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A sandwich a plate.
Manny’s is always a strong choice.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago’s Tastiest Lunch Options

Give new meaning to meal planning

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
Manny’s is always a strong choice.
| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated

It doesn’t matter if you’re working from home or the office. As 11 a.m. approaches, the only meaningful thought racing through one’s mind is “what’s for lunch?” Sure, one could finish last night’s leftovers or head to a nearby fast food chain, but there’s really no need to settle. The following spots excel at lunch service and offer everything from hand-pulled noodles to flavorful jerk chicken.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Kabobi

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Grilled meat skewers shine at Albany Park Persian restaurant Kabobi. Come for juicy pieces of chicken, ground lamb, seasoned filet, shrimp, and salmon along with Mediterranean staples like tabbouleh and baba ghanoush. All entrees are served with hummus, salad, and choice of basmati or dill rice. The lunch menu offers smaller portions than its dinner counterpart, leaving diners satiated but not too full. Online ordering is available here.

4748 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 583-1400
(773) 583-1400

Also featured in:

Boonie's Filipino Restaurant

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This epic Filipino restaurant in Irving Park recently started lunch service. It’s a tidy menu (sorry, no lumpia). But there are a variety of silog, or garlic rice plates with a mushroom option for vegetarians. There’s also a rotating fried fish worth checking out.

4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(708) 990-8886
(708) 990-8886

Also featured in:

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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Avondale wouldn’t have the same culinary cred if Honey Butter Fried Chicken wasn’t around. One of the most popular places for fried chicken served with sweet dollops of butter, continues to put out quality food. The broccoli salad, for instance, is addicting, and the biscuits and other sides are top-notch. HBFC also is very efficient in getting customers their food which is important if diners only have an hour to eat lunch.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Also featured in:

Thattu

Copy Link

In Avondale, Thattu debuted with lunch service and later expanded to dinner, giving its owners some time to practice before offering evening service. There wasn’t much to rehearse. The fried chicken sandwich has earned cult status and is yogurt-marinated with a little kick. Then there’s there’s a beautifully pan-fried fish, a nod to Kerala, the large southern Indian state along the Indian Ocean. The curry of the day is vegetarian and served with rasam, a soup-like Indian broth. Don’t forget the coffee and the curd rice. Padma Lakshmi called curd rice, served as a humble side, the most iconic dish in South India.

2601 W Fletcher St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0199
(773) 754-0199
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Chiya Chai Cafe

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One of the preeminent places in Chicago to sip on a chai beverage, Chiya Chai also offers an excellent food menu. Enjoy Nepalese and Indian specialties such as samosas, momos, curry bowls, savory pies, and more. A second location is in the Loop. Online ordering is available here.

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7541
(773) 360-7541

Also featured in:

Del Seoul

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Korean tacos can be trendy to some, but for the owners of Del Seoul, it’s a way of life. Find great steak, fried shrimp, and chicken options. There are also sandwiches, wings, and steamed dumplings in a fast-casual space.

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227

Also featured in:

Lula Cafe

Copy Link

The life of an all-day restaurant can be rough, but Lula Cafe has worn the title with a smile. The Logan Square restaurant is the little juggernaut that could, stressing seasonality and inclusivity inside a humble space with a kitchen that puts out ambitious food. The chilled peanut noodles, a spicy peanut butter sandwich, and classic pasta dishes are neighborhood favorites. For salad lovers, there’s always something great. Forget Sweetgreen and get in here.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

Also featured in:

Evette's

Copy Link

Chef Mitchell Abou Jamra deliver Mexican-Lebanese fusion flavors through a Midwestern lens out of this small storefront in Lincoln Park. Exploring Lebanon’s influence on Mexican culinary traditions, the food lineup offers eclectic items like pita nachos, shawarma fries, halloumi pita wraps, gyro and lamb belly tacos, and more. Online ordering is available here. Thre’s another location inside Time Out Market, and an upcoming one in Lakeview.

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8478
(773) 799-8478
A bowl of pita nachos.
Evette’s is a mashup of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines.
Evette’s [Official Photo]

Le Bouchon

Copy Link

The French classic in Bucktown is good for a special midday meal with a friend and solo endeavors where a French dip sandwich or cheesy bowl of French onion soup will satisfy whatever bothers you. There’s also a half-priced bottle of wine special, just in case.

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-6600
(773) 862-6600

Also featured in:

Hermosa Restaurant

Copy Link

Ethan Lim wasn’t always about a fancy family dinner at Hermosa, his comfy little restaurant in the neighborhood of the same name. It’s worth a weekday visit to get the Cambodian fried chicken sandwich alone, but Lim always has something fun with a rotating menu and some of the best french fries in town.

4356 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(872) 802-4920
(872) 802-4920

Also featured in:

Phodega

Copy Link

A warm and comforting bowl of pho can make for the perfect lunch. At restaurant-shop hybrid Phodega, owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo simmer up three exceptional versions: A beefy pho bo teeming with brisket, meatballs, and ribeye; a lighter pho ga consisting of chicken broth and poached chicken thighs; and a vegan pho full of veggies. They’re joined by other remarkable bites like Hainanese chicken rice and a Viet dip sandwich. Customers can also purchase a handful of Asian snacks to go. Online ordering is available here.

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8187
(773) 687-8187

Also featured in:

Boeufhaus

Copy Link

Friday and Saturday lunch service is back at Boeufhaus, one of the city’s best steakhouses. Many clamor for the traditional downtown steakhouse experience. And while that’s fine, Boeufhaus excels with great service, attention to detail, and wonderful wine. The sandwiches are top quality from a cheesesteak, burger, to a beef on weck (which celebrates Upstate New York). This is one of the best lunches in town.

1012 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-2116
(773) 661-2116

Also featured in:

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

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One of Chicago’s best sushi spots also has plenty of grilled skewers which are sometimes overlooked. Yuzu has long had a bento box lunch special will gives diners several options, from sushi, to soup, to skewers. It’s a great value and a complete meal.

1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 666-4100
(312) 666-4100

Also featured in:

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

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This West Loop restaurant, a tribute to Napa Wine Country, focuses on simple preparations of familiar ingredients. The tasting board is full of meats and cheeses to complement folks who want a little wine with lunch. There are fish tacos, grilled artichokes, and a dry-aged burger. Larger bites included barbecue salmon with grits, a mushroom and eggplant ragu, and steak frites.

163 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 309-2300
(773) 309-2300

Bhoomi at Urbanspace

Copy Link

Urbanspace’s arrival in Chicago has been met with mixed results as stalls keep closing inside the food hall near Daley Plaza. One bright spot has been Bhoomi, which focuses on Indian grilled meats served on flatbreads. The quality of meat is good, and the flavor blends are zesty. Indian pasties aren’t seen often in America — in India there are bakeries devoted to the puffs filled with meat. They’ve got a chicken version at Bhoomi and it makes you wonder why America isn’t celebrating these treats.

15 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 224-8099
(312) 224-8099
A trio of roti wraps Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Also featured in:

More in Maps

JIAO

Copy Link

Regarded as one of Chicago’s top dumpling makers, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings expanded a few years back with the opening of a fast-casual spinoff in the Loop. The steamed and pan-fried dumplings are based on a secret family recipe and include eight varieties such as lamb and coriander, truffle and beef, and pork and cabbage. Folks can save valuable time by ordering ahead through the restaurant’s app.

18 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(773) 598-4093
(773) 598-4093
A pair of chopsticks holding a dumpling.
JIAO offers some of the best dumplings in Chicago.
JIAO [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Bistro Monadnock

Copy Link

Don’t sleep on this full-service restaurant, a dim, street-level space that feels like old Chicago. French-inspired cooking is the name of the game, and one of the best dishes is a thick-cut burger that is perhaps the most juicy patty in the city. Diners will have dreams of this wonderfully executed burger, but the menu also features a killer French onion soup, a “Parisian” gnocchi, and steak frites, which caters to all appetites. 

325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 945-7040
(312) 945-7040

Also featured in:

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

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The city’s most prominent Jewish deli is coming up on its 80th birthday but little about the experience has changed. Stroll in during lunch hours for massive corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, knishes, matzo ball soup, and more. Cafeteria-style service keeps things moving along quickly — a big plus for diners short on time. Online orders can be placed here.

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-2855
(312) 939-2855

Also featured in:

Carnitas Uruapan

Copy Link

Pork reigns supreme at this essential taqueria. Due to its small dining room, there are often lines out the door so weekdays are the best bet for a quick lunch. The short menu stars crispy, tender carnitas that have been slow-cooked in fat for hours. Order it by the pound or get the lunch special and enjoy a half-pound of meat, tortillas, chicharrones, refried beans, a taco dorado, and a drink for $10.50. A second location is in Gage Park. Online ordering is available here.

1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-2654
(312) 226-2654

Also featured in:

Aloha Wagon

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Hawaiian-inspired specialties have made their way to Pilsen thanks to food-truck-turned-restaurant Aloha Wagon. Diners can order hearty, traditional plate lunches served with choice of protein plus white rice, potato mac salad, and mixed greens salad. Protein options include Kalua pork, chicken katsu, grilled tofu, chicken adobo, grilled fish, beef patties topped with eggs and gravy, and more. The menu also boasts burgers, tacos, and Spam musubi, a classic island snack.

2023 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 888-9613
(312) 888-9613

Also featured in:

Pleasant House Pub

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This British pub in Pilsen is famous for its savory pies. Chicken and veggie are probably the premier choices, but many swear by the steak and ale. It’s a friendly spot for a good heavy lunch. Look out for the curry special.

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 523-7437
(773) 523-7437

Also featured in:

Slurp Slurp Noodles

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Chicagoans will find noodles on almost any menu in Chinatown but very few places make them like this specialist. The kitchen hand pulls and shaves wheat-based dough to produce fresh noodles, which are then stir-fried or served in broth. They’re finished off with proteins such as beef spare ribs, brisket, pork belly, lamb, chicken, fish fillets, roast duck, and more. Online orders can be placed here.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp delicious handmade noodles at this Chinatown restaurant.
Slurp Slurp Noodles [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Ricobene's

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Loyal locals have been going to Ricobene’s for old school Italian-American fare since 1946. The restaurant’s signature item is the breaded steak sandwich, a sandwich that some proclaim is the best in the world. It’s a messy and satisfying combination of breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a French roll. Get this Chicago original plus Italian beef, wings, pizza, and other eats by ordering here.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-5555
(312) 225-5555

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Taqueria El Milagro

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Best known for its fresh tortillas and tortilla chips, El Milagro also operates restaurants alongside its stores. Guests line up in the cafeteria-style dining room for traditional Mexican fare like tamales, stews, and tacos. The grilled steak tacos are a favorite in particular, loaded with big chunks of beef, rice, refried beans, and cabbage. They’re larger than the average tacos and just two should be enough to fill most stomachs. Online orders can be placed here.

3050 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 847-9407
(773) 847-9407

Also featured in:

Honey 1 BBQ

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Chicago barbecue is underrated, a true evolution of Memphis style highlighted by sticky tomato-based sauces and the rib tip. Honey 1 BBQ serves pork baby backs, fried fish, and pulled pork. It’s some of the best barbecue in Chicago and a great spot for a special lunch.

746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 285-9455
(773) 285-9455

Also featured in:

Gorée Cuisine

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The underrepresented flavors of a small Senegalese island take center stage at Gorée Cuisine. Though many diners may be unfamiliar with what’s on the menu, it’s easy to appreciate the comforting plates coming out of the kitchen. Owner Adama Ba pays homage to his family’s restaurant back home in Senegal through dishes like tiebu dejun — fried fish stuffed with parsley and herbs in a tomato sauce over rice — and yassa, meat or seafood that’s marinated overnight and cooked in onions and mustard.

1126 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 855-8120
(773) 855-8120
A plate of whole grilled fish, rice, and sides.
Discover traditional Senegalese dishes at Gorée Cuisine.
Gorée Cuisine [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Bronzeville Soul

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After opening in 2022, Bronzeville Soul earned a loyal following. But in summer 2023, Jay-Z walked through the doors and brought unprecedented attention to this small restaurant. Bronzeville Soul is open for lunch and dinner. Pan-seared salmon, beef short ribs, and jerk lamb are highlights.

The poundcake is the featured dessert. 

4655 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(872) 244-7127
(872) 244-7127

Also featured in:

Birrieria Zaragoza

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This glorious Mexican restaurant with locations near Midway International Airport and in Uptown is a can’t-miss Chicago restaurant with the best goat in town. Perfectly spiced, served with peppers, cilantro, and other accouterments. All alongside some of the best tortillas in town. This is the type of restaurant worth altering entire workdays to get to.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 523-3700
(773) 523-3700

Also featured in:

St Bess Jerk

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Jerk chicken shops are prevalent on the South Side but this relative newcomer over in suburban Burbank is making a strong case for being the best. The X factor is an addictive jerk sauce, which takes the chicken to another level. It’s made from fiery peppers, onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices and also serves as an overnight marinade for the dish. When the birds are ready to go, they’re roasted in a barrel smoker over coals in order to impart a smoky flavor. During the day, diners can order white or dark meat plus two sides for $10. A second outpost of St Bess Jerk is located in Norwood Park. Online ordering is available here.

4838 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 634-2057
(708) 634-2057

Also featured in:

Calumet Fisheries

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This legendary smoked fish shack on the far South Side is a great way to escape the city. Buy a bunch of fish and enjoy your food from the comfort of your car. This is one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, having opened in 1928. 

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 933-9855
(773) 933-9855

Also featured in:

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Kabobi

4748 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Grilled meat skewers shine at Albany Park Persian restaurant Kabobi. Come for juicy pieces of chicken, ground lamb, seasoned filet, shrimp, and salmon along with Mediterranean staples like tabbouleh and baba ghanoush. All entrees are served with hummus, salad, and choice of basmati or dill rice. The lunch menu offers smaller portions than its dinner counterpart, leaving diners satiated but not too full. Online ordering is available here.

4748 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 583-1400
(773) 583-1400

Boonie's Filipino Restaurant

4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This epic Filipino restaurant in Irving Park recently started lunch service. It’s a tidy menu (sorry, no lumpia). But there are a variety of silog, or garlic rice plates with a mushroom option for vegetarians. There’s also a rotating fried fish worth checking out.

4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(708) 990-8886
(708) 990-8886

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Avondale wouldn’t have the same culinary cred if Honey Butter Fried Chicken wasn’t around. One of the most popular places for fried chicken served with sweet dollops of butter, continues to put out quality food. The broccoli salad, for instance, is addicting, and the biscuits and other sides are top-notch. HBFC also is very efficient in getting customers their food which is important if diners only have an hour to eat lunch.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-4000
(773) 478-4000

Thattu

2601 W Fletcher St, Chicago, IL 60618

In Avondale, Thattu debuted with lunch service and later expanded to dinner, giving its owners some time to practice before offering evening service. There wasn’t much to rehearse. The fried chicken sandwich has earned cult status and is yogurt-marinated with a little kick. Then there’s there’s a beautifully pan-fried fish, a nod to Kerala, the large southern Indian state along the Indian Ocean. The curry of the day is vegetarian and served with rasam, a soup-like Indian broth. Don’t forget the coffee and the curd rice. Padma Lakshmi called curd rice, served as a humble side, the most iconic dish in South India.

2601 W Fletcher St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0199
(773) 754-0199
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Chiya Chai Cafe

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

One of the preeminent places in Chicago to sip on a chai beverage, Chiya Chai also offers an excellent food menu. Enjoy Nepalese and Indian specialties such as samosas, momos, curry bowls, savory pies, and more. A second location is in the Loop. Online ordering is available here.

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7541
(773) 360-7541

Del Seoul

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Korean tacos can be trendy to some, but for the owners of Del Seoul, it’s a way of life. Find great steak, fried shrimp, and chicken options. There are also sandwiches, wings, and steamed dumplings in a fast-casual space.

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227

Lula Cafe

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

The life of an all-day restaurant can be rough, but Lula Cafe has worn the title with a smile. The Logan Square restaurant is the little juggernaut that could, stressing seasonality and inclusivity inside a humble space with a kitchen that puts out ambitious food. The chilled peanut noodles, a spicy peanut butter sandwich, and classic pasta dishes are neighborhood favorites. For salad lovers, there’s always something great. Forget Sweetgreen and get in here.

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554
(773) 489-9554

Evette's

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Chef Mitchell Abou Jamra deliver Mexican-Lebanese fusion flavors through a Midwestern lens out of this small storefront in Lincoln Park. Exploring Lebanon’s influence on Mexican culinary traditions, the food lineup offers eclectic items like pita nachos, shawarma fries, halloumi pita wraps, gyro and lamb belly tacos, and more. Online ordering is available here. Thre’s another location inside Time Out Market, and an upcoming one in Lakeview.

350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 799-8478
(773) 799-8478
A bowl of pita nachos.
Evette’s is a mashup of Mexican and Lebanese cuisines.
Evette’s [Official Photo]

Le Bouchon

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The French classic in Bucktown is good for a special midday meal with a friend and solo endeavors where a French dip sandwich or cheesy bowl of French onion soup will satisfy whatever bothers you. There’s also a half-priced bottle of wine special, just in case.

1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-6600
(773) 862-6600

Hermosa Restaurant

4356 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

Ethan Lim wasn’t always about a fancy family dinner at Hermosa, his comfy little restaurant in the neighborhood of the same name. It’s worth a weekday visit to get the Cambodian fried chicken sandwich alone, but Lim always has something fun with a rotating menu and some of the best french fries in town.

4356 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(872) 802-4920
(872) 802-4920

Phodega

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

A warm and comforting bowl of pho can make for the perfect lunch. At restaurant-shop hybrid Phodega, owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo simmer up three exceptional versions: A beefy pho bo teeming with brisket, meatballs, and ribeye; a lighter pho ga consisting of chicken broth and poached chicken thighs; and a vegan pho full of veggies. They’re joined by other remarkable bites like Hainanese chicken rice and a Viet dip sandwich. Customers can also purchase a handful of Asian snacks to go. Online ordering is available here.

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8187
(773) 687-8187

Boeufhaus

1012 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Friday and Saturday lunch service is back at Boeufhaus, one of the city’s best steakhouses. Many clamor for the traditional downtown steakhouse experience. And while that’s fine, Boeufhaus excels with great service, attention to detail, and wonderful wine. The sandwiches are top quality from a cheesesteak, burger, to a beef on weck (which celebrates Upstate New York). This is one of the best lunches in town.

1012 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-2116
(773) 661-2116

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

One of Chicago’s best sushi spots also has plenty of grilled skewers which are sometimes overlooked. Yuzu has long had a bento box lunch special will gives diners several options, from sushi, to soup, to skewers. It’s a great value and a complete meal.

1751 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 666-4100
(312) 666-4100

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

163 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

This West Loop restaurant, a tribute to Napa Wine Country, focuses on simple preparations of familiar ingredients. The tasting board is full of meats and cheeses to complement folks who want a little wine with lunch. There are fish tacos, grilled artichokes, and a dry-aged burger. Larger bites included barbecue salmon with grits, a mushroom and eggplant ragu, and steak frites.

163 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 309-2300
(773) 309-2300

Bhoomi at Urbanspace

15 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Urbanspace’s arrival in Chicago has been met with mixed results as stalls keep closing inside the food hall near Daley Plaza. One bright spot has been Bhoomi, which focuses on Indian grilled meats served on flatbreads. The quality of meat is good, and the flavor blends are zesty. Indian pasties aren’t seen often in America — in India there are bakeries devoted to the puffs filled with meat. They’ve got a chicken version at Bhoomi and it makes you wonder why America isn’t celebrating these treats.

15 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 224-8099
(312) 224-8099
A trio of roti wraps Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Related Maps

JIAO

18 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Regarded as one of Chicago’s top dumpling makers, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings expanded a few years back with the opening of a fast-casual spinoff in the Loop. The steamed and pan-fried dumplings are based on a secret family recipe and include eight varieties such as lamb and coriander, truffle and beef, and pork and cabbage. Folks can save valuable time by ordering ahead through the restaurant’s app.

18 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(773) 598-4093
(773) 598-4093
A pair of chopsticks holding a dumpling.
JIAO offers some of the best dumplings in Chicago.
JIAO [Official Photo]

Bistro Monadnock

325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604

Don’t sleep on this full-service restaurant, a dim, street-level space that feels like old Chicago. French-inspired cooking is the name of the game, and one of the best dishes is a thick-cut burger that is perhaps the most juicy patty in the city. Diners will have dreams of this wonderfully executed burger, but the menu also features a killer French onion soup, a “Parisian” gnocchi, and steak frites, which caters to all appetites. 

325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 945-7040
(312) 945-7040

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607

The city’s most prominent Jewish deli is coming up on its 80th birthday but little about the experience has changed. Stroll in during lunch hours for massive corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, knishes, matzo ball soup, and more. Cafeteria-style service keeps things moving along quickly — a big plus for diners short on time. Online orders can be placed here.

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-2855
(312) 939-2855

Carnitas Uruapan

1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Pork reigns supreme at this essential taqueria. Due to its small dining room, there are often lines out the door so weekdays are the best bet for a quick lunch. The short menu stars crispy, tender carnitas that have been slow-cooked in fat for hours. Order it by the pound or get the lunch special and enjoy a half-pound of meat, tortillas, chicharrones, refried beans, a taco dorado, and a drink for $10.50. A second location is in Gage Park. Online ordering is available here.

1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-2654
(312) 226-2654

Aloha Wagon

2023 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Hawaiian-inspired specialties have made their way to Pilsen thanks to food-truck-turned-restaurant Aloha Wagon. Diners can order hearty, traditional plate lunches served with choice of protein plus white rice, potato mac salad, and mixed greens salad. Protein options include Kalua pork, chicken katsu, grilled tofu, chicken adobo, grilled fish, beef patties topped with eggs and gravy, and more. The menu also boasts burgers, tacos, and Spam musubi, a classic island snack.

2023 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 888-9613
(312) 888-9613

Pleasant House Pub

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

This British pub in Pilsen is famous for its savory pies. Chicken and veggie are probably the premier choices, but many swear by the steak and ale. It’s a friendly spot for a good heavy lunch. Look out for the curry special.

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 523-7437
(773) 523-7437

Slurp Slurp Noodles

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chicagoans will find noodles on almost any menu in Chinatown but very few places make them like this specialist. The kitchen hand pulls and shaves wheat-based dough to produce fresh noodles, which are then stir-fried or served in broth. They’re finished off with proteins such as beef spare ribs, brisket, pork belly, lamb, chicken, fish fillets, roast duck, and more. Online orders can be placed here.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp delicious handmade noodles at this Chinatown restaurant.
Slurp Slurp Noodles [Official Photo]

Ricobene's

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Loyal locals have been going to Ricobene’s for old school Italian-American fare since 1946. The restaurant’s signature item is the breaded steak sandwich, a sandwich that some proclaim is the best in the world. It’s a messy and satisfying combination of breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a French roll. Get this Chicago original plus Italian beef, wings, pizza, and other eats by ordering here.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-5555
(312) 225-5555

Taqueria El Milagro

3050 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623

Best known for its fresh tortillas and tortilla chips, El Milagro also operates restaurants alongside its stores. Guests line up in the cafeteria-style dining room for traditional Mexican fare like tamales, stews, and tacos. The grilled steak tacos are a favorite in particular, loaded with big chunks of beef, rice, refried beans, and cabbage. They’re larger than the average tacos and just two should be enough to fill most stomachs. Online orders can be placed here.

3050 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 847-9407
(773) 847-9407

Honey 1 BBQ

746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653

Chicago barbecue is underrated, a true evolution of Memphis style highlighted by sticky tomato-based sauces and the rib tip. Honey 1 BBQ serves pork baby backs, fried fish, and pulled pork. It’s some of the best barbecue in Chicago and a great spot for a special lunch.

746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 285-9455
(773) 285-9455

Gorée Cuisine

1126 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653

The underrepresented flavors of a small Senegalese island take center stage at Gorée Cuisine. Though many diners may be unfamiliar with what’s on the menu, it’s easy to appreciate the comforting plates coming out of the kitchen. Owner Adama Ba pays homage to his family’s restaurant back home in Senegal through dishes like tiebu dejun — fried fish stuffed with parsley and herbs in a tomato sauce over rice — and yassa, meat or seafood that’s marinated overnight and cooked in onions and mustard.

1126 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 855-8120
(773) 855-8120
A plate of whole grilled fish, rice, and sides.
Discover traditional Senegalese dishes at Gorée Cuisine.
Gorée Cuisine [Official Photo]

Bronzeville Soul

4655 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653

After opening in 2022, Bronzeville Soul earned a loyal following. But in summer 2023, Jay-Z walked through the doors and brought unprecedented attention to this small restaurant. Bronzeville Soul is open for lunch and dinner. Pan-seared salmon, beef short ribs, and jerk lamb are highlights.

The poundcake is the featured dessert. 

4655 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
(872) 244-7127
(872) 244-7127

Birrieria Zaragoza

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

This glorious Mexican restaurant with locations near Midway International Airport and in Uptown is a can’t-miss Chicago restaurant with the best goat in town. Perfectly spiced, served with peppers, cilantro, and other accouterments. All alongside some of the best tortillas in town. This is the type of restaurant worth altering entire workdays to get to.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
(773) 523-3700
(773) 523-3700

St Bess Jerk

4838 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459

Jerk chicken shops are prevalent on the South Side but this relative newcomer over in suburban Burbank is making a strong case for being the best. The X factor is an addictive jerk sauce, which takes the chicken to another level. It’s made from fiery peppers, onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices and also serves as an overnight marinade for the dish. When the birds are ready to go, they’re roasted in a barrel smoker over coals in order to impart a smoky flavor. During the day, diners can order white or dark meat plus two sides for $10. A second outpost of St Bess Jerk is located in Norwood Park. Online ordering is available here.

4838 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 634-2057
(708) 634-2057

Calumet Fisheries

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

This legendary smoked fish shack on the far South Side is a great way to escape the city. Buy a bunch of fish and enjoy your food from the comfort of your car. This is one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, having opened in 1928. 

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 933-9855
(773) 933-9855