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River West
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River West feels like it's at the crossroads of everything. Just across the water from River North, super close to the Loop, and a quick hop to fun spots like Fulton Market and Wicker Park, the location is hard to beat. It’s a pretty new (and relatively tiny) neighborhood, still establishing its own unique personality — and that’s part of what makes it so great. You have easy access to all the surrounding areas, short walks to local hidden gems, and a bit more room to spread out. Plus, with ongoing restoration and new development, things are only getting better.
All of the recent growth and change has led to an influx of new residents, galleries, and coffee shops. There’s a handful of great restaurants and bars along Milwaukee Avenue if you want to stay close to home, but you can also easily catch the Blue Line or cruise along protected bike lanes from there. It’s all tucked into a small, mellow, riverfront community.
River West is the pair of front row seats that, somehow, everyone else missed. It’s a new luxury loft in a restored historic building. It’s a quick train ride to work, a brisk bike ride to the park, and a relaxing stroll to happy hour — all just outside your front door. It’s ending the day on your rooftop deck, enjoying the breeze, and gazing out at beautiful downtown Chicago.
Backstory
River West’s early days saw the migration of European residents from Scandinavia, Italy, and Poland — many to work in the district’s lumber, piano, and shoe-making industries. By the 1960s though, when the sounds of manufacturing had quieted down, and the Kennedy Expressway had razored through the neighborhood, there were far fewer residents.
By the late 1980s, a shortage of affordable land close to Chicago’s downtown led developers to consider the untapped potential of River West — and good thing they did! Over the past few decades, this little pocket of Chicago has been totally redefining itself. With a charming mix of gloss and grit, the area’s shiny new shops sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the exposed brickwork of century-old historic buildings.
Local Fare
- La Scarola - This is one of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants. Tables are always filled with happy diners, and the walls are crammed with photos of celebrity customers. Bring a small group for big plates of Italian comfort food — and a couple bottles of wine, obviously.
- Iguana Cafe - Originally located in Greece, this adorable European bistro relocated to Chicago in 2000. Take your time in their cozy cafe with a steaming cappuccino and a warm, nutella-filled crepe.
- Piccolo Sogno - This ‘Little Dream’ has one of the most gorgeous patios in the city, where you can surround yourself with green ivy, leafy trees, and glowing lights. The Italian menu is all about simple classic dishes, with wine pairing advice from the expert staff.
- Dandy Crown - Like stepping into a friend’s on-trend living room, the Dandy Crown is the area’s best for inventive cocktails. Enjoy with small plates and good friends.
- Big Shoulders Coffee - Chef Tim Coonan started roasting coffee in his garage as a hobby. Now, years later, Big Shoulders has been named the best coffee in Illinois by Food&Wine. The space is simple, the staff is friendly, and the coffee is just straight up delicious.
- The Matchbox - Step one foot inside this tiny bar and the name will make so much sense. It’s been around since 1945, serving classic drinks like Manhattans and Sidecars — and there’s now an outdoor area with some super cute front porch vibes.
Things to Do
- AIRE Ancient Baths - For such a tiny area, River West has more than its share of spas and wellness centers. But none are quite like AIRE, where you can start the weekend with the luxury of an ancient bath house, hidden inside a beautifully restored building from 1902.
- Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art - The name of this intriguing gallery says it all. Expect the unexpected in an exhibition space inspired by the personal visions of non-mainstream artists.
- Chicago Dramatists - This River West arts institution offers classes in all kinds of playwriting, from musical theater to solo storytelling, as well as intimate staged readings from young and emerging artists.
Sights to See
Transportation
River West is bordered to the west by the I-90, so you can jump on the freeway to get out of town in no time. The Blue Line shoots quickly to the Loop, or can get you to either airport in roughly 45 minutes. Milwaukee Ave features protected bike lanes, as well as buses, so you have plenty of options to get downtown, or hop to other nearby neighborhoods.
- the Loop: ~10 min by public transit
- the Lake (Ohio Street Beach): ~20 min by public transit; ~40 min walk
- O’Hare: ~40 min by public transit
- Midway: ~45min by public transit
- Fulton Market: ~10 min by public transit; ~15 min walk