West Town

Why we love it

This cultural melting pot is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laidback taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art — both in the galleries and on the streets.

Explore like a local

• Experience traditional self-care rituals, from thermal baths to saltwater pools, in a restored historic building at AIRE Ancient Baths.
• Explore a thought-provoking exhibit at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, which showcases the work of self-taught artists outside the mainstream.
• Shop for cowboy attire, hats, and boots at Alcala’s Western Wear.

Insider tips

Over the past century, West Town has seen waves of immigrants from all over the world. These global influences have shaped the neighborhood into the funky, creative enclave it is today. This is where you can find an Old-World pierogi joint, a botanical-inspired brewery, and a contemporary omakase spot — all on the same street.

Dine around: If you’re spending a day in West Town, Chicago Avenue is a good spot to start exploring. Many of the area’s diverse restaurants and bars are clustered around this area, like Chicago’s first botanic brewery (Forbidden Root), a caviar bar (Heritage Restaurant), a BYOB Creole spot (Soulé), and a Filipino bakery with lines out the door (Kasama).

Do a taproom crawl: Try a new brew at the area’s many craft breweries, like On Tour Brewing Company, Midwest Coast Brewing Company, and Burnt City Brewing.

Explore art and history from Ukraine and beyond: West Town encompasses the historic Ukrainian Village area, which brings tons of Eastern European heritage to the area. The Ukrainian National Museum houses an unparalleled collection of cultural items and artifacts, and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presents works by internationally recognized artists from around the globe. And don’t miss the burgeoning gallery district and colorful public art that attracts artists and art-lovers to West Town.

Hunt for treasures: Spend some time discovering antique treasures at cool salvage shops like Urban Remains and Salvage One. Then hit up the Center for Order and Experimentation, a coffee shop with a curated retail selection from independent makers.

See a show: Make time to catch a show at The Empty Bottle, a beloved live music venue known for showcasing local and touring acts.

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