The West Loop has some of the most phenomenal restaurants in Chicago. I could eat my way throught hat part of the city any day! You may just want to check these places out before an outing at the United Center!
These are some of my favorite spots in or near the West Loop. All restaurants are listed in alphabetical order, and all photos are mine unless otherwise noted.
If any of these spots strike your fancy, tag me when you go so I can live vicariously through your meal!
Athena
Located on the cusp of the West Loop, hitting up Greektown before a night at the United Center is so underrated, and you definitely want to check out Athena. It is one of my favorite Greek restaurants in the city. The interior is so beautiful to the point where it is a fantastic distraction from the cold Chicago weather.
MY “GO-TO” ORDER:
- Saganaki (pictured)
- Greek Salad
- Chicken Kebabs
- Athenian Chicken
- Seafood Kebabs
Duck Duck Goat
Honestly, I have never been anywhere quite like Duck Duck Goat. It’s unbelievable and definitely a West Loop hot spot! The interior is so unique, and the menu has something for everyone at the table. Therefore, you must give this place a try. The menu is designed for sharing, so come hungry and order SO MUCH!
WHAT I’VE ORDERED AND LOVED:
- Shrimp Toast
- Crab Rangoon
- Jiaozi
- Beef Slap Noodles (pictured)
- Seafood Fried Rice
- Chiu Chow Fun Gor
- Chicken Chow Fun
Formento's
At Formento’s, they are awesome about quick service if you are headed to the United Center after dinner. I have raved about Formento’s chocolate cake in my previous post about desserts in Chicago, and now it’s time to shed some more light on the other awesome menu items.
WHAT I’VE ORDERED AND LOVED:
- Nonna’s Meatballs (pictured)
- Paccheri
- Chocolate Cake
- Mussels
- Buccatini
Fulton Market Kitchen
I think Fulton Market Kitchen is a really cool spot, and it’s definitely worth checking out. The menu changes too frequently for me to give suggestions, but if I were to go today I have listed out the menu items that have caught my eye. I definitely consider this spot a hidden gem of the West Loop.
WHAT I WOULD ORDER:
- Prosciutto & Gruyere Toast
- Roasted Halibut
- Beef Fat Fries
- Apple Pie
- S’mores (I’ve actually had this and loved it!)
The Loyalist
People rave about the burger at The Loyalist to the point where it has its own Instagram account (@the_loyalist_dirty_burg), but I got the Loyalist Cheeseburger because the Dirty Burg has bacon on it (context: I don’t like bacon). I think this would totally be a fun place to hit up before the United Center.
I highly recommend making a reservation. I was there over the summer on a weeknight and it was a packed house. When you go, at least order one burger for the table so you can try it and report back to me what you think!
Parlor Pizza Bar
You can’t go wrong with Parlor Pizza Bar. Again, it’s another menu where everyone at the table will find something they’re going to love. Don’t sleep on the cocktail menu either. The “Don’t Be a Prickly Pear” margarita is one of my favorite cocktails in the city!
There are a few PPB locations in Chicago, but the West Loop location is conveniently located if you are looking for a great meal before an outing at the United Center.
WHAT I’VE ORDERED AND LOVED:
- Parlor Pizza Bread (pictured)
- Kale Cobb Salad
- Margherita Pizza
- Burrata Be Kidding Me Pizza (my fave!)
- Honey Boo Boo Pizza
- Beefer Sutherland Pizza
- Ready to Brisket All Pizza
What do you think of this selection? How’d I do? Let me know! There are a ton of blogs out there, so thank you for reading mine! I can’t wait to keep making more of these “guides” for you.
