photo credit nathan michael
When it comes to the Windy City, Chicago is best known for its deep dish pizza and ketchup-less hot dogs, but there’s so much more. Today I’m covering the West Loop, and this version of let’s eat and drink could take awhile. The West Loop has some of the best food in the city. There are so many amazing spots, and I know I’m going to forget a few so I will add to this list and I’d be happy to update it with any of your suggestions.
There are dozens of cafes, wine bars, small plate options, sushi bars, Mexican taquerias, Italian trattorias and French bistros, among many other exotic cuisines. There’s a stretch of Randolph Street from Halsted to Ogden called Restaurant Row with so many great options including Stephanie Izard’s Girl & The Goat and Little Goat restaurants. Sub-neighborhoods within the West Loop include Fulton Market, Greek Town and Randolph Market. Let’s eat and drink –
photo credit nathan michael
Au Cheval – Stop in here for a quick lunch. Also a great late-night spot. Signature plates include fried bologna piled into layers on a brioche bun and a burger that stacks two thin patties with melted American cheese and lots of mayo – some people claim it’s the best burger in the city.
Girl & the Goat – Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard opened this small plate hotspot in 2010. It’s probably the most popular West Loop restaurant so reserve your table at least three months out. Goat dishes are the specialty here and I can’t get enough of their bread – they have their own in house bakery where they make fresh bread daily.
Little Goat – This place is Izard’s follow up to Girl & the Goat and serves up her take on classic diner dishes. You can order a simple plate of eggs, bacon and toast here, but most of these classic dishes come with a twist like kimchi in the pancakes or goat chili on the cheese fries. Check out the bakery next door – it’s called Little Goat Bread and it has some of the best coffee in town.
De Cero – Quaint little Mexican café specializing in hand-pressed, made-to-order tacos. This place is a true West Loop gem.
Vivo – Sleek, sophisticated atmosphere and the menu is loaded with traditional Italian entrées. Last year for my birthday we came here and sat at Table 70 which is this table in an old elevator shaft that overlooks the entire restaurant. We had the most delicious meal and I highly recommend Table 70 for special occasions.
Maude’s Liquor Bar – This place is great for cocktails. Inside it’s like taking a trip to Paris – leather banquettes, weathered farmhouse tables and elegant fixtures. Fun place to go with your girlfriends. I recommend the Whiskey Smash.
Grange Hall Burger Bar – Looks like a cute little barn and has a no reservations policy. Menu headliners here are the scrumptious grass-fed beef burgers and don’t leave without having a slice of pie – this place features one pie every month.
Nellcote – Elegant interior inspired by a French Riviera mansion and some really unique Italian dishes. This is one of the newer Restaurant Row hotspots but it is highly recommended. Order one of their wood fired pizzas – I like the sunny side up organic egg.
RM Champagne Salon – Tucked behind Nellcote is this super swanky champagne spot. This place can be a little pricey but they have a large selection to choose from so just splurge a little.
Haymarket Pub & Brewery – Easygoing, reasonably priced place to chill out, try a new brew and watch a game. I love the exposed brick and vintage mosaic tiled floors. They specialize in classic Belgian and contemporary American beer styles.
The Publican – Large community tables, casual with a fun vibe. Try the oysters, grilled country ribs or the smoked trout. Also a popular place for brunch.
Publican Quality Meats – Warm interior design with floor to ceiling tiles and rustic wood furniture, laid-back and a great spot for lunch. This place is also a butcher shop, cafe, bakery and gourmet market. Can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches here.
Glazed and Infused – Every time I go here there is a new donut to try and I love that about this place. The maple bacon long john will start your day off right and the raspberry glazed is so simple but so delicious!
Vera – A tiny little wine bar just off the beaten path with a Euro heavy wine list and a menu full of bold Spanish flavors served up on small plates. The vibe here is fun and relaxed – a fantastic date night spot.
Belly Q – The focus is Korean barbecue. If you go, try to snag one of the booths – they are the only seats with tabletop grilling. It’s honestly hard to go wrong here. I like the thai style fried chicken and all of the pancakes. Don’t leave without ordering the peanut butter and jelly soft serve icecream for dessert.
JP Graziano Grocery – Chicago is serious about their delis and this place is no joke. Try the spicy or the Mr. G sandwich. The food selection isn’t huge but this is also a great place to buy imported cheeses, olive oils and fresh pasta.
City Winery – Excellent wine selection, ofcourse. Also a great place for a spontaneous date night – grab dinner, drink wine and enjoy live music. You can sign up for wine classes here too.
Wishbone – I love this place for brunch. Dig into southern themed items like corn pancakes or shrimp and grits.
Porkchop – This spot has a casual vibe. The interior is strange but the food is legit. Menu favorites include the pork belly sliders, baby back ribs or the classic southern fried chicken.
Aviary – Talk about innovative drinks – think dry ice and steam! It’s pricey but this place is otherworldly and should not be missed.
Next – This place is like no other restaurant and offers a very unique dining experience. There are four different menus each year and they are inspired by various moments in time – like Paris 1906 or Chinese Modern. Don’t plan on making reservations here – you have to buy tickets online.
Lone Wolf – It’s a new spot in the neighborhood and I would recommend it for beers and savory pot pies. You can choose from the Cowboy Queue (smoked brisket and beans), the Steak and Ale and the Mac Daddy (mac and cheese, bacon and onion).
Avec – This tiny wine-focused restaurant opened over ten years ago but it hasn’t lost its appeal. The menu is inspired by North African and Mediterranean flavors and includes items like roasted swordfish with yellow lentils or a crispy focaccia stuffed with taleggio. Go for a bottle of wine under $30 here – bargain bottles are their specialty.
CH Distillery – this place serves their own craft spirits in classic and creative cocktails. One of their signature drinks is called The Tradition and it’s a shot of cold vodka with rye bread and pickles. I recommend the Czech Mate which is a combination of cinnamon infused vodka, grapefruit juice and honey syrup. It’s delicious!
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This time of year is so busy. I am in full production mode preparing for art fair season – Wells Street Art Fest is less than two months away. I want to have at least 50 original paintings. I am over half way there with almost 40 paintings. I am sketching, drawing and painting like crazy. I’ve been really happy with the decisions I’ve been making lately and just overall feel better and less stressed out than I usually do this time of year. The hardest part is storing all my work before the fairs (especially this year with our temporary living situation) and my stuff is scattered everywhere – different piles for different paintings and projects. Over the weekend I finished a new Home painting. I made a few changes and I really like how it turned out. It’s fun to reinvent your ideas. I’ve been planning how I want my booth set up this year and I think its going to look better than ever. I can’t wait to see what new thing Marc makes for me this year – I’m so lucky I have a talented wood worker at home.
