West Loop Is #1 in North America (Officially): Smyth Crowned the Continent's Best Restaurant — Plus a Buzzy New Coffee Shop Just Landed
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Loop ·
West Loop neighbors, go ahead and brag — you've officially earned it. Smyth, the intimate tasting menu gem tucked inside 177 N. Ada Street, has just been crowned the best restaurant in North America for 2026, besting every contender from New York to Los Angeles to Calgary. The husband-and-wife chef duo behind Smyth trained at the legendary Charlie Trotter's, and their farm-to-table tasting menu and three Michelin stars have long made the restaurant a bucket-list destination. Now, it's the undisputed continental champion — and it's right here in your backyard.
If that's not enough reason to feel good about your zip code, there's more good news brewing — literally. Ancient Grounds, a beloved Chicago mini coffee chain known for its wildly creative cereal lattes, has officially opened a brand-new West Loop outpost. Beyond the signature drinks, the shop also serves eggy burritos, croissants, grilled cheese, and a chipotle mayo chicken melt for a midday pick-me-up. And for fans of West Loop's iconic El Che Steakhouse & Bar, chef John Manion is expanding his footprint by taking over the former Proxi space, adding yet another exciting new chapter to the neighborhood's already stacked dining roster.
From world-record-setting fine dining to your new favorite morning coffee stop, West Loop continues to set the bar for the entire city — and the entire continent. Which of these neighborhood wins has you most pumped? Drop your thoughts and tag your neighbors right here on Socialhood!
Sources:
1. https://www.tiktok.com/discover/restaurant-opening-west-loop-2026
2. https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/new-chicago-restaurant-openings
3. https://www.wttw.com/playlist/2026/03/19/upcoming-restaurants-spring-2026