Lunch in Chicago Tomorrow - Help!

[Maxinesmom]

I'm meeting my brother in Chicago for lunch tomorrow. Being not at all familiar with Chicago where's a good place to go for lunch that's not ridiculously expensive. He'll be coming from Michigan and I'll be coming from Wisconsin if that helps.

 

[geffric]

Are you looking downtown or by the airport or ???

There are lots of places.. which area are you looking in??

 

[Maxinesmom]

They may take a bus so I think that would mean they'd end up downtown (?) If We never go to Chicago so I have no idea where a good place to meet even is.

 

[CathrynRose]

They may take a bus so I think that would mean they'd end up downtown (?) If We never go to Chicago so I have no idea where a good place to meet even is.

I dont think you can ever go wrong with Authentic Chicago Pizza.

What else are you doing for the afternoon? Anything? We can narrow down your best location, kwim?

 

[clh2]

There is a Portillo's Chicago Style hot dogs place downtown:

Here is a list of locations, including the one downtown

We love this place when we go into the city.

 

[HERSEY]

If you are near Navy Pier, there is Bubba Gump my personal favorite.

 

[Dokietoes]

Ed Debevic's gets rave reviews. It's an old fashioned diner where the wait staff is surly....and entertaining.

 

[Ohiodislover]

Ed Debevic's gets rave reviews. It's an old fashioned diner where the wait staff is surly....and entertaining. Check it out at http://chicago.menupages.com.

I second this recommendation

 

[clh2]

Ed Debevic's is a fun choice too!

 

[Lanshark]

We went to Gino's East off of Michigan Ave over the holidays. It was authentic Chicago deep dish.

It was recommended by the DIS to me

 

[gate_pourri]

What do you like to eat? What is your budget? Chicago has some amazing food. If you like Greek, Greektown is just a mile West of downtown and almost every restaurant has free valet. There are a number of pretty decent Italian Restaurants (good pasta and pizza).

I'd personally recommend against Ed Demovic's unless you have children in your group and like being made fun of. The food is horrible (I've made he mistake of ordering take-out more than once from there) and it is very loud and (sort of like 50's Prime Time in WDW) they make fun of their guests.

If you tell me more of what you are looking for, I live in Downtown Chicago and well.. don't really cook, so know all the restaurants in the 'hood.

 

[Maxinesmom]

We are going to be in Grant Park. There are vegetarians in the group and a friend suggested Reza's. Anyone have any experience with that one?

 

[gate_pourri]

We are going to be in Grant Park. There are vegetarians in the group and a friend suggested Reza's. Anyone have any experience with that one?

I've eaten at Reza's a few times. It is Mid-level Mediterranean Food. Very garlicky. It also isn't really walking distance from Grant Park. It is at least 3 miles from the park, so you'd have to drive/cab it over. The food is decent, but if you are looking for Mediterranean in that general area (IE: Driving a few miles from Grant Park) I'd again recommend Greek Town (no I'm not Greek, I'm Polish. LOL). Much better quality food and a lot of very good Veg. options. My Fav. Greek Town options are Greek Islands or Athena.

 

[Maxinesmom]

I'm going to suggest this place instead thanks! If they insist on Reza's can you tell me if I'd get off the metra at Union Station or another stop?

 

[Tumblwd501]

We are going to be in Grant Park. There are vegetarians in the group and a friend suggested Reza's. Anyone have any experience with that one?

Food wise, that is an awesome choice! I whole heartedly endorse your friend's choice! But transportation wise, I'm not sure that will be easy to get too if you're relying on public transportation? If transportation is not a problem, I think your group (including your vegetarians) would like this restaurant.

And no offense to the PPs, but I would stay away from Ed Debevic's. It is a fun atmosphere if you have a thick skin and it is very lively. But I would rate the food there as average at best. It's just burger and fries, nothing special at all.

Portillo's and Chicago style pizza are definitely authentic Chicago food. But I don't think there's really anything for vegetarians at Portillo's. lol Although a stuffed spinach pizza is very yummy!

 

[meliss8599]

I'd again recommend Greek Town (no I'm not Greek, I'm Polish. LOL). Much better quality food and a lot of very good Veg. options. My Fav. Greek Town options are Greek Islands or Athena.

Greek Islands is FABULOUS. Be sure to try their saganaki (flaming cheese) and their taramousolata. Sorry if the spelling is wrong, I'm not Greek either (but can appreciate their fantastic cuisine).

Let us know where you ended up going and how you liked it.

 

[gate_pourri]

I'm going to suggest this place instead thanks! If they insist on Reza's can you tell me if I'd get off the metra at Union Station or another stop?

For Reza's you'd want to get off Metra at Union station and take a cab over to Reza's (about a $6). There are no close EL Stations near Reza's.

If you go to Greek town, you would get off at Union Station and walk about 5 blocks West <away from the Lake> or take a cab (about $3).

 

[Maxinesmom]

Thanks so much everyone for the help and suggestions!

 

[gate_pourri]

Thanks so much everyone for the help and suggestions!

No Problem. You must tell us where you go and how it is. I live very close to Reza's (about 4 blocks away on the same side street) and haven't gone in over a year. If you go, you must tell me how it is.

Have a good Saturday in Chicago!

 

[slk537]

There is a Portillo's Chicago Style hot dogs place downtown:

Here is a list of locations, including the one downtown

We love this place when we go into the city.

Hands down this is a family favorite. It's the one main thing DH misses about his home town. His cousin worked there in college and made the amazing chocolate cake for the groom's cake at our wedding. Divine!