west loop

a former manufacturing district turned “industrial chic,” the west loop is an orgy of swanky clubs, hip restaurants, art galleries, fish and meat markets, manufacturing plants, warehouses, converted lofts, and new condominiums.  oh, and greek town is here too, as is harpo studios, home of the oprah winfrey show.  and you know you’re in the west loop when you smell the rich scent of chocolate wafting from the blommer chocolate factory.

the now-deflated real estate bubble took the west loop along for the ride, dropping thousands of new construction condominiums on the neighborhood, which means that apartment rentals are now plentiful.  residents live only a few blocks from the loop, which simplifies commuting.  the green el line runs along lake street, but doesn’t stop in the neighborhood, so locals get the noise, but not the convenience.  buses running along madison and jackson are the most reliable source of public transportation.

history buffs and anarchists may know that the haymarket riot of 1886, which helped inspire the annual may day observance for international workers, broke out on randolph street, directly in the heart of the west loop.  live indie music enthusiasts may know that the annual pitchfork music festival is held at union park, also in the west loop.  antique collectors may know that the intensely popular chicago antique market is held in the west loop on the last saturday of the summer months.