I love going back to Chicago, especially the West Loop which I’ve grown to love more and more each time I visit. Here is everything I did in my 72 hours in Chicago’s West Loop.
My first stop, of course, was Au Cheval for lunch. This diner-style bar is home to, in my opinion, the best cheeseburger in the country. They do not take reservations, so be sure to get there early, order for pick-up, or be prepared to stand in line.
Au Cheval
Must Try: Roasted Marrow Bones, Cheeseburger with Bacon, Omelette…. and always order a side of bacon
Address: 800 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Everyday 11:00AM-10:15PM
For dinner, I stayed close in the West Loop and tried Trivoli Tavern for the first time. It’s hidden in a quaint courtyard, and the ambience, the food, and the service were all extremely impressive. Great spot for a date night or a celebratory dinner.
Trivoli Tavern
Must Try: Skillet Cornbread, Pigs In A Blanket, Tavern Wedge Salad, Truffle Bucatini, Whole Branzino, Mushroom Casserole
Address: 114 N Green St. Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Everyday 4:30PM-10:15PM
I woke up Saturday morning and immediately needed coffee. That called for a quick trip to Foxtrot Market. Even though it’s more of a “liquor store” in the West Loop, you can grab a cup of coffee and some grab n’ go food if you’re on the move.
Foxtrot Market
Address: 1019 West Lake, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00AM-10:00PM / Friday 7:00AM-11:00PM / Saturday 8:00AM-11:00PM / Sunday 8AM-10PM
Once I had coffee in my system, I wanted to explore a new museum since it was extremely cold outside. WNDR Museum is an immersive art & technology experience located in the West Loop as well. Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time because it fills up quickly.
WNDR Museum
Off-Peak Pricing: $30, Peak-Pricing: $36
Address: 1130 W. Monroe St. Chicago, Illinois 60607
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:00PM-8:00PM / Friday & Saturday 10:00AM-8:00PM / Sunday 10:00AM-8:00PM
Saturday night, a couple friends and I went to the United Center to catch a Chicago Bulls basketball game. The United Center is home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and offers a huge selection of artists to see in concert and more.
United Center
Click here to see who’s playing soon
Address: 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Sunday morning calls for Sunday brunch. Little Goat Diner is the perfect spot. It’s always smart to make a reservation ahead of time.
Little Goat Diner
Must Try: Hot Crab Dip, Hash Browns, Fried Chicken Sammie, Patty Melt, This Little Piggy Went To China
Address: 820 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7:00AM-3:00PM / Monday Closed
By Sunday afternoon, I was officially in a food coma and exhausted from the busy weekend. One of my best friends and I decided to hop over to River West to go to AIRE Ancient Baths. This spa is unlike any I have been to before. The magical, calming atmosphere allowed us to discover the baths at our own pace at different temperatures. If you’re ever in need of a spa experience, I highly recommend AIRE. They also have locations in New York and across Europe.
AIRE Ancient Baths
Click here to book a spa treatment
Address: 800 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60642
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-11:00PM / Friday-Sunday 8:00AM-11:00PM
After AIRE, it was sadly time to leave. To get to and from the airport, I like booking a car with A1 Limousine. They’re always very reliable and on-time.
…And that was my 72 hours in Chicago’s West Loop. I’d love to hear your Chicago suggestions below for my next trip.
THE WATERS EDIT 