West Loop

Chicago

The former meatpacking district west of the river, now Chicago's best area for restaurants, with design hotels in converted warehouses.

Best for Nightlife · Upscale

Transport: 4/5
Sights: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Quiet: 3/5
Food: 5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$270/night · 10 min to the Loop

See hotels in West Loop

Why stay here

Chicago's best restaurants
Design hotels in old warehouses
Green and Pink lines, and the Blue Line to O'Hare

Who should stay here

Food lovers
Couples
Young travellers

Not ideal if…

You want to walk to the big sights
You're travelling with young kids
You want the lake

What it's like

The West Loop's Randolph Street 'Restaurant Row' and the Fulton Market district have some of the best and most talked-about restaurants in the US, alongside cocktail bars, coffee roasters and design hotels in old warehouses. The United Center, home of the Bulls and Blackhawks, is to the west.

It's ideal for food lovers and a fun, stylish base with good 'L' connections. There are few sights within walking distance, and the area's popularity means prices are high.

Best streets and sub-areas

Randolph Street
'Restaurant Row' of top restaurants.
Fulton Market
Warehouses turned restaurants, bars and offices.
Greektown
Greek restaurants along Halsted Street.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Morgan station on the Green and Pink lines, Clinton on the Blue Line, and Ogilvie and Union stations nearby.
To the Loop: About 10 minutes
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD): About 40 minutes: CTA Blue Line direct from O'Hare to Clinton or UIC-Halsted.

Nearby attractions

Fulton Market
Food, design shops and street murals.
United Center
Bulls and Blackhawks games and concerts.
Mary Bartelme Park
Small park with modern art gates.

Where to eat and drink

Randolph Street
Some of the country's most acclaimed restaurants.
Fulton Market
Cocktail bars and rooftops.

Where to stay in West Loop

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Nobu Hotel Chicago

Why we like it: Japanese-inspired luxury hotel with the Nobu restaurant.

Typical luxury rate in West Loop: ~$550/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

The Hoxton, Chicago

Why we like it: Warehouse-style hotel with a seasonal rooftop pool.

Typical mid-range rate in West Loop: ~$270/night