West Loop

A great neighborhood spot from former Blackbird Chef David Posey and his talented wife Anna. You could perhaps describe it as an intro into fine dining, offering a prix fixe menu (if you have the time for eight courses) or you can opt for the equally creative and delicious à la carte menu. Neither pretentious nor stuffy, though with an elegance and class which makes for a great date night location.

The restaurant of James Beard awarded "Best Chef Midwest", Sarah Grueneberg highlights masterful and refined Italian techniques in a casual setting. Often quite busy, you’re always welcome to walk in and have a seat at the bar where you can watch them make their hand made pastas! 

With a ton of meat and potatoes restaurants in the Chicago, Bad Hunter is a refreshing veggie-forward spot in the West Loop. The menu isn’t entirely vegetarian however, so meat eaters don’t you worry. Those who love natural wines are also in luck, as they have a pretty extensive selection. We do recommend making reservations, this trendy spot is quite busy!

This is a casual restaurant within the Alinea Group. Laid-back, lively and always bustling. The kitchen is placed right in the middle of dining area, making the chefs an integral part of service. Definitely arrive hungry - Andrew Brochu's dishes are big with flavors reminiscent of our favorite comfort foods yet with a modern twist. Another twist to Roister is that even though they may have quite the wine list, you won’t see a single wine glass in sight, adding to the whole casual dining experience.

Craig's old stomping grounds, critically acclaimed Blackbird is home base for Executive Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2013 and Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004. The menu showcases elegant and imaginative Midwestern cuisine with farm-fresh ingredients. Open since 1997, Blackbird has stood the test of time in the blossoming West Loop restaurant scene.

Right next door to Blackbird is Avec, a Mediterranean and Midwestern influenced shared plates restaurant, opened in October 2003 by Chef Paul Kahan. We consider it one of the founding fathers of the West Loop restaurant scene and worth a stop for anyone new to the neighborhood. It never disappoints with its eclectic wine list, delicious dishes and bustling vibe. The chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates are a signature dish and not to be missed.

Another great restaurant from Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality, The Publican puts a rustic spin on exceptional product prepared to showcase the farmers' and fishermen’s bounty. From classic Belgian-style mussels and seafood stew to housemade terrines and charcuterie, the daily rotating menu reflects the best seasonal and local ingredients available. 

A fourth-generation family-owned Italian grocery and sandwich shop that is a neighborhood favorite and well known throughout the city. Their menu boasts "one of the finest Italian subs Chicago has to offer" along with soups and seasonal salads. You haven't experienced the West Loop until you've been to Graziano's.

Michelin-starred chef Andrew Zimmerman celebrates tradition with a modern twist at his flagship restaurant. The seasonal menu showcases pristine natural ingredients, organic and/or sustainable when available, and the craft cocktail program is top-notch. 

As the casual sister restaurant of Sepia, Proxi offers a chic yet comfortable atmosphere along with eclectic plates great for sharing (definitely try the oysters) and they’re doing a unique wine list of exclusively Loire Valley wines.

Green Street Smoked Meats beckons guests with rock music and house smoked, Central Texas-inspired BBQ served at the counter in a warehouse-style restaurant. The menu has a backyard BBQ feel, including brisket, beef short ribs, and chicken legs, along with rich pork belly and smoked salmon.

This is Chef John Manion’s second restaurant which pays homage to the food and drink of Argentina. From the outside you can see the giant blazing open-hearth oven, once inside the decor is stylish and modern which evokes a South American vibrancy. This is a meat, veg and a big red kind of place.

This upscale Spanish restaurant offers not only great tapas to share, but also tasty Spanish dishes with a modern flare. The beverage program boasts an extensive list of Spanish wines, Sherry, craft cocktails and innovative sangria.

If you’re looking for fresh, quality sushi do not look anywhere else! Momotaro is THE spot for melt-in-your-mouth sushi and other modern Japanese creations. The large main floor upstairs is sleek and trendy, while the dimly-lit lower level offers a smaller menu along with an incredibly sexy vibes.

This is a great spot to satiate that Mexican food craving, washed down by a house-made beer. Brainchild of Chef Rick Bayless, you know that as casual of a meal that you get at this brewpub/hip taco joint, it’s going to be a tasty one.

Two Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Noah Sandoval and talented pastry Chef Genie Kwon give guests a thought-provoking and interactive extended tasting menu experience, where the diner is the true focus of the meal. Be ready for elegant creativity and a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.