The Best West Loop Cocktail Bars

With West Loop’s prime location to downtown and a plethora of delicious restaurants, it makes sense that this happening spot is the place to be when looking to drink! This Chicago hot-spot is full of some of the best cocktail bars, upscale lounges, and speakeasies in the city. Here are the top 5 cocktail bars in West Loop:

Top Cocktail Bars in West Loop

Lazy Bird – Tucked away underneath a hotel, Lazy Bird is an upscale cocktail bar with live jazz performances and the perfect evening ambiance. Their drink menu offers 52 different classic cocktails, each with a bit of history behind it. One of their famous drinks, the Grasshopper, tastes exactly like a Thin Mint cookie and you absolutely have to try it.

The Aviary – This redefined cocktail bar features drinks that feel like they are straight out of a chemistry lab. These creative presentations will surely blow your mind, just try out the Dip n Dots Style Flavored Ice or a Fish Tank! The Aviary sports a trendy crowd, making it the perfect spot to take your special someone on date night. 

Moneygun – Full of energetic vibes in this neighborhood dive. This unique spot has the dark and classic lounge feel, making it the go-to spot for a date or night out with friends. Their White Russian is truly on another level, and their presentation says it all with fresh coffee beans floating along the top.

CH Distillery – This industrial chic lounge has an impressive list of inventive cocktails and is the perfect spot if you like hard drinks. Enjoy their classic Old Fashioned or try one of their other inventive cocktails in the current rotation. With a great atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, CH Distillery is the perfect escape from the city.

Blind Barber – Walk into a barber shop to find this speakeasy-type cocktail bar. This is one of the hidden gems of West Loop and full of swanky vintage vibes. Enjoy the old and new school music, retro feel, and nice selection of cocktails. This is the ultimate lowkey spot for anyone, and if you’re ever torn on a drink, we suggest the Strawberry Field!

Where to Live if You Want to Be Close to All the Action

The West Loop area is a booming spot for all things live, work, and play. 

When looking for a West Loop home close to all the fun to be had, check out Fulton Market or Restaurant Row. These areas are jam-packed with top-rated restaurants, bars, and boutique shops

If you’re looking to wind down a bit more but still be within walking distance of all the commotion, head to the far left end of Restaurant Row on Randolph. This area hosts Union Park, the neighborhood’s largest park. Union Park is full of green space for your pups, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of other space for children’s summer camps, music festivals and even concerts. 

Just a tad south of Union Park sits Skinner Bark Park, your pet’s favorite spot to be. This park has Astroturf, water bowls, a doggie pool, and lots of free parking around too. Don’t worry, that’s not the only dog friendly spot in the area. West Loop has plenty of other dog-friendly restaurants for your furry BFF to come join you as well.

Ready to make the move and be close to all of the fun to be had in the West Loop? Contact our experienced team today!

West Loop Neighborhood Tips

Are you looking for a dynamic neighborhood with charming character and convenience? Well, look no further! Chicago’s West Loop has all of the above with a unique contrast between old and new. Over the years this neighborhood has evolved from an industrial manufacturing hub to Chicago’s top community for living and overall nightlife.

West Loop, Chicago condos are great options for anyone looking to jump to one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods with some of the city’s best dining options.

Interested in learning more about this city’s thriving neighborhood? Here’s some information into Chicago’s West Loop.

Safety in the West Loop

With all of the neighborhood’s recent growth, it’s important to credit the parallel focus on West Loop Chicago safety. The huge wave of people moving to this area has initiated new safety considerations.

Chicago’s West Loop repeatedly ranks as one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Residential properties, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops all so close to each other, getting where you need by foot is a breeze.

Living in the West Loop offers opportunities to get involved with other community members and improve the neighborhood. Neighbors of West Loop, a neighborhood organization, actively promotes local safety efforts. 

With city living, there is always safety precautions you can take on your own when living in the West Loop.

If you have a car never leave bags or possessions in your vehicle, and make sure always to lock your doors and roll up the windows. When walking around the neighborhood after hours, it’s smart to stay on well-lit paths, remain attentive to your surroundings, and leave your earbuds at home. There are also 

Top Bars in the West Loop

The West Loop neighborhood is full of trendy bars with great happy hours and inviting patios. When the workday ends, the hustle and bustle of the West Loop does not cease.

If you are looking for exquisite cocktails, try Kumiko. The drinks here are influenced by Japanese heritage and organized from bright and light to bold, booze-forward. Expect imported spirits and sakes plus enticing ingredients like lavender bitters, purple sweet potato and matcha tea. There’s also a menu of highballs as well as three sake flights that allow visitors to drink their way through different regions of Japan.

Punch Bowl Social is the place to go if you want to take winding down and letting lose to a whole new level. With crafted beverages, arcades games, and a bowling alley, this is the perfect spot for any adult to forget about work and unleash their inner kid.

Bar Siena is always a crowd favorite. Whether it’s the post-work crowd or the late-night owls, the bar scene here is always happening.  Not only is the menu complete with an extensive beer list and signature drinks, but each food item is made from scratch and served late. The beautiful two-story space, complete with an outdoor patio and impressive furnishings, delivers the perfect atmosphere.

CH Distillery is one of Chicago’s most creative distilleries, producing everything from vodka and gin to Malört and aquavit. Take a tour of the distillery on Saturdays at 5:30pm for just $15 per person, which includes “The Tradition,” a tasting of ice-cold CH vodka paired with rye bread and pickles. Just here to drink? Sip classic cocktails like Jesse’s Girl, a summer-ready blend of house-made gin, strawberry, mint, celery and lime.

Chicago’s Top Restaurants in the West Loop

From top-rated spots to small hidden gems, this neighborhood has it all. Strolling down Randolph Street, referred to as restaurant row, you’ll find some of the tre West Loop Chicago restaurants.

The infamous Girl and the Goat has gained praise from Chicago residents and tourists alike. Executive chef, Stephanie Izard, opened her acclaimed restaurant after winning Bravo’s hit show Top Chef.

Au Cheval, another praised West Loop Chicago restaurant located on Randolph Street, has earned its hype thanks to its infamous burger. You need to try this burger for yourself to understand all the hype. From the prime beef patty to the thick-cut peppered bacon, and the infamous fried egg on top, this burger is pure perfection.However, there’s almost always a guaranteed wait at Au Cheval so it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead. Plus, we promise it’ll be worth the wait.

The Publican makes you feel as if you are in a European beer hall. They serve up a lot of meat but also have a selection of oysters and vegetables. The Publican is a great stop for large parties or just a date night. Their giant U shaped communal tables allow you to interact with neighbors.

Best Spots to Live in the West Loop

Chicago West Loop condos are on the rise as the neighborhood experiences a rapid influx of residents. Over the years old warehouses have been transformed into residential lofts and new developments have been popping up.

Make Luxury Living Chicago Realty your partner in finding a new home. Our brokers have access to the top real estate openings in the area, and we’ll help you set up tours of the best options for you. View our West Loop condos for sale below.

The West Loop Bars You Must Go To

The vibrant West Loop neighborhood guarantees the perfect spot to grab a drink.

Whether you’re looking for an after-work cocktail or an exciting weekend evening, you can find West Loop bars suitable for any occasion.

Who Has the Best Happy Hour in the Neighborhood

If you’re on the hunt for some prime happy hour specials, the West Loop area will not disappoint.

Madison Bar and Kitchen– This gorgeous space boasts daily happy hour deals. Treat yourself to half-priced cocktails and sparkling wine from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. You’ll also find half-priced sushi rolls and other discounted bites.

Bar Takito– Take advantage of this hip Latin American restaurant’s happy hour Monday through Friday. Guests can enjoy discounted margaritas, shots, and tacos.

Bar Siena– Within the last couple of months, the popular Bar Siena has gained even more traction with the addition of their happy hour menu. From 4 pm to 6 pm you can find all sorts of drink deals- from $5 drafts to $8 libations.

Waydown– This rooftop bar, located at the top of the Ace Hotel, provides both incredible skyline views and killer happy hour specials. Stop by from 4pm to 6m Tuesday through Thursday for deals on snacks and drinks.

Which Bars Have Games or Live Entertainment 

Spice up your evening with entertainment offered at some of the West Loop bars.

Punch Bowl Social– This is the spot to take your friends and relive your favorite childhood activities. Grab an adult beverage and partake in private karaoke, bowling, virtual reality, table games, and vintage arcade games.

Emporium– Known as Chicago’s coolest arcade bar, Emporium features 21 different vintage games for guests to enjoy. The laidback space also hosts live DJs and musical performances.

Lazy Bird– Located in the basement of the Hoxton hotel, this classy speakeasy features hand-crafted cocktails and live jazz bands weekly from Thursday through Saturdays.

Spots for a Date, a Night with Friends, and to Watch games

The Aviary– This swanky cocktail lounge ensures the perfect place to take that special someone. The upscale bar prides itself on its innovative, intricate drinks that taste just as amazing as they look. 

Maude’s Liquor Bar– Tucked away on Randolph Street, this French restaurant provides a chic interior and dim-lighting to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for date night. Make reservations for a romantic dinner or stop by later in the evening for a nightcap.

Kaiser Tiger– If you’re looking for a fun night with friends, head to this gastropub for tasty bites and a huge selection of drinks. When it’s nice enough out, spend the evening out on their spacious beer garden, complete with outdoor games.

Haymarket– This pub makes the perfect spot to watch a game, with over 30 flatscreens and beers on tap. The dining room also provides an impressive view of the brewhouse and fermentation room.

Don’t miss out on the tasty drinks, mouth-watering food, and good vibes that the different West Loop bars have to offer.

 

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