WHOLE FOODS MARKET
Read moreThe leading American supermarket for organic fresh produce. A very popular salad bar with a wide choice of vegetables and side dishes, prepared dishes, hot dishes (vegetable plates, meat in sauce), everything is appetizing, fresh and delicious. All you have to do is take a card of the size of your choice and fill it with whatever you want. You can sit at one of the tables like many Chicagoans do at lunchtime, or take your take-out order and sit outside to eat.
THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE
Read moreHere, we only serve breakfast in the form of pancakes, pancakes or waffles. Whipped cream is on the menu, as well as many other side dishes such as bacon, eggs, pecans, sweet cooked apples, all of which are frankly good and served in large enough portions to start the day off right. This small house is located right next to the main restaurants on Rush Street, in the beautiful Bellevue Street that leads to the lake.
HANNAH'S BRETZEL
Read moreThe ideal break for a fresh and organic sandwich, with the best local ingredients. The pretzel bread is prepared on the spot and garnished with all kinds of sauces and cheeses (including goat's cheese with truffle). Turkey, cranberry jam and brie are among the house specialities. There are a total of eight addresses in Chicago, all of which are taken over by business people at lunchtime during the week. And to accompany your coffee or tea, you'll have a choice of excellent cookies, brownies or apple bread.
REVIVAL FOOD HALL
Read moreLocated in a historic building designed by architect Daniel Burnham in 1907 and recently restored, Revival Food Hall is ideal for a lunch break between two visits to the Loop. This space of more than 200 m2 includes about fifteen stands of varied food (Mexican, Hawaiian, Italian, Asian) from the city's most popular restaurants. Smoked meat sandwich with barbecue sauce at BBQ Smoque, tasty tacos at Antique Taco, cookies at Mindy's Hot Chocolate Bakery... Fast and cheap, food is worth a visit.
THE WIENER CIRCLE
Read moreIf you feel a little hungry at night, stop by Wiener Circle! Ask for the Charred Chicago Hot Dog that is not on the map. The sausage in its roll is covered with green peppers, peppered tomatoes, mustard, pickle and onion. It is a specialty that can only be found in Chicago. This small fast food is a real institution in Chicago, known for its kitschy atmosphere. If you go late at night, ask the waitress for the chocolate milkshake and a surprise will be waiting for you. We don't tell you any more....
GALLERIA MARKET
Read moreWhether you stop by for a quick bite to eat or come to shop for delicatessen items, Galleria Market does not disappoint. In the café part - connected to the wifi - you can eat a salad or a wrap on small tables, in a very calm atmosphere. On the grocery side, those nostalgic for Europe will find their happiness among the various Italian pastas, bottles of wine, olive oil, cheeses, cold cuts and other exotic flavors on American soil. It is also possible to have the products of the Galleria Market delivered.
BANG BANG PIE
Read moreHere, we come mainly for the pies that are to be damned: try the coconut pie or, for a typical American tasting, let yourself be tempted by the pecan and chocolate pie or the apple and cranberry pie. There are also versions never available, if you ever come at lunchtime. The biscuits, a kind of scones typical of southern cuisine, are not bad either. They are covered with cheddar, bacon or goat cheese. In short, it's not the lightest lunch, but we enjoy it and go back!
HAROLD'S CHICKEN SHACK
Read moreChicken, chicken and more chicken, served fried of course! Harold's restaurants first met with great success in Chicago's South End, then others began to open throughout the city, and even beyond the borders of Illinois. In other words, it's a must in Chicago if you want to taste the real American fried chicken. Chicken can be replaced by shrimp or even catfish. It's so greasy, but it's so good! To be consumed in moderation....
DOLLOP COFFEE COMPANY
Read moreThis local coffee chain has ten addresses throughout Chicago and is frequented by a young and trendy clientele, most often with a laptop. We naturally drink good coffee, with some options particularly popular with the local hipsters: cinnamon and honey latte, chai latte, mocha with Nutella... This is a far cry from the good old "cup of Joe" served black and sugar-free! We appreciate the modern and rather refined decoration. We can spend hours here, chatting or working all fuel at the café.
LEA
Read moreThis French-style sandwich and pastry shop is the perfect place to stop off for a bite to eat in the Loop. The menu includes muffins, croissant sandwiches and hearty pizza breads. The decor is packed with references to French culture, including a poster... Orangina! It's a tad expensive, but not necessarily more so than a Starbucks, and it's a good alternative to fast food in terms of quality, for the same price range. Another branch is located in Oak Park.
NUTELLA CAFE
Read moreOpened in 2017, it's one of the Loop's latest attractions, and it's hard to miss! With its long line outside, what's more in the heart of the Windy City, Nutella Café attracts the curious whether they're Americans or visiting foreigners. Grilled banana bread, fruit platter, crêpe, waffle, raspberry croissant or filled croissant, all with Nutella. You'll be spoilt for choice with Ferrero's flagship product in every sauce. In winter, with the cold, you may find it hard to resist this stopover... You've been warned!
GORDON RAMSEY BURGER
Read moreAlready present in Las Vegas, Gordon Ramsay Burger has just opened its2nd restaurant in Chicago. It was up to us to be the testers, no easy task under his demanding and intimidating eye... The gourmet, well-balanced and original burgers, with their refined presentation, lived up to our expectations. The downside is that the fries are not included, which quickly brings the bill to $25. Sweet potato fries dusted with powdered sugar can be enjoyed as a dessert. All accompanied by a sweet and surprising honey-mustard jalapeño sauce. A successful bet for the Brit!