West Loop Chicago: A Business Traveler’s Guide

The West Loop, formerly an industrial center, has evolved into a vibrant culinary destination. This thriving neighborhood boasts a diverse range of dining experiences, from smoky barbecue joints to creative small-plate destinations. In addition to its culinary scene, the West Loop offers various shopping options and opportunities to take in the best of Chicago, making it a captivating destination for business travelers.

High Walkability/Public Transportation Options

Median Age is 32

Cityscape: Modern Architecture/Industrial Heritage

West Loop Weather:

Like most of Chicago, the West Loop experiences all four seasons — sometimes to the extreme.

Spring | March to May | 50s-70sF (10-15°C).

Tip: Grab an umbrella as afternoon showers can happen quickly.

Summer | June to August | 70s-90s°F (25-37°C) “Warm & Humid”

Fall | September to November | 40s-60s°F (20-5°C) “Mild Temps getting colder as you get closer to November”

Winter | December to February | 20s to 30s°F (-5 to 5°C) “Cold & Snowy”

The West Loop offers diverse and dynamic business culture, reflective of its entrepreneurial spirit. Here, you’ll encounter a blend of professionals, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs, creating a unique and trendy professional atmosphere. The area is known for its collaborative work environments, fostering networking and community engagement. Expect a balanced blend of professionalism and a laid-back, approachable vibe in business interactions. 

In general, Chicagoans are known for their professionalism and punctuality, so try to be on time or call ahead. Handshakes are the proper greeting at most business meetings. Clear, direct, and concise communication tends to be the norm, but don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you find something unclear or confusing. 

On the dress front, smart business casual attire is recommended (feel free to ditch the neck tie unless you are attending a formal meeting). You can’t go wrong with a classic cut knee-length or midi dress and if you’re looking for that extra touch of formality, a blazer will do the trick. Minimalist jewelry and accessories are recommended, but most professional environments in the West Loop will respect your individual choices as long as they meet the standards of professionalism your role requires.

USD is the currency in Chicago. Most locations accept all forms of payment (cash, debit, credit cards), although contactless payment is preferred.

West Loop is generally considered one of the nicer areas of Chicago. As a result, prices tend to be moderate to high compared to other areas of the city. Expect dinner to range from $40 to $65 per person, while a beer or cocktail costs around $8 to $19 depending on brand and spirit choice. Groceries tend to be slightly more expensive than the national average in the West Loop.

Chicago, like any major city, has its own set of social and cultural etiquette rules. Here are some general etiquette standards to keep in mind when traveling to Chicago.

West Loop is generally considered a safe and welcoming area for both residents and visitors thanks to its active community and law enforcement presence. That said, it’s essential to take precautions to minimize your risk. Just like any major city, it’s advisable to research specific areas you plan to visit and take appropriate safety measures and follow our Chicago Traveler Safety Tips.

Chicago is served by two major airports, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). The choice of airport often depends on your travel plans, destination, and proximity to your desired areas in Chicago or the suburbs.

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Located in the northwestern part of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) from downtown Chicago.

• O’Hare primarily serves the northern, northwestern, and western areas of Chicago, as well as the surrounding suburbs.
• International Flights: O’Hare is one of the busiest international airports in the United States and offers numerous international flights to destinations around the world.
• Transportation: O’Hare is well-connected to downtown Chicago and the suburbs via the ‘L’ train system (the Blue Line), taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway International Airport is situated on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown Chicago. While it does offer some international flights, Midway is known for its domestic routes within the U.S.

• Midway primarily serves the southern and southwestern areas of Chicago, as well as nearby neighborhoods and suburbs.
• Transportation: Midway is accessible from downtown Chicago and surrounding areas via the ‘L’ train system (the Orange Line), taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services.

West Loop is well-connected to Chicago’s public transportation system, offering convenient access to various parts of the city. To efficiently use public transit in the area and its surrounding areas, start by obtaining a Ventra Card, a reusable contactless fare card, which can be used on buses and trains. Using the Ventra app or website, business travelers can access schedules, maps, and real-time updates for a seamless and cost-effective way to explore West Loop and its surrounding areas, including both O’Hare and Midway airports.

“L” Train — The Blue and Pink Lines serve the West Loop, with stations like the UIC-Halsted, Clinton, Ashland and Morgan providing access to the neighborhood and other areas of Chicago including downtown. 

Metra Commuter Rail — While not in the immediate West Loop, there are Metra commuter train stations nearby, such as Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. 

Buses — Many buses also serve West Loop. Check out the Central Transit Authority’s website for up to date bus and train schedules.

Loop Link — The West Loop is connected to the Loop via the Loop Link bus rapid transit (BRT) system. This system offers faster bus service along dedicated lanes, making it easier to travel between the two downtown neighborhoods.