21 Best West Loop Restaurants for 2024
Trying to find the best West Loop restaurants in Chicago can be a daunting task. This neighborhood is absolutely jam-packed with different types of cuisines. You can find dining establishments suitable for just about any occasion and dishes from all around the globe.
This neighborhood really is a foodie’s dream-come-true, and we've picked our favorite spots to get you started. Here’s a list of the 21 best West Loop restaurants to add to your must-try list.
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The West Loop neighborhood of Chicago is home to a vibrant culinary scene that can be overwhelming to both tourists and locals. If you’re visiting the Windy City, food tours in Chicago can be a great way to get to know the local food scene with the help of an expert guide. You’ll be able to discover all Chicago has to offer, from the West Loop to Wicker Park restaurants and beyond.
21 Best West Loop Restaurants
1. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s Italian cuisine at Monteverde is a seamless blend of traditional flavors and modern elements, and certainly deserves a top spot on our list of best West Loop restaurants.
The Vibe
You’ll feel at home in this warm, inviting restaurant, and homemade pasta is a must-try. A visit to Monteverde is a fantastic date idea in Chicago if you are looking for an upscale, romantic evening.
What to Order
Try the gnocchetti con pesto with ricotta that is made in-house. Be sure to share some appetizers and save room for the delicious dessert menu, featuring decadent options like tiramisu, butterscotch budino and a double chocolate gianduja tart.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio | 1020 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
2. J.P. Graziano Grocery & Sub Shop
Even if you’re only in Chicago for a few days, you’ll feel like a local when you stop in at Graziano’s Sub Shop. This West Loop Restaurant is a classic Chicago eatery for delicious submarine sandwiches.
The Vibe
Stepping into Graziano’s is like stepping back in time into an old-fashioned Chicago grocery store. Get there early to beat the lunch rush and choose which sandwich you plan to enjoy.
What to Order
Try the famous “Mr. G” sandwich or opt for a more traditional muffaletta. You can also indulge in a sweet cannoli treat for dessert.
J.P. Graziano’s Grocery & Sub Shop | 901 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
3. High Five Ramen
With a nearly secret staircase leading down into this delicious ramen spot, High Five Ramen is one West Loop restaurant you won’t want to miss serving authentic ramen in Chicago.
The Vibe
This West Loop restaurant has limited seating, but it is worth the wait times for their fragrant and spicy ramen bowls.
What to Order
Try the High Five Signature Bowl, which contains a traditional tonkotsu ramen. You can add spice to suit your taste level.
High Five Ramen | 112 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
4. Green Street Smoked Meats
If the address for Green Street Smoked Meats looks familiar, that’s because this West Loop restaurant is located in the same complex as High Five Ramen. But these two Chicago eateries couldn’t be more different.
The Vibe
Green Street Smoked Meats features dim interior spaces lit with string lights and a full bar that make this barbecue joint feel cozy and fun.
What to Order
Try the brisket and macaroni and cheese for a classic barbecue meal.
Green Street Smoked Meats | 112 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $
5. Girl & the Goat
Since 2010, Girl & the Goat has been serving up small plates perfect for sharing with a group. Their modern flavors and interesting twists on classic dishes make this a great West Loop restaurant for tourists and locals alike.
The Vibe
Girl & the Goat features a unique mix of industrial and traditional styles inside, with plenty of seating at both tables and the bar.
What to Order
Try the unique wood-roasted pig face to share with your group for a bold take on this small plate.
Girl & the Goat | 809 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
6. Avec
Avec boasts Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are sure to keep you coming back again and again for great Chicago foods.
The Vibe
With communal seating and minimalist design, this West Loop Restaurant makes for a great addition to a list of fun things to do in Chicago. Try it after a night on the town or for a fun and funky date night.
What to Order
Try their famous medjool dates with bacon and pepper-tomato sauce for a flavorful appetizer or shared dish.
Avec | 615 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$
7. Smyth
Smyth boasts two Michelin stars and one of the most elevated dining experiences in the West Loop neighborhood. They are best known for their high-class tasting menu that is perfect for special occasions.
The Vibe
While Smyth might be one of the most upscale West Loop restaurants on the list, you won’t feel like you’re eating at a stuffy fine-dining establishment in their friendly, warm interiors.
What to Order
The tasting menu offers diners around 10 courses to try, featuring dishes like lobster consommé, roasted lamb saddle and more.
Smyth | 177 N. Ada St. Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$$
8. The Loyalist
If the fancier atmosphere at Smyth doesn’t suit your style or budget, head downstairs to the more casual bar, The Loyalist.
The Vibe
This West Loop Restaurant has everything you think of when you hear the phrase “downstairs bar:” deep leather booths, exposed brick and moody lighting.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with The Loyalist’s original cheeseburger paired with a drink from their extensive bar.
The Loyalist | 177 N. Ada St., Ste. 001, Chicago, IL 60607 | $
9. Leña Brava
Leña Brava offers Baja-inspired seafood dishes and features a wood fire in the open kitchen that lends a homey atmosphere to this quality West Loop restaurant.
The Vibe
Cozy interiors and rich ceiling beams make this West Loop restaurant perfect for a date night or an evening spent with close friends.
What to Order
Try some of their famous wood-fired dishes or empanadas for a more traditional option.
Leña Brava | 900-902 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
10. Cruz Blanca Brewery
For further proof that the West Loop area is full to bursting with great restaurants, Cruz Blanca is a casual taco eatery right next door to Leña Brava
The Vibe
What’s not to love about a place that specializes in tacos and beer? Cruz Blanca boasts a fun, beer-hall-like environment and absolutely delicious eats.
What to Order
Try the Cali burrito to sample this West Loop restaurant’s signature blend of American and Mexican flavors.
Cruz Blanca Brewery | 904 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
11. Momotaro
A sleek Japanese restaurant with an extensive menu, Momotaro certainly deserves a spot on a list of best restaurants in Chicago.
The Vibe
You’ll love the elegant, Japanese-inspired interiors at this West Loop restaurant, which also features an Izakaya in the basement.
What to Order
Don’t miss the sushi at Momotaro; you can order a chef-selected sampling of nigiri served with as much or as little wasabi as you’d like.
Momotaro | 820 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
12. Alla Vita
Be sure to book in advance for this great West Loop restaurant. Alla Vita offers yummy pizza and pasta options that everyone in your group will love.
The Vibe
Filled with hanging plants and a cool fabric ceiling, you’ll feel welcomed in the comfortable but still polished environment at
What to Order
Try one of their pizza offerings or a classic Italian-inspired entrée like chicken parmesan.
Alla Vita | 564 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$
13. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
This fantastic West Loop restaurant is perfect for anyone who enjoys a great steak in a unique atmosphere. Try El Che for a wide variety of Latin-infused steakhouse options.
The Vibe
This Argentinian steakhouse is home to an open-fire grill in the kitchen, dark, moody interiors and the perfect steakhouse atmosphere for any occasion.
What to Order
Try their steaks served with smoked salt and chimichurri, or opt for seafood with grilled oysters or lobster.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar | 845 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$$
14. Au Cheval
Au Cheval might just offer one of the best burgers in Chicago, so stop by this intimate West Loop restaurant for one next time you are in Chicago.
The Vibe
This cozy West Loop Restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so you’ll have to wait for your chance to try one of their famous burgers, but the wait is more than worth it.
What to Order
Try their cheeseburger, complete with a fried egg and bacon, and a side of the truffle fries.
Au Cheval | 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
15. Oriole
If you’re looking for a truly decadent dining experience, try Oriole for their creative and over-the-top tasting menu.
The Vibe
Oriole’s interiors are beautiful but not overbearing, considering the cost of the food. You’ll enjoy a moody atmosphere that is still lighthearted, with old concert flyers posted on the walls.
What to Order
The tasting menu at this West Loop restaurant changes regularly and comes with a hefty $285 price tag, but true foodies will relish the chance to try chef Noah Sandoval’s creations.
Oriole | 661 W. Walnut St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$$
16. ROOH Chicago
Opened in 2019, ROOH offers Chicago diners plenty of traditional Indian options to enjoy.
The Vibe
The vibe at ROOH is really up to you. This West Loop restaurant has three distinct dining spaces: a downstairs bar area, a quieter restaurant space and an outdoor patio complete with tent and hanging plants.
What to Order
Try the tandoori smoked pork belly plate for traditional flavors paired well with modern cooking and premium ingredients.
ROOH Chicago | 736 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$
17. Rose Mary
You will feel at home in Rose Mary, a Mediterranean-style West Loop restaurant that boasts delicious seafood options and charming interiors.
The Vibe
With cozy blue and white tiles, hanging plants and warm lights, you’ll feel transported to an authentic kitchen.
What to Order
Try the seasonal shellfish dishes, cooked on a charcoal hearth for traditional Mediterranean flair.
Rose Mary | 932 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
18. Joe’s Imports
Joe’s Imports is a more casual option on this list of West Loop restaurants in case you’re looking for an easy date night or spot to hang out with friends.
The Vibe
Joe’s offers open spaces and delicious tapas paired with a wine bar.
What to Order
Try the ricotta with honey or pasta of the day. They also offer small plates that are perfect for sharing with a group.
Joe’s Imports | 813 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 | $$$
19. Little Goat Diner
This breakfast and lunch diner is owned by the same team that runs Girl & the Goat, so you know the food and atmosphere will be top notch at Little Goat Diner.
The Vibe
Visiting this West Loop restaurant feels like visiting a classic American diner. The atmosphere is completed with deep, comfy booths, countertop seating and laminated diner menus.
What to Order
Try the bullseye French toast, served with eggs, crispy chicken and barbecue maple syrup for a fresh take on a brunch classic.
Little Goat Diner | 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
20. Beatrix
The West Loop location of this Chicago favorite is a great spot to meet with friends for any meal of the day. Beatrix is a great, casual option for any occasion.
The Vibe
Enjoy comfortable seating arrangements indoors and outdoor options at this restaurant that also includes a bakery stocked with delicious sweets.
What to Order
Stop in for brunch or lunch, but don’t forget to finish your meal with a selection from the bakery like their Oh My Caramel Pie.
Beatrix | 834 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
21. Roost Chicken & Biscuits
This West Loop restaurant is home to delicious Southern-style chicken and biscuits. You’ll love the homemade feel and the spicy option to their sandwiches and biscuits.
The Vibe
Roost Chicken & Biscuits is a small, countertop service restaurant with creative takes on Southern classics.
What to Order
Try the famous fried chicken sandwich, served with pickles and slaw on your choice of a bun or biscuit.
Roost Chicken & Biscuits | 1467 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613 | $
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These 21 spots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great West Loop restaurants in Chicago. Be sure to check them out next time you’re in the Windy City.
For even more fun ways to explore Chicago and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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