A Foodie Weekend in Chicago’s West Loop

Anchored by “Restaurant Row” on Randolph Street, the West Loop is home to one of the most concentrated clusters of fine-dining restaurants in the country. Here are a few of my favorite places to dine and drink in the West Loop.

Favorite restaurants

• Girl & The Goat

Even though Girl & The Goat has been open since 2010, it’s still one of the hardest-to-get reservations in the city. The menu is composed of super playful and inventive globally inspired small plates. Make sure to order the roasted pig face (my personal favorite). The goat dishes are also consistently standouts.

• Loyalist

If you aren’t able to splurge on their sister restaurant upstairs, Smythe (Chicago’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, and number four on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Restaurants – North America List), visit the same acclaimed chefs’ French-inspired gastropub downstairs. The burger has made The Loyalist famous, but the rest of the cozy French bistro menu is equally excellent. The trout à la grenabloise was surprisingly light and perfectly balanced, and the quiche Lorraine with truffle hollandaise was decadent!

• Rose Mary

This chic, cozy restaurant features a unique, delicious blend of simple Italian dishes infused with bold Croatian flavors. Shareable, family-style plates allow diners to enjoy a wide variety of dishes. The pastas and vegetables were the most memorable dishes on our table, especially the tortellini djuvec, beef cheek gnocchi, roasted pear salad, and zucchini fritters.

• Au Cheval

Imagine the French version of a diner, which is cozy and chaotic at the same time. The menu is hearty, classic comfort food, executed perfectly, and infused with just the right amount of je ne sais quoi. Au Cheval serves what is arguably Chicago’s most famous burger, which is as classic, simple, and perfect as the restaurant itself. Don’t forget to check out the excellent beer list.

The Burger at Au Cheval

Favorite bars

• Nobu Hotel Lounge

At the Nobu Hotel, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., check out “Tanoshi Hour” in the gorgeous bar and lounge. Discounts are offered on a curated menu of the restaurant’s creative, perfectly balanced cocktails, select wine and beer offerings, and bar snacks.

• Lazy Bird

An upscale speakeasy, tucked away in the basement of The Hoxton Hotel, which features live music every Thursday through Saturday.

• Inkwell

A literary-inspired cocktail bar, with cozy ambiance and a fun menu featuring punch served in fabulous vintage glassware.

• Bisou

A 1960s Parisian-inspired bar serving vintage cocktails, French wines, and champagne.

Where to stay

• The Hoxton Chicago

Located in the heart of the West Loop, this stylish hotel features chic, comfortable rooms and a variety of fun dining options and bars to keep guests nourished and entertained throughout the day and night.

• Nobu Chicago

Every luxurious, minimalist room in the hotel features expansive windows showcasing iconic views and high-end touches that cater to guests looking for a calm retreat. The hotel offers a private indoor pool, gym, and spa. There is a Nobu restaurant on site, serving the acclaimed chef’s signature dishes, which are also available for guests via room service.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Chicago page.