Ahead of this weekend’s Randolph Street Market, we asked Axios Chicago reporter Justin Kaufmann to give us some places to check out in the West Loop, where he’s lived for 17 years.
Something to eat: “Green Street Smoked Meats is one of the best BBQ spots in the city. Get the pulled pork and broccolini side.”
Something to see: “Bartelme Park has a great fountain sculpture, lots of green space, and unreal views of the Sears Tower. Also, check out the Saturday morning farmers market.”
Something to do: “WNDR Museum has a Yayoi Kusama installation. What more can you ask?”
Also, happy first birthday to Axios Chicago! We are happy to learn with and from you.
Get to Know West Loop with Justin Kaufmann

Sidney Madden

Bartelme Park in West Loop. (Justin Kaufmann / Axios)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Neighborhood Guides
Where to Read in Chicago
It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicago...
Celebrate 420 at These Chicago Dispensaries
It’s been a little over 6 years since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. At the time, Gov. JB Pritzker called it the “most...
Is Avondale Really That Cool?
We investigated Avondale ourselves, and think that Time Out might be onto something.
Get to Know Bronzeville
Check out this guide on what to see, eat, and do in this historic Chicago neighborhood.

Walk Around the Bottom of Western With Me!
My stroll to the bottom of Western Avenue took me through West Morgan Park, Kennedy Park, and Beverly Woods.
Wander Through Ford City Mall With Me
Once a haven for young mall rats, Ford City Mall may soon become an industrial park. But it's not gone yet.
Scooter Another Mile Along Western With Me
Today, we’re zooming into the Tri-Taylor Historic District, starting on Madison Street and scooting to Roosevelt Road.
Walk (or Scooter) Down Western With Me
Western Avenue is Chicago's longest continuous road. Over the next few months, I'll be exploring the whole thing.

The latest in Chicago
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic? And where can you find it around and th...
The End of an Era For Lincolnwood Town Center
Lincolnwood Town Center shuts down April 30 — depending who you ask. I went to the mall to check things out for myself.
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities
As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
3 Questions With Chicago’s Poet Laureate
It’s National Poetry Month, and while you can find a variety of workshops and open mics in April, poets call Chicago home all year round.
Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?
If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.
Celebrate Poetry in Chicago
Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.

