a railway loop, and the area’s nickname stuck.
As its name implies, the West Loop is the neighborhood immediately to the west of Chicago’s downtown. Whereas the Loop’s office buildings are glass and steel, many structures in West Loop are former warehouses that once supported Chicago’s meat-packing businesses of the 19th century. The sturdy brick buildings were designed for practicality and still boast their industrial integrity. Today, however, rather than factories, the pragmatic warehouse spaces are home to boutique hotels, interesting galleries and hip hangouts. New, luxurious apartments are completing the picture.
Enjoy Unique Dining
Foodies rejoice! West Loop is home to delicious dining experiences. Visit Restaurant Row, the group of restaurants located on Randolph between Halsted Street and Ogden Avenue, for a selection of unique cuisine.
The Fulton Market warehouse district food hall — which stretches several blocks along Fulton Market Street — is home to 18 bars and eateries. Check out the bakery goods from Beatrix (834 W. Fulton Market), the locally sourced ingredients at Fulton Market Kitchen (311 N. Sangamon St.) or the rock-‘n-roll burgers from Kuma’s Corner (852 W. Fulton Market).
Chicago French Market, located at 131 North Clinton between Washington and Randolph, is a food hall featuring dining from more than two dozen local restaurateurs.
Experience Interesting Activities
Feel like climbing the walls? At Brooklyn Boulders, you can! The West Loop rock climbing facility provides challenging adventures for advanced climbers and classes for beginners.
Bad Axe Throwing is the place to go if you’ve always wanted to throw hatchets at wooden targets. Be prepared to give your arms a workout.
Celebrate Chicago’s Roots
Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 700 West Adams Street, dates to 1846. It survived Chicago’s Great Fire of 1871 and has been described as a cornerstone of Chicago’s Irish heritage and culture.
Don’t miss Greektown, located at Halsted Street between Van Buran and Madison Streets. A celebration of Chicago’s Greek community, Greektown is home to traditional Greek restaurants, delis and bakeries, as well as the National Hellenic Museum, a center dedicated to Greek culture and the Greek American immigrant experience.
Experience Street and Music Festivals
Chicago Beer Festival at the nearby Field Museum is a celebration of what ales you! The October event features dozens of brews, beers and ales. Tickets required.
Summertime Movies in the Park are free and family friendly. Locations rotate through Fulton River Park, Heritage Green Park, Mary Bartleme Park, Skinner Park and Union Park.
Pitchfork Music Festival occurs in September in Union Park. The three-day music fest features national touring acts with local musicians and bands.
Randolph Street Market takes place at Plumbers Hall (1350 W Washington Blvd).
Taste of Randolph, at 900 W Randolph St. in June, donates proceeds to the West Loop Community Organization.
Taste of Greektown occurs in August at 300 S. Halsted St. and features Greek food, music and dancing.
Take Advantage of Easy Transportation
Like many parts of Chicago, the West Loop is a walkable area, where you can get dinner or do a little shopping on foot or by bike. You’re connected to the rest of Chicago by the CTA’s (Chicago Transit Authority) Pink and Green rail lines at the Morgan Street station, or via the Blue Line at the UIC-Halsted Street station.
Plus, the West Loop is home to Union Station (225 South Canal Street), which opened in 1925. The iconic train station is the transportation hub for the Metra commuter rail (if you need a ride to the suburbs) and Amtrak trains (if you’re traveling by rail across the country). Union Station is so photogenic, it has even been featured in Hollywood movies, including The Untouchables, starring Kevin Costner.
Enjoy Nearby Theatre
Residents of West Loop are just blocks away from live performances by the Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway plays, the latest films and major touring musical acts. Some of Chicago’s finest theatre experiences are located just one neighborhood away, in the Loop, and include:
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Have a West Loop Lifestyle
Bring your walking shoes, appetite and love of exploration. Living in the West Loop is for anyone who enjoys a lifestyle of luxury, delicious dining and unique experiences. Visit Downtown Apartment Company’s current apartment listings in Chicago’s West Loop to find your new home.
