Welcome to The Loop
Bustling with activity and iconic views, The Loop is Chicago’s official downtown center and hub of community activities
The urban neighborhood of The Loop is one of Chicago’s most distinctive. Loaded with character, tourist attractions, and some of the best restaurants in the city, The Loop is an attractive place to call home for young professionals, students, and those seeking an adventurous and busy lifestyle.
The Loop is the central business district of Chicago and the commercial core of the city. Bursting with retail opportunities from independently-owned boutiques to some of the best retailers in fashion, The Loop has everything you could want in a downtown neighborhood and more. If you’re a shopper and a foodie, The Loop is the perfect destination for you! Home to hundreds of diverse restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world and the annual Taste of Chicago festival, The Loop is the place to be for crave-worthy meals and creative menus.
What to Love
- The most dynamic and convenient place to live in Chicago
- Beautiful architectural structures juxtaposed by Lake Michigan in the background
- Variety of housing options
Local Lifestyle
Searching for the perfect Chicago neighborhood to call home is certainly difficult, but when it comes to the dynamic, cultural experiences of The Loop, there is no contest. If you’re looking for the ideal neighborhood that perfectly blends culture, entertainment, and experience with historic buildings, quiet parks, and charming residential spaces with diverse housing options, The Loop is the perfect Chicago neighborhood for you. Enjoy walkable streets in a bustling downtown center, catch the latest world-class performance at the Chicago Theater, stroll Block 37 Mall for endless shopping opportunities, and take in the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Michigan. The best of both worlds, The Loop is an idyllic community for those with an adventurous spirit and appreciation for culture.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Situated atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s Rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace is Chicago’s hidden gem. Surrounded by expansive views of Millenium Park and Lake Michigan, Cindy’s Rooftop is the go-to summer destination for refreshing cocktails and seasonal comfort food. Enjoy New American cuisine for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and be sure to browse the extensive wine list for fantastic flavors year-round.
Owned by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless, The Dearborn is an 8,000-square foot restaurant serving upscale cuisine inspired by the Midwest. Led by Chef Aaron Cuschieri, make a reservation for an incredible brunch, working lunch, or dinner celebration with family. The perfect spot for an intimate break from the bustling city, The Dearborn provides an upscale, yet relaxed, atmosphere and friendly service. Classic menu items include Midwest fried chicken, baby kale and wild mushroom pizza, famous fish and chips, and world-class burgers.
Located in the Pendry Hotel, Venteux is a brasserie, oyster bar, and cafe offering classic, and sometimes unexpected, French cuisine with unique flavors inspired by Chef Joseph Mosconi. It’s easy to transport yourself to Paris when dining at Venteux — from the perfectly presented cuisine to the atmosphere, this upscale restaurant is a Parisian gem in the heart of Chicago. Enjoy dishes like steak frites, roasted duck, and Ratatouille pasta served with the utmost care and hospitality from the welcoming staff.
Block 37 Mall is the ultimate dining, entertainment, and shopping experience in Chicago. Encompassing an entire city block, Block 37 Mall features a five-level lifestyle center with top-tier fashion brands, award-winning restaurants, and AMC dine-in theaters. If you’re looking for a busy way to spend the day, make sure to visit Block 37 Mall to explore the shops and find your next favorite restaurant.
Making headlines, The “Gothic” Target features a metal facade reminiscent of historical cathedrals in Europe. The building itself has been a landmark since 1975 and now features the Target bulls-eye right in the center of the ornately black building. A bit jarring at first, but beloved by Chicago residents, a visit to this specific Target location should be on your to-do list!
Located right in the middle of Michigan Avenue, Nutella Cafe is the greatest experience for those who crave this creamy, nutty treat! A “one-of-a-kind happy place,” the cafe features amazing Nutella-inspired dishes and drinks in a creative and welcoming space. The perfect spot for unique desserts and drinks, Nutella Cafe offers something for self-proclaimed sweet tooths to enjoy.
Things to Do
Since The Loop is centrally located and known as the “cultural hub” of Chicago, there are endless things to do in this neighborhood. Catch a performance at the Chicago Theater for regional, national, and international acts and visit downtown Chicago’s #1 museum, The Art Institute of Chicago to explore unique rotating exhibits and attend educational workshops for all ages.
Visit Millenium Park, a lively town square in the heart of the city where you can also find The Bean, ice skating rinks in the winter, and concerts and performances in the summer. South of Millenium Park lies the Buckingham Fountain in the Rose Garden, situated above Grant Park. The fountain is one of the largest in the world and showcases a water performance for 20 minutes every hour. Composed of pink Georgia marble and granite, the fountain is listed as an official Chicago landmark and noted on the National Register of Historic Places.
Looking for a taste of adventure? Visit Skydeck at Willis Tower for some of the best views in the city! Step out onto the glass edge that overlooks the city and take in the skyline — Skydeck’s ledge sits at 1,353 feet and extends almost five feet away from the building. A popular event space, Skydeck is a can’t-miss activity for residents and tourists alike, if you’re brave enough to step onto the ledge!
Home to the world’s largest food festival, Taste of Chicago is held over five days in July at Grant Park, a 312-acre public park located in Chicago’s central business district. The event showcases Chicago’s diverse culinary scene with hundreds of food vendors, cooking demonstrations and workshops, live music, and activities throughout the park. Another famous festival held at Grant Park is Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival celebrating music across all genres, the visual arts, and non-profit organizations. Also held each year in July, Lollapalooza brings over 170 bands across 8 stages to the neighborhood and offers “carnival-like” fare to curb your cravings and quench your thirst during the hottest event of the summer.
Schools
In addition to a few high-achieving public and private schools in the area, The Loop is home to two top-rated institutions of higher education:
