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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Lunch spots in Near South Side

A midday break should be a deliberate pause that gets you back to your afternoon with real momentum.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Steve's Bite image 1
Steve's Bite image 2
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American restaurant

Minimal decor and big empty walls create a calm space with quick service perfect for lunch. Regular chairs and familiar staff like chef George make it welcoming for casual chats. Calming music keeps the atmosphere chill and relaxed.

Offers a variety of good lunch options with a quick service ideal for those nearby or at events. Seating allows for a relaxed chat, and familiar staff like chef George add a welcoming touch.

People are saying

"I found the gyros here to be fresh, fast, and consistently good."

"The burgers here are nice, juicy, and thick."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

A regular meal costs between $17 and $25 plus taxes.

2

The cheeseburger costs $15.61.

3

All food is halal certified.

02
MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant blends industrial-chic design with an upscale vibe and a quiet atmosphere perfect for dates or chats. Lunch features a Set Lunch deal at $21.95 with diverse, flavorful entrees. Full bar serves Japanese beer on tap and rare ramen cocktails.

Lunch offers a diverse menu with many flavorful entrees. The Set Lunch at $21.95 provides a great deal with quality and taste.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is flavorful and comforting."

"The gyoza here are great and crispy."

"The tonkotsu ramen here is good, with flavorful ingredients."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $21.95, including a side, main dish, and drink.

2

Happy hour features discounted cocktails and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes beyond ramen, like gyudon.

03
Little Branch Cafe image 1

Cozy coffee shop with shaded patio offers quick, retro-style meals perfect for lunch or breakfast. Quiet, friendly vibe suits casual stops before or after museum visits. Unique seating adds charm to this trendy, relaxed spot.

Offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options with a retro cafe style. Serves quick meals suitable for a stop before or after museum visits.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast during my business trip."

"The chilaquiles here are authentic with amazing salsa verde."

"It's a chill neighborhood place with a relaxed vibe."

Good to know

1

Finding parking nearby is difficult; most options are paid.

2

The cafe is within walking distance of the Hilton in McCormick Place.

3

There was no wait during my visit, making it a quick stop.

04
Casa Tulum image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with live DJ and fire show creating an energetic vibe. Two bars with TVs boost the lively scene. Lunch offers a fun vibe and great margaritas for a satisfying midday break.

Lunch here offers a wonderful atmosphere and a fun vibe that makes the meal enjoyable. The experience consistently delivers a satisfying midday break.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"The service here for Date Spots is attentive and above and beyond."

"This lunch spot's shrimp tacos are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 3 PM.

2

Ask for the $10 margaritas special on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is easy to find and free on Sundays.

05
Haidilao HotPot Chicago Inc image 1

Enjoy robot food delivery and live shows while cooking your own meal at the table. Spacious, modern space with a seasoning bar and nice city views adds to the fun. Perfect for a lively lunch spot with tasty meals and a great vibe.

Lunch offers a wonderful experience with enjoyable meals. The setting supports a great lunch atmosphere that makes dining pleasant.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing and always fresh."

"The hot pot experience was so fun and delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a song and a gift for the guest.

2

Performances of Sichuan Opera face-changing occur during dinner at specific times.

3

The all-you-can-eat option is available after 8 PM for meat lovers.

06
Southern Chicago image 1

Elegant space offers beautiful dรฉcor and a warm atmosphere perfect for holiday lunches or business gatherings. Guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails alongside high-quality Southern dishes. Great music adds to the inviting, refined vibe for late lunch or dinner.

Warm and comfortable atmosphere suits holiday lunches and business gatherings. The spot works well for late lunch or dinner occasions.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are phenomenal, sealing the deal for me."

"The staff here are friendly and offer great recommendations for lunch."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

07
My Place South Loop Restaurant image 1

Spacious dining with a three-season patio offers a relaxed vibe. Authentic Cantonese and unique fusion dishes attract many Chinese diners. Lunch specials at about $9 include drinks and large portions, making it a great lunch spot with excellent value.

Lunch specials include drinks and come with generous portions at very affordable prices around $9. The atmosphere stays pleasant, making it a solid spot for lunch or takeout.

People are saying

"The lunch specials here are a great deal, often including a drink."

"I found the Cantonese food to be authentic and tasty."

"I thought the HK style milk tea was the best I had."

Good to know

1

There is free parking in the back.

2

My Place South Loop Restaurant is BYOB.

3

The meal cost less than $10 during lunchtime.

08
Sumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with calm atmosphere offers a great all-you-can-eat lunch option. Sushi features fresh fish and standout rolls like Hedgehog and lobster. Lunch pairs well with beers for a satisfying midday meal.

An all-you-can-eat lunch special offers great value during lunch hours. The lunch menu pairs well with beers and provides a satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat sushi here is a great value."

"The all-you-can-eat dinner here is made to order and worth it."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat sushi lunch special here."

Good to know

1

They offer an all-you-can-eat lunch special at a great price.

2

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30.

3

An 18% mandatory tip is added to your bill.

09
The Staley image 1
Sports bar

Large sports bar with huge projector screens and plenty of TVs creates a strong focus on watching games. Atmosphere feels like a dark basement man cave with a mix of upscale gastropub dรฉcor. Free arcade games and a mini game room add casual entertainment beyond sports viewing.

People are saying

"The food here is unique, delicious, and top-notch."

"The staff here is super friendly during live sports."

"The chicken sandwich at this Lunch Spot is one of the best."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted on game days; plan accordingly.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills on game days.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

10
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar image 1

Big-screen TVs create a sports-focused environment perfect for game nights. Loud music and a live DJ add energetic vibes for singing and dancing. Casual pizza and ample seating make it a laid-back lunch spot for families and friends.

Casual pizza and sports bar vibe suits a laid-back lunch or unwinding after a busy day. Experiences vary, with some lunches being notably poor.

People are saying

"This deep dish pizza is amazing and straight out of the oven."

"The bar staff treated me like a regular with a smile."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was amazing."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is difficult; consider using a ride share or park a block away.

3

A DJ performs on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

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Near South Side, Chicago

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