North Loop/River North Group Lunch Choice

We have a group lunch planned for next Tuesday and I'm looking for some lunch suggestions. Some basic criteria would be:

* Non-stuffy atmosphere; something that's fun but not a sports bar, theme, or chain
* Reasonable prices but not necessarily cheapo (that is doesn't need to be $30 steaks, but not just $7 sandwiches either; the middle way is good)
* Decent vegetarian options

Any thoughts? Thanks for your input.

And the size of the group is....?

I've either organized or been a part of work group lunches at Naha and Frontera, and been very pleased with the results. Group size makes a BIG difference at Frontera - if your group is small, they have a private room that's very cozy. Naha could be a little pricy, particularly if your group succumbs to the siren song of the cocktail. Check their respective threads here; if you decide on Frontera, call ASAP.

How big is your group? & can you be a bit more specific about geography.

Maggiano's is good at accommodating various sizes as is Tuscany Cafe; India House will take a group booking for their buffet service depending on the group size. Reza's might be a little out of your geographic area but is a reasonable option. Again depending on group size & your desired location, I'd also rec One North Kitchen - the lunch service there is very good & much better priced than dinner.

Blackbird is at the top of my loop lunch pyramid. If your group is 8 or 10 people, as opposed to 30, im sure they can accomodate you.

iblock9 wrote:Blackbird is at the top of my loop lunch pyramid. If your group is 8 or 10 people, as opposed to 30, im sure they can accomodate you.

Iblock,

Blackbird has an upstairs private dining room that can accommodate up to 40. I have been to a couple of dinners in the room and, as you would expect from Blackbird, the room is well appointed, service seamless and food terrific.

Enjoy,
Gary

Blackbird
619 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
312-715-0708
http://www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

Woops - sorry it is a smaller group - probably 8 or 10. Thanks for the suggestions. I was actually thinking India House so I will peruse some of the LTHers POVs on this one.

A favorite for office group lunches is Harry Carey's.
We have a vegetarian and she is always happy. I think it meets all of your criteria.

I highly rec India House for group lunches - we've done this a number of times for small groups (I think the largest group we've done has been 8 ). Just call in advance & book a table though because it does get busy there. We have a couple of vegetarian folks, one on Atkins, a couple of "won't eat x" & an American CEO whose fav cuisine is Indian & this is always a popular choice with them - there's ample options on the buffet that everyone is happy & we don't need to mess around with separate orders.

Thanks everyone - I booked for our growing party (up to 14!) at India House today. I already had one person say it was his favorite Indian place, and no one seems to be playing the "don't like Indian food" card.