5 MIN READ -- For this month's People of the Loop series, we caught up with Alex Linardos — better known to many as “Mr. South Loop.” The Chicago-based content creator took us around the Loop to share his favorite hidden gems, insider tips. From local recommendations to his perspective on the neighborhood’s energy and growth, Alex gives an inside look at why the Loop continues to inspire him. Read the full Q&A below, and don’t forget to check out the video feature on our social channels here.
Q: Please introduce yourself and what you do.
A: My name is Alex Linardos, @mrsouthloop. I’m a Chicago based content creator and flight attendant. I’m a huge fan of live theater, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants.
Q: What inspired you to start posting content and pursuing content creation?
A: I started my account @MrSouthLoop during the pandemic. I wanted to connect with my South Loop neighbors and inform them what was going on in the neighborhood. My first few posts were mostly what businesses were open and/or closed in the South Loop. I wanted to create a resource for the South Loop community and that’s how "Mr. South Loop" was born.
Q: What motivated you to embrace the title "Mr. South Loop"?
A: So, I’m really into commercial real estate, if I had the time, I would get my broker's license and start leasing up the city. One day, I was out to dinner with some friends and my friend Yubi said: “Alex, you know everything that's going on in the neighborhood, you’re like Mr. South Loop.” As soon as he said it, I was like I guess I kind of am. I’m always looking up leasing sites, building permits, you name it. It all really fascinates me.
Q: There are 77 neighborhoods in Chicago -- what made you choose the Loop?
A: While I call South Loop home, the Loop is a huge part of my day-to-day life. Whether I’m walking to my favorite restaurant for a quick bite to eat, walking to the theatre district to catch a show, or just doing some quick shopping on State Street. I think I kind of take the Loop for granted. I know it’s there and I don’t do my best to really take full advantage of it. This is going to sound crazy, but I’ve never walked the full pedway before. I’ve never been to The Berghoff! There’s still so much I need to continue exploring.
Q: Do you have a favorite "Loop hack" or insider tip?
A: So, my insider tip would be rushing Broadway In Chicago shows. The day of a show, Broadway in Chicago sells a few discounted tickets at the box office right when it opens. I highly suggest getting in line at least an hour prior. For past shows I've really wanted to see, I’ve waited in line for about two hours...OUTSIDE! Even during the winter, I've layered up and put on a nice podcast. It's so much fun chatting to other theater lovers while waiting in line.
Q: What is the most underrated gem in the Loop?
A: Exile in Bookville. It’s one of my favorite bookstores and small businesses in Chicago. I love that it’s slightly hidden within the second floor of the Fine Arts building. It’s one of those "if you know, you know". They've got a great selection of books, records, and stationery.
Q: What does a perfect day in the Loop look like for you?
A: So, I would start my morning with a matcha and a bagel. Full disclosure, I’m not a coffee drinker. After breakfast, I would make my way to one of our fabulous city parks. Either Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, or the riverwalk. There’s just something about sitting outside in Chicago. Especially on a nice summer morning. After that, I would love to stop at a small business for lunch. Maybe catch a matinee Broadway show or a movie. Then I’m totally open for doing a happy hour before a quick walk home.
Q: Why should people visit the Loop?
A: The Loop is truly the heartbeat of Chicago. I believe Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without the small businesses that call the Loop home. I really want to see the entire city of Chicago get behind the Loop and help it thrive. Whether it be supporting a local business, taking in the art scene, or encouraging friends and out of town guests to stay here --some of my some of my favorite hotels are located in the Loop.
We want to thank Alex --aka Mr. South Loop for being this month's "People of the Loop" profile! To watch the video version of this segment, click here. Follow Mr. South Loop on social channels here.
