The West Loop, Chicago's culinary heartland, boasts a vibrant gastropub scene. These aren't your average pubs; they elevate the classic pub experience with innovative menus, craft cocktails, and sophisticated atmospheres. This guide explores 19 of the best, offering a diverse range of experiences to suit every palate.
Finding Your Perfect West Loop Gastropub: A Quick Guide
Before diving into the list, let's consider what makes a West Loop gastropub stand out. Many prioritize locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing seasonal menus. Others emphasize a specific beer selection, featuring local breweries or extensive international options. Ambiance plays a crucial role, with some offering cozy, intimate settings, while others have a lively, bustling atmosphere. This guide categorizes them to help you find the perfect fit:
Categories:
- Upscale Gastropubs: Focus on refined dishes and premium drinks.
- Casual Gastropubs: Relaxed environments with a focus on good food and a friendly atmosphere.
- Beer-Focused Gastropubs: Extensive beer lists, often featuring local craft brews.
- Unique Concepts: Gastropubs with unique themes or offerings.
Top 19 Gastropubs in West Loop Chicago: The Ultimate List
This list isn't ranked in order of preference; instead, it's organized by category to help you discover the perfect spot based on your preferences.
Upscale Gastropubs
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The Purple Pig: Mediterranean-inspired gastropub with a lively atmosphere and innovative small plates. Famous for its exceptional charcuterie and wine selection. Expect a higher price point.
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Monteverde: Michelin-recommended Italian gastropub with handmade pasta and refined dishes. This spot offers a more elegant dining experience within the gastropub concept.
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's celebrated restaurant offers globally-inspired small plates and a vibrant ambiance. It's a great option for a sophisticated yet fun night out.
Casual Gastropubs
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The Bedford: Classic British pub fare with a modern twist. Expect hearty dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Public House: Large space with multiple rooms, offering a wide-ranging menu and a great selection of beers on tap. Perfect for larger groups.
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Parsons Chicken & Fish: This casual gastropub is known for its incredible fried chicken, delicious fish, and a fantastic selection of craft beers. Expect a lively and often crowded atmosphere.
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RPM Italian: While generally considered a restaurant, RPM Italian's bar area offers a casual gastropub vibe with upscale Italian-American food and cocktails.
Beer-Focused Gastropubs
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Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: Known for its unique and delicious pizzas and a wide variety of its own craft beers.
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Old Town Social: Lively bar scene with an extensive craft beer selection and a menu of upscale bar food. This is a great place for a casual night out with friends.
Unique Concepts
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: A stylish steakhouse with a gastropub feel. Expect a refined menu and a sophisticated atmosphere.
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Au Cheval: A popular burger joint with a limited menu but incredibly flavorful and high-quality burgers. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.
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Ada Street: This unique gastropub focuses on farm-to-table cuisine with a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients.
More West Loop Gastropub Gems:
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Estereo: This restaurant offers a mix of Latin American flavors and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for a night of dancing and great food.
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Swift & Sons: This upscale steakhouse features a gastropub-style bar area with a more casual menu than the main dining room.
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Siena Tavern: Italian-inspired gastropub with a refined menu and a sophisticated atmosphere.
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Beatrix: A trendy spot offering a diverse menu, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for brunch or a casual dinner.
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Rosebud on Taylor: A Chicago classic, known for its Italian-American cuisine and lively ambiance.
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RPM Steak: While primarily a steakhouse, RPM Steak's bar area provides a gastropub experience with high-quality cocktails and a selection of smaller plates.
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Dusek's Board & Beer: A neighborhood gastropub that has a great selection of local and imported beers to go along with their fantastic menu.
Choosing Your West Loop Gastropub Adventure
This comprehensive list provides a starting point for your West Loop gastropub exploration. Remember to check websites for menus, hours, and reservations, especially for popular spots. Happy pub-crawling!
