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 AviaryCocktail Bar
  • Girl & The GoatBrunch
  • SmythAmerican

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Near West Side in Chicago

Top things to do in Near West Side

  • Mary Bartelme Park Playground

    Mary Bartelme Park Playground

    4.7 · 1.2k
    Playground

    1.4-acre park featuring a play area, a sunken dog park & a viewing hill with city vistas.

    Every day
    6 AM – 11 PM

Where to eat & drink in Near West Side

  • The Aviary

    The Aviary

    Top 500 bar
    Cocktail Bar· $100+

    Swanky cocktail lounge with intricate drinks in super creative presentations & clever small bites.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    5 PM – 11 PM
    Fri
    5 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    4:30 PM – 1 AM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Girl & The Goat

    Girl & The Goat

    4.7 · 8.0k
    Brunch· $50–100

    Girl & 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

    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
  • Sawada Coffee

    Sawada Coffee

    4.6 · 2.2k
    Coffee Shop· $1–20

    Chill spot for creative & classic coffee drinks in cozy, rustic-chic digs with Ping-Pong.

    Every day
    8 AM – 4 PM
  • Ever

    Ever

    Michelin ★★
    American· $$$$

    Ever sits on a quiet stretch of Fulton Market, where Chef Curtis Duffy runs a world of his own making.

  • Elske

    Elske

    Michelin
    American· $$$$

    Elske delivers a thoughtful, seasonally driven experience from Chefs David Posey and Anna Posey.

  • EL Ideas

    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

    Next

    Michelin
    American· $$$$

    Whether you come to experience the cuisine of ancient Rome or Hollywood, a meal here is pure dinner theater.

  • Mako

    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.

  • Momotaro

    Momotaro

    4.7 · 3.9k
    Japanese· $100+

    Boka Restaurant Group’s stunning West Loop canteen embraces a fantastical view of Japanese dining.

    Mon–Thu
    5 PM – 10 PM
    Fri
    11 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 11 PM
    Sat
    4:30 PM – 11 PM
    Sun
    5 PM – 10 PM
  • Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

    Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

    4.7 · 2.8k
    Italian· $50–100

    Chef 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
  • Gaijin

    Gaijin

    4.6 · 1.3k
    Japanese· $30–60

    Gaijin is Paul Virant's love letter to okonomiyaki. Okonomi in Japanese means "what you like” and accordingly guests here are encouraged to choose their own course.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    11 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
    Sat
    11 AM – 10 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 10 PM
  • Muse Coffee Studio

    Muse Coffee Studio

    4.9 · 294
    Coffee Shop· $1–10

    A coffee studio in Chicago offering artisanal coffee, seasonal lattes, specialty drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for community events.

  • Aba

    Aba

    4.8 · 10.5k
    Mediterranean· $40–100

    Posh destination for elevated Mediterranean fare and cocktails, plus a lounge-style rooftop patio.

    Mon–Wed
    11 AM – 10 PM
    Thu
    4 PM – 11 PM
    Fri
    11 AM – 11 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 11 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 10 PM
  • Beatrix

    Beatrix

    4.7 · 5.8k
    American· $20–40

    Modern, all-day venue with an American eatery, wine and cocktail bar, and bakery café.

    Mon–Thu
    7 AM – 9 PM
    Fri
    7 AM – 10 PM
    Sat
    8 AM – 8 PM
    Sun
    8 AM – 9 PM

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Near West Side map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Near West Side with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1The Aviary
  2. 2Girl & The Goat
  3. 3Smyth
  4. 4Mary Bartelme Park Playground
  5. 5Sawada Coffee
  6. 6Ever
  7. 7Elske
  8. 8EL Ideas
  9. 9Next
  10. 10Mako

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