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The 16 Best Casual Lunch Spots in Chicago

For those looking for casual lunch spots in Chicago, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the Windy City has something for everyone.

From trendy cafes to classic diners, Chicago offers a diverse array of casual dining establishments that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you are a local or just visiting, you are sure to find a spot that satisfies your cravings.

Explore the following list of The 16 Best Casual Lunch Spots in Chicago to find your new favorite dining spot in the city.

How this ranking works

This guide does not try to list everyone. It is our pick of casual lunch spots in Chicago, built on each business's public reputation and on how central this service is to what it does.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 16 local picks compared

Girl & The Goat, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the exceptional service, with knowledgeable servers who provide recommendations on food and drinks.

  • The dishes are well-balanced, using fresh ingredients and unique flavor profiles that leave a lasting impression on diners.

  • Guests enjoy the shareable menu concept, allowing for a communal dining experience with friends or loved ones.

Girl & The Goat

4.75,514 reviews
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Girl & The Goat is a renowned New American restaurant located in Chicago that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant boasts an industrial yet intimate vibe with dim lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere for patrons. The menu is filled with a variety of delicious dishes, from naan and dips to chickpea fritters and poke, all bursting with flavor and creativity.

Girl & The Goat is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in high-quality cuisine in a lively and fun atmosphere. Experience a memorable dining adventure with friends, family, or that special someone at Girl & The Goat.

Au Cheval, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • Excellent service with helpful staff and great recommendations.

  • Must-try dishes include the hot honey chicken wings, bone marrow, and burgers.

  • Long waits can be expected, but the overall dining experience is worth it.

  • The thick cut bacon and egg on the burgers are highly recommended.

Au Cheval

4.68,161 reviews
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Au Cheval is a popular American restaurant located in Chicago. Known for its fast service and great cocktails, this restaurant is a go-to spot for many locals and tourists alike. Customers rave about the delicious food and cozy atmosphere.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a rating of 4.6 stars, Au Cheval continues to impress guests with its unique offerings and inviting atmosphere. So next time you're looking for a tasty meal in Chicago, be sure to check out this gem of a restaurant!

Little Goat Diner, Chicago#3
What sets it apart
  • Friendly service and accommodating for dietary restrictions

  • Generous portion sizes and delicious signature items

  • Great atmosphere with creative and delightful food

  • A mix of American and Japanese inspiration with unique flavor combinations

Little Goat Diner

4.66,422 reviews
3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Little Goat Diner is a beloved spot in Chicago, known for its delicious food and friendly service. The diner offers a variety of service options like outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. It is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

Customers rave about the cozy and trendy atmosphere, as well as the great coffee and dessert offerings. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a unique culinary experience, Little Goat Diner is sure to impress.

The Purple Pig Restaurant, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • The staff and food were excellent, with great attention to detail and flavor balance.

  • The dining experience was amazing, with impressive food preparation and generous portions.

  • While the food was generally good, some dishes were deemed overpriced and the restaurant ambiance was cramped and noisy.

  • Customers praised the delicious food, attentive staff, and variety of options, recommending the restaurant for a unique dining experience.

The Purple Pig Restaurant

4.66,103 reviews
444 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

The Purple Pig Restaurant is a renowned Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant offers a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in experiences. Known for its fast service and great desserts, The Purple Pig is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have left glowing reviews for The Purple Pig Restaurant. Here are some key points from their experiences:

Visit The Purple Pig for a delightful Mediterranean culinary experience in the heart of Chicago!

Eleven City Diner, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • Fantastic modern Jewish deli with very good food and friendly staff.

  • Efficient, professional, and personable service during lunch hours.

  • Good, fresh food with big portions, though service could be slow at times.

Eleven City Diner

4.64,725 reviews
1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Eleven City Diner is a beloved spot in Chicago that offers a variety of services and features to its customers. From Kerbside pickup to No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, they ensure convenience for all visitors. The diner is known for its fast service, great coffee, and great desserts. Customers have praised the establishment for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.

Doc B's Restaurant (River North), Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • Amazing food with genuine service, best key lime pie and chicken parm.

  • Disappointing 10 oz steak, but decent fries.

  • Relaxing environment, rich and flavorful dragon burger, slightly pricy but worth it.

  • Attentive service, fast kitchen, tasty but slightly small dishes.

Doc B's Restaurant (River North)

4.61,481 reviews
55 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Doc B's Restaurant (River North) is a popular American restaurant in Chicago offering a variety of services and features to its customers. With options like Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, this restaurant caters to different preferences.

Some of the highlights of this restaurant include fast service and great dessert, making it a favorite spot for many. Customers have mentioned in their reviews that the restaurant provides great portions with fresh and flavorful food.

Here are some summarized customer reviews:

With a rating of 4.6 based on 1481 reviews, Doc B's Restaurant (River North) continues to impress customers with its top-notch food and friendly service. Visit their website for more information and to experience it for yourself!

The Berghoff Restaurant, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • A historic German restaurant specializing in comfort food and atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings.

  • Excellent beer selection and cozy ambiance, ideal for beer and food enthusiasts.

  • Delicious authentic German dishes served by knowledgeable and quick staff, providing a homely and comforting experience.

The Berghoff Restaurant

4.54,211 reviews
17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

The Berghoff Restaurant is a renowned German restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. With a rating of 4.5 stars, it is highly praised for its fast service, great dessert, and live music atmosphere. Customers have left positive reviews highlighting the following key points:

With a range of services like kerbside pickup, takeaway, and dine-in options, as well as popular offerings like alcohol and comfort food, The Berghoff Restaurant ensures a delightful dining experience for all its patrons.

Billy Goat Tavern (The Original), Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • A legend by its own right, customers rave about the quick service and delicious cheezborger.

  • Patrons appreciate the historic atmosphere and reasonable prices, feeling transport back in time to Old Chicago.

  • Some customers have had mixed experiences, citing smaller burger sizes and underwhelming food, while highlighting friendly staff and unique location.

  • Visitors recommend trying the brews crafted on-site, alongside the outstanding hamburgers that come with chips.

Billy Goat Tavern (The Original)

4.54,167 reviews
Lower 430 North, Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Billy Goat Tavern (The Original) is an iconic hamburger restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. The restaurant provides options for delivery, takeaway, and dine-in experiences. Customers can enjoy fast service and a sporty atmosphere while indulging in popular meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Beatrix, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • Customers praise the diversity of brunch options and describe the steak and egg as well as the lemon pancakes as delicious.

  • Many visitors recommend the avocado toast for its perfect ratio of toppings and bread.

  • Guests highlight the vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent breakfast burrito as must-tries.

Beatrix

4.53,981 reviews
519 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Beatrix is a well-known American restaurant located in Chicago. They offer a variety of services such as outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy fast service, a cozy fireplace, great cocktails, delicious coffee, and a wide selection of desserts and teas.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing spot for a casual meal or a place to celebrate a special occasion, Beatrix has something for everyone. With a high rating of 4.5 based on 3981 reviews, this restaurant is a top choice for locals and tourists alike.

The Publican, Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Incredible food, especially the bacon and shrimp and grits

  • Great service and unique sourcing of menu items

  • Delightful dining experience with family-style dishes

  • High prices justified by quality and experience

The Publican

4.52,687 reviews
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

The Publican is an American restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of service options like outdoor seating, delivery, and dine-in. Known for its great cocktails and desserts, it's a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as solo dining. Customers have raved about the incredible food and great service, highlighting dishes like bacon, shrimp and grits, and the unique menu sourcing. While some have mentioned delays in service and high prices, overall, the majority of reviews have been positive.

Doc B's Restaurant (Gold Coast), Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • Knife and Fork Cobb was fresh and delicious, with cornbread croutons adding a hint of sweetness.

  • Great food and fast, friendly service, even on a busy Saturday night.

  • An absolute culinary experience with top-notch service, fast food preparation, and a delightful menu with delicious flavors and creative dishes.

  • Surprisingly good meals at a fair price point, excellent service, and an overall great dining experience.

Doc B's Restaurant (Gold Coast)

4.51,352 reviews
100 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Doc B's Restaurant (Gold Coast) is a top-notch restaurant located in Chicago that offers a variety of services and features. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant is known for its fast service, extensive beer selection, cocktails, and an impressive wine list. It is popular for both lunch and dinner, as well as solo dining. The establishment is inclusive and offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet facilities.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

The Loyalist, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • Fast service

  • Outdoor seating

  • Kerbside pickup

  • Delivery and takeaway options

  • Vegetarian-friendly menu

  • Wheelchair-accessible amenities

  • Lunch, dinner, and brunch options

  • An ex-customer noted that the once stellar burger quality had declined, making the high price unjustifiable.

  • A delighted guest praised the exceptional service provided by Alicia, a server at The Loyalist, and highlighted the restaurant's remarkable staff.

  • A birthday celebration at The Loyalist left another customer impressed with the delicious food, attentive service, and delightful espresso martinis.

  • A group of friends enjoyed a flavorful meal at The Loyalist, particularly highlighting the cocktail menu and the iconic loyalist burger.

The Loyalist

4.5452 reviews
177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

The Loyalist: A Gem in Chicago’s Culinary Scene

The Loyalist, a renowned New American restaurant located in Chicago, is celebrated for its top-notch dining experience. This cozy spot offers a range of services and features that cater to diverse preferences:

Customers have shared their impressions of The Loyalist:

From exceptional service to delectable dishes, The Loyalist stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a remarkable dining experience in the heart of Chicago.

Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • Absolutely AMAZING! The vibes are solid, drinks were great, and food was delicious with a distinct menu.

  • Favorite lunch spot with a beautiful ambiance and delicious food, especially the truffle fries and turkey sandwich.

  • Beautiful dining space, nice Californian vibe, excellent service, delicious food, and vegetarian-friendly options.

  • Beautiful beach house ambiance, great brunch experience with amazing food and drinks. Bright and airy dining space.

Summer House Santa Monica

4.42,958 reviews
1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Summer House Santa Monica is a popular New American restaurant in Chicago that offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The restaurant is known for its great cocktails, great coffee, great dessert, and great tea selection. It is a favorite spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have raved about their experience at Summer House Santa Monica, with many praising the amazing atmosphere and delicious food. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Visit Summer House Santa Monica for a delightful dining experience in a California-inspired setting!

Lou Mitchell's, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • An iconic experience with movie-like ambiance and great food.

  • Amazing omelettes and top-notch service.

  • Reasonably priced dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

  • Flavorful dishes made with quality ingredients and exceptional dining experience.

Lou Mitchell's

4.63,691 reviews
565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, United States

Lou Mitchell's is a renowned breakfast restaurant in Chicago that offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes and excellent services. The restaurant provides service options such as outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. It is popular for its fast service, great coffee, great dessert, and great tea selection.

Visit Lou Mitchell's for a classic breakfast experience that combines delicious food with a rich historical ambiance.

R.J. Grunts, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • Delicious burgers and cocktails, but service could be more attentive.

  • Legendary spot for American diner food with super friendly staff.

  • Consistent and flavorful Grunt Burger, accommodating for gluten-free options.

  • Unique atmosphere, good music, and a diverse menu with plenty of options.

R.J. Grunts

4.32,158 reviews
2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

R.J. Grunts is a renowned American restaurant located in Chicago that offers a variety of services to cater to different customer needs. The establishment provides options such as No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in. It is highly praised for its Fast service and Great dessert, making it a go-to spot for those seeking a delightful dining experience.

Some key points from customer reviews about R.J.

Roanoke Restaurant, Chicago#16
What sets it apart
  • Customers enjoyed the delicious food and great service.

  • The ambiance is relaxed and intimate, with various seating sections.

  • People appreciated the attentive and welcoming staff.

  • Many patrons mentioned the excellent quality of food and drinks.

Roanoke Restaurant

4.31,562 reviews
135 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Roanoke Restaurant is known for being an upscale American restaurant in the heart of Chicago's loop. They offer a variety of services and features, including outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, dine-in options, a fireplace, great beer selection, cocktails, and wine. Customers love the cozy and trendy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible and also offers a children's menu with high chairs.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Girl & The Goat 4.75,514
#2Au Cheval 4.68,161
#3Little Goat Diner 4.66,422
#4The Purple Pig Restaurant 4.66,103
#5Eleven City Diner 4.64,725
#6Doc B's Restaurant (River North) 4.61,481
#7The Berghoff Restaurant 4.54,211
#8Billy Goat Tavern (The Original) 4.54,167
#9Beatrix 4.53,981
#10The Publican 4.52,687
#11Doc B's Restaurant (Gold Coast) 4.51,352
#12The Loyalist 4.5452
#13Summer House Santa Monica 4.42,958
#14Lou Mitchell's 4.63,691
#15R.J. Grunts 4.32,158
#16Roanoke Restaurant 4.31,562

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Map of Casual Lunch Spots in Chicago

Looking for casual lunch spots in Chicago to grab a quick bite to eat? Look no further! This map showcases a variety of delicious dining options perfect for a casual lunch outing. From cozy cafes to trendy food trucks, this map has you covered with the best spots to satisfy your midday cravings in the Windy City.

Tips for choosing Casual Lunch Spots in Chicago

  1. Convenient location.
  2. Diverse menu options.
  3. Affordable prices.
  4. Cozy atmosphere.
  5. Quick service.

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