WEST LOOP/ GREEK TOWN/ LITTLE ITALY NEIGHBORHOODS OF CHICAGO

BASICS:

The West Loop is the fastest growing neighborhood in Chicago, and people continue to move here in increasing numbers. Where warehouses once stood, there are now beautifully converted lofts, offering a contemporary and edgy urban oasis to anyone who resides here. Drawn to its close proximity to the Loop, exciting restaurants and culture, the West Loop is now a place that many Chicagoans want to both visit and call home.

Also considered the West Loop, Greek Town is a Chicago neighborhood with a wide variety of bars and restaurants located roughly between Van Buren and Madison Streets, along Halsted Street and just west of the Loop. As the name suggests, the area has a large Greek American population. It is just one of many small neighborhoods that make up the West Loop community area, and is popular with tourists and Chicago residents alike.

Also considered the West Loop is the "Little Italy neighborhood." It is a fraction of what it once was, but it still has a marked presence in Chicago due to its famous restaurants. Encompassing 12 blocks on Taylor Street, Little Italy is home to the landmark restaurants Rosebud's, Pompeii, Francesca's and Tuscany. Those coming for the full Italian-American experience should enjoy a visit to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (and nearby Joe DiMaggio Square), a gelato from Mario's Italian Lemonade, and a stroll in Garibaldi Park. The neighborhood lies between the Illinois Medical District and the UIC campus.

HOUSING:

You'll notice plenty of cranes continuing the building boom in this area. And you'll find some of Chicago's newest, most colorful and interesting architecture. Not only a lot of new low-rise and high-rise residential buildings, but also new office buildings are being built in the area as well.

There are still plenty of warehouses in this area, some are still in use, and others recently have been converted to loft condominiums. And with the construction boom this area is offering some newly constructed "loftominiums".

In Greek Town, high-rise office buildings and residential towers co-exist with colorful open-air markets. Many of the high-rise condominium complexes offer a full range of conveniences from shopping to private health clubs.

LOCATION:

Ashland Avenue on the west, the Chicago River on the east, and Grand Avenue bind the West Loop neighborhood on the north, and the Eisenhower Expressway on the south.

DINNING & SHOPPING:

The West Loop is home to some of the finest restaurants in the City of Chicago. Over a decade ago, restaurants such as Marche and Red Light put the West Loop on the map as one of Chicago's most exciting restaurant districts. Since then, a variety of dining establishments, ranging from up-scale to casual, have continued to enter the neighborhood.

The West Loop is fast becoming an attractive area for a unique variety of retail stores. And with retail that can match the distinctive appeal of the neighborhood, the West Loop is soon to become one of the edgiest shopping destinations in Chicago.

The urban vibe of the West Loop neighborhood makes way for a dynamic nightlife. After checking out the burgeoning art scene and shopping or the mouth-watering restaurants, be sure to head out to one of the sophisticated lounges, clubs or bars you will find here.

West Loop's Greek town offers authentic food--from gyros to whole red snapper--but also shopping, nightlife and more. A typical weekend night draws hipsters of Greek heritage as well as students from nearby UIC.

EVENTS:

West Loop Night is your chance to mix & mingle at some of the hottest spots in the city of Chicago (in the West loop, of course). This very popular social mixer is held the 3rd Thursday of every month. It is a great way to explore the many West Loop trendy locales while hanging out with friends or meeting new ones. Organized and run by the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO).

ZIP CODE:

The primary zip code of Chicago's West loop neighborhood is 60622.