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Chicago Neighborhood Guide: West Town
Are you interested in living in a vibrant part of Chicago with lots of heart and soul? Welcome to one of the artsiest, most eclectic neighborhoods in the city. A stroll in any direction is sure to take you past vintage shops, public art, and locals who are proud to call Chicago their home. As a melting pot of different cultures, West Town has one of the richest food scenes in the city. While living here, you can explore a variety of different cuisines, snag handmade home decor from a street fair, or take on the task of finding all of West Town’s murals.
Within West Town are smaller neighborhoods, including Ukrainian Village, an up-and-coming area filled with young professionals, Noble Square, lined with historic Chicago homes, and the south end of Wicker Park, a haven full of unique bars and coffee shops.
Are you thinking of moving to this neighborhood? Check out our guide below!
Where to eat in West Town
Whether you enjoy a weekend brunch or live music and a cocktail, you’ll find a vibrant drinking and dining experience at Beatnik. This hotspot prides itself on being named after the “bohemian freethinkers of the 1950s and ‘60s,” and offering guests “an exotic escape and breathtaking views of the Chicago River with progressive, globetrotting food and cocktails paired with a luxurious Old-World design.” Need we say more?
Dine under twinkling string lights in the garden of the Italian restaurant, Piccolo Sogno, order sushi in a modern setting at Arami, or indulge in German cuisine with a Southern flair at Funkenhausen. West Townians can also dig into some delicious Korean food at Kimchi Pop, fulfill their fried chicken cravings at Roost Chicken & Biscuits or opt for some classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza at the local pizzeria, Bartoli’s. Those looking to enjoy a sophisticated night out can head to Porto, the wine bar complete with spirits and seafood!
In case these choices aren’t enough, this neighborhood is just a couple of blocks away from the city’s iconic, “Restaurant Row” in Fulton Market!
Where to get groceries in West Town
Both Whole Foods and Mariano’s, two of the largest grocery store chains, can be found in the West Town area. You will also find several local grocery shops, including Green Grocer, Garden Gourmet Market, and Farmers Pride Produce.
Where to get coffee in West Town
In this corner of the city, you will find coffee shops galore! Check out unique blends from local roasters, Dark Matter Coffee and Intelligentsia, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a marshmallow latte from Big Shoulders.
Is iced coffee more your style? If so, venture to the Chocolate City Coffee Palace and Bodega (owned by Dark Matter Coffee) which specializes in cold brew drinks. The bodega element refers to Chocolate City’s collection of sweets and snacks from other locally owned businesses!
You can also treat yourself to a cup of coffee and a donut at the famous Stan’s Donuts & Coffee or at Liberation Donuts just a few blocks away.
Outdoor attractions in West Town
Jump on the 606 Trail, an elevated path weaving through this part of Chicago. There will be no dodging traffic on this route—instead, the 606 draws in urban walkers, runners, and bikers who prefer to have the city as their view while being active. Along the way, you’ll also find unique plants and art installations!
Get in an outdoor workout or set up a picnic in one of the spacious neighborhood greens such as Union Park or Eckhart Park. This neighborhood also has plenty of biking, boating, and kayaking rentals for those who want to explore the area in a new way.
In addition, summer months offer myriad quintessential Chicago street festivals, complete with food, drink, art, music, and vendors.
Local gyms in West Town
Get in a high-intensity workout at West Town CF – Coalition Strength & Conditioning, or work with a personal trainer to achieve your goals at BluPrint Fitness. Other fitness clubs in the area include The Garage Chicago, a strength-focused studio, P.volve, which hosts a ton of cardio classes, and the Mode Gym in West Loop, open 24 hours and equipped with nutritionists, cryotherapy, and more.
Anytime Fitness, Wicker Park Fitness, and CrossFit are also available in the neighborhood.
Live music and nightlife in West Town
Enjoy live music and wine tasting at City Winery, a lavish, industrial venue located on Randolph Street. If beer is more your style, try Forbidden Root Brewery for a collection of drafts made from botanical, natural ingredients. Socialites can enjoy beer and bowling at Burnt City Brewery, check out the relaxed vibes of On Tour microbrewery, or visit the busy beer garden of Kaiser Tiger gastropub.
Jam out to alternative music (and snag a few cheap drinks) at The Empty Bottle, indulge in a cocktail at popular speakeasy The Violet Hour, or zip over to Whiskey Business in Wicker Park to experience a lively west side rooftop.
Transportation in West Town
Chicago is one of the most walkable (or bikeable) cities in America, and this neighborhood is no exception. For quicker travel on public transit, hop on the nearby CTA public bus, with stops available on almost every street corner. This area is located just three miles west from Downtown Chicago, making it a breezy ride to the city’s downtown area or to the Lake Michigan waterfront.
The neighborhood also has quick access to major highways for those with a vehicle and is home to four “L” subway stops along the Blue Line. If you need to head east toward downtown Chicago for work or play, you’ll have plenty of options living in West Town.
Honorable mentions in West Town
Museum gurus rejoice! As one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, West Town boasts cultural institutions like the Polish Museum of America and the Ukrainian National Museum.
It is also home to countless public murals and the unique AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago, for those who want to relax and detox in a grandiose, stress-free setting.
Land a great apartment in West Town
If you like the idea of moving to West Town—including smaller neighborhoods Ukrainian Village, Noble Square, and Wicker Park—Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in West Town or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.
Still looking for the right Chicago neighborhood for you? Browse our other Chicago neighborhood guides, including:
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