West Loop, Chicago, IL

Much like South Loop, West Loop has seen a metamorphosis from an industrial district in to a large patch of loft conversions and galleries, with new chic restaurants springing up next to old Chicago standbys and sunny brunch spots sharing blocks with sticky diners.

Regardless of tastes, West Loop has food written all over it and dribbling down its shirt, and the atmosphere here is one that combines the remaining industrial flavor of the neighborhood with its ongoing gentrification and artistic style.

Many high-end restaurants along Randolph Street, for example, are just a door or two down from heavy trucks unloading meat and produce from the Lake Michigan docks, much of which may end up on a patron’s plate a few hours later. Meanwhile, nearby Washington Boulevard and Carpenter Street hosts several popular breakfast spots, French bistros and down home American-style grills.

Several popular nightclubs are here too. And, like the rest of this area, the chance that a dive bar or quaint pub is within walking distance is highly probable.