Tag: West Loop Chicago

Neighborhood Match-Up: West Loop vs South Loop Chicago

Posted on by Lindsay Smith

Deciding whether to live in West Loop vs. South Loop Chicago is a tricky one, but the Luxury Living Chicago team is here to help you make your decision. Read on to discover some of what makes each neighborhood unique.

West Loop vs. South Loop, Chicago

Formerly known as the factory and warehouse hub, West Loop has gone through a transformation throughout the recent years and is now home to many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and brand new living spaces. West Loop borders Grand Avenue on the north side, I-290 on the south side, Ashland and Ogden on the west side, and the Chicago River on the east side.

Just a tad right from West Loop sits South Loop. Full of historic charm with modern amenities, South Loop is a fantastic place to call home. Many trendy restaurants and shops are within walking distance. South Loop is also within close proximity to Soldier Field, Museum Park, and Printers’ Row. Directly south of the Chicago Loop, South Loop is bounded by Cermak, Michigan Avenue, the Chicago River, and Congress Parkway-Eisenhower Expressway.

Dining

You definitely won’t be starved of fantastic food if you choose to go with either of these Chicago neighborhoods.

The West Loop neighborhood houses Chicago’s famous Restaurant Row, a vibrant strip lined with some of the city’s best eateries. One of which, Bar Siena, is a lively Italian bar and restaurant with a casual patio to enjoy the summer nights. City Winery is another place to catch live music while tasting wines alongside their incredible food menu. Both of these restaurants are also just two of the many dog-friendly restaurants throughout West Loop.

South Loop is also home to many popular dinner restaurants and prime spots for lunch. Tapas restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, offers an authentic dining experience that blends fresh meats and produce with the spirit of Barcelona. Burger Bar is a great spot for lunch in the South Loop. Here you can get handcrafted burgers, fresh cut fries, and hand-spun milkshakes.

Nightlife

Both West Loop and South Loop are bustling when it comes to nightlife.

West Loop has plenty of upscale cocktail bars and bars with games and live entertainment to make for an exciting weekend, every weekend. Visit PunchBowl Social to enjoy your favorite beverage alongside a game of bowling, vintage arcade games, or private karaoke. If you’re more in the mood for an upscale cocktail bar with live jazz performances, Lazy Bird does not disappoint.

South Loop is also known for their many popular brewpubs and cocktail bars. If you’re searching for a pet-friendly microbrewery with rotating seasonal beers, Motor Row Brewing has quite a few. In the mood for something a little classier? Try the M Lounge. This candlelit martini lounge features live Jazz performances and a menu with fine spirits and specialty martinis. 

Arts & Culture

If you’re looking for a heavy emphasis on arts & culture, look no further than Chicago’s West Loop and South Loop neighborhoods.

The trendy West Loop neighborhood is scattered with many impressive art galleries, including The McCormick Gallery, Carrie Secrist Gallery, and Sarah Raskey Fine Art. Here you can explore a wide array of artwork from many Chicago-based artists.

There are also plenty of art galleries to peruse throughout the South Loop as well, including Elephant Room Gallery and Chicago Art Exchange.

Shopping & Activities

Both South Loop and West Loop neighborhoods offer an endless list of shops and activities for residents and tourists alike.

South Loop offers some great options when you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe. Roosevelt Collection Shops is one of the neighborhood’s hot spots and is home to many household brands, including Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, LOFT, and more. Michigan Avenue is also not far from the South Loop, offering an endless array of boutiques and name-brand stores. When you’ve shopped til you’ve dropped, be sure to snag a pick-me-up from one of South Loop’s many coffee shops. 

West Loop also has their fair share of boutique-shopping and local coffee joints. In addition to those, this booming neighborhood also has some of the best music halls and venues to enjoy live music. The Bassment in West Loop has a hidden entrance, giving you all the speakeasy feels; and Cobra Lounge is a microbrewery/music venue duo for all the craft beer lovers in the area. 

Available Condos

Both West Loop and South Loop offer exceptional places to live. Check out some of the available condos:

The Reed Southbank – This luxury South Loop building offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts with a 2-acre riverfront park.

1400 Monroe – These two and three-bedroom luxury residences in West Loop blend luxury living with a top-notch location right across from Skinner Park.

Embry – Nestled in West Loop, this premier condo building boasts top-notch walkability, brilliant design by Kara Mann, and exclusive amenities including a putting green, indoor/outdoor fitness center, and an oversized chess board.

Looking to explore more of Chicago’s neighborhoods? View our Chicago neighborhood guide below!

Compare Chicago's Best Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Match-Up: West Loop vs. River North

Posted on by LLCR Staff

West Loop and River North are both popular Chicago neighborhoods, but how do the two compare? The Luxury Living Chicago Realty team is taking a closer look at West Loop vs. River North.

West Loop vs. River North

Let’s start with a general overview of each neighborhood.

Neighborhood Overviews

River North is located in downtown Chicago and bounded by Chicago Ave to the north, Michigan Ave to the east, and the Chicago River to the south and west. This vibrant area is packed with towering high rises, active nightlife, and unique art galleries.

As its name implies, West Loop sits directly west of the downtown Loop. The boundaries of West Loop are Grand Avenue on the north side, I-290 on the south side, Ashland and Ogden on the west side and the Chicago River on the east side. 

While this hot area once had the reputation of an abandoned meatpacking district, West Loop has grown rapidly over the past decade. The neighborhood is now home to one of the highest concentration of millennials, which has attracted plenty of new bars, restaurants, and retail shops. The area provides a unique industrial feel and is full of a nice mix of brand-new high rises and historic refurbished lofts.

West Loop and River North are similar because they are fast-growing areas that attract plenty of young professionals, foodies and art lovers. However, they both have unique distinctions.

History

West Loop has been on the up and up since right after the 2008 recession. Between 2008 and 2016, over 4,100 residential units were built in the neighborhood. Before 2008, the area was mostly abandoned meatpacking warehouses. Since then, thousands more have been built and planned, and the area has become one of the hottest developments in Chicago.

River North also has a unique past that has been evolving over the past 180 years. Following the Chicago Fire of 1871, River North was rebuilt but became pretty abandoned from the 1920s to 1960s. By the seventies, real estate picked up again as artists and creatives began reclaiming the area, and growth hasn’t ceased since.

Work & Industries

Recently, the work scene in River North and West Loop has become pretty comparable. Both neighborhoods are now home to a large pool of tech companies and also provide plenty of restaurant and retail opportunities for job seekers.

Many young working professionals reside or work in both of these areas.

Dining & Nightlife

Those who prioritize eating good food and enjoying the evening will appreciate both West Loop and River North. 

West Loop’s ‘Restaurant Row’ along Randolph Street features an array of impressive eateries and cocktail bars. The food scene in River North also offers plenty of tasty food and drink options scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Arts & Culture

River North is the place to be for art fanatics. In fact, the River North gallery district actually boasts the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States after Manhattan. All around the intersection of Franklin and Superior Streets, you can find numerous unique and imaginative galleries.

While West Loop doesn’t have quite the same artistic reputation, it offers its fair share of art galleries sprinkled throughout the area.

Shopping & Activities

Near and along Randolph and Madison Street, you can find some of the best shopping in West Loop. The area is known for its unique boutiques and high-end retailers.

While River North isn’t primarily known for its shops, it is nearby some of Chicago’s best retail therapy. The neighborhood finds itself nearby the Magnificent Mile, home to some of the country’s best shopping. The area is also home to the infamous Merchandise Mart right along the Chicago River.

Available Properties

Both River North and West Loop provide incredible experiences and living options.

If River North sounds fitting for your lifestyle, consider checking out the Tribune Tower Residences. The Tribune Tower project recently converted this elegant and iconic 1925 high-rise to 162 luxury condos and five-star amenities in the heart of this neighborhood.

For those drawn to the West Loop area, 1400 Monroe may be worth touring. This new construction building boasts beautiful 42 two and three-bedroom condos in a prime location.

Beyond these new condo buildings, there are plenty of other phenomenal living options throughout both neighborhoods. Let one of our experts match your goals to the right community and help you decide between West Loop vs. River North.

Still deciding which Chicago neighborhood is best for you? Follow the link below for our comparison of Chicago’s best neighborhoods.

Compare Chicago's Best Neighborhoods

Top Music Venues in West Loop, Chicago

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Being a former industrial hotspot, West Loop is home to many of the best hip music halls, eclectic venues, and intimate lounges the city has to offer. 

Unearth Some of West Loop’s Best Music Venues

Bottom Lounge – This dual-level laidback venue is the spot for quick bites and good times. Grab a beer, chill out on the rooftop patio, and admire the perfect ambiance with exposed brick walls and dim lighting. With underground music, great sound quality, and American comfort food — you surely won’t regret this pick. 

The Bassment – If you’re into the speakeasy feels, this West Loop venue is the place for you. The Bassment’s entrance is hidden behind a bookshelf and gives off all of the low-key club vibes. This personal venue really minimizes the separation between the artist and audience too, making the space feel as intimate as ever. 

Cobra Lounge – A must try for craft beer lovers, this microbrewery is another one of the best spots to see a show in West Loop. This classic Chicago staple has one of the coolest environments, incredible sound and light setups, and plenty of room for all the dancing.

City Winery – Dine-in at the restaurant, grab a drink at the cocktail bar, or just lounge and enjoy the live entertainment. City Winery boasts a great wine selection with intimate shows hosting both national and international entertainment.

The Darling – With nightly entertainment, this speakeasy-type bar has such a charming ambiance with an array of delicious cocktails. The entertainment here is some that you won’t find anywhere else in the city; and don’t forget to reserve a table downstairs at “The Library” for the most breathtaking experience. 

Lazy Bird – Full of calm and cozy vibes, this cocktail music lounge is chock-full of delectable drinks and modern decor. Lazy Bird is such a cool hidden gem, says locals, and the live music here is just the cherry on top to this eclectic atmosphere.

Ready to enjoy some live music in West Loop? Be sure to check out these unbeatable venues.

Where to Find West Loop Art Galleries

Posted on by LLCR Staff

The trendy West Loop neighborhood is scattered with impressive spots to find artwork.

Whether you’re interested in just browsing, or you’re in the market for some new creative pieces, be sure to check out the many West Loop art galleries.

McCormick Gallery– 835 W Washington Blvd- Located in the heart of West Loop, this contemporary and modern art gallery boasts an incredible selection of paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. For two decades, Thomas McCormick’s gallery has featured a wide array of artwork, many from Chicago-based artists. The next upcoming exhibit, John Santoro: Let’s Talk About the Weather, is open March 21 to May 2.

Carrie Secrist Gallery– 835 W Washington Blvd- Situated in the same building as the McCormick Gallery, you’ll find another popular art gallery specializing in contemporary artwork in all mediums from established and emerging artists. For over a quarter of a century, this gallery has remained a coveted spot among many art aficionados. You can stop by to admire the End of Line solo exhibition by Berlin-based gallery artist Shannon Finle until March 7. 

Kavi Gupta – 835 W Washington Blvd- Also located in the same building in the center of West Loop, this world-renowned gallery has gained quite the attention over the years. Some of the best artists in the world are represented within this space, with a focus on exhibiting mid-career artists in all medias. Gupta has expanded his galleries overseas to a branch in Berlin, as well as two satellite locations in Chicago. One of those satellite locations is also located in West Loop at 219 N Elizabeth St. Visit Gupta’s website to learn more about the multiple exhibitions that are currently open to the public.

Sarah Raskey Fine Art– 17 N Elizabeth St- This luxury West Loop gallery exhibits the diverse and dynamic artwork of Sarah Raskey exclusively. Here you can find a wide range of pieces in various styles and sizing, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Raskey’s work often includes combinations of light, natural crystals, textiles, glass, metal, and stone to create glamorous masterpieces. Over the years she has created a prolific volume of work in both residential and commercial settings.

Frederick Baker Inc– 1230 W Jackson Blvd-As the Midwest’s largest gallery devoted to works on Paper, American and European fine prints, drawings and watercolors

Chicago Mural Paintings, this spot won’t disappoint. The 800 square foot gallery has been in business for over 35 years and regularly receives exciting and new acquisitions. 

Don’t miss out on the West Loop art galleries and the incredible works of art that these locations offer! For more tips about West Loop, check out our West Loop neighborhood blog post. 

West Loop Neighborhood Tips

Posted on by LLCR Staff

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

Posted on by LLCR Staff

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.

 

Work With Us

Get in touch with Luxury Living's team of experienced licensed real estate brokers and take the first step in buying or selling a home in Chicago.