Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Lower West Side

"Chicago’s only three Michelin star restaurant, Alinea has been around almost 15 years and still books up months in advance. The brainchild of acclaimed chef Grant Achatz who became one of the best chefs in the world despite battling tongue cancer, that’s just one of their impressive feats. It was the first restaurant to pioneer the concept of prepaid ticketed reservations, pricing meals on a sliding scale based on date and time (Friday at 7 p.m. would be more expensive than Tuesday at 5 p.m.) in order to show that dining is an experience akin to the theatre."

"The highest-ranking North American restaurant and the six-time winner of Elite Traveler’sTop 100 Restaurants, Alinea’s reputation speaks for itself. The annual poll – decided by Elite Traveler’s jet-set readership – has consistently seen Grant Achatz’s three-Michelin-star restaurant in either first or second place. This remarkable popularity is down to Achatz’s hypermodern and emotional approach to dining, which is respected the world over."

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"For those of you who prefer fine dining, this is more of an upscale restaurant experience. Blackbird is a restaurant where you’ll find fantastic mid-western food showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. They offer great choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike."

"This highly-awarded creation from Rick Bayless presents its offerings in an artful menu separated into headings such as Vibrant, Soulful, Enchanting and Luxurious. Read the dish descriptions and you’ll understand why; each selection is a poetic combination of traditional Mexican recipes, modern technique and elevated presentation. Not surprising that it’s one of the best restaurants in Chicago."

"Whether you go to his high-end haunt or one of the more approachable lunch options (Tortas Frontera, Xoco, or Frontera Grill), the cuisine is modern, seasonal, and elevated. Also Try: Mercadito, Takito Kitchen, Big Star"

"Topolobampo is high-end and you will need a reservation (weeks in advance). Frontera Grillis somewhere in the middle and if you go at an off-peak time, you can probably get in without a reservation."

"The craving for slow-braised lamb and tandoori chicken leads to lines out the door during lunch as well as the recent opening of a second location in the West Loop. This Indian-inspired restaurant follows a Chipotle model with build-your-own naanwiches, rice bowls and salads."

"Naansense allows you to assemble your own taco or bowl using Indian-inspired ingredients such as tandoori chicken, marinated chickpeas, and spiced coconut sauce. The variations and possibilities are infinite. If you’re looking for a real treat, try the poutine."

"Restaurants American West Loop. Even on non-game days, the Palace Grill feels like an offshoot of the United Center. The space is bedecked with Blackhawks paraphernalia and the patrons wear it as well (the place is open late on Blackhawks game nights)."

"First, the menu stands out compared to most cookie-cutter diners. Second, it's open 24 hours a day. The main menu is pretty uninteresting, but they get the title of "best" thanks to the Southern Chicken Biscuit Platter and the specials menu which consists of eight varieties of chicken and waffles."

"The South Loop has changed a lot since this 24-hour diner opened back in 1939. But the simple menu of eggs, bacon, pancakes and more has not, and we hope it never does. Stop by, sink into a red vinyl booth and get your fix of classic diner fare."

"Acclaimed Chef Tony Hu has received international acclaim for his expertly executed Sichuan dishes at Lao Sze Chuan. The original spot that launched his culinary empire is still humming along on Wentworth Avenue, where you’ll find his signature three-chili chicken, mapo tofu, and more. Known for flavorful sauces, dry roasted chilis, and fiery spices, this regional-style of cooking is sure to satisfy the most adventurous palates."

"Frequent Chinatown visitors no doubt have their own favorite Tony Hu Lao location – Beijing, Ma La, Shanghai, to name but a few – but. is usually considered one of the best, with its emphasis on spice and bold, classic favorites. The most popular dish is the crispy dry chili chicken, with chunks of double-fried chicken and dried hot peppers."

"Lao Sze Chuan serves authentic Sichuan cuisine with high-quality materials and ingredients. They have tons of soup, fried rice, and even fried noodle options. There is even a section for "Chef's Recommendations" that includes dishes on the spicier side for those of you who like the heat."

"The Shops at North Bridge encompasses Nordstrom, Eataly with 50 stores and 20 restaurants across 6 city blocks. Dine-in at one of their restaurants or enjoy a quick snack at their delicious selection of restaurants like Café Nordstrom, Bhoomi Chai Co., Big Bowl, and many more. Visitors may also enjoy their shopping experience in-person, curbside pickup, virtual queuing, and in-store pickup options."

"The six-block shopping district features more than 50 world-class retailers as well as 20 restaurants. Luxury travel goods and accessories brand MCM recently opened its first Chicago location at The Shops at North Bridge in early 2020. The shopping center is anchored by Nordstrom's flagship location."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user One Homo Sapiens used under CC BY 3.0. Heading to the Southwest Side of Chicago?. Ford City Mall has stood there since 1945."

"If you are interested in photography, Stephen Daiter Gallery is a place to go. It offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, specializing in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Their selection includes the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."

"Stephen Daiter Gallery offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century. They specialize in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Works include ones from the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."

"Stephen Daiter Gallery showcases exquisite and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, including experimental, avant-garde, photojournalistic and documentary work."

"Often referred to as a “pioneer” for its role in discovering exceptional and internationally acclaimed “Outsider artists” like Henry Darger, Bill Traylor and Eugene Von Bruenchenhein, the Carl Hammer Gallery is widely known for its unique blend of artists, visions and backgrounds. Carl Hammer Gallery represents both historical and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Although it is widely recognized for its role in leading to the discovery of significant artists from both “Outsider” and self-taught genres, the gallery’s scope also includes artists from Chicago “Imagist” and modern art traditions."

"Next on my list of top art galleries in Chicago, The Carl Hammer Gallery. The creator original focused on the Outsider Art movement, work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections. But now the gallery is designed to challenge the mind and ideas of identity and the human condition to struggle and grapple with themes of identity and being, now with more well known artist being incorporated its collection to challenge the heart and mind."

"After initially championing the Outsider art movement – work created by self-taught artists with no industry connections – the Carl Hammer Gallery gradually began to incorporate mainstream contemporary pieces into its collection. By engaging with visitors, the gallery staff aims to help them understand and experience art that grapples with issues of national and global identity and the human condition."