On the west bank of the Chicago River’s South Branch is the area known as River West neighborhood. It is part of the West Loop community. Bordered by Division, Grand, and the Kennedy Expressway (Routes 90/94), it rubs elbows with trendy Wicker Park and artistic River North.
Location & Area
North Boundary: 1200 N Division
South Boundary: 500 N Grand
East Boundary: ~500-1200 W Chicago River
West Boundary: ~1000-1300 W Kennedy Expressway
Primary Zip Code: 60606
Current Trends and Facts of River West Chicago
With its reminiscence of a once-thriving market area, River West still hosts many appealing traditional family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and flower and produce stands. Today, River West neighborhood is being rediscovered by a new generation of city-dwellers.
As Wicker Park, River North, Little Italy, Greek Town, and the Loop are all just a few blocks away River West neighborhood residents enjoy unparalleled access to some of the most exciting neighborhoods and districts in Chicago.
On its own, it has many of the city’s finer restaurants and cafés, particularly along Randolph Street where many old warehouses and markets have been transformed into premier dining destinations. River West neighborhood is a place where art galleries live inside converted loft spaces, and many performance artists promote and teach their trades in unexpectedly large studios.
Plus, River West boasts the United Center stadium, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks and a venue for some of the world’s most popular musicians and entertainers. Television diva Oprah Winfrey chose River West neighborhood as the home for her Harpo Studios.