West Loop

West Loop[edit]

The West Loop lies along the western bank of the Chicago River. It is approximately bounded by Grand Avenue on the north, Ashland Avenue on the west, the Eisenhower Expressway on the south, and the Chicago River on the east. Popular restaurants line Randolph Street, including Girl and the Goat by Stephanie Izard,^[14] and Leña Brava by Rick Bayless.^[15] The area has experienced rapid gentrification.^[16] A former manufacturing and warehousing area, many of the buildings have been converted to loft condominiums, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios were located on Randolph Street,^[17] and the site is currently under construction to be the corporate headquarters of McDonald's.^[18] Soho House was one of the first boutique hotels in West Loop, and Ace Hotels followed in 2017. Retailers in West Loop include Maria Pinto, Billy Reid, Free People, and Aesop.