7 Coolest West Loop Restaurants
What makes a restaurant cool? I probably don’t need to define it, but it’s not just good food and aesthetics. It is about those things, but with a punch of personality. These are the kinds of places that make you pull your phone out for a picture. The kind of places you tell your friends about, or take your out of town guests to. These places are cool.
Cira
Located in the Hoxton Hotel, Cira is a chic, Mediterranean all day restaurant. Their menu is smaller, but everything on it is delicious with complex flavors. I highly recommend the challah french, which includes orange marmalade, milk chocolate almond granola, and tahini whip. Um, YUM.
Cabra
One of the best food experiences I have ever had was at Cabra. *Also* located in the Hoxton Hotel, Cabra is a Peruvian tapas place. The menu is smaller, BUT everything is designed to pair well together - even the cocktails. I ordered a seasonal cocktail that the waitress described as “fall in a cup” and she wasn’t wrong. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu - especially the salchipapas! Cabra is on the 4th floor with great views of Chicago, colorful decor, and chic furnishings.
Alla Vita
Alla Vita was piping hot when they first opened less than 2 years ago. Their interior is what got my attention, but I didn’t know what to expect with their food. I have since been thrice (which is rare for me) and I enjoy it more and more each time. Make sure to order their Arancini, Wood Fired Tabled Bread (taleggio, orange blossom honey, black pepper), and of course, any of their pastas.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Green Street Smoked Meats is *not like other West Loop Restaurants.* It’s much more casual with cafeteria style seating. hOwEveR. Their BBQ is delicious, and the vibe is edgy/military canteen. There are strung lights everywhere, and a coffee shop inside that serves some great drinks. Try here when you want to go out last minute for some good comfort food!
Click here if you’re looking for some coffee shops in the West Loop.
Aba
West Loop Restaurants are known for being chic and delicious. Aba is no exception. This Mediterranean tapas place is an experience. The design is fresh and chic, with trees in the dining area, an open ceiling window, and patio/rooftop seating. Besides the stunning aesthetics, the food is amazing. You can’t go wrong with this menu, but make sure to order the Black Garlic Shrimp Scampi. *chef’s kiss*
High Five Ramen
Part of the charm of High Five Ramen is that it is a small, underground, mysterious ramen bar. The wait is usually long, so get there 30 minutes before they open to stand in line (if it’s a week night). We went around 4:15 (they open at 4:30) and put our names in and waited an hour - not bad! Anyways, they have 17 seats and a small menu, so you know they’re good. We loved our ramen and we had a great time at this cozy, intimate lounge. It’s in the basement of Sawada and Green Street Smoked Meats.
Gaijin
Gaijin is Japanese street food fused with traditional American food. We ordered their signature Japanese pancakes and they were awesome! I have never had anything like it. We also ordered a mochi donut, and a shaved ice “kaki-tail.” This place is so cool! Just be warned - it is loud in here, so it’s not the best spot if you want to have a deep conversation.
Which of these West Loop restaurants are you going to add to your list? Honestly, you can’t choose wrong.
