Exploring the West Loop

by rayray84
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January 09, 2009
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Meat packing plants next to exclusive night clubs, next to art galleries, next to neighborhood bars, next to posh loft apartments is what you'll find in the West Loop area. Below are some of my most favorite places to visit in the West Loop. It's a dynamic and exciting area, and it's where I call home. Enjoy!

Third Rail Tavern

1133 W Madison St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60607

This is a solid “go to” bar when I have people in from the ‘burbs visiting. It has a great, urban atmosphere and pretty decent food. Oh yeah, and they have 1/2 price martinis…ON SATURDAYS. Unheard of! Visit their website…it’s pretty neat-o.

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Ina's

1235 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Ina, The Breakfast Queen, has won over my heart. Oh, sweet mana from heaven, sweet nector of life, sweet vanilla bean waffle!! If you wanna be naughty about it (and I know you do) order the Bloody Mary with the dill-inflused vodka. mmmMMMmmm.

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Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

1338 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

This is an auction house in the West Loop that offers Marketplace Auctions. These are great items that sell for SUPER cheap…and plus it’s a fun afternoon! If you are into bidding on $20,000 paintings…well you can do that there as well, just not at the Marketplace Auctions. In addition, I know the owner and she’s a gem!

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Tasting Room the

1415 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

OK, so I haven’t actually been here, but I have been meaning to for some time because EVERYONE raves about it. Check it out!

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Randolph Street's Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is an area of Randolph Street is chock full of awesome places to dine in style. While many of them are on the pricey side…lunch menus and weeknight specials are ways to make dining out here very affordable. See the links below to check out just a sampling.

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Sushi Wabi

842 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Obviously Sushi, obviously good. I love this place.

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Marche

833 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

French dining, oui.

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Peoria Packing

1300 W Lake Street Chicago, IL 60607

If you are a meat lover…this is a must! I would vote this the best butcher shop in the West Loop, an area littered with them. You walk through the front doors and enter a giant meat locker…complete with freezing temperatures (bring a sweatshirt!). The “help yourself” design of the place keeps the costs way down and allows you to hand pick your meat (while wearing gloves, of course). I usually stock up for a month or so at a time, and have never spent over $100.

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Jupiter Outpost Cafe/Mars Gallery

1139 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607

Jupiter Outpost is a sweet little cafe in the heart of the meat-packing area of Fulton Market. They offer coffee beverages as well as a selection of sandwiches made fresh to order. The cuban sandwhich is to die for. Upstairs is Mars Gallery, one of the many art galleries the West Loop has to offer.

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Pivot Boutique

1101 W Fulton Market Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60607

eco-clothing boutique. The owner is really cool and active in the community.

added by ElGuapo 01/09/2009

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955 Fulton Lounge

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

swanky lounge in west loop.

added by ElGuapo 01/09/2009

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: by mswen 03/11/2009 Reply

Chicago is on my list of must-visit places! This guide makes me want to go there sooner rather than later…ack!! :)

: by alexandraf 01/19/2009 Reply

I love butcher shops, and your Chicago recommendation sounds like not only a great resource, but an experience…. hmmm… I have some Jewish friends in chicago, and wonder if that shop sells Kosher meats? I will tell them to check it out! Thanks for the info!