The VIG West Loop Review

By Alexis Hu

Chicago is a foodie’s dream, but exploring all the wonderful places to eat can add up quickly. One of the best ways to try new restaurants is to go during happy hour (if offered), and let me tell you, The VIG West Loop has one of the best. While their happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., I went for my summer internship send-off dinner at the somewhat awkward time of 4:30 p.m.. However, I can’t complain much because we were seated outside on a lovely July afternoon and greeted by the kindest wait staff.

To start, we got drinks as this was a happy hour, and because I am not 21 yet, I opted for an NA option dubbed ‘Sweet Nothings’ which features a mix of passionfruit, vanilla, and lime. It was a bit sweet for my liking, but I appreciated the citric notes. My bosses both ordered the rotating frozen (rosé lychee, I believe?), which they both loved. So if you can drink, I would recommend trying that before Chicago winter arrives.

For starters, one of my managers had never tried oysters before, so we ended up getting a plate of six for $2 per oyster! I’m not sure what the going rate of oysters is at restaurants, but I’d venture to say that’s a fairly nice deal. Plus, you can order however many you like, so you could just try one if you wanted to. I’m not the biggest fan of oysters, so I don’t think I’m a fair judge, but I would definitely recommend this deal if you enjoy oysters.

Next, we got the Shrimp Wonton Tacos as a shared appetizer, which comes with three tacos plated in a fitted stand. The tacos are filled with marinated shrimp and chunks of diced pineapple, topped with a green onion garnish and a light chile dusting. I’m personally a big texture person; I enjoyed the crunch of the wonton contrasted with the soft shrimp filling. It was great to share and a unique fusion dish, and the happy hour discount definitely doesn’t hurt.

Shrimp Wonton Tacos ($10 - normally $17)

For my entree, I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich with fries, which the meal usually doesn’t include on the side. Now, I will say my review should be taken with a grain of salt because I omitted the pickle and mayo sauce (I’m so sorry, I know it’s definitely a me thing) and added arugula. It was good nonetheless, but would probably taste better in its original form. I wish I liked mayo—it’s just not for me, sadly. However, sandwich aside, the fries were bomb! I devoured them slowly but surely and made my way through the whole plate of them. They were perfectly seasoned with garlic and salt and had a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. If you take away anything from this, please try the fries!

Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries ($16 - usually $16 without fries)

Last, but most certainly not least: dessert. Although we were full, we could not pass up the waitress-recommended olive oil cake. The cake is not part of their happy hour menu, but it is a must-get. The cake is impressively fluffy and moist at the same time, with a lemony citrus flavor and what I believe is orange ice cream. As a big baker myself, this inspired me to make an olive oil cake! The best was truly saved for last.

I don’t know what I expected from the happy hour at The VIG West Loop, but it far surpassed my expectations. One thing I haven’t mentioned that also impressed me was their customer service. One of their managers — Geoffrey I believe his name was — gave us tokens for a free drink and also informed us of an industry discount (my internship was at a bakery). All in all, I had a lovely time not only because of the food but because of the experience they provided. I’m excited to go back one day when I’m 21 to cash in my drink on the house and grab some olive oil cake and fries while I’m at it!