Once an industrial zone, the West Loop is now one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, celebrated for its top-tier dining and trendy, urban vibe. Au Cheval – Famous for what many call the best burger in the country and underrated brunch menu. Fulton Market Street – A walkable district full of repurposed warehouses, cool restaurants, and rooftop bars. Time Out Market – A lively food hall showcasing some of Chicago’s best eats and drinks, all in one place. Trivoli Tavern – One of our favorites! Tucked down a cobblestone alley, this cozy tavern serves upscale American and European fare, craft cocktails, and a top-notch whiskey list. The date cake is the best dessert in the city! Momotaro / Izakaya – A standout Japanese spot. Enjoy sushi and robata upstairs at Momotaro, or head downstairs to the Izakaya lounge for small plates, creative drinks, and one of the best burgers in town—Emma and Dave’s favorite!
This is our neighborhood and where we spend most of our time—grabbing dinner, drinks, or just walking around. If you have time to explore, here are some of our favorite local spots: The Perch: Our go-to for dinner. They brew their own beer and seltzers, and their filet sliders are unbeatable. Varja: Cozy Indian restaurant just down the street from us, known for bold flavors and an incredible cocktail list. Dave’s favorite drink in the city—the Fire and Ember—is here. Chengdu Bistro: Hands down the best dumplings in Chicago. Izakaya Shinya- This spot reminds us of our trip to Japan. Truly the closest to authentic Japanese food we have found since we have been back. They have delicous traditional dishes like skewers, okonomiyaki, and omurice. The Up Room (at The Robey Hotel):- Small rooftop bar with amazing cocktails and sweeping city views. Oro Chocolate & Coffee- Local gem where they make chocolate in-house daily. Try one of their matcha drinks—you won’t regret it!
This is the neighborhood where our wedding venue and hotel room blocks are located-making it the perfect starting point for your Chicago adventures! Millennium Park- Just across from the venue, visit The Bean, stroll through outdoor art installations, relax in green spaces, or play a round at the mini golf course on the park’s east side. Chicago Athletic Association- Head to Cindy’s Rooftop for delicious food and skyline views, or check out The Game Room—a bar packed with pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, and skee-ball. Art Institute of Chicago- One of the top art museums in the world, located right across the street. A must-visit for anyone interested in art and culture. Chicago Riverwalk- A few blocks away, this waterfront path offers beautiful architecture, people-watching, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Lakefront Trail- Walk, jog, or bike along Lake Michigan while taking in the city’s skyline and waterfront scenery.