There are endless possibilities when it comes to lunch options in a city as big as Chicago. Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite or casual lunch with friends, there’s something for everyone in every neighborhood.
I love exploring various restaurants in different areas but I tend to gravitate towards lunch places with a laid-back environment. Here are my favorite casual lunch spots in the city…
5. Brightwok Kitchen
Brightwok Kitchen is a great spot to grab a quick and healthy lunch in the Loop. The restaurant itself is bright and modern. They serve build-your-own bowls with your choice of sauce (Thai basil, creamy cashew, chili coconut curry, light lemon glaze, teriyaki, tahini ginger, and golden miso), fresh vegetables, protein, and a base (white rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or mixed greens).
My favorite is the rice noodles with chicken and chili coconut curry sauce, which adds a little kick and spice. It is a counter-service restaurant, but has long communal tables if you prefer to dine-in. This is my go-to casual lunch spot in the Loop because the selection of food is extensive and you can mix it up every time you go.
FAB TIP: If you are in a hurry and don’t want to spend time customizing your bowl, they also offer a couple of pre-customized bowls.
{Location}
Brightwok Kitchen
The Loop || 21 E Adams St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 583-0729
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
4. 3 Arts Club Café
3 Arts Club Café is located inside the Restoration Hardware in the Gold Coast. The restaurant has a beautiful atrium with a fountain in the center. There are also trees in large planters, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere. It is a nice, relaxed place to go with friends. The lighting is awesome, too. The truffle grilled cheese is one of my favorites because it is gooey and cheesy, and the truffle flavor is not too overpowering. The fries that come with it are perfectly crispy and delicious.
Truffle Grilled Cheese at 2 Art Club Cafe // Photo: @topchicagoeats
I also love the smoked salmon board. It is served with cucumbers, pickled onions, capers, cream cheese with salmon roe, and Texas toast. The dish is light and refreshing.
Smoked Salmon Board at 2 Art Club Cafe // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: I recommend going a little before noon as it tends to get crowded during lunch time.
{Location}
3 Arts Club Café
Gold Coast || 1300 North Dearborn St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 475-9116
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
3. En Hakkore
En Hakkore in Bucktown is known for their delicious bibimbap bowls. If you want a healthier, but filling lunch option, this place is a must-try! The bibimbap bowls are huge and includes 16 types of vegetables (kimchi, carrots, bean sprouts, zucchini, spinach, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, pickled radish, lettuce, romaine lettuce, spring mix, cabbage, purple cabbage, beets, and a hard-boiled egg) and your choice of spicy pork or Korean bbq beef served over white, brown, or black rice.
Also, they have a sashimi-bap, which is what I almost always order. It is served with 13 types of vegetables (spring mix, cabbage, lettuce, romaine lettuce, daikon sprouts, cilantro, cucumbers, carrots, red and yellow paprika, pickled radish, purple cabbage, and beets) and 5 types of sashimi (tuna, salmon, white tuna, shrimp, and tilapia). En Hakkore is one of my favorite lunch spots because of the freshness of the food and the quick service.
Sashimi Bap at En Hakkore // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Don’t miss out on the paratha tacos! It is served with kimchi, onions, mushrooms, and lettuce with a choice of spicy pork or Korean bbq beef.
FAB TIP: Open every day of the week except Sunday.
{Location}
En Hakkore
Bucktown || 1840 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 772-9880
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
2. Wyler Road
Wyler Road is tucked away in a corner of a residential street, away from the more well-known Logan Square restaurants on Milwaukee Avenue. It has a relaxed neighborhood dive bar feel, but with really good food. Most of the seating is at the bar, but there are several tables if you want to go with a group of friends. The cheese curds are one of my favorite menu items. They come with crispy basil leaves and a tasty house-made ranch sauce. The batter is fried to perfection and the portion is large enough to share with your cheese loving friends.
Cheese Curds at Wyler Road // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Wyler Road specializes in hot and cold sandwiches, making it perfect for a casual lunch. I recommend the grilled cheese with tomato soup. This classic grilled cheese is perfect for when you’re in the mood for a simple sandwich. It is paired with a flavorful tomato bisque with roasted tomato, red pepper, basil, and shallots. Or, if you are a craving a cold sandwich, you can’t go wrong with the smoked salmon sandwich with old bay cream cheese, charred onion jam, and cucumbers on rye bread.
Smoked Salmon Sandwich at Wyler Road // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: If you have room for dessert, I highly recommend one of their boozy ice cream floats. The ice cream is rich and delicious!
Boozy Ice Cream Float at Wyler Road // Photo: @topchicagoeats
{Location}
Wyler Road
Logan Square || 3581 W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 661-0675
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
1. 3 Greens Market
3 Greens Market is Hogsalt Hospitality’s newest restaurant in River North. This spot has a little bit for everyone. When you first walk in, there is a large salad bar with hot and cold food items to your left, if you are looking to grab something quick to-go. Next to the salad bar, there is a small, counter-service restaurant where Small Cheval burgers and Dillman’s pastrami sandwiches are offered. My personal favorite is the pastrami cheeseburger. I was already in love with the Small Cheval burger, but the addition of the pastrami takes it to the next level! The pastrami adds a unique and delicious flavor that makes you want to come back for another.
There is a seating area next to the counter and salad bar if you want to have a sit-down lunch. On the right side, the space resembles a coffee shop. The coffee bar has Metropolis Coffee and Doughnut Vault doughnuts. There is also a cocktail bar on this side with a putting green and a ping pong table.
A photo posted by Chicago Foodie 🍴 (@topchicagoeats) on
FAB TIP: If you are craving a Small Cheval burger, but don’t want to wait in line at their often crowded Wicker Park location, definitely go to 3 Greens Market!
{Location}
3 Greens Market
River North || 354 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 888-9195
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
Each of these restaurants offer something different, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Where are your favorite spots to grab lunch? Let us know.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
