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Top picks in Illinois

Pretzel spots

A midday meal is only as good as the pretzel that comes with it. You know exactly what you are looking for when you sit down to eat.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Homewood Brewing Company image 1
Homewood Brewing Company image 2
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Spacious brewery with stylish decor and a laid-back charm combines a lively atmosphere and welcoming energy. Features include an open-air rooftop patio with a stunning mural, ping pong tables, and a photo booth. Serving robots add a unique touch to the modern, clean environment.

Lunch offers a wonderful ambience suitable for midday or after work. The menu pairs well with drinks and beer, making it a solid spot for a satisfying midday meal.

Soft pretzels come with beer cheese and other sauces that complement them well. The pretzels stand out enough to be considered award-worthy on their own.

People are saying

"I thought the food was excellent and properly cooked."

"The beer here is great and brewed on-site."

"The pretzel here is massive and perfect as an appetizer."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The kitchen closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking is ample and free for all customers.

02
The Wooden Nickel Pub and Grill image 1

Rustic bar and grill offers multiple seating options including covered and uncovered patios with dog-friendly spaces. Continuous country music plays, sometimes loud, with a jukebox for variety. TVs and video gambling machines add to the lively atmosphere where locals often know each other.

Offers a nice lunch with great service. Suitable for lunch or dinner with a relaxed vibe.

Pretzel bites come crisp and plentiful, served with a cheese sauce that complements their flavor. Pretzel sticks also appear as a recommended appetizer option.

People are saying

"The patio seating here is available year-round and feels perfect."

"The American food here is amazing, especially the huge nachos."

"The food and drinks here are really good."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

2

The pub is dog-friendly, with a patio that accommodates pets.

3

A service charge is added for credit card payments, so check your bill.

03
The GOAT image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space with upstairs loft and patio seating offers a cozy atmosphere that feels casual and inviting. Music plays loudly, especially near the bar, but conversations remain easy at tables. Walls display famous athlete photos, adding a unique sporty touch to the decor.

Plenty of street parking makes it easy to stop by for lunch. The burger stands out as a solid choice during a quick midday visit.

Pretzel bites have a soft core with a slight crunch outside. They pair well with queso and serve as a solid appetizer option.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were delicious and really good."

"I loved the chicken gyros burger on fluffy naan bread."

"The pretzel bites have a nice soft core and slight crunch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Tuesday to Friday from 4-6 pm with half-off cocktails.

2

Fish tacos and a fish sandwich are the specials this month during happy hour.

3

Seating is available on the main level, upstairs, or outside.

04
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

A cute little spot offers a really nice lunch experience with good food and great beer options. It suits casual midday meals with colleagues or friends.

Soft pretzels come with a rich Obatzda cheese dip that stands out more than the usual dijon honey mustard. The pretzels are consistently soft and well-made, making the cheese spread the highlight.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"You have to try the soft pretzel with the Obatzda cheese dip."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

05
Rammy's Sub Contractors image 1

Large sandwich shop with lots of seating inside and a makeshift outdoor area offers a wide variety of protein options and homemade sauces. Atmosphere feels family-owned and local, with a focus on fresh bread and quality ingredients. Prices tend to be higher than typical sub shops, reflecting the emphasis on handcrafted subs.

Sandwiches stand out as a solid lunch choice here, drawing repeat visits. The spot serves as a classic and staple option for lunch in the area.

Pretzel bread serves as the base for several sandwiches, including a ham sub and a hammer and cheese. The pretzel roll also holds bold flavors like ghost pepper cheese, extra hot giardiniera, and chipotle-habanero aioli.

People are saying

"I thought their sandwiches were the best I ever had."

"I loved their subs; they were crafted with care and consistency."

"This is the best lunch spot for delicious subs."

Good to know

1

Rammy's Sub Contractors offers a wide variety of sub options with multiple bread choices.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a sandwich, chips, and a drink.

3

They offer additional menu items like mac and cheese, nachos, and shakes.

06
Dukes Northwoods image 1

Rustic cabin design with large garage doors opening to river views creates an authentic Northwoods Wisconsin vibe. Loud, lively main area contrasts with quieter back room featuring non-high-top seating and game sounds. Multiple TVs show sports, and outdoor patio seating adds to the casual, fun atmosphere.

Offers a solid smash burger and a meatloaf sandwich with bratwurst and potato soup combo for lunch. Prices stay reasonable around $11, making it a good spot for a casual meal by the river.

Pretzel bites come with beer cheese and have a strong salty flavor. The pretzel bun is used for burgers and stands out. Some pretzel items can be soggy or hard, showing inconsistency.

People are saying

"I thought the smash burgers here were the best."

"This lunch spot has a great smash burger with house-cut fries."

"The pretzel bites here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, featuring discounts on drinks and food.

2

The loaded bloody mary is available only on weekends from 10am to 1pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on game days, especially during Packer games.

07
The Boss's Signature image 1

Restaurant offers a freshly remodeled interior with beautiful chandeliers and an open, modern design. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and chill to lively, with a welcoming vibe and small, closely arranged seating. Features include a private event space and a bar area with slot machines and games.

Offers both quick lunch options and sit-down meals suitable for groups. Serves as a spot for casual team lunches and late afternoon meals with others.

Pretzel bites and nuggets appear as popular appetizers, served alongside dishes like burnt ends and ribs. These pretzel appetizers come in bite-sized forms and are described as delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"The American Food, especially the pot roast and brisket, is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"The burgers here are the best I ever had."

"You have to try the pretzel bites; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

The restaurant offers brunch on weekends, which is a new addition.

3

Happy hour specials are available online; check for details before visiting.

08
Rep's Place image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar splits into separate bar and dining areas with about 16 flat-screen TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels neighborly and relaxed, with classic rock and live music adding to the vibe. Large open space suits groups, while outdoor seating sits on a strip mall sidewalk.

Offers take-out lunch options twice with consistent quality. Serves as a solid lunch spot for quick meals.

Soft pretzel bites stand out with their delicious flavor and work well even without cheese, though cheese adds a nice touch. The pretzel bun is also solid, though sometimes replaced by brioche by mistake.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were great and huge."

"You have to try the pretzel bites; they're the best soft pretzels ever."

"This is a solid lunch spot with delicious burgers and tasty appetizers."

Good to know

1

Trivia night occurs every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on game days.

09
The Hive Tavern & Eatery image 1

Humble tavern with a laid-back atmosphere and outdoor space that invites relaxation. Occasional live music and a Photo Booth add lively, fun touches. Crowd enjoys affordable food and drinks with a welcoming vibe.

Quick and delicious meals come with daily specials and a patio option for lunch. The spot offers a great setting for a satisfying midday break.

Pretzel bites come in small pieces about the size of cotton balls. Prices run around $12 for roughly 10 bites, which some find overpriced. Happy hour offers more affordable prices on pretzel bites paired with 16 oz Guinness.

People are saying

"The drinks here are expertly crafted and delicious."

"The Smash burger with house chips is a delicious Lunch Spot."

"I loved the pretzel bites and burger sliders."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for trivia night on Tuesdays as it fills up quickly.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm with a fun atmosphere.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with affordable drink specials.

10
The Philly Special image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Philly sports-themed decor with cozy, casual atmosphere and upbeat music. Small space includes slot machines and TVs for games, creating a relaxed vibe. The setting feels like a slice of Philadelphia with memorabilia and warm energy.

The Philly Special stands out as a great lunch choice. It suits casual meals with friends or family, making it a solid spot for midday breaks.

Soft pretzels come out hot and tasty but tend to be over seasoned with salt. Fries served alongside share the same saltiness issue.

People are saying

"This Philly Cheesesteak is the real deal, just like back home."

"This lunch spot has the best Philly cheesesteak I've ever had."

"I finally found an authentic, delicious cheesesteak."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a cheesesteak and drink.

2

Parking is ample and available on-site.

3

The restaurant sources its bread from Philly for authenticity.

11
New Line Tavern image 1
Bar & grill

Small bar with vintage train photos and an old Beaux-Arts building vibe offers a warm, chill atmosphere filled with locals and regulars. Music plays a key role, with a DJ and many TVs creating a lively yet conversational space. Crowds grow after work, making it a popular spot for late-night hangouts.

Only three people work the entire restaurant during the weekday lunch rush, which can affect service speed. Many come from nearby offices, making it a common workday lunch spot.

Handmade pretzels come with beer cheese that pairs well. They serve pretzels as a snack or alongside salads, making them a house-made staple here.

People are saying

"The bartender Ryann made the best Spooky Sip drink."

"I loved the house-made pretzels with beer cheese."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious and the portions were enormous."

Good to know

1

The place gets crowded after work, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour offers summer bucket deals on weekdays.

3

Trivia night happens on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm.

12
Maevery Public House image 1
American restaurant

Small space with cozy, lively atmosphere and swanky decor creates an inviting vibe. Noise level rises during busy times, making conversations challenging. Outdoor seating overlooks a beautiful park, adding to the fresh setting.

Lunch offers great food in a nice spot with a calm atmosphere. It works well for impromptu take-out or a relaxed meal.

Lightly fried texture gives the pretzel a unique twist. It lacks salt but stands out with its distinctive preparation and crispy finish.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have such welcoming and friendly service."

"This lunch spot has fresh and delicious food."

"I loved the lightly fried pretzels here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are available for last-minute dining, accommodating large parties.

2

Expect a wait of about an hour during peak dining times.

3

The restaurant offers a 10% military discount on the total bill.

13
Culverโ€™s image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with consistently clean interiors and a unique burger flavor. The menu features tasty ice cream and juicy Butterburgers, creating a straightforward spot for quick, satisfying meals.

Quick lunches include a double burger with bacon, cheese curds, and large drinks. Options like the Cod dinner also appear on the lunch menu. Meals typically cost around $18.

Pretzel bites come with cheese and taste quite delicious. Some batches can be burnt.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and hot."

"I missed the walleye pike they sometimes have."

"The Cod dinner at this Lunch Spot was delicious and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Culver's charges an extra 50 cents when you ask for everything on the burger.

2

The drinks have a free refill.

3

Culver's has a good menu with options beyond burgers.

14
FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar image 1

Bar and grill with a full bar and outdoor patio offers a warm, inviting vibe with live piano and vocal entertainment. Seating is comfortable and well-designed for dining. The atmosphere can be loud due to acoustics and music volume.

Grilled chicken sandwich stands out as a lunch choice, drawing repeat visits. Lunch service begins at 11 a.m., making it a reliable spot for midday meals.

A mega pretzel weighs two pounds and stands out for its massive size. It comes with top notch beer cheese and honey mustard that complement the pretzel well.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The cocktails here are creative and cleverly named after Chicago places."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Mondayโ€“Thursday from 4โ€“7 PM, offering good value.

2

Live music occurs on Fridays and Saturdays at the upstairs cocktail bar.

3

Reservations require full payment upfront, refundable upon arrival.

15
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Lunch here comes with plenty of big TVs showing events like the 2024 Olympics. The spot is dog friendly and suits both lunch and dinner occasions.

Soft pretzels come with cheese and mustard sauces that stand out. The pretzel appetizer pairs well with varied dips and is generally well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The pretzels here are delicious, especially with the sauces."

"The wings at this Lunch Spot are smoked perfectly and sauced just enough."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

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