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The 16 Best Lunch Spots in Chicago

Exploring lunch spots in Chicago and not sure where to start? Look no further! This page is your go-to guide for finding the best places to grab a delicious midday meal in the Windy City.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic Chicago-style pizza, a trendy food truck offering, or a cozy cafe with homemade sandwiches, this list has something for everyone. Compare options and find the perfect spot for your next lunch outing in Chicago.

Discover the top lunch spots in Chicago below and satisfy your cravings with the perfect meal today!

How this ranking works

Before ranking this guide we review each business's track record, what its customers say and how clearly it explains its work. The result is an editorial selection that we update as things change.

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

Au Cheval, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • Exceptional service with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

  • Delicious menu items like hot honey chicken wings, bone marrow, and burgers.

  • Great atmosphere with tasty cocktails and affordable prices.

Au Cheval

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

Au Cheval is an American restaurant in Chicago known for its fantastic service and delicious food. Customers rave about the experience, highlighting the following key points:

Patrons appreciate the fast service and the option to enjoy their meals through delivery, takeaway, or dine-in services. The establishment is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. With a 4.6-star rating and over 8000 reviews, Au Cheval continues to impress guests with its delectable offerings and inviting atmosphere.

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • Customers appreciate the fantastic breakfast options and welcoming staff.

  • The cozy yet elegant atmosphere makes dining here a truly enjoyable experience.

  • Portions are generous, and the food is delicious, especially the pancakes.

  • Quick service and convenient location in downtown Chicago make it a go-to spot for many visitors.

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

4.68,000 reviews
130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is a popular brunch restaurant located in Chicago, known for its fantastic breakfast options and cozy atmosphere. Customers rave about the great coffee and delicious pancakes that are generously portioned. The restaurant offers a variety of services including no-contact delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Little Goat Diner, Chicago#3
What sets it apart
  • Delicious food with great flavor combinations

  • Attentive and friendly service

  • Perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner

Little Goat Diner

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

Little Goat Diner is a popular spot known for its fast service and great coffee. This cozy diner offers a variety of options for customers, including delivery and dine-in services. The menu is full of delicious choices, from comfort food to vegan options, making it ideal for families, groups, and even solo dining. Customers rave about the delightful atmosphere and exceptional staff. Here are a few key points from recent reviews:

The Purple Pig Restaurant, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • The staff and food were excellent, with periodic check-ins to ensure satisfaction. The tuna tartar was a standout dish.

  • The dining experience was amazing, with impressive food preparation in front of diners. The tuna tartare, dry aged pork, and duck were highlights.

  • While the food was generally good, some customers found the portions small and the environment noisy. The prosciutto dates and squid ink Chitarra were favorites.

  • The varied menu and attentive service impressed customers, with highlights like the tuna tartar, duck croquettes, and pork belly.

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 the heart of Chicago. Known for its excellent service options like No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, this restaurant caters to all kinds of diners. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a solo dining experience, The Purple Pig has you covered.

The restaurant offers a myriad of highlights like Fast service and Great dessert, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Customers have raved about their dining experience at The Purple Pig, praising the attentive staff and delicious food. Here are some key points from recent customer reviews:

With a rating of 4.6 stars and over 6000 reviews, The Purple Pig Restaurant continues to be a top choice for Mediterranean cuisine in Chicago. Visit their website for more information and to make reservations for your next gastronomic adventure!

Eleven City Diner, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • Fantastic modern Jewish deli with delicious food

  • Efficient and personable service

  • Big portions of fresh and tasty food

  • Welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere

Eleven City Diner

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

Eleven City Diner is a beloved diner located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features that cater to different needs and preferences. With options like Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, customers can enjoy their favorite dishes in a way that suits them best. This charming diner is known for its fast service, great coffee, and great desserts, making it a go-to spot for many.

The reviews from customers reflect the positive experiences they've had at Eleven City Diner. From the friendly staff to the generous portions, guests have praised the diner for its welcoming atmosphere and delectable dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a filling dinner, Eleven City Diner offers a delightful dining experience for all.

The Chicago Diner, Logan Square#6
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the large portions and tasty dishes like the CAULIFLOWER CRUSTED PORTABELLA CAKE and DIABLO DEL MAR linguine.

  • Service is highlighted as fast, kind, and efficient, accompanied by good music.

  • Reviewers highly recommend the variety of options, such as the chicken fried steak, reuben, portobello truffle melt, poutine, and stuffed zucchini empanadas along with tasty cocktails.

  • First-time visitors to a vegetarian spot have noted the delicious food, with a small table being the only drawback.

The Chicago Diner, Logan Square

4.62,805 reviews
2333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

The Chicago Diner, Logan Square is a renowned spot known for its delicious vegetarian and vegan options. The diner offers a variety of dining options such as brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it a perfect choice for any meal of the day. Customers can enjoy no-contact delivery, takeout, or even dine-in with fast service and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu boasts great coffee, an array of desserts, and an impressive selection of teas.

Yolk - South Loop, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Delicious crepes, pancakes, and omelets that are a local favorite.

  • Fluffy and light pancakes with flavorful dishes, though initial service wait times can vary.

  • Varied menu options with great coffee and red velvet toast, perfect for brunch.

  • Good food, location, and service, especially praised for being a great breakfast spot downtown.

Yolk - South Loop

4.54,210 reviews
1120 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Yolk - South Loop is a renowned brunch restaurant situated in Chicago. Known for its delectable offerings and inviting atmosphere, Yolk provides a variety of services to its customers. From no-contact delivery to takeaway and dine-in options, Yolk caters to diverse preferences.

The restaurant is highlighted for its fast service, great coffee, and excellent tea selection, making it a favorite spot for many. Popular for breakfast and solo dining, Yolk ensures a delightful experience for every visitor.

Customer reviews rave about the mouthwatering food and warm ambiance of Yolk.

Embrace the morning magic at Yolk - South Loop for a delightful brunch experience every time!

The Gage, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • A great atmosphere and a better than expected food experience. Really liked the fact it says open later than most other places in the loop. Solid experience, you can't go wrong here.

  • We sat on the patio with a view of Millennium Park. Service was attentive but not in a rush. Food was prepared wonderfully and the portions were unexpectedly large. Atmosphere reminded me of a Parisian cafe.

  • I was there for restaurant week lunch. The service was incredible. Steak frites were great. The steak was cooked to perfection and the fries were good. Solid experience for the price.

  • Great place for a little dinner date. Food is always phenomenal and so as the drinks! Service can sometimes be a little slow but that means they are just busy! One recommendation would be to make the chips a bit crispier!

The Gage

4.54,006 reviews
24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

The Gage is a renowned American restaurant located in the heart of Chicago. Their services include outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Guests can enjoy great coffee and great dessert in a cosy, trendy, and upmarket atmosphere.

Customers have left raving reviews about The Gage:

Beatrix, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • Food is above average, with favorites like pistachio covered whitefish and lemon garlic chicken.

  • Great options for celiac - gluten-free customers with a diverse brunch menu.

  • Atmosphere may get busy, booking ahead is recommended to enjoy the delicious food.

Beatrix

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

Beatrix American restaurant located in Chicago offers a variety of dining options, from breakfast to dinner, perfect for solo dining or with groups. With a 4.5 rating, it's popular for its great cocktails and organic dishes. Customers rave about the diverse brunch options and the fresh juices available. The ambiance is described as casual and cozy, making it a great spot for families and tourists. The menu offers everything from comfort foods to vegan options. One reviewer highlighted the lemon garlic chicken and avocado toast as must-try dishes. With features like outdoor seating, delivery, and takeaway, Beatrix ensures a convenient dining experience for all.

Nookies on Wells, Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Delicious food with generous portions

  • Efficient and friendly service

  • Cozy and pleasant atmosphere

Nookies on Wells

4.51,080 reviews
1746 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Nookies on Wells is a charming American restaurant located in Chicago. They offer a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for their great coffee and great tea selection, Nookies on Wells is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining.

Customers have left positive reviews for Nookies on Wells, highlighting a few key points:

One reviewer mentioned, "Fantastic local breakfast and lunch place with a nicely updated interior, friendly staff, and great food. Highly recommend- shop local!" Experience the warmth and delicious offerings at Nookies on Wells for yourself.

Brando's Lincoln Park, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • I enjoy the time here. It's different, but if u drink enough u will be ready to sing. The shots are strong and the music is definitely a vibe.

  • The atmosphere is fun because it’s Karaoke, but the DJ only has her friends, herself, and those that pay her $20 a pop to be moved to the front of the line to sing.

  • Nice place, but smaller than the original. The list of karaoke songs don’t compare to the original Brando’s. Very disappointing, especially when coming on a special occasion.

  • This is a fantastic spot! The ambiance is incredibly aesthetically pleasing, and the karaoke experience is a standout. What's even better is the friendly atmosphere - everyone is genuinely nice.

Brando's Lincoln Park

4.8275 reviews
2265 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Brando's Lincoln Park is a popular bar located in Chicago, offering a range of services and features that keep customers coming back for more. From dine-in options to great cocktails and live performances, this spot has something for everyone to enjoy. The bar is known for its fast service, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for patrons.

With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars out of 5, it's clear that customers love the experience at Brando's Lincoln Park. So why not grab some friends and head over for a night of karaoke and fun!

Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • Absolutely AMAZING! The vibes are solid, the staff works efficiently, and the drinks and food are delicious.

  • The truffle fry appetizer is a must-get, and the ambiance transports you to the coast.

  • Beautiful dining space with excellent service, delicious food, and vegetarian-friendly options.

  • Great environment for brunch with a variety of tasty dishes and beverages to enjoy.

Summer House Santa Monica

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

Summer House Santa Monica is a charming New American restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features to cater to its diverse clientele. Some of the Service options include 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, making it a popular choice for different occasions such as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.

Customer reviews rave about the delightful experience at Summer House Santa Monica:

The restaurant's 4.4 rating reflects the positive testimonials from its patrons, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit establishment in Chicago.

Lou Mitchell's, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • Impressed with the wonderful atmosphere and large food portions.

  • An iconic experience with big portions and professional staff.

  • Amazing omelettes and top-notch service for a reasonable price.

  • Great service, good food, but slightly pricey.

Lou Mitchell's

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

Lou Mitchell's is a renowned breakfast restaurant located in Chicago. The establishment prides itself on offering a wide range of services and features to its customers, such as outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, takeaway, and great coffee. Customers can enjoy a variety of dishes, including comfort food and quick bites, as well as delicious desserts and a great selection of teas.

The restaurant is highly rated, with a rating of 4.6 stars based on 3691 reviews. Customers have left glowing reviews praising the fast service, great food, and historic atmosphere of Lou Mitchell's. Here are some key points from recent customer reviews:

If you're looking for a fantastic breakfast experience in Chicago, Lou Mitchell's is definitely worth a visit!

Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • The space is large with 2 gender-neutral bathrooms, self-serve drip coffee with various milk options, and a variety of delicious pastries.

  • Great place with vegetarian options and the garden goddess wrap is highly recommended.

  • A culinary haven with cozy ambiance, delectable treats, and a whimsical decor.

  • Highly professional staff, quick service, and a wide selection of creative drinks and treats available.

Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park

4.32,322 reviews
33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Goddess and the Baker is a renowned American restaurant located in the heart of Chicago. They offer a variety of services including outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers love the fast service, great coffee, great dessert, and the great tea selection available at this establishment.

Some key points from customer reviews:

Meli Cafe, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • Quick service, delicious breakfast bowls, and attentive staff.

  • Average dining experience with an expected taste, slower service due to staff possibly being busy.

  • Great atmosphere, friendly and quick service, large selection of dishes, and delicious food.

  • Beautiful place with generous portions, varied menu options, but occasional lapses in service coordination.

Meli Cafe

4.32,251 reviews
500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Meli Cafe is an American 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, Great coffee, Great dessert, and Great tea selection. It is popular for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.

With a rating of 4.3 based on 2251 reviews, customer experiences vary. Here are some summarized reviews:

Pittsfield Cafe, Chicago#16
What sets it apart
  • I had the banana bread French toast and 1 sausage and 2 bacon (they gave me an extra one but I wasn't charged for it so it's good). The food was amazing and came out quicker than other cafes I've been to. Also, the service was nice and friendly. Highly recommend!!!

  • Pittsfield Cafe is a cozy hidden gem in downtown. Personally, I love their breakfast specials, and even outside of the breakfast specials time - their pricing is great and portions are generous. I've gone a few times and had Nicole as a server, and she was attentive and kind every single time. Everyone who works at Pittsfield is welcoming and does their best to make sure you are not left wanting for anything. Thanks, Pittsfield Cafe!

  • On the first morning of my stay in Chicago, my mom and I arrived for an early breakfast. The food was good enough for the price and location. It was very hearty and filling!

  • A lot of food options for lunch and dinner. The latte was good, the food was delicious and made fresh! It's located in a cool spot, historic beautiful building that is otherwise abandoned. Quiet vibe. Definitely should try it out!

Pittsfield Cafe

4.21,357 reviews
55 East Washington Street Lobby, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Pittsfield Cafe is a renowned restaurant located in the heart of Chicago. Offering a wide range of services including no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, this cafe caters to all customer preferences. Known for its fast service and great coffee, it is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and solo dining. The cafe is wheelchair-accessible and provides various dining options from breakfast to dinner as well as amenities like a bar on-site and free Wi-Fi.

With a rating of 4.2 stars, Pittsfield Cafe has garnered positive reviews from its customers:

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Pittsfield Cafe is a must-visit destination in Chicago.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Au Cheval 4.68,161
#2Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe 4.68,000
#3Little Goat Diner 4.66,422
#4The Purple Pig Restaurant 4.66,103
#5Eleven City Diner 4.64,725
#6The Chicago Diner, Logan Square 4.62,805
#7Yolk - South Loop 4.54,210
#8The Gage 4.54,006
#9Beatrix 4.53,981
#10Nookies on Wells 4.51,080
#11Brando's Lincoln Park 4.8275
#12Summer House Santa Monica 4.42,958
#13Lou Mitchell's 4.63,691
#14Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park 4.32,322
#15Meli Cafe 4.32,251
#16Pittsfield Cafe 4.21,357

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Map of Lunch Spots in Chicago

Planning your day in Chicago and looking for the best lunch spots in the city? Look no further! Our comprehensive map showcases all the top lunch spots in Chicago, from trendy cafes to classic diners. Whether you're craving deep-dish pizza or a gourmet sandwich, this map has you covered for your next midday meal. Enjoy exploring the diverse culinary scene Chicago has to offer!

Tips for choosing Lunch Spots in Chicago

  1. Location.
  2. Cuisine options.
  3. Price range.
  4. Ambiance.
  5. Special dietary accommodations.

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