Saturday lunch for Group of 9 in Lincoln Park Area

We are taking the kids to a show at the Apollo theater tomorrow. We usually do lunch at Itto Sushi or the New England Seafood Company,however our friends are not into sushi and seafood. Any other ideas of places worth visiting for lunch? I am picky and just don't want to spend money on a so so lunch, but rather good quality food or something different. We do not get out much since we live in the burbs.

http://barnandcompany.com/

In terms of things in the immediate area, Gyros on the Spit is up that way -- I've had good experiences there. If you're willing to do something a bit brunchier, judging by the Saturday crowds whenever I pass by on the way to take my kids to basketball at the Lakeview Y, Batter and Berries is very popular (can't vouch for it, as I've never been).

Batters and Berries is great for brunch/lunch but can be very crowded and doesn't take reservations. I would second Barn & Co. I'd also add Cafe Tapatio for good Mexican (actual entrees beyond just tacos, etc.). And Pizzeria Da Nella a bit further south and west on Fullerton is solid.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is still around and still excellent! And they take reservations.

There's also the Lou Malnati's at Wrightwood and Lincoln, just a few steps from the theater. To avoid waiting 30+ minutes while seated for your deep-dish to bake, you can phone ahead with your pizza order and they'll have it ready for you at whatever time you specify. That also functions like a reservation, since they'll make sure you're seated when the pizza is coming out of the oven.

Similarly, the new location of Pizano's is a couple of blocks south of the theater. So is Clarke's Diner.

A venue called White Oak Tavern (just under a mile away from the theater) just started offering weekend brunch. I recently had an outstanding dinner here; very impressive food (there is an active thread here on LTH about this venue with several people having recent outstanding meals).

http://whiteoakchicago.com/

Lakeview, not Lincoln Park, but what about Jolly Posh?

Batter and Berries is very good. I've heard Bistro Dre is also very good but I have not been there. Taco Joint has a slightly suburban, fast food feel to it but its good and may be perfect for a large group with kids. If its nice out weather-wise, you could get empanadas at 5411 Empanada and go to the park or eat in if its cold (its small, 9 people may be pushing it). Kuma's Too is nearby -- I can't speak to the food but I am sure you can read a lot of commentary about it. Asian options: Rickshaw Republic or Chengdu Impression (opens at 4:00). La Creperie is very nice. You could try brunch at The Peasantry; people around here seem to like it. Floriole Cafe & Bakery is excellent but you should look it up and see if it suits your needs.


Batter & Berries
2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710

Bistro Dre
2965 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-9067

Taco Joint
1969 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone:(312) 951-2457

5411 Empanadas 2850 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone:(773) 755-5411

Kuma's TooLincoln Park Place
666 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-2666

Rickshaw Republic
2312 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-4750

Chengdu Impression
2545 N Halsted St

La Creperie
2845 N Clark St
773 528 9050

The Peasantry
2723 N. CLARK, CHICAGO
773.868.4888

Floriole Cafe & Bakery
1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313

I'll also add that, with a group of nine people, you REALLY want a place that's within a few blocks of the theater (so you're not dealing with bus/cab rides for 9 or a terribly long walk), and a place that can give you a reservation is a necessity. Note that places that don't take reservations might do so anyway for a group as big as 9 - or they may tell you they just can't guarantee immediate seating and you may be waiting for a while. I certainly wouldn't walk in just anywhere and expect to be seated immediately without having called ahead of time.

Try Zizi's for Turkish food:

2825 N Sheffield Ave

susan13 wrote:We are taking the kids to a show at the Apollo theater tomorrow. We usually do lunch at Itto Sushi or the New England Seafood Company,however our friends are not into sushi and seafood. Any other ideas of places worth visiting for lunch? I am picky and just don't want to spend money on a so so lunch, but rather good quality food or something different. We do not get out much since we live in the burbs.

Well? Where did you land? How was it?