Chicago’s West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods are two of the most popular areas to visit when traveling to the city. This section of town has everything at its fingertips and is bursting with life. The West Side of Chicago was previously home to the meat packing industry, wholesale market, and industrial and warehouse industries. Now it’s home to many restaurants, nightlife, hotels, loft-style apartments, and tech companies. Quite the glow-up if you ask me. You can easily spend an entire weekend devoted to exploring everything these neighborhoods have to offer. I created this comprehensive West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago guide so you can easily plan a fantastic weekend or week-long trip exploring one of my all-time favorite cities.
Bill and I had the pleasure of living in the nearby River West neighborhood for four years and absolutely loved the accessibility we had to the best of the best that Chicago offers. If you’ve ever wanted to visit this part of the city with well-vetted recommendations from a local, this is the post for you.
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Where To Stay
There are many excellent hotel and accommodation options that range in price point, amenities, location, etc. I’ve compiled my top choices if you decide to make West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago your home base while exploring the city.
The Hoxton: this trendy dog-friendly hotel is in the heart of the West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago neighborhood. It offers room sizes from snug to roomy, which is great for those with varying budgets. The lounge is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while watching the buzzing city outside its floor-to-ceiling windows. As a bonus, it’s home to some delicious restaurants and cocktail spots, including Cabra, Cira, and Lazy Bird.
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast: a whimsical urban loft style B&B with eleven rooms, each with its own unique style. It’s located one block from the famous Randolph Street, home to some of the best restaurants in Chicago. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll definitely want to book a stay here to meet their two house pugs during your visit.
The Emily Hotel: a boutique hotel with modern artistic touches right across from Google’s Chicago campus. It’s centrally located in the West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago neighborhood, so everything you’ll want to see and do is at your disposal.
Hyatt House Chicago: this clean and simple hotel is a more budget-friendly option in the neighborhood. The rooms are spacious, breakfast is included in the room rate, and it’s in a great location.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Things To Do
The West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago neighborhoods are full of shops, activities, and cool sights. While it’s not the typical stuff you’ll find in a “what to do while visiting Chicago” post, I personally think it’s better than the traditional tourist attractions.
Explore Randolph Street
Randolph Street is one of the main roads through the West Loop neighborhood. It’s well known because it’s the home to some fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll find the street buzzing with activity on any given day, even on those cold Chicago winter nights. Some of the best days in Chicago are when you set out with no plan and spend the day exploring all the little hidden gems you didn’t expect to find.
Looking to grab a craft beer with your canine companion? Check out my 15 dog-friendly breweries in Chicago post!
Play Games at Emporium
Emporium Chicago is a small chain of cool bars that are decked out with classic arcade games, air hockey tables, pool tables, and foosball tables. They also have an extensive craft beer list and whiskey-based cocktails. It’s a fun spot to spend a few hours playing games with your friends.
Take a Yoga, Spin, or HIIT Class at Studio Three
Look no further than Studio Three if you’re in the mood to sneak in a workout while visiting Chicago. The studio offers yoga, spin, or HIIT classes in a clean and modern space. The Fulton Market Chicago location is down the street from Beatrix restaurant if you want to grab breakfast or lunch after class.
Rock Climbing at Brooklyn Boulders
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, check out Brooklyn Boulders. This expansive West Loop gym offers bouldering, rope-climbing, auto-belay climbing, climbing classes, and premium fitness amenities and fitness classes. Spending a few hours here is a neat way to shake up your day.
Turn a Page at Open Books
Take a break from working out to grab a new or used book from Open Books. The bookstore is a non-profit that stocks donated books from the community. All proceeds are donated to various reading and writing programs throughout Chicago. You’ll be able to find some amazing titles in each genre crammed inside this cozy and colorful store. If you’re like me, you’ll get lost in Open Books for an hour or two, scanning the titles and purchasing your next favorite book.
Enjoy a Music Festival at Union Park
Chicago has many parks throughout the city ranging in size and activities available. Union Park is a smaller park in the West Loop neighborhood with a playground, fitness center, and playing fields. Although smaller in size, it plays host to some of the city’s best music festivals, including Pitchfork Music Festival in July, Rudio Fest in August, and Arc Music Festival in September.
Catch a Show or Sip Some Wine at City Winery
When you think of embarking on a wine tasting, you likely picture yourself frolicking through the vineyards of Napa, not exploring a major metropolitan city. Think again! City Winery is an expansive venue with a concert hall, restaurant, garden, and of course, winery. The wine tastings are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, giving you the unique experience of learning about wine in an urban setting. You can also sample their wines by booking a reservation at their Mediterranean eatery. You can dine inside their warehouse-style indoor seating or their outdoor garden patio. The concert hall hosts all genres of musicians and comics for in-person performances and live-streaming events each week.
Explore a Street Festival
Chicago is home to many incredible festivals year-round, and West Loop hosts a few of the best art, music, and food/drink street festivals. The Taste of Randolph Street takes place in June and features local food joints in the West Loop and Fulton Market Chicago neighborhoods. They also have two stages on either end of the festival if you want to listen to some talented artists perform. Previous lineups have included: Cautious Clay, Neil Frances, Lord Huron, Le Youth, and Forester. The Taste of Greektown is the place to be in August if you want to sample the authentic Greek cuisine in West Loop. If you’re a fan of local art, check out the West Loop Art Fest in September to discover your new favorite painting, photograph, or piece of jewelry.
Take a Trip to France (Sort Of) By Visiting the Chicago French Market
You’ll be transported to your favorite European market when you step inside the Chicago French Market. The market features local, high-quality food vendors that serve a variety of cuisines, including Hawaiian poke, Italian street food, authentic Filipino food, traditional Mexican favorites, and French delicacies. The space is adorned with seating reminiscent of a Parisian cafe making it the ultimate place to relax with a crepe or croissant.
Check Out Local Street Art
West Loop is home to some captivating street art. If you take a stroll down Hubbard Street, you will find a variety of unique murals from artists all over the world. Another well-known cultural landmark is the Juice WRLD Mural. This colorful piece of street art is a nod to the late rapper, who was born and raised in Chicago. If you want to take a photo of this particular mural, I recommend arriving early in the morning since it always draws a crowd, especially on weekends.
Grab a Burger at Hamburger University
McDonald’s is one of the newest residents in the West Loop neighborhood. After moving their headquarters back in 2018, they opened up an expansive nine-story state-of-the-art office and dining hall. The best part? The Randolph Street restaurant is open to the public, serving an international menu along with the classic McDonald’s staples. Dining here is a unique opportunity to sample the menu items you can only find in their respective countries worldwide.
Where To Eat
I hope you came to Chicago hungry because you’ll enjoy some of the most delicious meals while exploring West Loop and Fulton Market. These neighborhoods have grown into a foodie scene in the past decade and are now home to some highly revered restaurants. Given the popularity of this area, booking meal reservations is almost necessary if you want to score a table.
Breakfast
Sawada Coffee
Starting with the most important meal of the day, coffee. If you’re a fan of tasty and creative coffee beverages, you should add Sawada Coffee to your list of places to try in West Loop and Fulton Market in Chicago. They’re known for their matcha military coffee, which could add a pep to anyone’s step after the first sip. They also serve pastries and donuts if you need something to pair with your coffee.
Aya Pastry
Speaking of pastries, Aya Pastry is a must for anyone visiting this neighborhood in Chicago. Located just outside West Loop and run by a Michelin Star pastry chef, this bakery is known for its homemade loaves of bread, cakes, and delectable pastries. Don’t skip out on ordering a slice of banana bread.
Beatrix
For those who prefer something other than pastries for breakfast, Beatrix in Fulton Market is for you. This modern American eatery and coffeehouse serve breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner, so they’ve got you covered for all your meals. They have a to-go bar with various pastries, sweet treats, creative coffee beverages, and fresh-squeezed juices if you want to grab something quickly!
Lunch
J.P. Graziano Grocery
J.P. Graziano Grocery is a classic Italian sandwich shop on Randolph Street. This fourth-generation family-run shop was founded in 1937, and they have perfected the art of creating amazing sandwiches. This spot is packed around the lunch hour, so order ahead online and avoid the wait.
Publican Quality Meats
Publican Quality Meats is a local butcher and artisanal market in the neighborhood. They offer a variety of quality meats, cheeses, loaves of bread, pastries, and specialty sandwiches served in their indoor and outdoor cafe. This no-fuss shop is a hidden lunch gem.
Time Out Market
While Time Out Market is now a worldwide name in the food industry, that doesn’t mean you should skip out on the Chicago location. This industrial food hall and bar spans 50,000 square feet across three floors and is home to some of the city’s most well-known casual eats, including Urbanbelly, Bar Goa, and Lil Amaru. It’s a one-stop shop for all your cuisine and beverage needs!
Dinner
Girl and the Goat
The restaurant that put Stephanie Izard on the map is her well-known fan-favorite dinner joint, Girl and the Goat. This name will probably sound familiar since it’s commonly listed as one of the best restaurants in Chicago and has been featured in many travel guides and blogs. Honestly, the hype is real. Girl and the Goat serve up innovative tapas-style dishes bursting with mouth-watering flavors. It’s a great spot to check out when traveling with a group – more people, more food to try!
Aba
Another name that will pop up in your “top Chicago restaurants” search is Aba. This elevated Mediterranean hot spot is a must-try during your time in the city. Some menu highlights include their crispy short rib hummus, whipped feta, black garlic shrimp scampi, and the skirt steak. Did I just order for you? The rooftop dining space is beautifully decorated with greenery and ornate light fixtures. The outdoor patio is the perfect space for sipping cocktails in the summer.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Green Street Smoked Meats is a can’t-miss if you’re a barbecue fan. It’s a casual mess hall setting with a counter-serve food operation. Green Street Smoked Meats is one of the few restaurants in the area that doesn’t accept reservations, so it’s an excellent option if you prefer to wing it. In the basement, you’ll find the tiny but tasty fifteen-seat ramen joint, High Five Ramen. They also don’t take reservations and the wait times are some of the longest in the neighborhood, but the bar in Green Street is a welcoming space to pass the time.
Ramen Takeya
Chicago is home to many delicious ramen joints, but my favorite in this neighborhood is Ramen Takeya. They offer their guests a variety of ramen bowls, small plates, and refreshing beverages in a cool, dimly lit space. As an added bonus, it’s first come, first served, so no reservation is required to dine here. A great casual dinner option with much shorter wait times than High Five.
Formento’s
Italian food is my love language, and there are a few Italian restaurants in Chicago’s West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods that I swear by—starting with Formento’s. Formento’s is a hearty Italian restaurant that serves classic dishes in a roomy yet cozy dining space. Wine lovers will be in heaven here, with its extensive wine list that features over 600 bottles from all over the world. This restaurant holds a special place in my heart since this is where Bill and I held our rehearsal dinner for our wedding back in 2018.
Au Cheval
Revered as one of the best burgers in the country by Bon Appétit, Au Cheval has a reputation that precedes them. Once you snag one of their popular tables, you’ll be blown away by the famous burgers and fries they serve. You’ll have a smile on your face while you wash your meal down with a cold craft beer. This is another restaurant that doesn’t require a reservation, but the wait times can be unbearably long if you don’t put your name on the waitlist early.
Sushi Dokku
There’s nothing better than sitting outside on a patio during the summer and eating an incredible sushi dinner. If this sounds like the ideal evening for you, be sure to check out Sushi Dokku while visiting Chicago. A Randolph Street staple known for its innovative and classic sushi rolls and refreshing cocktails. The tuna truffle chef-dressed nigiri bites are a must.
Piccolo Sogno
While technically not located in West Loop or Fulton Market, Piccolo Sogno gets an honorable mention. This River West Italian restaurant has one of the dreamiest patios in all of Chicago. It’s perfect for a summer evening in the city. The food and service they provide are the best of the best, and you’ll leave feeling full and happy. Don’t miss out on their classic Ravioli “Piccolo Sogno.”
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastifico
Easily one of the most difficult places to make a reservation in the area is Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio. Don’t let the challenge of making a reservation deter you. The food is unbelievably good and worth the extra planning it takes to eat here. The menu is a blend of traditional and contemporary influences paired with a great wine list. The spacious dining room invites you in with its warm wood decorations, hanging dried pasta behind the bar, and cozy mood lighting.
Rose Mary
Rose Mary is one of the newest restaurants in the area, but it’s already cultivated quite a reputation. Prepare to be wowed by the bold Italian-Croatian menu carefully curated by Top Chef’s own Joe Flamm. He named the restaurant after his two grandmothers and the herb native to Italy and Croatia. The space is light and inviting, with pottery and tilework touches that you would find in a local Croatian tavern. Come with a group of people so you can sample more of the various dishes on the menu.
Duck Duck Goat
Last but not least is our girl Stephanie Izard’s creative American-Chinese eatery, Duck Duck Goat. This colorful restaurant is always buzzing with people and excitement. The food is a fun take on Chinese classics, including dim sum, fried rice, grilled beef and broccoli, and Peking duck. My personal favorites are the barbeque bao buns and the side of green beans.
Where To Drink
There’s nothing better than ending your evening at one of the local bars or cocktail lounges in the neighborhood for a nightcap. Given the vast number of restaurants in the area, they also have several cool late-night spots.
The Dawson
Another River West gem is The Dawson. This stunning restaurant and bar also acts as a wedding venue and event space. They focus on providing the best food, drinks, and hospitality in the area. For me, their value-add is the drink menu. The craft cocktails on the menu are some of my all-time favorites in the city. They serve a rotation of seasonal concoctions and their staple classics, including their well-known GTO. If you’re a whiskey fan, you should sample their rotational drip–they slowly infuse herbs and spices with a whiskey for a unique flavor profile.
The Aviary
If you’re in the mood for some of the most creative cocktails in the city and the world, The Aviary is a can’t-miss when visiting Chicago. The care and detail they put into each beverage are unlike anything you’ll find at most standard cocktail bars. Grabbing a drink here is truly an experience in itself. The Aviary has been featured as one of the world’s best bars in several publications. They’ve even published a few books outlining how to create the perfect cocktail or mocktail at home. If you’re looking for a speakeasy vibe, check out The Office, their sister bar in the basement. The price tag associated with these drinks is higher than most, so be prepared for a steep bill.
The Press Room
The Press Room is another great cocktail spot with a slightly lower price point. The vibe of this intimate bar is vintage with a new American twist. They offer a small dinner menu that features a charcuterie board, burrata, and oysters. It is a perfect destination to start and/or finish your evening exploring West Loop.
Recess
Recess is a casual bar and eatery and a great spot to watch some sports and enjoy a beer on a lovely Chicago summer day. It’s home to one of the city’s largest patios, so expect a crowd if you’re visiting during the warmer months. If you like a more standard bar menu and an upbeat environment, this is the place for you.
Lone Wolf
In the mood for a dimly lit classic Chicago tavern? Swing by Lone Wolf. On tap, you’ll find Three Floyds and a variety of Chicago craft beers. This Randolph Street bar is rarely overly crowded despite being located near the busiest restaurants.
Final Thoughts
It’s a no-brainer–West Loop and Fulton Market are must-explore areas while visiting Chicago. As a Chicago native and former resident of this neighborhood, I’ll admit I’m a little biased. Once you begin exploring and indulging in some of the food and beverage offerings, you’ll quickly fall in love too. I hope this guide can help you curate a fantastic getaway and experience some of the best things my home has to offer.
If you’ve traveled to Chicago, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments! Do you have a favorite attraction or restaurant in the city?
I’ve never been to Chicago but the Hoxton looks like the place to stay! I’d love to check out the rock climbing, and foodie destinations. I’ll definitely refer back to this when I plan my trip.
The Hoxton is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. Definitely come to Chicago hungry since it’s heaven for foodies! I would love to hear about your future travels, so please stay in touch!
So many great restaurants to try! I’d absolutely love to visit Chicago, it has been in my bucket list for ages!
We loved our first visit to Chicago. But your post shows me so many new things that we need to do on a return visit. I love the idea of the French Market and would definitely head out looking for street art. So many ways to eat our way around the city.
The French Market is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat on the weekends. It’s so dang cute inside too. There are many fantastic dining options in West Loop and Fulton Market, so you’ll be in good hands!
Chicago looks like so much fun! I went as a child but now I need to go back to really experience it! Thank you so much for sharing!
I love Chicago so much 🙂 I would love to hear about your future trips if/when you visit!
Thank you for the tips! I’d love to visit Chicago soon! This is definitely going to help me plan my trip! 😊
I can’t wait to visit Chicago! Looks like such a fun city! This neighborhood guide will definitely come in handy while planning my trip.
Chicago is a blast! I hope you get to visit when we have nice weather so you can walk around and explore 🙂