Near West Side

Just west of Chicago’s Loop, the community area known as the Near West Side is actually a conglomeration of neighborhoods – and an eclectic one at that. Bounded on the north by Grand Avenue, on the south by 16^th Street, on the west by the Pennsylvania Railroad, and on the east by the Chicago River, the Near West is many things at once: a transportation hub, a mecca for ethnic neighborhoods, one of the largest medical districts in America, a university town, and the home of the Bulls/Blackhawks at United Center. What was once a poverty-stricken and largely industrial region has become one of the city’s fastest growing residential centers.

The West Loop and Greektown

With the Kennedy Expressway running along its eastern end, the Eisenhower Expressway along its southern end, and Chicago’s elegant Union Station (in the area known as the West Loop Gate), this region has the bustling traffic of its famous namesake all over again. Warehouses and factories give the area an industrial aura, yet behind many of the sweeping brick facades are converted lofts and commercial spaces, housing everything from art galleries to a diverse assortment of restaurants. Condos and towering condominiums also add to the skyline. With its proximity to the Loop, its relative affordability, and the University of Illinois’ Chicago Campus just around the corner (south of the Eisenhower Expressway), the West Loop has become a popular residential destination among young urbanites. Needless to say, the area is also replete with a thriving nightlife, starched collar or no collar, sports fan or Cabernet aficionado. If trendy bars aren’t your idea of culture, however, you can always go Greek! Centering on Halsted Street is Chicago’s Greektown, which, despite its humble appearance, is sure to excite your palate. And when the sun is out, you can let that lamb souvlaki digest while taking a stroll in one of the West Loop’s two verdant parks, amidst some stunning views to the east: Union Park and Skinner Park. Numerous festivals take place in the summer, including the Pitchfork Music Festival and a 5K Run/Walk (with an ensuing block party).

Fulton River District

On the western edge of the Chicago River (south of Grand and north of Madison) is the Fulton River District, another commingling of residential and commercial that has come to typify the Near West. Once known for its manufacturing and still known as a transportation hub, the neighborhood is full of converted lofts (of the kind already mentioned), townhomes, and mid- to high-rise condiminiums. While the Union Station is Chicago’s prominent (and last) intercity terminal, the Ogilvie Transportation Center – located just north of Union Station in the Fulton River District – is one of Chicago’s prominent extra-city stations, serving three commuter rail lines of the Metra’s Union Pacific District. In the last decade or so, the area has also become a culinary hotspot, with some of the finest restaurants downtown.

University Village and Little Italy

As the birthplace of the Chicago blues (on Maxwell Street) as well as the Chicago hotdog, the area between the Dan Ryan Expressway and Ashland Avenue known as University Village is not short of cultural institutions. For starters, there’s the institution of higher learning after which the neighborhood has been named. In the last few years the university has attracted a variety of little shops and restaurants to the strip along Halsted, which has been totally rebuilt. But in addition to the residential and retail properties catering to numerous University of Illinois (UIC) students and faculty, the Village is also home to Chicago’s piece of the boot: the signs and smells along Taylor street betray the fact that one is in Little Italy, that haven of slow-cooked risotto and chicken vesuvio. Tree-lined streets, blackstones, and brick walkups pair an Old World feel with frantic new development. Like the Near West in general, University Village is ripe with new construction and renovations, but three parks (as well as the UIC campus itself) add some green to the equation.

Illinois Medical District

Just west of University Village is the area known as the Illinois Medical District (also called the Medical Village). As the 6^th largest medical district in the United States, it certainly lives up to its name. Included among the various institutions are the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County – which served as the model for the ER series – Rush University Medical Center, the Chicago Dept. of Public Health, and many more.

Tri-Taylor

Once joined to Little Italy before the construction of the Illinois Medical Center, this triangle shaped neighborhood just west of the Medical District further reflects the immigrant history of the Near West. One of the more conspicuous nods to this history is the collection of 19^th Century row houses – with their detail work and Italianate quoins – that line such streets as Bowler Street and Oakley Boulevard.

Our Favorite Restaurants

Wow Cafe & Wingery (717 W. Maxwell St.) - Cozy little neighborhood bar and grill with awesome burgers, wings, wraps, and sweet potato fries.

Joy Yee Noodle (1335 S. Halsted) - Huge menu of Pan-Asian cuisine served in casual dining environment. Must have 100 items including every imaginable noodle dish and soup.

Meli Cafe & Juice Bar - Great for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, this place has a light and airy atmosphere. Menu includes a large assortment of very reasonable priced omelets, skillets, and frittatas along with crepes, waffles, and french toast. Sandwiches are also out of this world.

Hong Kong Delight - This is our favorite for Chinese carry out as the restaurant does not offer a great atmosphere. Food is delicious, authentic, and reasonably priced.

Our Favorite Merchants

Gateway Auto Service (840 W. Washington) - Shadi Qattawi has achieved the American dream. A few years ago, with help from his landlord, he started his own auto service shop. Today he has 3 locations and is always packed - with good reason. They know what they are doing and believe in customer service.