West Town Calling
By Fred Schlatter, Citysearch Contributor
Surely, part of West Town's new appeal must be its undefined boundaries--a nebulousness that earns the neighborhood a kind of mysterious vibe. You hear "it's in West Town" and think cool…now where's that, exactly? Smart business owners know this, too, resulting in a heavy concentration of leading-edge restaurants, bars and shops. Start your trip-planning with some of these spots.
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Coalfire
1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
James Spillane (of Matchbox fame) probably opened this East coast-inspired BYOB expecting a comfortable neighborhood restaurant. What he got was a frenzied foodie stop where wine-toting pizza fans fawn over his charred, toothsome crust. -
Habana Libre
1440 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Cuban food can suffer from its own unique identity--not quite Latin, not quite Caribbean, but altogether familiar. Happily, this cheery dining room clears the air with perfectly seasoned croquetas and glorious Cuban sandwiches. -
El Taco Veloz
1745 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
This busy taco joint sports a huge, mega-wattage disco-light show above its door--a beacon for late-night party people exiting nearby bars. But the super-flavorful tacos, huaraches and gorditas demand your sober attention.
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The Fifty/50
2047 W Division St, Chicago, IL
Here's why this three-tiered powerhouse is a good one to have in your rotation; it's a bar, a restaurant, a place to catch the game and one heck of scene after midnight come the weekend. Now if only they did a Mother's Day brunch… -
Juicy Wine Co.
694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Rodney Alex's bar and lounge is like a tricked-out tree house, equipped with countless bottles of great wine, along with killer pate. You have the option to grab your wine and victuals to go, but one look at the cork walls and bolstered seating and you'll reconsider. -
The Chipp Inn
832 N Greenview Avenue, Chicago, IL
Like well-worn denim, the Chipp is a little frayed from hard use but always loyal. Newcomers take note: You must see to your own empties if you are sitting at a table. And as a bonus, spelling bees. No, really. -
Darkroom
2210 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
This place is right for you if you feel: 1)Nightclubs should be dark, or possibly kind of red; 2) Music should be played by actual musicians and not little electronic devices; 3) Fedoras, costume jewelry and vintage sneakers are required accessories.
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koi 8
1927 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Big fancy stores might boast selection and volume, but they can't compete with the painfully hand-picked local and just downright artistic clothing available at this miniature boutique. -
RR #1 Chicago
814 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
The old-world apothecary is a lost category--replaced by one-stop big-box stores. Sad, as the joy of perusing the myriad home and personal items at RR will remind you, sometimes the point is to avoid the to-do list. -
Gamma Player
2035 W Division St, Chicago, IL
Even if you wouldn't be caught dead in the latest European and Asian fashions, this dramatic boutique is worth a visit--if, at the very least, for the exceptional sound track--composed by DJ and co-owner Jeff Mills.
