About the South Loop

The South Loop is such a dynamic mix of attractions and histories that the neighborhood tends to be seen as many different things to many different people. Consider the assorted areas that comprise the South Loop…

Much of its eastern edge is encompassed by the Museum Campus, an impressive collection of cultural treasures that includes the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. This campus sits on scenic lakefront parklands that are an extension of Grant Park. With 319 acres of green space and recreational fields, Grant Park is known as "Chicago's front yard" to locals and also plays host to major city events such as Taste of Chicago, Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza.

Jutting out further into Lake Michigan is Northerly Island, a peninsula sought out by nature lovers, while along the southern edge the sports fans know Soldier Field as the stadium for the beloved Chicago Bears football team. Meeting attendees are most familiar with McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the country, which is also in the immediate area.

And yet there are even more facets to the South Loop. History buffs point out the Motor Row District along South Michigan Avenue and nearby Prairie Avenue District, the "Millionaire's Row" that was lined with mansions belonging to Chicago's most wealthy elite during the end of the 19th century.

In the adjacent Printer's Row neighborhood, urban loft condos now fill the commercial spaces in what was formerly the center of the Midwest's publishing industry. Connections to this past are still seen within the venerable, independent book store and annual summer lit fest here. But business professionals and students have brought new life and redevelopment (though the vibe remains mellow), filling the restaurants, music clubs, smaller theaters and museums that have all established themselves in the community.

Attractions

Museum Campus; Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 12^th Street Beach https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/chicagos-museum-campus/

The Clark House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave. - If Chicago has a love of architecture, it probably begins here with Chicago's oldest domestic structure, a Greek Revival house built in 1836 by the Henry B. Clarke Family, a middle-class family life in Chicago during the city's formative years before the Civil War. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/clarke_house_museum.html

Glessner House; 1800 S. Prairie Ave. – Now a curated museum; one of the most architecturally significant residences in Chicago, was constructed on Prairie Avenue in 1885-86. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson during the so-called Gilded Age, when America's newly rich industrialists were living in modern-day castles. https://www.glessnerhouse.org/

Agora Sculpture; corner of Roosevelt RD, & Michigan Ave. - consists of 106 headless figures, posed as if walking in multiple directions or standing still, frozen in time. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/agora

Maxwell Street Market; on DesPlaines Street between Polk & Roosevelt – Sunday-only outdoor market featuring food & merchandise vendors, plus live performances & events. March to December 9am-3pm https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/maxwell_street_market.html

Further south on the lakefront are several events centers, including Soldier Field, which is not only the home of the Chicago Bears, but also hosts numerous concerts and other sporting events throughout the year.

McCormick Place opened in 1960 and is now comprised of 4 interconnected buildings is one of the largest and most popular convention centers in the United States. Events each year include the annual Auto Show, Comic-Con and numerous trade shows, and is home of the 4250 seat Arie Crown Theater where many of the most iconic stars of the 20^th century performed.

Wintrust Arena is home for the DePaul Blue Demons basketball team and Chicago's WNBA team – the Chicago Sky.

Parks and green space are abundant in the South Loop. Check out where to walk your puppy HERE>

Restaurants & Nightclubs

Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli; 1141 S. Jefferson – Chicago institution frequently the meeting place of renowned politicians and business people. Authentic Jewish deli and caterer. https://www.mannysdeli.com/

Aurelio's Pizza; 1212 S. Michigan Ave - Chicagoland's first and the nation's fifth established pizza chain. https://www.aureliospizza.com/location/chicago-south-loop/

Buddy Guy's Legends; 700 S. Wabash - Chicago's premier blues club now at it's new location, owned by Buddy Guy; local and national blues bands every night. Full menu and bar. https://buddyguy.com/

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan Ave. - Chicago landmark steakhouse restaurant located in South Loop in original 1905 firehouse. http://www.chicagofirehouse.com/

Acadia; 1639 S. Wabash – TWO STAR MICHELIN restaurant in Chicago's South Loop Neighborhood. Chef Ryan McCaskey's ten course menu is seasonal with contemporary takes on classic food. https://acadiachicago.com/

Tapas Valencia; 1530 S. State - creative Spanish tapas, unique cocktails, and a lively atmosphere with walls adorned in multi-colored mosaic artwork reminiscent of the art of the great Spanish artists Joan Miro and Antoni Gaudí. http://www.tapasvalencia.com/

Chicago Oyster House; 1933 S. Indiana - When it comes to finding the best oyster restaurant in the country, look no further than Chicago Oyster House. Chicago Oyster House has been ranked among the top 21 oyster houses for the entire United States by The Daily Meal. https://www.chicagooysterhouse.com/

Portillo's; 1520 W. Taylor St. - American fast casual restaurant chain based in the Chicago area that specializes in serving Chicago-style food such as hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish and Italian Beef.

The Spoke & Bird; 1727 S. Indiana Ave – A farm-to-table coffee house and eatery serving American style items with a French influence – especially their pastries. Timber loft interior – delivery and take-out.

The Burger Point; 1900 S. State St. - Known for organic, grass-fed specialty burgers, wings, chili and fries.

Krolls South Loop; 1736 S. Michigan Ave. - Kroll's West has been a local legend since they opened back in 1931. However, its sister pub, Kroll's South Loop has graced the south side of the street since 2003 and there has been no looking back. Just like its legendary counterpart, this pub offers close to 90 different types of beer from which, 70 are special beers from across the world. Their signature burgers, chili, and steaks are to die for.

Grocery & Liquor Stores

Mariano's @ 16^Th & Clark St.

Jewel @ 1224 S Wabash (Roosevelt & Wabash)

Trader Joe's @ 1147 S Wabash (Roosevelt & Wabash)

Whole Foods @ 1101 S Canal (Roosevelt & Canal St.)

Jewel @ 1340 S Canal (Roosevelt & Canal st.)

Binny's South Loop @ 1132 S. Jefferson St.

Various unique smaller grocers, liquor & convenience stores

Real Estate Stats

Over 80 Condominium Buildings – coming soon 1000M – luxury condos designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn at 10^th Street & Michigan Ave. Initially intended to be condos that would come to market at $1000/SF, it is now under constuction and will be the city's tallest apartment building. https://1000southmichigan.com

Over 30 Apartment Buildings – NEMA – at Roosevelt & Michigan Ave. offers luxury rentals in Chicago's (currently) tallest apartment building with over 70,000 SF of high-end amenities. https://www.rentnemachicago.com

Retail & Entertainment

The Roosevelt Collection; 150 W. Roosevelt Rd. – retail shops, ICON Theaters, luxury apartments https://www.rooseveltcollection.com/

Target; 1154 S. Clark St.

Home Depot; 1300 S. Clinton St.

Best Buy, Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and numerous other top name stores.

Schools

National Teachers Elementary Academy