By J.P. Anderson By J.P. Anderson | March 20, 2024 | Lifestyle, Culture, Guides,
One of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, West Town—west of the river to Western Avenue and stretching from Grand to Augusta—scores with Michelin-starred dining, rich culture and history and some of the city’s most design-forward shopping. Here’s where to find the best of this booming district.
See Also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Where To Eat
2119 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
This all-day neighborhood spot features everything from fried egg sandwiches and smash burgers at lunchtime to plates of confit duck leg and mushroom spaetzle for dinner (along with a smartly curated wine list, of course), plus brunch, gifts, catering and more.
1012 N. Western Ave. / Website
This French- and German-inspired take on the steakhouse focuses on sustainably raised animals and artisanal products, with creative plates like short rib beignets, steak frites with beef-fat fries and carrots three ways.
730 W. Grand Ave. / Website
After closing for the first several months of 2022 due to a fire, this bilevel favorite from Gage owner Billy Lawless is back and busier than ever thanks to its sophisticated setting, sun-kissed patio and globally inspired menu of grub ranging from sriracha butter chicken to build-your-own grilled fish tacos and pastas, steaks and chops.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide To The West Loop
1746 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
With a rotating selection of fun, funky beers and a smart, creative menu inspired by Midwestern, seasonal flavors (duck confit dumplings anyone?), Forbidden Root is Chicago’s first botanic brewery and a super-cozy spot for a meet-up, date or group dinner.
1001 N. Winchester Ave. / Website
Bakery by day, Michelin-starred tasting menu restaurant by night, this culinary gem fuses traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary flair. Tasting menu fare might include twists on dishes like adobo or ceviche-like kinilaw; pop in during the day for a Filipino breakfast with fried egg, garlic rice and longanisa sausage.
721 W. Grand Ave. / Website
Armando Vasquez and Joey Mondelli’s iconic neighborhood institution packs in a regular crowd of locals and celebs for hearty Italian fare in a lively, welcoming setting.
464 N. Halsted St. / Website
Beloved for its consistently excellent fare and its garden oasis of an outdoor patio, this longtime fave from partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo is considered one of the city’s top Italian restaurants.
1600 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
The flavors of Portugal and Galicia are the stars at this sexy Michelin-starred spot in the heart of West Town, with tempting fare like decadent uni toast, fire-roasted oysters XO, smoked lion’s mane mushrooms and more.
933 N. Ashland Ave. / Website
At just 20 seats, this Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant is an intimate, thrilling culinary experience that offers sophisticated dishes like A5 wagyu ribeye with jackfruit; lobster with parsnip, anise and vanilla; and Ibérico with Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts and watermelon.
What To See & Do
1121 N. Leavitt St. / Website
Designed by iconic Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, this gorgeously ornate and colorful Chicago Landmark and place of worship was completed in 1903 and is one of just two churches Sullivan designed. Tours are available.
756 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Established in 1991, Intuit is one of the nation’s premier institutions dedicated to outsider and self-taught art. Among the highlights of the collection is the Henry Darger room, featuring work and artifacts belonging to the city’s most famous outsider artist. Editor’s note: Intuit is currently closed for renovation and set to reopen in the summer of 2024, but the center’s on-site shop remains open.
984 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Set in the original downtown of Chicago’s Polish community and founded in 1935, this museum features a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions on topics ranging from folk art to nautical and military history, plus a library of more than 100,000 books in Polish and English for research.
2249 W. Superior St. / Website
With a folk art collection of more than 10,000 objects (one of the largest outside Ukraine), a fine art collection of more than 500 works, and exhibits that explore everything from Ukrainian heritage to Easter eggs, this cultural institution in the heart of the city’s historic Ukrainian community is a must-visit.
Where To Shop
1734 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
Since 1972, this has been Chicago’s go-to superstore for all things Western, from thousands of pairs of boots to hats, belts, accessories and more for men, women and kids.
1341 W. Grand Ave. / Website
New to the neighborhood but already drawing serious buzz, this design destination spotlights an ever-changing selection of unique and chic 20th-century furniture, lighting and objects.
1725 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
A must-visit for home cooks, this tightly packed little shop is a paradise for home cooks, stocking fresh spices of all kinds from across the globe.
2035 W. Grand Ave. / Website
A Chicago institution since 1989, this world-class resource for Asian and European antiques offers a stunning variety of furniture, lighting, art, decor and more, all expertly curated by owners Doug Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak.
2246 W. Grand Ave. / Website
A treasure trove of art, objects and great design, this Grand Avenue Design District destination is a favorite of interiors professionals and passionate homeowners alike.
1840 W. Hubbard St. / Website
Treasure hunters are in heaven at this 60,000-square-foot warehouse dedicated to antiques, architectural artifacts, lighting, outdoor elements, furniture and more. The unique space doubles as an in-demand event venue for weddings and galas.
Hit The Town
1035 N. Western Ave. / Website
This self-described “hole-in-the-wall” bar has been packing in a regular crowd since 1992 with cheap drinks, live music, and a no-frills, no-attitude vibe.
770 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
A teeny-tiny space with big personality, this iconic watering hole serves up classic cocktails to a devoted regular crowd.
495 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Awash in an opulent, peacock-blue setting of plush curtains and cozy chairs, this recent addition to the city’s cocktail scene is an oasis of quiet sophistication at the buzzing six-way intersection of Milwaukee, Grand and Halsted avenues.
491 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
One of the most legendary dives in Chicago, this notorious drinking destination next to La Scarola has been the stuff of legend—and a magnet for everyone from businessmen in suits to tattooed hipsters—since 1926.
Where To Relax
800 W. Superior St. / Website
This cavernous, candlelit space beckons with a series of hot and cold pools to traverse at your leisure (including an indoor-outdoor bath), all of which promote tranquility while awakening the senses. A pair of steam rooms, heated marble stones and ultraluxe add-ons (don’t miss the red wine bath) complete the picture.
2038 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
Sleek, chic and relaxed, this award-winning beauty destination offers cuts, color, brow services and more executed by a squad of 10 talented stylists.
Photography by: All Together Now photo by Steven Piper; Piccolo Sogno photo by Huge Galdones; Porto photo by Jordan Balderas; Temporis photo by Mistey Nguyen/MADN Agency; Pearl Club photo by Olivia Blinn;