West Loop in Chicago

What are the highlights and features of the West Loop?

West Loop is a foodie destination in Chicago, for sure. Previously a meat-packing district, this neighbourhood is where you can find a range of cuisines and dining experiences, from the casual to the more refined. You'll also find a lot of traditional Greek food, as the West Loop encompasses Chicago's Greektown.

If you've never been to the West Loop before, there are a few can't-miss restaurants to check off your foodie wish list before you move on to some of the lesser-known haunts, including Girl and the Goat, helmed by Top Chef celebrity Stephanie Izard; Au Cheval, a refined diner-style eatery; The Publican, a European-style beer hall; and Maude's Liquor Bar, a speakeasy-style brasserie.

But what are the highlights to check out when you’re not eating? Hit up the neighbourhood museums, including the National Hellenic Museum in Greektown, or WNDR Museum for jaw-dropping optical illusions that are sure to make your vacation pics pop.

A brief history of the West Loop in Chicago

Chicago's West Loop is chockfull of history. During the city's time as one of the USA's major food processing hubs, especially butchering and meatpacking during the 1800s, the area was a big part of it all and you can still see evidence of this history today. If you visit the Fulton-Randolph Market District, you'll see marketplaces that hail back to the 19th century, during which the district was split into 2 separate areas, 1 for meatpacking and 1 for produce sales.

Once meatpacking in the area fell away to make room for other industries, the West Loop was negatively impacted by major citywide and national events, such as the Great Chicago Fire and the Great Depression, eventually leaving the neighbourhood in destitution.

It was only in the most recent decades that the West Loop received new life, with low-rise construction and corporate headquarters moving in. Now, restauranteurs take advantage of these low-rise buildings and their stellar views of Chicago’s main skyline to create unforgettable dining experiences in an area that’s quickly growing in popularity.

Good to know about the West Loop

If you’re staying in one of Chicago’s other nearby neighbourhoods, you’ll be able to easily access West Loop via either public transport or a rideshare service. You may not necessarily want to walk if you want to explore all of the West Loop, as it can get rather exhausting. If you’re driving, you’ll easily be able to reach it via Chicago’s main highways.

You'll find many Chicago attractions that are close enough for a quick visit while you're in the West Loop. Willis Tower has an observatory with excellent views of the entire city. Little Italy is a great option if you want to explore another Chicago cultural hub after Greektown, while United Center Arena is where you can find regular large-scale events, from concerts to live sports.