Can we make a complete listing of Fast Food in Loop

My definition of "Fast Food" in this context is "Any place for lunch WITHOUT waitstaff service.

I think a block by block survey of Fast Food options in the Loop would be a really useful resource - could we start assemblying one?

While I think we should concentrate on non-chain places, it could still be useful to note where various chains have stores as well (some such as Burrito Beach or even more so Baja Fresh are actually pretty decent).

By "Loop" I would generally mean Michigan Ave to the River, Congress on the South and the River on the North. The few options east of Michigan probably should be included as well.

Besides the many places above ground, the many options in Chicago's underground and various food courts should also be noted (State of Illinois center etc).

Anyone care to help out with this?

Shannon

I'm not claiming this is comprehensive, but offering it mostly to avoid overlap or redundancies -- http://www.lunchintheloop.com/ .

Peter,

Sure - I will try to cover a block or two, but truthfully I am not the right person to write this - as I no longer work every day in the loop. That said, I have been finding myself downtown more frequently for lunch and while some of the time have been having lunch sit down meetings, have also had to find places on my own. The recent post about the new Korean place was what sparked my interest.

I agree that a block by block directory might be the way to go - ideally people who work and frequent different blocks could write them up and then the whole mix get combined into a more comprehensive survey.

I posted the suggestion hoping to spark lists from many people, but also links to resources such as the one on lunchintheloop which sounds potentially interesting.

Shannon

Shannon Clark wrote:My definition of "Fast Food" in this context is "Any place for lunch WITHOUT waitstaff service.

Would you include/exclude the various corporate-run lunch buffets catered by ARA and the like? Frankly, I prefer them for the variety offered. Perhaps save this idea for another topic?

[edited, reply to message now deleted, context still may be useful] I am not the expert on downtown lunch dining as I only rarely eat lunch downtown (even when I worked downtown the company I worked for offered free lunch to all employees so even then I only rarely got out for lunch). I will try to start building a framework for my project and do what I can - but I want to catalyze others who are experts to share some of their favorites.

Titus - I think that certainly cafeterias and the like, assuming they are open to the public, should be listed - personally such places that you have to know about vs. just randomly encounter on the street are exactly what I am hoping such a directory might capture and share.

Shannon

I believe only chow-worthy places should be listed. Why bother with anything else? My two cents...

Tokyo Lunch Box
37 N Wells

'nuff said

Rich,

Well one reason might be to indicate that a place has been visited, but fond "unchowworthy". Especially when new places are opening and when old places are changing ownership it can be helpful to know if people have been to a place before (to either avoid what was found lacking, give it a second opinion, or just to try something else).

Another reason would be that we all often disagree about places - what is "too greasy" for one is exactly right for another. As well, what is ideal for some days might not appeal on others or with different groups, time etc. (Haifa Cafe for example seems to have some fans but others who have had bad meals there)

Certainly there are many places in the loop worthy of special note - I'm hoping as well that this process may highlight ones that are new to me. As well that it might help suggest good dishes at places where I have never been very successful (the vietnamese place on Wabash comes to mind as a place I want to like but have never been real pleased with my lunches there)

Shannon

Shannon,

I have edited and then removed my inappropriate posts. Please feel free to edit yours as well, so as to keep the moderators from wondering why there is a disconnect in the "conversation."

pd

Hey Shannon,

You could be systematic or simply start a topic asking for best-of food suggestions. Everyone who works in the loop will certainly have a favorite place. Later you could identify holes where someone may make it their mission to check out that area. Also troll the other board for loop ideas because many of us have certainly contributed there in the past. Most probably need a refreshed visit to confirm they are even present.

Isn't in the jeweler's building a reasonably good falaffel? I always thought the Thompson Center had some interesting food options. I don't work in the loop nor do I visit during weekdays hardly ever. I just read about some of the lunch options for my someday-I'll-get-there list. I know I loved my singular visit to Harold's Chicken on Wells.

Just in my early breakfast series, we went to Harry's Hot Dogs at Franklin and Randoph, where we also got some very good grits for breakfast. I'm still thinking about returning for the grits with two eggs on top as suggested by JeffB.

You know you may have to let your chow-worthy standards sag a bit for the loop lunch time offerings. I recall MAG indicating there are fine food standards, then there are loop-lunchtime standards. Anyway, we certainly want to contribute to the body of information to seperate the wheat from the chaff, to at least remove from consideration unsuitable lunch spots.

Good luck!

This new loop lunch spot is a slightly upscale model in the Chicken Hut/Chicken Planet genre. Char-grilled chicken in various forms, fresh made chips, and salads. I wanted a bone to gnaw on, so I had the chicken dinner, which includes a quarter of a chicken, a salad, and a roll. There are a number of jerk chicken variations I did not try, opting instead for "Polly's original." Extremely tasty, with garlic and fresh herbs, and perfectly moist, despite having sat out for a while (I came at 1:20) and subjected to a quick reheat on the grill. The salad has real lettuce and they offer a good range of Marzatti dressings. The roll was a slice off a Turano or Gonella baguette, but fresh and served with a good pat of real butter. I'm always on the lookout for good chicken on the bone, and this was the best I've had in a long time, not even limiting myself to loop standards.

Other tempting things being prepared for other customers. Chicken wings and chips--both being cooked fresh. A chicken sandwich with a slice of mozzerella cheese that was being run through a toaster before the lettuce and tomato were added. If I hadn't wanted the bones, I would have had the salad with a "heap" of chicken. Lettuce mix plus your choice of five other veggies from an assortment that all looked good and fresh. Not quite as cheap as Chicken Hut/Planet--the dinner was $4.95--but still in the "everyday" as opposed to the "special occasion" budget.

It looks to me like they've found something they do well and they're sticking to it. A business model I approve of.

Chickadilly's Charhouse
176 N. Franklin
312 759 2442

Huge topic, Shannon, potentially covering hundreds of locations (every coffee place that sells pre-made sandwiches, institutional cafeterias, numerous chain establishments, etc.).

I've worked in the Loop for 18 years straight, and still mostly brown bag (for cost, convenience and health reasons). When I do venture out, here are the places I've liked that meet your description**:

Burrito Buggy, 206 W Van Buren St, (312) 362-0199
Haifa Cafe, 163 N. Wells St. and elsewhere (but only for turkey and falafel)
Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering, 179 W. Van Buren and elsewhere (but am reconsidering based on a few recent trips -- I think they're slipping)
Specialty's, 191 N. Wacker Drive (at West Lake)
The bar at The Berghoff
Torrefazione Italia, 30 N. LaSalle (pretty good sandwiches)
The Loop farmers' markets (periodic)

I have not tried Jaffa Bagels, but suspect based on other's reports that I'd probably like them too.

I'm also soft on Sbarro's (in the Music Mart) and Ronny's (at Wabash and Van Buren), believe it or not, but only ever go there with my kids.

PWM

**Those that are still around, mind you -- I lament the departure of Let Them Eat Cake's carved sandwiches, the cavernous Popeye's on State, the Woolworth's counter, the San Francisco Boudin chain, the sandwich shop that used to be in the Santa Fe bldg. on S. Michigan, the first incarnation on Cafe Baci on Jackson (before success went to their heads), the LEYE Corner Bakery and the sandwich bar at the original-but-now-gone Starbucks on Jackson.

Cathy,

If you are thinking about Maller's in the Jewelry Mart at 5 South Wabash, that place closed earlier this year.

A good place for breakfast.

jlawrence01 wrote:If you are thinking about Maller's in the Jewelry Mart at 5 South Wabash, that place closed earlier this year.

Nope, Cathy was thinking about the Oasis Cafe, 21 N. Wabash at the back of the first floor. Egyptian and good.

Paul. we've obviously been traveling in the same circles. Those were good sandwiches at Let Them Eat Cake on Jackson. And I was on my way to Specialty's (where I haven't yet been) when I got distracted by Chickadilly.

If you are thinking about Maller's in the Jewelry Mart at 5 South Wabash, that place closed earlier this year.

A good place for breakfast.

Yes, I believe that was the place. Now that you mention I missed a good breakfast opportunity; it's just a little more sad.

Maller's - the food was dependable and it was not very busy at breakfast. A favorite of my nieces' on their trips to Chicago ....

Isn't in the jeweler's building a reasonably good falaffel?

I think that Cathy is referring to Oasis Cafe, which I am reasonably sure is still in business as I was there just a few weeks ago.

Cathy is absolutely correct to recall that I am the one who noted that there are ordinary quality standards and Loop quality standards. One thing in particular that drives me nuts about this rule of dining is that oftentimes a place will start on such a high point, but rapidly declines in quality as they get busier - it's as if they know that the majority of the loop workers will eat crap.

A couple of notes on the places discussed. I was recently at the Baci on Madison and I have to say that the sandwich was really pretty good. They must have changed their bread supplier, because it was the highlight of the sandwich.

Places that I and Thor's Personal Assistant frequent that have not yet been mentioned include:

Petra, recent change in ownership, sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

Alonti, I like the vegetarian sandwich, though they too have changed their bread - not for the better.

Venice Cafe - pretty good pastas, pizzas and salads (certainly than the Italian place in 227 W. Monroe - the name of which I am blocking).

Pompeii has taken a steep dive in quality in recent months.

Elephant & Castle - good burgers and other bar food.

Dos Hermanos - really, the Enchiladas Suiza are pretty good. It's not Mexican, as they billl itself, but instead not such horrible Tex-Mex.

Finally, one that people probably don't know about, the cafeteria on 2 at 227. W. Monroe. It has an Asian counter, a grill, a Tacqueria counter, Hot Dogs, Deli and salad bar. While I typically hate salad bars, this one's pretty good - perfectly good hard-boiled eggs, nice pasta and grain salads. I also really like both the chicken and regular gyros when they are available - each of the counters has a daily special that is placed on the menu with no regularity. The establishment does post a menu at the beginning of each week, which they will fax to you.

I was recently at the Baci on Madison and I have to say that the sandwich was really pretty good. They must have changed their bread supplier, because it was the highlight of the sandwich.

The old Baci had a much larger sandwich board and made all sandwiches to order. (Yes, I know you can ask for a fresh sandwich today, but the employees look so pained when you do.) Baci also used to serve fresh hot sandwiches, including a wonderful eggplant melanzne, which disappeared when they relocated the original store to larger quarters. And even with the sandwiches they continue to make, the contents have become far less generous.

One place people may not know about is the food court in the basement of the 33 (I think that's the right number) East Monroe building. It's between Wabash and Michigan on the south side of the street. Several of the stations are very good. You can get hand carved sandwiches, an interesting by the pound bar with meats and other hot foods, a good grill, etc. Worth exploring.

Tried a new place today. The Garden Village, Gourmet Deli and Salad Bar, featuring, according to the carry-out menu (take a big breath here): Hot Food, Health Food, Salad Bar, Good Morning America!, Caribou Coffee, Beverages and Juices, Sweets and Desserts, Gourmet Salads, Gourmet Pasta, Create Your Own Gourmet Sandwich with Boar's Head Meat, Pizza Corner, Gourmet Panini, Custom Wraps, Supreme Sandwiches on Hero, Soups of the Day, Signature Sandwiches, Chef's Specialty Sandwiches, From the Grill, Gourmet Hot and Cold Salad Bar, Salad Sandwich Express, Catering Menu, Custom Gift Basket, Sushi Bar, Sushi Combo Sets, and Udon! Plus, though they don't mention it, Tylenol and Winstons.

Here's the surprise. Everything we had was great. The chicken wings hade been basted in a Chinese red pepper oil and were hot and good. The chocolate cake, I'm told, was moist and delicious. The udon, assembled by what I'm assuming was the Korean owner behind the sushi bar, finally taught me why so many people like udon. Fresh spinach, half a hard-boiled egg, four or five slices of whatever that pink and white thing is (a turnip?), generous hunks of chicken, great broth, noodles still a little chewy. The maki we had (California roll and salmon with avocado) was fresh and beautiful. Hand rolls were available for $4.50, including with unagi, that also looked good. In addition to the ubiquitous plastic grass, the wasabi dollop, and the packet of soy sauce, he would also throw in a little container of his own spicy dipping sauce on request. I think it was mostly soy and wasabi mixed together, but it was good too. A good sized serving of excellent miso for $1.50. Seaweed crackers, canned green tea, and wasabi peas available.

I think they're still trying to figure out the loop lunchtime market. The carryout menu prices the maki at 6 pieces for $3.45 to $4.95, and says they're served with edaname. Ours were priced at $4.50 to $6.95, with no edaname, but with more pieces.

I'll wait for second opinions on loop eaters who are most sushi-savvy than I, but I think this is a substantial cut above the Toyko lunch box places. And if you really need a piece of chocolate cake or an Italian meatball to complement your sushi, then there's no contest.

Oh, and though clearly most people go for carry-out, they do have maybe 8 or 10 tables. But no wait staff, so it still fits in this thread.

Garden Village
100 N. LaSalle St
Chicago
312 263 2346

Ann Fisher wrote:This new loop lunch spot is a slightly upscale model in the Chicken Hut/Chicken Planet genre. Char-grilled chicken in various forms, fresh made chips, and salads. I wanted a bone to gnaw on, so I had the chicken dinner, which includes a quarter of a chicken, a salad, and a roll. There are a number of jerk chicken variations I did not try, opting instead for "Polly's original." Extremely tasty, with garlic and fresh herbs, and perfectly moist, despite having sat out for a while (I came at 1:20) and subjected to a quick reheat on the grill. The salad has real lettuce and they offer a good range of Marzatti dressings. The roll was a slice off a Turano or Gonella baguette, but fresh and served with a good pat of real butter. I'm always on the lookout for good chicken on the bone, and this was the best I've had in a long time, not even limiting myself to loop standards.

Other tempting things being prepared for other customers. Chicken wings and chips--both being cooked fresh. A chicken sandwich with a slice of mozzerella cheese that was being run through a toaster before the lettuce and tomato were added. If I hadn't wanted the bones, I would have had the salad with a "heap" of chicken. Lettuce mix plus your choice of five other veggies from an assortment that all looked good and fresh. Not quite as cheap as Chicken Hut/Planet--the dinner was $4.95--but still in the "everyday" as opposed to the "special occasion" budget.

It looks to me like they've found something they do well and they're sticking to it. A business model I approve of.

Chickadilly's Charhouse
176 N. Franklin
312 759 2442

Ann,
I too liked this place, but it closed up a couple weeks ago.

There's a new sign in the window though, and I'll check it out Tuesday. I know it will be Mediterranean Cuisine per the sign, but I forget the name. Think its Tafa or something like that. Had people in there messing in the kitchen too.

I'll add:

Skrine Chops
400 S. Financial

Their pork chops are great and their chicken is pretty good too. Wasn't impressed at all by their ribs, but pork chops is the main reason to go here. Any place that specializes in pork chops can't be bad.

There's also a Mexican joint on the southwest corner of Clark and Van Buren. It's not fantastic Mexican food, but it's the only Mexican I've had in the Loop that tries to be like the neighborhood Mexican restaurants, serving stuff like tacos al pastor, tortas, chiles rellenos, etc... Technically, it does have waitstaff, but you can order take away as well.

I've also had good luck with the falafel at Petra Cafe on 331 S. Franklin. I prefer them to the Haifa Cafe, although I think I like Oasis Cafe's falafel the most. I'd have to try them side by side to decide definitively.

Also, Uncle Abe's Deli on 136 S. Franklin. Once again, it's got wait staff, but you can order to go at the counter. In fact their soup & sandwich specials only apply to take away orders.

Of course, for the best sandwiches in the Loop, there's Hannah's Bretzel on Washington and Wells.

does anyone have opinions about Sopraffina? They have four or five locations in the loop.

I've only had food from Sopprafina once, but it was completely and utterly forgettable.

There used to be a Sopprafina in Deerfield, which lasted a year. It was well attended the problem was the location's building management company. They rented office space to an insurance company with lots of employees leaving few parking spaces for retail.

I liked their pizzas, especially the mushroom cooked in a brick oven. For a quick lunch, I liked the quasi food court food stations. For me it was a novelty, I didn't go too often.

Regards,

Binko wrote:There's also a Mexican joint on the southwest corner of Clark and Van Buren. It's not fantastic Mexican food, but it's the only Mexican I've had in the Loop that tries to be like the neighborhood Mexican restaurants, serving stuff like tacos al pastor, tortas, chiles rellenos, etc... Technically, it does have waitstaff, but you can order take away as well.

La Cocina Restaurant
406 S Clark St
(312) 922-8211

I'm hoping Chickadilly doesn't turn into another Mezza. There is one in the Northwestern train station, and I think their food is terrible. Americanized Mediterranean food. I ordered a felafel sandwich there once. It had a mere two pieces of felafel that weren't even very tasty. And they asked me if I wanted cheese in it. Feh!

One of my bosses likes their steak wrap. I was so disgusted by my first experience there I never went back.

Suzy

Binko wrote:I'll add:

Skrine Chops
400 S. Financial

Their pork chops are great and their chicken is pretty good too. Wasn't impressed at all by their ribs, but pork chops is the main reason to go here. Any place that specializes in pork chops can't be bad.

There's also a Mexican joint on the southwest corner of Clark and Van Buren. It's not fantastic Mexican food, but it's the only Mexican I've had in the Loop that tries to be like the neighborhood Mexican restaurants, serving stuff like tacos al pastor, tortas, chiles rellenos, etc... Technically, it does have waitstaff, but you can order take away as well.

I've also had good luck with the falafel at Petra Cafe on 331 S. Franklin. I prefer them to the Haifa Cafe, although I think I like Oasis Cafe's falafel the most. I'd have to try them side by side to decide definitively.

Also, Uncle Abe's Deli on 136 S. Franklin. Once again, it's got wait staff, but you can order to go at the counter. In fact their soup & sandwich specials only apply to take away orders.

Of course, for the best sandwiches in the Loop, there's Hannah's Bretzel on Washington and Wells.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=18871#18871

gleam wrote:I've only had food from Sopprafina once, but it was completely and utterly forgettable.

i tend to only go to sopprafina when i'm w/ someone else for some reason... not sure why? ..not my fav places, but reliable... one thing i like about sopprafina though is after 3pm their pizzas are 1/2 price... so that's a pretty good deal if you happen to have missed your normal lunch time...

Because it's a stones-throw from my office, I frequent Jaffa Bagel which is located inside the large food court at 500 W. Madison St. (Ogilvie Transportation Center/Citicorp Center).

While the bagels may be a draw in the a.m. (I've only tried them two or three times, and am indifferent as to the quality/value), at lunch hour the star attraction is carved fresh-roasted turkey offered, mostly, as a sandwich. The counter help tells me that they go through about 10 large turkeys daily (not turkey breast, or pressed turkey products). The sandwiches are large and come with whichever of the trimmings you desire from what's available. The lunch hour sandwich "deal" that includes the sandwich, a bag of chips/pretzels and a large soft drink sells for about $6.50 including tax.

I've "googled" the business name and the results reveal two or three other restaurants with the same name in the Loop (none of which have I visited/eaten at), so I'm assuming that there's common ownership amongst the group (and not a franchisee situation, yet).

Amongst 10-15 fast food outlets in the food court, and adjacent building smaller food court, Jaffa Bagel offers a distinctly different menu.

Jaffa Bagel
500 West Madison Street
Ground Level Food Court
Chicago, Illinois

Grand opening today for:

Taza Cafe
Mediterranean Cuisine
176 N. Franklin
312-201-9886

Haven't been yet, but menu is a listing of salads, sandwichs, and plates using the same items as Falafel, Hummus, Shawarma, and Kababs.