Three Streets in Chicago's West Loop

Where there were once just warehouses, there is now a vibrant community growing by the minute. This area is full of young professionals and enough entertainment to keep them all busy. You can’t walk through the West Loop without seeing cranes building the next condo development, evidence that the are is still in growth mode. The West Loop doesn’t have much mystery in its name, as it is the neighborhood just west of the loop. Perhaps best known to be the home of Harpo Studios, the West Loop has far more to offer than Oprah (as if that weren’t enough).

Randolph

Take a walk down Randolph Street to find a restaurant for almost any of your moods. From dives to haute cuisine, you can find it here. In the mood for sushi? There are not one, not two, but three sushi joints within blocks. Izumi, Starfish, and Sushi Wabi are the most popular. What about Mexican, you say? Well, for the more trendy, stop in to de Cero, a cute little taqueria where you can order your tacos ala carte. Want something more down home? Stop into Perez. You can’t miss it with its silver exterior. Don’t miss their shrimp cocktail. The famed Marche is on Randolph, along with Vivo – fantastic Italian, Aroma – fantastic Thai, and Redfish – fantastic Asian fusion. Oh, yes, and there’s more there, but let’s move west on Randolph.

If you keep walking, you will be struck by the palace façade of Alhambra. It isn’t a mirage. It’s a restaurant that seats over 1,000 that features Moroccan food with a French influence and a variety of tanginess that leave very little to be desired. Then, let’s say you’re feeling a little thirsty after your dinner. Well, you’re in luck. The Tasting Room is just down the street from Alhambra, which features over 100 different kinds of wine. This little bar has a lovely interior with a living room vibe. You probably spotted the West Loop Athletic Club on your way, and you made that mental note that you need to go to the gym after all the food and alcohol. And those are the highlights of Randolph Street. There are far more places. G Cue: Pool hall. Ina’s: Breakfast joint. 160 Blue: yum.

Washington

Then there’s Washington, where Oprah films her little television show. Have you heard of it? It’s hard to walk past Harpo studios without seeing someone posing by the Oprah Winfrey sign. Second in fame to Harpo is Wishbone, a favorite of Harpo staffers. There you will be served UNBELIEVABLE Southern inspired food. Come hungry, because there is no such this as portion control here. Other stops along Washington include Le Peep, yet another breakfast joint, and some standards like Subway and Flat Top Grill.

Madison Street

As you make your way from Halsted to the United Center, you are going to get dining, shopping, drinking, and a few other odds and ends. For drinking: you have a few options here. There is the highly popular Beer Bistro, which serves a million different kinds of bear and has suggestions for beer pairings with its menu selections. Third Rail is another great option, with its intimate interior and incredibly friendly staff. If you’re looking to make some new friends, Plush is always filled with singles looking to meet someone new. For dining, Phil and Lou’s offers a solid selection of American Cuisine. Jay’s Amore is a sweet little restaurant with good Italian menu. At the far end of Madison is the famed Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, made famous by Jim Belushi in his Saturday Night Live Days.

The West Loop is one of the places that you usually have to know to go to. It’s not as popular as Lincoln Park or Old Town. However, with the influx of young professionals, a hot real estate market, and new businesses popping up all the time, it’s worth another look.