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Welcome To South Loop

The South Loop is fast becoming one of Chicago's hottest and most dynamic neighborhoods. As more people are attracted to the idea of living, working and playing in the same area, demand for stylish, modern housing is increasing in the South Loop. Investors, developers and city organizations are on the ball, successfully constructing new condominiums and townhomes as fresh businesses pop up in their wake. Aside from a flourishing market of urban dwellings, the South Loop is home to many of Chicago's top tourist attractions. People from all over the world flock to the lakefront Museum Campus for a visit to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. And when there's a Bears game in town, the South Loop is overrun with fans going to Soldier Field to watch the home team. A notable lineup of prominent Chicago restaurants is also found in the neighborhood. Dine in fashion along Michigan Avenue or join the workers who grab a midday bite at the surplus of South Loop cafés and delicatessens.

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South Loop Facts

Location: Immediately south of the Loop
Boundaries: Congress Parkway to the north, the Stevenson Expressway to the south, Lake Michigan to the east and the Dan Ryan Expressway to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: The Loop, Chinatown, West Loop, University Village/Little Italy, Near South Side
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents.

Then and Now

The South Loop has been quite the chameleon over the years; recent decades have seen huge transitions in the neighborhood fabric. But before we get to that, let's take a trip back in time to see what got us to where we are today.

Like most of pre-colonial Chicago, the South Loop was once Native American territory. In the 1800s, a group of working-class Irish immigrants began to settle south of the city along the Chicago River, while more affluent citizens built homes on Michigan and Wabash avenues. It is said that the South Loop was one of the first residential districts in Chicago, although it didn't maintain its residential status for long.

In the 1850s, the railroad industry set up freight houses and passenger stations in the region. When the Great Fire of 1871 struck the city, the South Loop was mainly spared, so the thriving Loop businesses moved into the area while reconstruction took place in other parts of town. The explosion of commercial activity helped spur the South Loop's development, but another fire in 1874 ended up destroying much of the residential character of the neighborhood.

Railroads were still a large part of the South Loop's livelihood, and by 1900, tracks dominated the vicinity between State Street and the western edge of the South Loop. More terminals and shipping depots were established, although later declines in passenger train travel left many of the rail yards abandoned and unused. At the same time, the South Loop neighborhood was also experiencing the rise of a prosperous cultural district with the construction of museums and public parks along the eastern waterfront property. This widely-visited section of town has become one of the city's major tourist attractions, bringing visitors from all over the world to enjoy Chicago's gigantic playground along the lake.

The past decade or so has seen the most drastic transition toward the vital, urban setting the South Loop is today. Developers, investors and city organizations have been working swiftly to meet the exciting promise of this Chicago neighborhood. In addition to newer residential buildings and condominiums conversions, restaurants, bars, boutiques, cafes, and book stores are moving in and breathing life into this near south side community on the rise.

Park is the Place

Lovingly nicknamed the city's "front yard," Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St, 312-742-7648) is a majestic urban park that affords spectacular views of both Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Grant Park is shared by the Loop and the South Loop neighborhoods, filling the stretch of land between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan, from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street. Home to major museums, annual festivals, lakefront recreation and treasured green spaces, Grant Park allows city folk to step away from the noise and hubbub of downtown and get a breath of fresh air.

Plans for the large, undeveloped area along the lake were first introduced in 1835. Concerned that their untouched waterfront would be sacrificed to commercial expansion, a group of concerned citizens lobbied to keep the lakeshore property free of development. Their efforts were rewarded in 1847, when the site was officially named Lake Park. Unfortunately, though, the coveted parkland was slowly losing acreage to lake erosion. Coming to the rescue, the Illinois Central Railroad built a breakwater to protect the remaining grounds, with the agreement that they could also construct an offshore train trestle -- that has since been removed. While the tracks solved one problem, they created another. A small lagoon in Lake Park that had originally emptied into the main body of lake water before became isolated, and as a result started degenerating into a swampy mess. The issue was resolved haphazardly following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when the pond was used as a dumping ground for rubble and trash by workmen. The excess of debris eventually filled in the lagoon completely, creating a generous portion of additional parkland.

In 1901, the large outdoor recreation space was handed over to its new benefactor, the precursor to the Chicago Parks District, and the grounds were renamed Grant Park in honor of 18th President Ulysses S. Grant. It's also a little-known fact that Lincoln Park is home to a statue of Grant, while a statue of Abe Lincoln stands in Grant Park. Today, Grant Park offers much more than its 19th century founders might have ever dreamed. Sure, there are nicely manicured open areas and gardens, which may be what they had in mind, but that is hardly the extent of the park's attractions. Every year millions come to Chicago specifically to the visit the world-famous Museum Campus that houses the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum -- all situated within walking distance of each other on the lakefront near Roosevelt Road.

When it opened in 1930, the Adler Planetarium (1300 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-922-7827) was the first major planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, and it still houses the biggest museum of astronomical history this side of the Atlantic. We have always loved the out-of-this-world star shows as well as the special exhibits in the main building, but many also come to use the telescope at the Doane Observatory on Friday nights. This is not the Fisher Price telescope you pointed out of your window as a kid ... the thing has some serious celestial power. It allows users to view the moon, planets and other galaxies trillions of miles from Earth. It's also open to the public for special celestial events like comets and eclipses. Far out!

What began as an idea for a stand-alone fish tank in the early 1920s has evolved into one of the country's most well-known, state-of-the-art oceanariums. The pet project of retired Marshall Field & Co. president John G. Shedd, the Shedd Aquarium (1200 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-939-2426) consistently ranks as the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago. Wanting to build a grand aquarium fit to neighbor the already existing Field Museum and Art Institute, Shedd fronted the money for the original building, which is still a functioning part of the aquarium complex that has since doubled in size. Fans of deep sea predators should definitely check out the Wild Reef where you'll stand nose-to-nose with two dozen species of sharp-toothed sharks ... uh, yikes. Our favorite spot here is the Oceanarium, Shedd's rain forest-like amphitheater surrounding a 3-million-gallon tank of salt water where fun-loving dolphins jump, talk and tail-walk for their guests. Just beyond the aquatic performance pool is a vast semi-circular wall of windows that afford spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Another popular Museum Campus attraction, the Field Museum (1400 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-922-9410) is an expansive three-story building filled with hands-on learning, ancient artifacts and special exhibits. Sue, the imposing 13-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, greets visitors as they enter the main floor. She is the most complete and best-preserved set of authentic T. Rex fossils discovered to this day -- no "plastic surgery" necessary for this prehistoric babe. The foundation of the museum's main biological and anthropological collections was amassed for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. It now includes permanent exhibitions on human cultures, animal habitats and ecosystems, among others. However, it's the temporary exhibits that tend to bring the big crowds to the Field Museum, like the recent display of King Tut treasures. Just so you know, many featured exhibits require tickets, which may need to be purchased in advance, especially if you want to visit during primetime weekend hours.

Say it's a beautiful summer day and you'd rather spend a few hours enjoying the sunshine than inside a museum -- Grant Park is still the place to be. There are gardens, baseball fields, tennis courts, and wide open green spaces for picnicking, Frisbee, lounging and strolling. Though you'll pass it in your car on a drive down Lake Shore Drive, Buckingham Fountain is even more impressive up close, especially during its hourly 20-minute water show (in the summer), when it spouts water 150 feet in the air! The display includes lights and music after dusk, quite a sight. And whenever we see the jet-streams of water, Frank Sinatra's voice singing "Love and Marriage ... " runs through our heads. Why? Because it was the theme to the hit TV show Married with Children, which opened with a scene of Chicago's own Buckingham Fountain doing its thing.

Where Grant Park ends, Burnham Park (425 E McFetridge Dr, 773-256-0949) begins, and on the northern fringe of Burnham Park, you can't miss the strange-looking structure that you'll swear looks like a U.F.O crash-landed on the Acropolis. Actually, it's Soldier Field (425 E Mcfetridge Dr, 312-747-1285). No, aliens didn't invade the Chicago Bear's turf; just a few upgrades were made to the original Greco-Roman stadium built in the 1920s. In the late 1970s, the stadium was given a major facelift, adding deluxe skybox suites, press boxes, a computerized scoreboard, updated concessions and a new souvenir shop. But in 2003 the stadium took on a completely new look with an unprecedented $400 million overhaul that combined the classical style of the old foundation with its space-age addition. And football fans aren't the only ones to benefit from the state-of-the-art renovations; Soldier Field has hosted World Cup soccer and major rock concerts for legendary groups like the Rolling Stones.

The rest of Burnham Park is mostly open, providing green spaces and parking for visiting park-goers and for game days when thousands flood the South Loop to see the Bears in action. The park also offers baseball fields, bike paths and walking and jogging trails. Oh, and if you notice a small bulge in the landscape just south of Soldier Field, don't worry, it's not one of those freaky creatures from the movie Tremors. It's actually a small sledding hill that was constructed by the Chicago Parks District (because there's nowhere else to sled on the flat-as-a-pancake terrain that is Chicago). Even in the event that there's no snow in the winter, it's often possible to use the sledding hill because the city keeps a snow-making machine on hand to manufacture the essential white stuff for this fun cold weather activity.

The park with the most unusual history in the South Loop can be found in the man-made peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan, Northerly Island (1400 S Lynn White Dr, 312-745-2910). Originally part of Daniel Burnam's 1909 Plan for Chicago, Northerly Island was to serve as the southern border to the Chicago port -- but after all these years, it remains the only part of the original plan that was ever constructed. The small peninsula was one of the main sites of Chicago's other world fair, the 1933-34 Century of Progress. A decade later, the land was redeveloped and opened as a single-strip airport in 1948. The airstrip was renamed Meigs Field in 1950, and an air traffic control tower was added two years later. In the 1980s, the airport was mainly used to transport patients and transplant organs to Chicago hospitals. The airfield was also open to the public, but mostly used by private jet owners. In the 1990s Mayor Daley announced plans to close the airport and convert it into parkland, but was stymied by the FAA and state government. Then, in an unprecedented move in March of 2003, Daley sent workmen out to the airstrip in the middle of the night to bulldoze enormous X-shaped trenches into the runway, effectively preventing any future activity in the airport. A bold move, but it worked ...

Now, Northerly Island features tall prairie grasses, walking paths and a play area. There is also a narrow sandy stretch for laying out and swimming, with a beach house facility, and some of the most incredible skyline views in the entire city. Despite its gorgeous natural characteristics, the most popular destination at Northerly Island is the Charter One Pavilion (1300 S Linn White Dr, 312-540-2668), a 7,500-seat open air amphitheatre that hosts large concerts and performances in the summertime.

Real Estate

The South Loop is the fastest growing neighborhood in Chicago, and as such, there is a wealth of diverse and unique housing options throughout the sprawling residential blocks. In 2006, nearly one-half of the condos that were sold in downtown Chicago were located in the South Loop neighborhood -- that's nearly twice what it was just three years earlier. Low interest rates coupled with the urban renaissance that Chicago experienced in the 1990s laid the foundation for the ensuing boom in the South Loop which continues to see major residential development today.

In 1993, Mayor Daley moved from the neighborhood he grew up in (Bridgeport) to the South Loop, serving as the symbolic start of what would become a major housing explosion. Developers flooded in, quickly followed by homebuyers, eager to move into new loft conversions and shiny new high-rises. Plans have been announced to construct an enormous multi-use complex between Roosevelt Road and 9th Street that would include about 1,000 residences, 50 retail outlets and a large multiplex theatre -- it's a sign of things to come in the neighborhood.

Old commercial and industrial buildings are being converted to fashionable lofts and it seems like a new high-rise is erected every day. If you look towards the South Loop from the south or west, you'll see almost as many cranes as there are buildings. And while the urban loft lifestyle appeals to many single working adults, young couples and retirees, the South Loop has proven itself an ideal neighborhood in which to raise a family because of its close proximity to the Loop, Museum Campus and Grant Park.

Like most of the downtown area, almost all of the available housing in the South Loop is attached. A one-bedroom South Loop condo or loft generally ranges between $175,000 to the mid to upper $300,000s. The average price of a two-bedroom is in the low $400,000s, although there are some two-bedroom homes available for close to $1 million, if you feel like splurging. For a little more space, say a three-bedroom townhouse, the price tag jumps up -- starting at around $500,000.

South Loop Homes for Sale

Best Shopping Stops

The South Loop's shopping district isn't huge yet, but it's growing, with boutiques and other independent stores popping up in the neighborhood.

Laughing Iguana (1247 S Wabash Ave, 312-987-0995) is one of our favorite South Loop boutiques for women's fashion, accessories, jewelry and the odd gift. Styles here feature a funky side that emphasizes bohemian flair and original design. Besides the eclectic clothing collection, we like to browse through the quirky assortment of items from books and refrigerator magnets to beauty and bath products. You never know what must-have, just-for-fun item you'll come across at this South Loop boutique.

If you're into shoes like we are, you'll be glad to know this Chicago neighborhood has our preferred shoe shop for reasonable prices and a massive selection. Aisles and aisles of every type of footwear imaginable for men, women and children are what make DSW Shoe Warehouse (1101 S Canal St, 312-880-0245) a shoe-aholic's dream come true. Different sizes are right there for you to try on, so no wasting time in your busy shopping schedule for the clerk to bring out a pair that fits. If you're willing to spend a bit more for ultra-hip foot fashion, we suggest checking out Heelz Chicago Shoe Salon (69 E 16th, 312-235-0467). This luxurious boutique offers South Loopers chic (admittedly pricey) shoe selections in addition to cute purses, accessories and even an assortment of jeans. And we always mark our calendar for their phenomenal summer sales.

With a population of artistic Columbia College students in the South Loop neighborhood art and school supplies are in high demand. So it's no surprise the area has a few stores catering to their needs. Whether you're a student with a list of requisite studio items to pick up or a dabbler like us, Brudno Art Supply (29 E Balbo Ave, 312-294-4100) is the place to go. It's a small independent art store that offers everything from canvases and brushes to clay and printing ink. The staff here is friendly and helpful, and they stock a wide range of media, tools and paper products. If you are a student, don't forget to ask for a discount, you'll get a generous 20 percent off your purchase with a college I.D.!

At the beginning of each semester, scholars have to stock up on books, binders and other essential class materials. Conveniently, the school's own Columbia College Bookstore (624 S Michigan Ave, 312-427-4860) sells new and used versions of all texts and required readings for the various Columbia courses. Or for those of us who've long since graduated, the bookstore is a handy spot to pick up computer accessories and electronics like headphones, in addition to having the best selection of Columbia College apparel and school-spirit gifts in town. The shelves at Powell's Books (828 S Wabash Ave, 312-341-0748) are stacked with rare and used copies of the classics, philosophy, medieval studies and other fundamentals of academia. But when we just need printer paper or basic office/computer supplies, Staples (1130 S. Canal, 312-588-0924) has a convenient location in the South Loop neighborhood as well.

What's on the Menu?

If what they say about breakfast being the most important meal of the day is true, we will happily fulfill our duty by heading to The Bongo Room (1152 S. Wabash Avenue, 312-291-0100) for a tasty morning meal. A spin-off of the original Wicker Park establishment, the South Loop neighborhood setting affords a similar cheery atmosphere to help you wake up on the right side of booth. The decor is minimalist and modern, complementing the contemporary menu. Lunch is served here too, but even when we're there after noon we can't resist getting one of the sinfully sweet pancake stacks such as the strawberry banana cheesecake flapjacks, lemon blueberry buttermilk hotcakes or Oreo cookie flapjacks (yes, Oreos). Also on our list of weekend brunch spots -- especially if we're in the mood for eggs -- is Yolk (1120 S Michigan Ave, 312-789-9655). Mixing a diner feel with sleek design and incorporating outrageous yolk-color walls, this breakfast and lunch cafe offers an egg-tensive menu of egg dishes from omelets to frittatas to special scramblers. But don't worry if eggs aren't your typical early morning fare, there are other options like pancakes, waffles, crepes and signature oatmeal.

Besides great breakfast places, the South Loop neighborhood has a mix of restaurants that includes Italian, American and Asian cuisine among others. Gioco (1312 S Wabash Ave, 312-939-3870) is a delightful Italian eatery offering al fresco dining (when weather permits) and a menu that unites traditional dishes with a fresh approach. Receiving local acclaim as best new restaurant when it opened, Gioco is still a winner for its casual elegance and moderate prices. Still on the Italian theme, although narrowing the scope, are a few prime South Loop neighborhood pizza places. Located inside the Holiday Inn, Aurelio's Pizza Restaurant and Bar (506 W. Harrison, 312-994-2000) is our top choice for thin crust. Crispy and flavorful with a ton of toppings to choose from, the pizza here is fairly inexpensive and incredibly tasty. It's not called Big Daddy's Pizzeria (2137 S State St, 312-326-7979) for nothing ... this pizza joint serves up some of the biggest slices we've ever seen. For a few dollars you can get a freshly cooked piece of pizza that's larger than your head! Pat's Pizzeria (638 S Clark St, 312-427-2320) is also great for fantastic thin crust. Light, yet piled with fresh ingredients, you can't go wrong if thin is your thing.

Room 21 (2110 S Wabash, 312-328-1198) has an intriguing back-story. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant occupies a warehouse that once served as one of Al Capone's known speakeasies during Prohibition.

The name finds its source in a discovery the restaurant owner made while excavating the lower level of the establishment when preparing the restaurant for opening. One of the workmen uncovered a secret escape tunnel accessed through the basement that led to a door inscribed with the number 21. Now a classy -- and totally legitimate -- restaurant and lounge with a contemporary American menu, it's an experience to have a meal while imagining the crooked dealings that once took place within the same walls. Another South Loop neighborhood restaurant with notable history is the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant (1401 S Michigan Ave, 312-786-1401). Built as an actual fire station in 1905 to service prominent Chicago families such as the McCormicks (heard of the McCormick Place?), Marshall Fields and Palmers (of Palmer House fame), the building was constructed with an unusual combination of yellow brick and limestone as opposed to the standard redbrick of typical fire stations. Maintaining its unique façade, much of the firehouse's early 20th century charm has been preserved. Today the firehouse is an upscale restaurant offering guests exquisitely prepared seafood, steak and specialty dishes. Patio seating is open in warm weather months, although we find the indoor dining cozy for those chilly winter days with inviting chandelier lighting and tables next to the fireplace.

With the South Loop's close proximity to Chinatown (a small Chicago neighborhood between Cermak Road and the Stevenson Expressway), there is a delicious overflow of Asian restaurants on the area's dining scene as well. In addition to gourmet Chinese at Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S Archer Ave., 312-326-5040), there's Japanese found at Triad Sushi Lounge (1933 S Indiana Ave, 312-225-8833) and Oysy Japanese Sushi Restaurant (888 S Michigan Ave, 312-922-1127), and Thai options offered at Thai Spoon (601 S Wabash Ave, 312-427-9470) and Opart Thai House (1906 S State St, 312-567-9898).

Night on the Town

While the South Loop is still a growing neighborhood, we have no trouble finding suitable nightlife, and plenty of bars, taverns and lounges to keep the evening exciting.

This is Chicago, so you don't have to go too far to hear some down-home blues from one of the most popular guitarists in the history of the genre. Many world-famous artists have graced the stage at Buddy Guy's Legends (754 S Wabash Ave, 312-427-1190), from Eric Clapton to David Bowie, the list is long and, well, legendary. While you won't hear such big-name acts every night, all the performances are entertaining and make for an extraordinary night out in the South Loop. The Wabash Tap (1233 S Wabash Ave, 312-360-9488) is a fun bar near Columbia College's campus that attracts a music element all its own. The small corner stage welcomes everything from Hip Hop bands to country crooners. Catering to a clientele of "poor college kids" and other South Loopers who probably don't mind saving a buck, the Wabash Tap has cheap specials like $3 PBR on Friday and Saturday, $2 canned beer on Sundays and a bucket of Bud (five bottles) for $14 on Wednesday.

The M Lounge (1520 S Wabash St, 312-447-0201), as in "Martini Lounge" (it actually stands for "MaryAnn," the owner's wife), is a trendy spot in the South Loop neighborhood to catch an after work cocktail or late evening nightcap. Of course there are several specialty drinks, including the lemon meringue martini and the chocolate covered banana, which you won't be able to find anywhere else. So make sure you get enough of these appetizing dessert-like beverages to tie you over until the next visit. With plush velvet couches and dim candle-light, the atmosphere is intimate, and it's the perfect spot to cozy-up and enjoy some live jazz on Wednesday nights.

We certainly appreciate great music, but sometimes we just want a great beer, and on such occasions we can be found at neighborhood watering holes like Grace O'Malley's (1416 S. Michigan Ave, 312-588-1800) and Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S Michigan Ave, 312-588-0230). During any given White Sox game you can expect to see locals holed up at the bar here watching their team on the big screen TVs. No matter what's on the tube, we'll stop by O'Malley's to knock back a pint of Guinness with other South Loop residents, and perhaps have a bite to eat. Their menu is heavy on the Irish grub, but with bleu cheese-crusted pork loin and smoked salmon sandwiches, this is no ordinary bar food. The nautical theme at Weather Mark is a nod to the owners' passion for sailing. Photographs and an undeniable sailboat motif set the tone for signature drinks with names like "Red Sky (at Night)" and "Three Sheets to the Wind" that are made with the tavern's international stockpile of rum. Sailing aficionado or not, we like this South Loop fixture for a laid back night with the neighbors and some whopping tales of open water adventures.

Showtime!

Whether you're into professional theatrical acts or want to see what the newest group of talented young artists are up to, residents in the South Loop neighborhood are lucky enough to have an assortment of venues from outdoor gigs to long-running stage shows.

The Charter One Pavilion (1300 S Linn White Dr, 312-540-2668) on Northerly Island isn't the only place in the South Loop to catch a good show or concert. The recently renovated Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place (2301 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-791-6190) is now a wonderful venue for virtually any type of stage event from Broadway musicals to operas to rock shows. South Loop residents and local Chicagoans are also welcome at concerts and student performances at Columbia College's Chicago Concert Hall (1014 S Michigan Ave, 312-344-6245).

Mark Your Calendar

The South Loop's neighbor to the north (the Loop) holds many summer festivals in Grant Park, such as Blues Fest, Lollapalooza, the Jazz Festival, and several other smaller events. On top of that, many of Chicago's innumerable parades start at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, marching their way north for all to see. So while the excitement and energy of these festivities and parades are shared between the two Loop neighborhoods, the South Loop has some summertime celebrations all its own.

Right in the midst of the high-rises and skyscrapers, the Bash on Wabash (1400 S Wabash, 773-665-4682) takes over the busy South Loop street for a weekend of outdoor music, entertainment and food. Local restaurants bring their best dishes to this late July-early August festival, providing visitors with some of the tastiest fair food we've ever had. In addition to eating, the Bash agenda is packed with live musical performances and tons of kid-friendly activities that make this summer event an ideal family scene.

Around here, learning can be fun. We're not pulling your leg ... although you will be required to "shake it" if you want to participate in this next South Loop event. Chicago SummerDance (601 S Michigan Ave, 312-742-4007) draws Chicagoans out to Grant Park's Spirit of the Music Garden for free one-hour dance lessons, followed by an all-out dance party, that's accompanied by choreographed performances and live music. The event begins with the instruction of some dance moves by a professional instructor. Then, participants show off their fancy new steps on the 4,600-square-foot open-air dance floor. For 11 weeks (Thursday through Sunday) starting in mid July, the SummerDance gets visitors moving and grooving to a wide range of musical styles from jazz to big band to Latin rhythms.

From its humble beginning as a college art show, the Manifest Urban Arts Festival (600 S Michigan Ave) has matured into a neighborhood cultural event. The annual street art fair hosted by Columbia College attracts people from all around to see what Chicago's up-and-coming artists are creating these days. The end-of-school-year showcase and sale displays the talents of graduating students with art projects, film screenings, readings and more. An art walk, four music stages and live radio broadcasts provide more than enough sensory stimulation to make this springtime event a crowd-pleaser. As the nation's largest private art college, Columbia produces some fantastic young artists who debut their work to the professional art world at this festive exhibit.

There is one place in the South Loop that out-of-town visitors might be more familiar with than Chicago residents, and that would be McCormick Place (2301 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-791-7000), the largest convention center in the country (and third largest in the world). McCormick Place hosts year-round expos, conferences, trade shows and events, attracting three to four million visitors every year. The ultra-modern convention center is Chicago's premiere meeting facility and it's also a sight to behold. A 50,000-square- foot pedestrian walk, known as Grand Concourse, connects the various structures which include the Hyatt Regency hotel and a fourth building in the works, slated for completion in 2007. With three theaters, assembly seating for 10,000 and 8,000 parking spaces, the McCormick Place is the best bet for holding a truly major event. For residents, McCormick Place hosts an annual auto show in February, the International Home and Housewares Show in March, a Green Festival in April (around Earth Day), and just about any other special interest show that you could imagine.

Getting Around

South Loop residents are fortunate: not only do they live in one of the hippest and most attractive communities in Chicago, but it's also one of the most accessible. Three CTA rapid transit trains service the South Loop -- the Red, Green and Orange lines -- making stops at Harrison Street and Roosevelt Road at State Street. Of the two stations, the Roosevelt one is easily the more popular, with a free transfer between the elevated Orange and Green lines and the Red Line subway. From the South Loop neighborhood, all three lines run north into the Loop, with the Orange and Green lines remaining on the elevated tracks and the Red Line staying in the underground tunnel. The Orange Line also shuttles South Loop residents directly Midway Airport, a trip that only takes about 30 minutes because there are only six stops between the South Loop and the airport. The Red Line is the most popular train in the city, and it's the only train that connects to every other. There is also an additional Red Line stop at the intersection of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue, which is at the southern boundary of the South Loop.

Though trains tend to be the fastest, they aren't always the most efficient means of getting around; so if you need to go somewhere outside of their web, busses are often the next best option. Heading north and south, the #3 and #4 busses serve Michigan Avenue, the #62 and #29 busses run along State Street, and the #24 bus goes up and down Clark Street. The #12 bus heads east and west along Roosevelt Road and continues on to the Museum Campus, while the #146 takes a smaller loop along Columbus Drive and Harrison Street, turning around at the Museum Campus.

If you are traveling by car, the South Loop neighborhood is conveniently surrounded by Chicago's major highways and thoroughfares. Lake Shore Drive, one of the most beautiful roadways in the country, runs along the lakefront on the eastern edge of the city, connecting the South Loop with nearly 16 miles of lakefront property. The I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) is the most highly-traveled highway in the Midwest, and it borders the South Loop to the west, heading north/south. The Stevenson Expressway serves as the neighborhood's southern border and it has an entrance on State Street at 26th Street. The Stevenson also serves as a connector between the Dan Ryan and Lake Shore Drive, and it continues on into Chicago's southwest side and towards Midway Airport.

School's in Session

The South Loop neighborhood houses a varied assortment of educational facilities that cater to students of all ages, interests and scholastic concentrations.

About 11,000 students attend Columbia College (600 S Michigan Ave, 312-663-1600), the nation's largest and most diverse private arts and communications college. The largely arts-focused school attracts the city's (and country's) next generation of talented artists. Situated right on Michigan Avenue, roughly between Harrison Street and Balboa Avenue, the school's South Loop location also makes it an appealing urban educational campus. As a sign of its creative student body, the most popular programs at Columbia include Film & Video and Art & Design. The South Loop is also host to one of the best public high schools in the Chicago Public School District, Jones College Prep High School (606 S State St, 773-534-8600). Jones became a magnet school in 1998, and in 2002 it renamed itself Jones College Prep. Like the rest of the neighborhood, the school is scheduled to receive a considerable addition in the near future.

In addition to the following list of South Loop schools, check out our Chicago Guide Schools page for more information on other Chicago are educational facilities.

ACE Tech Charter High
American Floral Art School 634 S Wabash Ave # 210 - (312) 922-9328
Bartender AAA School 634 S Wabash Ave # 200 - (312) 427-6606
Columbia College Chicago 600 S Michigan Ave - (312) 663-1600
East-West University 816 S Michigan Ave - (312) 939-0111
Jones College Prep High School 606 S State St - (773) 534-8600
National Teacher's Academy 55 W Cermak Rd - (773) 534-9970
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies 618 S Michigan Ave - (312) 322-1700

Basic Needs

It's exciting to explore a new neighborhood for yourself and discover what it has to offer ... but in case you want to save a little time, we've made a list of likely places you can get the bare necessities, and a little more, in the South Loop.

Libraries

Field Museum Natural History Library 1400 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 922-9410
Spertus Institute Asher Library 618 S Michigan Ave

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

Post Office

Main Post Office (24 hrs) 433 W Harrison St - (312) 983-8375
US Post Office 2035 S State St - (312) 225-0218;
740 S Canal St - (312) 983-8765;
358 W Harrison St - (312) 435-9649

Pharmacies

Cermak Clinic Pharmacy 6 E Cermak Rd - (312) 791-1640
Dominick's Pharmacy 1340 S Canal St - (312) 850-0398
Ideal Pharmacy 2413 S State St - (312) 225-6803
Osco Drug 1224 S Wabash Ave - (312) 663-3858
Sav-Rx 1550 S Indiana Ave - (312) 957-1718
Walgreens 2 E Roosevelt Rd - (312) 212-1579

Grocery Stores

Clancy's Commissary 1130 S Michigan Ave - (312) 922-6530
Dominick's Finer Foods 1340 S Canal St - (312) 850-3915
Jewel-Osco 1224 S Wabash Ave - (312) 663-0580; 177 E Roosevelt Rd (630) 293-5350
Mayflower Food Inc. 2104 S Archer Ave - (312) 326-7440
Panozzo's Italian Market 1303 S Michigan Ave - (312) 356-9966
Richwell Market 1835 S Canal St - (312) 492-7015
Whole Foods Market 1101 S Canal St - (312) 435-4600

Gyms

Bally Total Fitness 800 S Wells St - (312) 431-0100
Best Western Grant Park Fitness Center 1100 S Michigan Ave - (312) 922-2900
Curves 79 E 16th St - (312) 235-0302
Enraeh Fitness 1941 Archer Ave - (312) 994-0165
Jym Inc 643 S Wabash Ave - (312) 913-9881
Phenomenal Fitness 1450 S Michigan Ave - (312) 360-0303
South Loop Fitplex 1151 S State St - (312) 360-1151

ENTERTAINMENT

Buddy Guy's Legends 754 S Wabash Ave - (312) 427-1190
Chess Records Studios 2120 S Michigan Ave - (312) 808-1286
Hothouse 31 E Balbo Ave - (312) 362-9707
International Latino Cultural Center 600 S Michigan Ave - (312) 431-1142
Lakeshore Sail Charters 1559 S Lake Shore Dr (708) 769-4220
Soldier Field 425 E Mcfetridge Dr - (312) 747-1285
12th St Beach 1200 S Lake Shore Dr
The Velvet Lounge 67 E Cermak Rd - (312) 791-9050

Theatres/Amphitheatres

Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place 2301 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 791-6190
Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island 1300 S Linn White Dr - (312) 540-2668
Columbia College Chicago Concert Hall 1014 S Michigan Ave - (312) 344-6245

Events

Bash on Wabash 1400 S Wabash - (773) 665-4682
Manifest Urban Arts Festival 600 S Michigan Ave
McCormick Place 2301 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 791-7000

Museums

Adler Planetarium 1300 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 922-7827
Clarke House Museum 1827 S Indiana Ave - (312) 326-1480
The Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 922-9410
Glessner House Museum 1800 S Prairie Ave - (312) 326-1480
The John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 939-2426
Museum of Contemporary Photography 600 S Michigan Ave - (312) 344-7104
National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum 1801 S Indiana Ave - (312) 326-0270

SHOPPING

Bariff Shop for Judaica 618 S Michigan Ave - (312) 322-1740
Brudno Art Supply 29 E Balbo Ave - (312) 294-4100
Columbia College Bookstore 624 S Michigan Ave - (312) 427-4860
DSW Shoe Warehouse 1101 S Canal St - (312) 880-0245
Fashion Factory 570 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 913-0019
Flaunt 75 E 16th St - (312) 360-1000
Florence's Sportswear 1101 S State St - (312) 447-0071
Gamestop 1252 S Canal St - (312) 421-3938
Grainger Industrial Supply 737 S Desplaines St - (312) 923-9933
Heelz Chicago Shoe Salon 69 E 16th - (312) 235-0467
Home Depot 1300 S Clinton St - (312) 850-4836
Kozy's Cyclery 811 S Desplaines St - (312) 360-0020
Laughing Iguana Inc. 1247 S Wabash Ave - (312) 987-0995
Loopy Yarns 719 S State St - (312) 583-9276
Margolin Shoes 1935 S Wabash Ave - (312) 225-5222
Morris & Sons Co. 555 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 243-5635
Powell's Books 828 S Wabash Ave - (312) 341-0748
South Loop Ace Hardware 725 S State St - (312) 461-0900
Staples 1130 S. Canal - (312) 588-0924
Trek Bicycles on Michigan Avenue 1118 S Michigan Ave - (312) 588-1050
Windy City Furniture 2221 S Michigan Ave - (312) 225-9777

DINING

American
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant 1401 S Michigan Ave - (312) 786-1401
White Palace Grill 1159 S Canal St - (312) 939-7167
Eleven City Diner 1112 S Wabash - (312) 212-1112
Kroll's South Loop 1736 S Michigan Ave - (312) 235-1400
Room 21 2110 S Wabash - (312) 328-1198
Shor at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place 2233 S Martin Luther King Dr - (312) 528-4140

Asian
The Happy Chef Dim Sum House 2164 S Archer Ave - (312) 808-3689
Joy Yee's Noodle 2159 S China Pl - (312) 328-0001
Lao Sze Chuan 2172 S Archer Avenue - (312) 326-5040
Ma & I 1234 S Michigan Ave - (312) 663-1234
Opart Thai House 1906 S State St - (312) 567-9898
Opera 1301 S Wabash Ave - (312) 461-0161
Oysy Japanese Sushi Restaurant 888 S Michigan Ave - (312) 922-1127
South Coast Sushi Bar 1700 S Michigan Ave 312-662-1700
Tamarind 614 S Wabash Ave - (312) 379-0970
Thai Spoon 601 S Wabash Ave - (312) 427-9470
Three Happiness Chinese Restaurant No 3 2130 S Wentworth Ave - (312) 791-1228
Triad Sushi Lounge 1933 S Indiana Ave - (312) 225-8833
Yang 28 E Roosevelt Rd - (312) 986-1688

Breakfast/Brunch
The Bongo Room 1152 S. Wabash Avenue - (312) 291-0100
Yolk 1120 S Michigan Ave - (312) 789-9655

Coffee Shop/Cafe
Bake for Me Bakery and Cafe 608 W Roosevelt Rd - (312) 957-4994
Cafe Au Lait 1900 S State St - (312) 225-3940
Cafe Society 1801 S Indiana Ave - (312) 842-4210
Caribou Coffee 41 E 8th St - (312) 786-9205
Carolina Caramel 1511 S State St - (312) 922-5007
Corner Bakery Cafe 1400 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 588-1040
Daily Grind at Hyatt Regency Mccormick Place - (312) 528-6150
S Martin Luther King Dr - (312) 528-4140
Dunkin' Donuts 600 S Wabash Ave - (312) 786-9750;
1231 S Wabash Ave - (312) 765-9952
Galileo's Cafe 1300 S Lake Shore Dr - (312) 922-7827
Hi Tea 14 E 11th St - (312) 880-0832
Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli 1141 S Jefferson Street - (312) 939-2855
Panera Bread 1101 South Canal St - (312) 786-1761
Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe 2158 S Archer Ave - (312) 225-3168
Starbucks 31 E Roosevelt Rd - (312) 431-1988

Fast Food
Harold's Chicken Shack 636 S Wabash Ave - (312) 362-0442
Howie's 1310 S Wabash Ave - (312) 461-0944
Subway 41 W Congress Pkwy - (312) 922-6363; 1300 S Wabash Ave - (312) 427-5504
White Castle 2134 S Wabash Ave - (312) 949-0717

Fusion
Pollo al Carbon 49 E Cermak Rd - (312) 326-0062
Chef Luciano 49 E Cermak Rd - (312) 326-0062

Italian Cuisine
Cafe Bionda 1924 S State St - (312) 326-9800
Forno at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 S Martin Luther King Dr - (312) 528-4140
Gioco 1312 S Wabash Ave - (312) 939-3870

Mediterranean Cuisine
Cafe Medittera 728 S Dearborn St - (312) 427-2610

Mexican Cuisine
La Cantina Grill 1911 S Michigan Ave - (312) 842-1911
Zapatista 1307 S Wabash Ave - (312) 435-1307

Pizza
Aurelio's Pizza Restaurant and Bar 506 W. Harrison - (312) 994-2000
Big Daddy's Pizzeria 2137 S State St - (312) 326-7979
Domino's Pizza 1234 S Canal St - (312) 666-5900
Pat's Pizzeria 638 S Clark St - (312) 427-2320

Sandwiches
South Loop Club 1 E Balbo Ave - (312) 427-2787

Sweets
Canady Le Chocolatier 824 S Wabash Ave - (312) 212-1270
The Cocoa Room 2341 S Michigan Ave - (312) 326-2626
Ryba's Fudge Shops 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr - (312) 567-9864

Bars/Nightclubs
Bar Louie 47 W Polk St - (312) 347-0000
Grace O'Malley's 1416 S. Michigan Avenue - (312) 588-1800
Kitty O'Shea's 720 S Michigan Ave - (312) 294-6860
M Lounge 1520 S Wabash St - (312) 447-0201
Savoy Bar and Grill 800 S Michigan Ave - (312) 939-1464
Wabash Tap 1233 S Wabash Ave - (312) 360-9488
Weather Mark Tavern 1503 S Michigan Ave - (312) 588-0230

The residential real estate in South Loop is fairly diverse, providing homeowners with a number of housing options from condos to lofts to townhomes. But there is more to your South Loop home than where you rest your head at night. The area surrounding a property can be just as much a factor in the decision to buy as the color of the carpet or the condition of the foundation. Each Chicago neighborhood has its own unique charm that sets it apart from the rest. Our comprehensive online guide is all you need to explore the many streets of Chicagoall from the comfort of your own computer. Shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, you name it, we'll show you where it is. Find out whether that fabulous South Loop condo is immersed in the throes of wild nightlife, or veiled by the tranquility of a quiet residential setting. Like Metromix and the MLS merged into one, this site is your one-stop shop for Chicago neighborhood information.

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