West Loop & Fulton Market

West Loop is the best loop! It has been an up and coming hot spot over the last decade and houses the most trendy bars and restaurants. It is also nicknamed restaurant row. The amount of bars and restaurants in this neighborhood alone is overwhelming. I might be biased because I live here, but it really does offer a variety of cool spots and I’m super excited to share all my recommendations for this neighborhood.

FIVE STARS :

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABA

Definitely a top favorite of mine. This is a modern Mediterranean restaurant with only a couple locations in the country. I have also been to the one in Austin, Texas and it is super nice with a large outdoor patio. The location in Chicago offers a small rooftop with beautiful décor on the inside. My favorites to order are the whipped feta and garlic hummus following the chicken kebob with rice and crispy potatoes. I’m always satisfied after leaving and I’m in love with the aesthetic. This is a restaurant I recommend to tourists and have returned to multiple times. The one downside is that reservations are hard to come by so you usually have to make them in a month in advanced.

HOXTON

I honestly forget this is even a hotel because it just feels like one big restaurant with multiple levels. Each floor truly has a different vibe and offers a unique experience. The main floor houses the hotel bar and the restaurant Cira. There are plenty of tables for seating and it’s a great spot for a first date.

There is a restaurant on the rooftop called Cabra. They serve small plates of Peruvian food with an amazing view of the outside and large windows that let tons of light flood in. There is also a pool on the rooftop that adds the perfect visual and it’s a hidden gem to enjoy drinks on a pretty rooftop.

The best part is that there is a speakeasy at the Hoxton called Lazy Bird. They have a singer and live band that play some nights. It’s dark, cozy, romantic, and a hidden spot off the beaten path. Lazy Bird does get crowded and has very limited seating, especially on the weekends. There is usually a line to get in so go on a weekday to skip the line!

TRIVOLI TAVERN

I love love love this spot. It’s not just for couples, but it is definitely a romantic restaurant and a perfect place to go with your significant other. They also have a Lobster Bar attached that is first come first serve. The best part is the cobblestone patio in the front. It’s hidden from the main street so you don’t see it immediately. Sitting on the patio in the summer makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. They offer a special for wine of Wednesdays, which pairs perfectly with the pasta and rolls. This is definitely a top spot worth checking out.

RANALLIS

This is a great casual restaurant and sports bar in the neighborhood. They offer a free shuttle to the United Center for Blackhawks and Bulls games. They are known their pizza and other bar bites. My personal favorite is the Parmesan Chicken Sandwich. It’s honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in the city. They also have a DJ certain nights to pump up the jams for a more lively atmosphere.

DOG-FRIENDLY PATIOS:

One trend that seems to be on the rise is dog-friendly patios. I think it’s great to be able to take your furry friend out with you so can they can enjoy the fresh air instead of being stuck at home. Chicago offers a good amount of dog-friendly patios and there is quite a few in West Loop. I have recommendations below so hopefully you can take your pup out on the town.

*All locations are close to each other so you could make it a day of doggy bar hopping!

PB&J

This is a fun spot to go for drinks at night or in the day time. They have an area outside to play bags and allow dogs on the patio. They even have a deal on Mondays for drinks specials and a free pup-which for dogs. It is a smaller patio and better for dogs that don’t get overwhelmed by crowds. It fills up quick on weekends so the earlier, the better!

TIME OUT MARKET

This is a unique spot in Fulton Market that houses a variety of vendors in their food hall. They have everything from Indian to Mediterranean to American and more. There is a bar located on the main floor and one on the rooftop. Plus they have a small patio area outside that is dog-friendly. Whenever I walk past, it’s usually packed and seats can be hard to come by so try to snag a table early if you can. Otherwise it’s a great place to get food and chill with your pup outside.

BANDIT

Bandit is a fun brunch spot for the weekends. They have a smaller outdoor patio that allows dogs and even offer a small dog menu that includes steak, chicken breast, burger patties, and woof ice cream. You can also go at night when the upstairs turns into a club. (One caveat is that the lines get long and they definitely favor those who pay to get inside or buy bottle service). It’s still a great place to check out or take out of town guests. The club has a DJ with live musicians and it’s unique compared to most traditional clubs.

SMALL CHEVAL

The new Small Cheval location is conveniently located right outside my building and has definitely become a watering hole. They have a delicious burger and fries that pairs well with the garlic aioli sauce. They serve different brands of alcohol and even have a frozen Coconut Daquiri. The best part is that the patio is spacious and allows dogs. The one nuance I’ll mention is that the L train is located right above so it can get noisy at times. Otherwise, it’s great place for a quick bite or a chill spot to post up outside.

RECESS

This restaurant is huge and known for their outdoor seating area. It’s the biggest patio I’ve seen in Chicago. It’s prime for summer and enjoying patio season. One of the best parts is that you can take your dog here and they are allowed inside and outside the restaurant. The outside is spacious so you won’t feel cramped. This is another spot that fills up pretty quick so reservations are ideal if you’re able to make one.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

There are truly are so many other great restaurants I could highlight, but this blog would be never ending. I try to highlight the best of the best and places that offer something unique. Below is a list of other bars and restaurants that I think deserve a shoutout and you can keep in your back pocket when you want to try somewhere new.

PARLOR

(Game Day)

A great go-to neighborhood bar & restaurant. It has a lively atmosphere to watch games and grab food. Parlor also has a large outdoor patio that allows dogs and multiple locations throughout the city.

TEXAN TACO BAR

(Nashville Night Out)

The main floor has a fun restaurant and outdoor patio, but the best part is the upstairs rooftop. They play country music and serve Ranch Waters so you feel like you’re in Nashville.

GOODNIGHT JOHN BOY

(70s Disco)

This is a 70s themed bar where you feel like you’ve stepped into a machine and been transported back in time. The downstairs is decorated like a house from the 70s with the best era of groovy music playing. Upstairs houses the iconic disco ball and multicolored disco floor so you can channel some Saturday Night Fever vibes and dance the night away.

BLVD PATIO

(Summer Patio)

This is a spacious patio ideal for summer nights. The decor is white and modern and it feels very light and airy. It’s perfect for a chill spot with friends or even date night.

PALACE GRILL

(Diner Breakfast)

This is a hidden gem if you’re looking for a breakfast spot. It has maintained it’s old school diner vibe and is truly a mom and pop restaurant with delicious food.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post of West Loop & Fulton Market recommendations. You can never have enough delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and good vibes. Sending love…

Adrianna