Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Food in the Loop

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than a full-scale culinary exploration of the city center.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Ayayay - Mexican Eatery image 1
Ayayay - Mexican Eatery image 2
Ayayay - Mexican Eatery image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Urban, modern space with Tulum-inspired decor offers authentic Mexican vibes and great music energizes the atmosphere. Food delivers authentic flavors with fantastic taste and friendly service. Seating varies from stools to intimate spots, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Food features authentic flavors with fantastic taste and friendly service. The dining experience combines great food with a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

"I found the nachos here to be fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared."

"You have to try the churros; they're a perfect sweet ending."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 6 pm.

2

$3 Taco Tuesdays offer great value for visitors.

3

Wednesday features a special margarita deal.

02
Halaleez NY Chicken & Gyro Rice Bowls image 1

Small spot serves authentic NYC halal street food with perfectly seasoned grilled meats and homemade sauces. Cozy vibe with limited seating makes it welcoming. Food shines with fresh ingredients and bold, balanced spices.

Food here offers authentic NYC halal cart style with fresh ingredients and amazing flavors that stand out in the city.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"This gyro is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and reminds me of NYC halal carts."

"The takeout here tastes just like NYC and Philly carts."

Good to know

1

They offer a 10% discount for UIC students.

2

This place is mostly a takeout spot, but they have bar stools for 2-4 people.

3

Halaleez is the first place I found that sells authentic NYC halal platters in Chicago.

03
S2 Express Grill Downtown image 1

Restaurant shines with amazing flavors and great customer service. Unique decor and top-tier music create a warm, welcoming vibe. Clean space balances casual takeout feel with lively club energy.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and great customer service. Dishes consistently impress with amazing flavors and solid preparation.

People are saying

"I experienced unique, great customer service here."

"The lamb chops here are seasoned well and so tender."

"The food here was fantastic and the portions were huge."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs until 7pm with affordable drinks for dine-in only.

2

Live DJ performs on Taco Tuesdays, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Expect a fun vibe on Fridays when the DJ is present.

04
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill image 1

Mediterranean grill shines with fresh falafel and flavorful shawarma bowls. Clean, modern interior and cozy lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Soft music adds a chill vibe perfect for casual dining.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh. The menu offers great flavors that make every meal enjoyable.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I loved the flavorful chicken shawarma bowls and fresh falafel."

"The owner's kindness made our dinner spots feel like family."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at this location.

2

Lunch combo prices are around $13.25, offering good value.

3

Expect delays during lunch rush due to a single self-service kiosk.

05
Love Yourself Always image 1

Spacious and clean spot serves fresh ingredients with quick, flavorful meals. Welcoming vibe helps guests relax and enjoy healthy options. Prices stay reasonable, making it perfect for energizing lunches during busy days.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful with thoughtful preparation. Quick lunches avoid fast food while still delivering an enjoyable meal.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful, making lunch a great experience."

"These spinach wraps are fresh, fast, and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer a wide variety of healthy menu items for breakfast and lunch.

2

Non-dairy milk and creamers are available for lactose-sensitive customers.

3

Prices are reasonable for the downtown area, making it budget-friendly.

06
Momento Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant Mexican decor and live mariachi music create a lively vibe. Authentic tacos and standout salsas deliver bold flavors. Unique self-serve tequila stations let guests explore drinks at their own pace.

Food here offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout salsas and tacos. The dishes consistently deliver excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The service for dinner here is wonderful, especially from Sebastian and Zoe."

"I found the atmosphere and vibe here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Friday night features live Mariachi performances starting at 8pm.

3

The venue plans to host live DJ performances in the future.

07
The KTM Kitchen image 1
Indian restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Nepali cuisine offers fresh noodles and dumplings with beautiful presentation. Bright lighting and modern Nepalese music create a chic, inviting vibe. Guests enjoy local Nepali beer unique to the city.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic flavors with dishes like noodles and dumplings standing out. Presentation is beautiful, and meals stay fresh even when packed for takeout.

People are saying

"The lunch specials here are delicious and affordable."

"The Nepali food here has authentic flavors and spices."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The food is ready for takeout when they say it will be.

2

The portions served are very generous.

3

The entire meal costs around 15 dollars.

08
Sushi Plus Rotary Sushi Bar South Loop image 1

Bright, modern space with a rotating conveyor belt delivers very fresh sushi and varied options. Atmosphere is clean and inviting, perfect for families and casual dining. Pricing is reasonable with all-you-can-eat sushi making it fun and affordable.

Freshness stands out with very fresh ingredients and a wide variety of options. The food offers a unique and delightful Japanese-style dining experience that is both tasty and fun.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat sushi deal is a really well-priced lunch option."

"The sushi experience was fun, unique, and entertaining for kids."

"I found the food to be delicious and very fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with special deals on drinks.

2

The lunch all-you-can-eat deal is well priced and includes a variety of dishes.

3

Sashimi and cheesecake are not included in the lunch all-you-can-eat menu.

09
FARE image 1
Health food restaurant

Offers diverse plant-based options that taste fresh and keep glucose steady. Prices stay reasonable for a healthy meal. Atmosphere is energetic and busy with some seating challenges during lunch.

Food here is consistently fresh and healthy with a delicious taste. Meals keep glucose levels steady and prices stay reasonable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and healthy."

"I found the healthy food options here to be delicious and high quality."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with salad suggestions."

Good to know

1

The meal costs between $16 and $18 without a drink.

2

FARE offers a diverse range of health-conscious options.

3

Seating can be inconsistent and lunch times may be crowded.

10
The Sterling Food Hall image 1

Open food hall offers varied cuisine like empanadas and pizza with ample seating for groups. Atmosphere is chill but loud, making talks tough. Great for quick meals and diverse tastes.

Many food options fill a huge seating area, making it easy to find something for any taste. Choices include empanadas, pizza, and salads, with spots like Litos Empanadas and Los Milagros serving consistently delicious food.

People are saying

"The food options here are vast and all were delicious."

"I found Lito's empanadas to be a hidden gem."

"The coffee here, especially the flat white with oat milk, is perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great discounts on drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

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

3

Restrooms are accessible only with a purchase receipt for a code.

11
Forno Mauri image 1
Pizza restaurant

Wood-fired pizzas shine with high-quality Italian ingredients and a thin crust that tastes authentic. Cozy, laid-back vibe with an adorable patio offers a peaceful spot to enjoy meals. Friendly staff enhance the authentic Italian dining experience with attentive service.

Food here offers an authentic Italian dining experience with consistently excellent quality. Staff regularly check in, enhancing the overall service and ambiance.

People are saying

"The pizza here has an incredible, authentic Neapolitan crust."

"I should definitely have the tiramisu; it's like being back in Italy."

"The food here tastes like authentic Italy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

2

The restaurant does not offer takeout or phone orders.

3

Pizzas are only available in one size, which is 12 inches.

12
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery image 1

Clean, organized bakery offers unique Palestinian baked goods and a fully halal menu. Friendly owners share stories, enhancing the authentic Levantine pastries experience. Great spot for healthy lunch and breakfast with a welcoming vibe and fresh, flavorful options.

Authentic Levantine pastries offer great flavor without feeling heavy. Friendly owners share stories about the food, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"I loved the date cake; it was rich and tasty."

"I found the lentil soup to be warming and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The bakery is fully halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

Parking is limited and is paid street parking nearby.

3

Expect to find high-quality organic ingredients in all menu items.

13
Curry Blah Blah image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy spot with wok hei aroma and authentic Thai dishes. Self-order kiosk speeds up takeout, making it easy and quick. Prices stay low while flavors stay bold, creating a welcoming vibe despite limited seating.

Food here is authentic Thai with well-balanced spice and fresh ingredients. Dishes are flavorful and come at a low price.

People are saying

"The drunken noodles and pad Thai were beyond tasty."

"The lunch specials here have fantastic, large portions."

"I found the food here really fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is small and has limited seating.

2

They offer lunch specials that are a good value.

3

Prices are extremely reasonable and portions are great.

14
Vitalogy on Dearborn image 1

Small bar with upscale décor offers a queer centric vibe and live music from new bands. Craft cocktails and fantastic flavors make food and drinks stand out. Welcoming spot blends style and taste perfectly.

Food impresses with great quality and fantastic flavors. Both the drinks and ambiance complement the dining experience well.

People are saying

"I loved their creative cocktails; they were delicious."

"I thought the burger was the best I had ever eaten."

"The food, especially the steak and chicken skewers, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with special pricing on drinks and appetizers.

2

Enjoy a burger and beer deal for $20 during happy hour.

3

Live jazz music is featured on Saturday nights, starting at 9 PM.

15
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1

Italian-style decor with fake citrus plants sets a cozy mood. Authentic sandwiches boast fresh, high-quality ingredients and large portions. Relaxing music keeps the vibe chill and welcoming for a true Italian experience.

Food here offers authentic Italian cuisine with excellent flavors and large portions. The dishes deliver a taste that feels like a trip back to Italy.

People are saying

"I had the best sandwich I ever had here."

"The panini choices here are so interesting and unusual."

"I found the food here to be delicious and very good."

Good to know

1

The prices for sandwiches are around $23 after taxes and tip.

2

The location is fantastic, right next to Millennium Park and the Nutella shop.

3

The menu features interesting panini choices and only one salad option.

16
Dining Room At Kendall College image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Open kitchen and large windows offer a stunning city view and reveal the culinary process. Students create beautifully plated dishes that balance taste and presentation. Intimate seating fosters a refined atmosphere while keeping pricing accessible.

Food comes beautifully plated with delicious taste that complements the main dish without overpowering it. Students hustle to provide exceptional service and present dishes with care, creating an excellent dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

"The city view from the windows is beautiful."

"I found the dinner spots here to be exquisite and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant can accommodate various dietary restrictions upon request.

3

The menu features student-created dishes that change frequently.

17
Bagel & Bean image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop shines with fresh, flavorful bagels and a robust cream cheese selection at fair prices. Midcentury decor and warm lighting create a cozy vibe. Plenty of charging ports make it ideal for work or study.

Food features top tier quality with a robust selection of in-house made cream cheeses and other options. Prices stay fair and competitive while service is quick.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be the best I've ever eaten."

"The Yemeni Latte was ridiculously good and flavorful."

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Breakfast costs between $6 and $9 per person.

2

They offer a wide variety of menu items and specialized lattes.

3

The shop is open on Sundays, which I find convenient.

18
Lito's Empanadas - The Sterling Food Hall image 1

Latin American food hall buzzes with lively atmosphere and quick service. Empanadas shine with Mexican-Colombian flavors, offering hot, fresh bites fast. Prices stay reasonable, drawing a packed lunch crowd seeking tasty, speedy meals.

Food arrives hot and fresh within about a minute. Empanadas offer a different flavor compared to traditional versions and deliver quick, tasty meals without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"These empanadas are perfectly crispy and packed with flavor."

"These empanadas are so good, I bought them for all my coworkers."

"I loved the variety of tasty empanadas here."

Good to know

1

Lunch hours are usually packed, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

2

Expect a variety of empanadas, including vegetarian and sweet options.

3

A lunch deal costs about $10, including an empanada, a side, and a drink.

19
Bistro Monadnock image 1
French restaurant

Historic building offers French cuisine with exceptional service in a cozy, stylish setting. Live jazz music adds a relaxing atmosphere while a skilled bar crafts standout cocktails. Perfect for a refined dining experience.

French cuisine stands out with consistently excellent food and exceptional service creating a delightful dining experience.

People are saying

"The escargot here is outstanding and alone worth the visit."

"I thought the French onion soup rivaled the best I had in Paris."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.

2

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

3

Expect a $10 charge for each cheese on the charcuterie board.

20
Bar Sotto image 1

Hidden underground bar glows with soft red light and a jazzy vibe that feels cozy and intimate. Italian dishes with imported olives offer tasty, elevated flavors without fuss. Creative cocktails and unique design make it perfect for fun nights or romantic dates.

Italian dishes feature imported olives from Italy and offer a delicious, elevated taste without feeling pretentious or expensive. The food pairs well with drinks and fits a fantastic vibe.

People are saying

"The bar staff here feels like family and makes you feel right at home."

"The cacio e pepe arancini were flavorful and a must-try."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the pasta."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and bites after work.

2

The bar features a rotating menu of small shareable plates and pasta.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy evenings, especially weekends.

21
Lotus Banh Mi - Loop image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior with soft jazz sets a calm mood for lunch. Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi offer fresh, authentic flavors at good prices. Perfect spot for a healthy, light meal in a busy downtown area.

Food here stays fresh and tasty with a close to authentic Vietnamese style. Prices are good, making it a refreshing lunch option amid heavier fare.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is fresh and delicious."

"The pho here is amazing and so flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious and yummy."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially around noon.

2

The line moves quickly, so don't be discouraged by the wait.

3

They offer a few vegan options on the menu.

22
Holy Bagels CO image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy spot with a warm vibe and modern design offers fresh, delicious bagels. Allergy-friendly options and clear food updates make dining easy. Chill music adds to the relaxing atmosphere loved by regulars.

Food features freshness and delicious bagels with an allergy friendly approach. Service includes updates on food status, enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the coffee here was some of the best I'd ever tasted."

"The food here is delicious and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

Breakfast bagels are served all day, making it a flexible option.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

23
Copper Club image 1
Restaurant

Stylish escape with ample portions and terrific flavor offers a cozy setting and a strong whiskey selection. Atmosphere shifts from calm to lively, perfect for those seeking affordable meals and good drinks after work.

Fresh food comes in ample portions with terrific flavor. Drinks pair well with the excellent dishes served.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty and delicious."

"The sangria during happy hour was amazing, packed with fruit flavors."

"The sofa chairs are really comfortable, though a bit low."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential for happy hour due to high demand.

2

Happy hour specials include discounted drinks and slider options.

3

Copper Club is only open on weekdays.

24
Brü Chicago image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop buzzes with laid-back vibe and European atmosphere. Fresh, delicious crepes pair well with rich coffee. Kind staff add charm with complimentary cookies and thoughtful service.

Food features fresh and delicious crepes paired with smooth, rich coffee. Service includes kind staff who offer thoughtful gestures like complimentary cookies during waits.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the crepes, were light, flavorful, and generously filled."

"It's a work-friendly spot with tons of outlets for your laptop."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

All their meat is halal.

2

Brü Chicago has a deal where you get $1 coffee with the purchase of a crepe.

3

They make their syrups in house.

25
Momento Taquería image 1
Taco restaurant

Modern taco spot offers authentic Mexican food with bold flavors and fair prices. Vibrant atmosphere features authentic decor and a lively vibe. Enjoy a unique self-serve tequila bar that adds fun to dining.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with flavors that taste like home. Prices stay reasonable for the delicious quality served.

People are saying

"These tacos taste authentic, like they're straight from Mexico City."

"The habanero salsa here is extremely spicy."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a $10 special that includes a full meal with tortillas.

2

The restaurant is open late for evening dining.

3

They have a vegetarian version of the veggie birria available.

26
LaShuk Street Food image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Space serves fresh Israeli food with exceptional hummus that bursts with flavor. Quick service and great vibes create a pleasant dining spot. Portions are small but the quality and taste make it worth trying.

Food comes out quick, fresh, and flavorful with authentic Mediterranean tastes. The hummus stands out as rich and well-loaded, making it a solid choice for Middle Eastern street food.

People are saying

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the delicious hummus."

"The falafel here is crispy outside, fluffy inside."

"The food here is seriously fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The whole meal comes to about $15, which is a steal for the quality.

2

Only one pita is provided with five pieces of falafel, leaving an abundance of hummus.

3

The family style says it serves 5, but our family was stuffed and we had leftovers.

Discover more

Chicago Loop, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...