On the way to the airport, convenient to 90-94

I live the dream. Every Sunday evening my weekend is woefully truncated as I have the distinct pleasure of shipping out to some far-flung part of the country for work. Good times.

Anyway, I have a standing lunch/dinner/linner date with one of my friends who also flies out of O'Hare around the same time. He lives in Lincoln Park, I live in Wicker Park--we're very Capulet and Montague, but it works--and we've been meeting in the middle, along the I90-94 corridor.

Last week we were at Smoque. Coming from this barbecue snob, I thought it was pretty freaking good. Other spots that we're considering going to include Urban Belly, Honey 1 BBQ, Kuma's, Hot Doug's, etc. Past experiences at the latter two lead me to believe that wait times might make stopping by risky given our flight schedules, but I'd love to hear someone tell me that we'll be able to waltz right in, rolling suitcases in tow, at 4ish on a Sunday afternoon.

But what I'm really looking for is other recommendations that would be convenient for us to meet at. The Bristol makes sense but isn't open in our timeframe. Same with Takashi, too, I think. Other thoughts? Any kind of cuisine or pricepoint is fine, just looking for ideas.

Thanks so much.

Hi,

Erase Hot Doug's from your list, he's closed on Sundays.

You could go to Smak Tak on Elston for great Polish food.

Regards,

Do you need a place within walking distance to the blue line?
http://www.galestreet.com/

No we're in cabs. Just convenient to the expressway.

You need to spend more time in Logan Square. In fact, I'm surprised you haven't been to Lula yet. That might be my top pick in that area.

There are also a bunch of Mexican restaurants in the Logan Square area. I like Fuego a lot, based on numerous visits to their Arlington Heights location; I haven't been to the new one in Logan Square yet. I like it better than Adobo Grill, in Wicker Park. I haven't been to the Real Tenochtitlan yet.

All of these are open all afternoon on Sundays.

Oh yeah, so is Chaise Lounge, in Wicker Park. Don't know if you've considered that also.

Sabatino's would certainly be convenient for both of you. It has been my first choice many times coming from or going to O'Hare.

Nice work with Smoque. When you're ready for more cue, how about Honey 1 BBQ on Western?

Also - Marie's Pizza, on Lawrence at Pulaski. Not too far from the expressway.

I second Marie's. It's often the first place to head to after landing at O'Hare.

How about Paradise Pup in Des Plaines (Des Plaines River Rd, north of Touhy)? I was there yesterday before I dropped off my friend at O'Hare. Got there at 1:00, were done eating by 1:30. The drawbacks are it's tiny, with a little wait, but not bad and they are a GNR. 4PM on a Sunday should be ok... if they're open. More seating outside in warm weather.

The pup is closed on Sunday.

Gene and Jude's is a regular spot for us on the way back from OHare.