I've felt at home in the West Loop for years, ever since I opened my previous store here more than ten years ago. Finally, the rest of the city is catching on! Our neighborhood is vibrant and artistic, where you can eat some of the city's most creative dishes, sip on fabulously crafted cocktails, shop at unique and custom boutiques, all within the backdrop of Chicago's industrial history. Whether you're visiting from out of town or a Chi-town native, I highly recommend checking out this dynamic scene.

To get you started, I put together some of my favorite spots. Enjoy!

Maria

THE CLASSICS

 

 

① PROXI

565 W Randolph St
proxichicago.com
312.466.1950 / info@proxichicago.com 

② SEPIA

123 N Jefferson St
sepiachicago.com
312.441.1920

③ AVEC

615 W Randolph St
avecrestaurant.com
312.377.2002 / info@avecrestaurant.com

④ BLACKBIRD

619 W Randolph St
blackbirdrestaurant.com
312.715.0708 / info@oneoffhospitality.com

BEST RESTAURANTS

⑤ EL CHE BAR

845 W Washington Blvd
elchebarchicago.com
312.265.1130 / info@elchebarchicago.com

I may be biased, since El Che is just steps from M2057, but I love the atmosphere here, whether you're sitting indoors or outside on their sidewalk patio, surrounded by gorgeous, colorful planters. The menu is always inventive and delicious.

⑥ LENA BRAVA

900 W Randolph St
rickbayless.com/restaurants/lena-brava
312.733.1975 / info@lenabrava.com

The tasting menu at Lena Brava is a worthy summer splurge, offering fresh and festive Mexican cuisine. Definitely get the accompanying wine and mezcal pairings!

BEST SUSHI + BAR

⑦ MOMOTARO

820 W Lake St
momotarochicago.com
312.733.4818 / arianna@momotarochicago.com

Momotaro's delicious sushi makes for a fresh and mouthwatering dinner year-round. Once you're finished, head downstairs to...

⑧ IZAKAYA

820 W Lake St
momotarochicago.com
312.733.4818 / arianna@momotarochicago.com

This Japanese bar takes a cue from the energy of Tokyo—modern, dramatic, and darkly romantic, it's one of the neighborhood's coolest hangouts.

BEST RAMEN

⑨ SUSHI DOKKU

823 W Randolph St
sushidokku.com
312.455.8238 / info@sushidokku.com

Sushi Dokku is probably better known for its sushi (deservedly so), but don't overlook the ramen—it always fixes my noodles cravings. After dinner, head downstairs to Booze Box, another M0257 staff favorite.

BEST ROOFTOP

⑩ WAYDOWN at the ACE HOTEL

311 N Morgan St
acehotel.com
312.764.1919 / enquire@waydownchicago.com

Hit the rooftop bar and lounge of the new boutique Ace Hotel for excellent cocktails, a rotating local menu, and of course, the spectacular city views.

BEST COCKTAIL

⑪ MAUDE'S

840 W Randolph St
maudesliquorbar.com
312.243.9712 / contact@maudesliquorbar.com

Maude's has been a Randolph Row staple for years, and its cocktails are as fabulous as ever. A few favorites: for gin heads, the Aviation; for whiskey lovers, a Boulevardier; and for something boozily refreshing, a Chartreuse Smash.

BEST HIGH TEA

⑫ THE ALLIS at SOHO HOUSE

113 N Green St
theallis.com
312.521.8000
Afternoon tea served daily from 2:30pm-5pm

Get your girlie on with this modern, colorful interpretation of old-fashioned high tea, complete with delicious tea varietals, pastries, finger sandwiches, and, for additional festivity, champagne.

BEST SPA

⑬ COWSHED

113 N Green St
sohohousechicago.com
312.754.6915

Also in Soho House, this lovely relaxation spot where you can unwind with massages, facials, mani-pedis, and other self-care regimens. Bonus: pick up a bottle or two of Cowshed's aromatic soaps and lotions.

BEST BLOWOUT

⑭ BLOWOUT JUNKIE

1219 W Madison St
blowoutjunkie.com
312.496.3794 / style@blowoutjunkie.com

Though they're known for their blowouts, the fab ladies of Blowout Junkie offer much more, including hair styling, braiding, and makeup applications—drop in to get gorgeous before hitting your favorite dinner spot.

BEST MASSAGE

⑮ LILLIE ANNE'S

Lillie Anne's is one of the West Loop's gems—her messages are heavenly, and she works with you to identify problem spots and exactly what your body needs. 

BEST BEAUTY

⑯ AESOP

Our makeup artist Beth Smith swears by Aesop's products, and their new super minimalist, industrial boutique in the West Loop offers a freeing respite from the busy city streets.

BEST SUITING

⑰ BLVDIER

Something for the guys! Restaurateur, West Looper, and all-around stylish gent Emmanuel Nony recommends this clothier where you can get exquisite, custom suits and jackets made and tailored.

BEST MARKET

⑱ RANDOLPH STREET MARKET

This renowned antique and artisan market has continued to expand over the years, and you can find everything from furniture and home goods to vintage fashion and jewelry to art to work by independent designers. 

BEST GALLERIES

Before everyone else moved in, when the West Loop was once known more for its warehouses and meatpacking than its chichi establishments, it was still home to some of Chicago's most prestigious galleries. Our neighbors remain some of the best!

⑲ KAVI GUPTA