West Loop

From Oprah to "opaa!" this neighborhood is hot. In a fast-evolving mix of tradition and cutting-edge modern, ethnic meets eclectic and culture meets commerce.   

Along with the vibrant restaurants in Greektown, the trendy restaurants and nightlife around Randolph and Fulton Market Streets, and the famous Harpo Production Studios, visitors are attracted to a growing number of art galleries and specialty stores.

Locally-owned businesses have set-up shop here.  Starting at the north end of the West Loop, concentrated around Fulton, Lake and Washington Streets, art lovers can find a growing selection of local galleries including FLATFILEgalleries that showcases contemporary art and photographs, [needs work...]

On Lake Street under the el, Koros Art & Style has trendy clothing and accessories for women [needs more], and Northwestern Cutlery is a favored stop for local chefs to purchase or sharpen their cutlery. 

Randolph Street is home to the Chicago Chocolate Company, a café and chocolate store offering sandwiches and soups for the local lunch crowd, and late hours for the after-dinner crowd seeking a sweet treat.  

Three locally owned wine merchants include Randolph Wine Cellars, Bennett & Bennett Special Wines, and Just Grapes, across the street from Ogilvie Transportation Center, with a unique self-serve wine-tasting machine that lets customers sample wines before they buy.  

Ready to start your triathelon training? Mission Bay Multisport offers swim and cycling training gear for the dedicated athlete.

Waiting for a train at Ogilvie Station on Madison Street? Get a quick treat at Garrett Popcorn, bring home a box of chocolates from Ethel's Chocolate Lounge or Long Grove Confectionary, shop for women's shoes at Shooz on Madison, or grab a quick read at Waldenbooks.

Along Halsted, shoppers can pick-up the basics at Dominick's, or find authentic Greek items at  Athens Grocery.

West Loop is home to the Chicago Antique Market, and the Chicago Indie Designer Market where vendors show off their wares on West Randolph Street the last Sunday of each month from May – October.

Although the area still retains an industrial, "wholesale market" feel, the steady influx of new residents is giving West Loop the lived-in look of a neighborhood.  

Newly opened: Audio Consultants, Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge, Primitive Art Works

What you’ll find here:

Art & Antiques: Aron Packer Gallery, Douglas Dawson Gallery, FLATFILEgalleries, Primitive Art Works, Rhona Hoffman Gallery  

Clothing & Accessories: Carson Pirie Scott, Koros Art & Style, Kuhlman, Londo Mondo, Shooz on Madison

Groceries, Specialty Foods, Wine & Spirits: Athens Grocery, Bennett & Bennett, Chicago Chocolate Company, Dominick’s, Ethel's Chocolate Lounge, Garrett Popcorn,Gourmet 47 Café, Just Grapes, Long Grove Confectionary, Presidential Market, Randolph Wine Cellars 

Home Furnishings & Improvement: Audio Consultants, JC Licht (Benjamin Moore)

Specialty Stores: Athenian Candle, Calphalon Culinary Center, Helix Camera, Mission Bay Multisport, Northwestern Cutlery, Waldenbooks 

Photos courtesy of FLATFILEgalleries, Just Grapes and Koros Art & Style.

SeeMore Shopping Editorial Review by E. Engquist.
 
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