West Loop

Just west of the Loop, along Wacker Drive on the east bank of the Chicago River, you'll find the Civic Opera House, home of the acclaimed Lyric Opera of Chicago; and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where futures and futures-options contracts on everything from foreign currencies to physical commodities are exchanged. Hovering above it all is the Sears Tower, which ranks as one of the world's tallest buildings at 110 stories, with a Skydeck on the 103rd floor. But most of the action in this fast-developing neighborhood takes place west of the river and the I-90 Expressway. Once-empty warehouses are now beautifully renovated loft condos, and brand-new multi-family residential buildings are popping up everywhere.

The neighborhood's nightlife hub is Randolph Street, one of the hottest strips of dining in the city. One can find a wide range of delights from creative American cuisine at stylish Blackbird to Sushi Wabi, the popular see-and-be-seen spot for upscale Japanese delights. Enjoy the ambiance of a comfy wine bar, the Tasting Room, and the newest and biggest restaurant on the scene, Alhambra, a mega Mediterranean "palace," complete with belly dancers. The area also boasts a dynamic variety of art galleries and is famous for being the home to Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios.

Top 2 Restaurants: Blackbird & Follia