Hot Blocks: South Loop

by Fred Schlatter - Citysearch Contributor - 311 Reviews - 33 Lists

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Updated: August 14, 2008

The scorched patch of urban moonscape just south of the mighty Loop is suddenly populated with restaurants, bars and--get this--boutiques. What's next, frou-frou wine shops? Oh, wait, there's one of those, too.

On this page:Restaurants, Nightlife, Shops.

Restaurants

  1. 1 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Via Ventuno -- CLOSED
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    2110 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

    Jerry Kleiner's most ambitious project to date isn't just another cool variation on his usual eclectic theme. The prohibition era building and local history informed every stitch of the throwback menu and posh ambience.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended South Coast
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    1700 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

    Coast in Bucktown is a friendly neighborhood sushi joint. This sister project is a daringly designed, mod-tinged room that looks more movie set than local dining option. The only thing missing: hordes of hipsters--an excellent oversight.

Nightlife

  1. 3 Carolina Caramel
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    1511 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    Who needs booze when the bar slings handcrafted sweets? Ask any patron at this popular, alcohol-free dessert lounge and they'll tell you the same thing: A tall glass of milk is the only required accessory for washing down chocolate confections and red velvet cake.

  2. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Weather Mark Tavern
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    1503 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    This curious bar does two things better than any other tavern in town. One, it cuts a convincing figure as a seaside watering hole with all manner of sailing bric-a-brac. And two, it mixes the best Dark and Stormy this side of Maine.

Shops

  1. 5 Jugrnaut
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    427 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    Sportswear follows a rather liberal definition at this stylish, hip-hop informed boutique. The Japanese brand Tokidoki is definitely the highlight, but more accessible brands such as Hellz Bellz round out the streetwear collection.

  2. 6 South Loop Wine Cellar
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    1442 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    Amy Garmen is the obsessive small business owner behind this adored wine boutique. Sick of trying to find good wine in her neighborhood, she decided to do something about it. The result is a carefully edited collection of bottles and a lively schedule of events.

  3. 7 House Of Sole
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    1237 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    Women's shoes, in styles from demure to daring, line this intimate boutique. The emphasis is firmly on comfort without sacrificing style, which means stilettos are out and colorful peep-toe pumps are in.