South Loop offers a glimpse into Chicago’s past and present, with historic buildings and modern developments lining the streets. This neighborhood once housed many of Chicago’s bars and burlesque theaters, although now Soldier Field and the Field Museum dominate its reputation. Nestled just south of the Loop, this area participates in downtown’s hustle and bustle while maintaining its own charm. Some of the best bites in Chicago are located in this neighborhood, and our team of locals delivers the inside scoop on the neighborhood’s most flavorful dishes.
Read on to see our list of the best South Loop restaurants.
If you want to make this neighborhood your next home, reach out to AptAmigo for help finding the perfect apartment for you. If you’re still searching for a neighborhood that is right for you, read our ultimate Chicago neighborhood guide.
Related: Best South Loop Bars and Where to Go for Valentine’s Day
The Best South Loop Restaurants
Cafecito
Located: 26 East Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605
This straightforward Cuban restaurant offers delicious coffee, lots of Latin American food, and a comfortable dining room. Cafecito’s popular pressed sandwiches and breakfast items keep their business thriving, and they now run multiple locations throughout the city. In addition to their regular offerings, the owners implemented a vegan menu to continue to broaden their customer base.
Favorite meal:
Cafecito made the list for its famous Cubano. Try their take on this simple and delicious sandwich — it’ll make your mouth water.
Yolk – South Loop
Located: 1120 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Now known as a chain restaurant across Chicago and other major cities, Yolk started at this very location in 2006. Yolk is a wildly successful breakfast and brunch spot that offers an extensive menu paired with a super bright and rejuvenating ambiance. With seasonal specials and a rotating coffee selection, this hot spot for breakfast serves as city mainstay. Get there early though because they do close at 3 PM daily, and the line occasionally runs out the door. Take the edge off of waiting for a table by ordering one of their flavorful Bloody Mary’s.
Favorite meal:
Out of all the brunch classics and fun spins on familiar dishes, we recommend trying the Croque Madame. This dish contains layers of grilled ham, turkey, Swiss, and thin challah french toast, topped with a sunny side egg – a savory and delectable way to start your day.
Mercat a la Planxa
Located: 638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Locals and tourists alike have raved about this tapas-style spot since its inception in 2008 by Iron Chef Jose Garces. Mercat a la Planxa achieves a blend of authentic Spanish cuisines with a fundamental focus on the Catalonian region, which includes the flavors of Barcelona. Bring some friends and fill the table with small plates of seafood, produce, and our favorite: the paella. With delicious and well-executed dishes, you can’t go wrong spending an evening dining here. Plus, they boast a selection of over 40 types of Spanish vino that you can enjoy by the glass or by the bottle.
Favorite meal:
With tapas restaurants, picking a single favorite dish proves difficult. That said, our favorite dish, their Canelons de Sant Esteve con Jarrete de Buey, features a short rib filled cannelloni, farm chicken foie gras, and a creamy truffle béchamel.
Umai
Located: 730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605
In the mood for sushi, ramen, or other noodle dishes? Look no further than Umai! This restaurant ticks all the boxes for anyone seeking out authentic Japanese cuisine. With a well-rounded drink menu and extensive food options, this modern, lofted eatery offers the perfect environment to enjoy lunch or dinner. Established in 2013, Umai has brought delicious homemade broths and sauces to the South Loop ever since.
Favorite meal:
We couldn’t decide on just one dish to try here, so we picked two. We recommend the Winter Ramen, made with spicy miso, ground pork, and sliced ribeye, or the Chicago Roll, which features tuna, salmon, and white fish topped with honey miso sauce.
Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment
Now that you know the best South Loop restaurants to grab a bite from, make this neighborhood your new home. Simply reach out to AptAmigo, and we’ll set you up with an apartment expert dedicated to finding the best place for your needs. With our local insight, apartment expertise, and access to the best deals on the market, apartment hunting has never been easier. We’ll do all the hard work for you, from sifting through units that match your preferences, to scheduling a full day of tours. Why stress about moving when you don’t need to? Give AptAmigo a call for a full-service apartment hunting experience at no cost.
Apartment Spotlight: Inspire West Town
* The original version of this article was first published on December 21, 2020.
Rebecca is a freelance writer over a decade of journalism experience. She graduated with a BA in Communications and a minor in journalism. She currently bartends in downtown Chicago and spends her free time exploring the city and making connections.
