Things to Do in Near West Side, Chicago
The Near West Side features Little Italy and Greektown, known for their excellent dining options. It's also the former home of basketball legend Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
The Near West Side features Little Italy and Greektown, known for their excellent dining options. It's also the former home of basketball legend Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
The AviaryCocktail Bar
Girl & The GoatBrunch
SmythAmerican
By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026
Top things to do in Near West Side
Where to eat & drink in Near West Side
Girl & The Goat
★ 4.7 · 8.1kBrunch· $50–100Girl & The Goat remains a lively and consistently busy restaurant, with a dining room that hums from open to close. The energetic atmosphere is matched by a warm and welcoming tone, even as the space fills with a mix of groups, families…
- Mon–Thu
- 4:30 PM – 10 PM
- Fri
- 4:30 PM – 11 PM
- Sat
- 4:30 PM – 11 PM
- Sun
- 10 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Smyth
Michelin ★★★American· $100+Smyth offers a polished yet welcoming dining experience, where chefs John Shields and Karen Urie-Shields present a highly personal and ingredient-driven tasting menu. The open kitchen and warm, understated room create an atmosphere that's…
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue–Fri
- 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sat
- 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sun
- Closed
Ever
Michelin ★★American· $$$$Ever sits on a quiet stretch of Fulton Market, where Chef Curtis Duffy runs a world of his own making.
Elske
Michelin ★American· $$$$Elske delivers a thoughtful, seasonally driven experience from Chefs David Posey and Anna Posey.
EL Ideas
Michelin ★American· $$$$Channeling all the ease of an underground dinner party, Chef Phillip Foss invites guests into his literal home (he lives upstairs).
Next
Michelin ★American· $$$$Whether you come to experience the cuisine of ancient Rome or Hollywood, a meal here is pure dinner theater.
Mako
Michelin ★Japanese· $$$$Veteran chef B.K. Park has spun out this inspiring shrine to omakase. With nothing but a lone plaque marking its entrance, this Japanese delight can be tough to spot.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
★ 4.7 · 2.8kItalian· $50–100Chef Sarah Grueneberg is a local celebrity, so expect her offspring to be packed to the last dining counter stool by 5:30 P.M. Then again this is prime seating, because behind that wood-grain bar lies the pasta station where sheets are...
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue–Thu
- 11 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri
- 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sat
- 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sun
- Closed
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Near West Side map
Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1The Aviary
- 2Girl & The Goat
- 3Smyth
- 4Mary Bartelme Park Playground
- 5Ever
- 6Sawada Coffee
- 7Federales Tacos & Tequila - Fulton Market, Chicago
- 8Elske
- 9EL Ideas
- 10Next
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