Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Uptown, Chicago's best

Lunch spots

A midday meal that actually respects your limited break time instead of turning a quick bite into an hour-long ordeal.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Ragadan image 1
Ragadan image 2
Ragadan image 3
View all
Falafel restaurant

Small, clean spot with live plants offers quick, quality meals under $10. Known for top-notch burgers and crunchy falafels, it suits both meat eaters and vegetarians. Cozy, casual vibe makes it perfect for a fast, satisfying lunch.

Busy little spot serves fast casual meals with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Lunch runs under $10 and offers amazing food in a quick, convenient setting.

People are saying

"The Oklahoma onion burger is amazing and exceeded expectations."

"I found the falafel and burgers here to be the best."

"This lunch spot has the best french fries I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but seating is limited.

2

Prices range from $7 to $11 for high-quality burgers.

3

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

02
NORTH BUENA DELI (UPTOWN) image 1

Sandwich shop buzzes with house music and a unique liquor selection. Quick, handmade sandwiches make it a top lunch spot. Outdoor seating adds to the energetic atmosphere perfect for a weekend bite.

Offers a quick lunch option that fits well into a weekend schedule. Serves easy and delicious meals suitable for both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best and so yummy."

"They have a great selection of cold beer and wine."

"The sandwiches here are top-notch, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging, particularly during busy lunch hours.

3

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

03
Sunflour Bakery and Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe shines with natural light and a seasonal menu perfect for lunch. Friendly staff like Hailey and Kelly add to the warm atmosphere. Small tables suit solo visits or groups, creating a charming neighborhood vibe.

Offers a fun seasonal menu with plenty of options for lunch. Staff like Hailey and Kelly provide attentive service during meals.

People are saying

"The staff making your sandwich are so friendly and sweet."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem inside a small grocery store."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing and so fresh."

Good to know

1

Each Wednesday, they offer a $6 sandwich special that rotates weekly.

2

Grab a punch card at the counter for discounts on future purchases.

3

They offer plenty of options for vegans, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences.

04
Uptown Deli image 1

Corner store offers massive sandwiches perfect for lunch by the lake. Friendly vibe and free dog treats create a lively, welcoming spot. Local products add unique flavor to the community feel.

Addictive sandwiches stand out for lunch, especially the Big Windy which tastes good both fresh and cold. This spot serves solid options for a midday meal by the lake.

People are saying

"I thought their sandwiches were amazing and a great buy."

"The staff at this convenience store is always friendly and helpful."

"The sandwiches here are addictive and terrific."

Good to know

1

Uptown Deli is open until midnight for food and 24-hour grocery shopping.

2

They offer gluten-free bread and a variety of snacks and fresh produce.

3

Expect some prices for snacks and juices to be higher than average.

05
Cuckoo image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant with a bright yellow interior and plushie chicken decorations offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere perfect for lunch. Plenty of seating supports a casual, friendly experience with quick meals and bubble tea.

Quirky and colorful space offers a super fun vibe with plenty of seating for lunch. Serves as a quick and easy spot for casual meals or bubble tea.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich here is super crispy and juicy."

"I loved the ancient brown sugar milk tea."

"This Lunch Spot's garlic soy chicken sandwich is crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for takeout is recommended.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait for food preparation during busy hours.

3

The average cost for two people is around $30.

06
Nhu Lan Bakery & Sandwiches image 1

Vietnamese deli shines with fresh bánh mì and crisp pickled veggies. Bright reds and yellows create an intimate atmosphere despite no seating. Perfect for a quick lunch, it draws steady customers who often eat in their cars.

Offers a quick bite ideal for lunch. Frequent visits show it serves fantastic meals consistently during midday.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the banh mi, is so fresh and delicious."

"The vegan BBQ sandwich here is divine and has a great texture."

"The BBQ pork Bahn Mi at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Nhu Lan Bakery & Sandwiches is a takeout-only establishment with no indoor seating.

2

All sandwiches are priced under $9, offering good value for quality.

3

There is a free parking lot available in front of the bakery.

07
Cafe Hoang | Vietnamese & Thai image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior with large tables fits groups well but feels quiet without music. Family-run spot serves authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine with highlights like Bun Bo Hue. Lunch hours are calm with no waiting lines, making it easy to enjoy a cozy, clean atmosphere.

Lunch hours show light crowds with no waiting lines, even on Fridays and Sundays. Visits after peak times, like 2 pm on weekdays, find the spot quiet and empty.

People are saying

"I thought the pho here was very good and light."

"I found the Bun Bo Hue here to be the best I've had."

"This Lunch Spot's bún bò huế tasted phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street near the restaurant.

2

Prices are affordable, with generous portion sizes for most dishes.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

08
Dodomi Sushi Rotary image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Cozy conveyor belt sushi offers fresh sushi and a Tree of Wishes for a unique touch. Lunch features an all-you-can-eat deal with tasty extras like takoyaki and mochi ice cream. The cute, chill vibe makes it a perfect midday spot.

Lunch offers a fantastic all-you-can-eat service with many extras like takoyaki and mochi ice cream. The spot feels cute and inviting for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be really cute and the atmosphere amazing."

"The service here is so friendly, it's perfect for Date Spots."

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

Good to know

1

All-you-can-eat (AYCE) is available from 12 PM to 4 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a diverse menu including sushi, ramen, and tacos.

3

There is a free parking lot available in front of the restaurant.

09
Ms. Egg Roll image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese spot offers freshly cooked meals with large portions at low prices. Lunch specials under $10 include a palm-sized egg roll and hot dishes. Atmosphere is low key and unpretentious, focusing on flavor over frills.

Lunch options come with great prices all day, including specials under $10. The $6 lunch special features a freshly cooked hot meal with a palm-sized egg roll.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievably good."

"You can get a great lunch spot for under $10."

"The Chinese food here has eggrolls with more meat than cabbage."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Lunches cost all under approximately $10, while dinners are under $20.

3

Expect huge portions that are great for sharing.

10
Carmela's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers authentic tacos like al pastor and carne asada in a chill atmosphere. Lunch specials with rice and beans make it a favorite for quick, satisfying meals. Small space fills fast, perfect for a speedy takeout experience.

Lunch here features a special with rice and beans that draws regular visits. Many come back weekly for quick, satisfying lunch pickup options.

People are saying

"The food here is simple yet delicious."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were some of the best I ever tasted."

"This Lunch Spot burrito is one of my top three all-time favorites."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The taqueria has limited seating, making it a popular takeaway spot.

11
Tiffany's On Broadway image 1

Cozy spot with a laid-back atmosphere and loud club music sets a unique vibe. Lunch menu matches the quality of other meals, offering flexible access throughout the day. BYOB policy and nearby liquor store add to the relaxed local feel.

Lunch options come from a menu that shares the same delicious quality as breakfast and dinner. Access to meals is easy and flexible throughout the day.

People are saying

"The Steak And Eggs here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

"I was considering getting another burger because it was so good."

"This Lunch Spot's burger was perfectly cooked and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Tiffany's On Broadway is BYOB, and there is a liquor store next door.

2

Expect longer wait times if the kitchen is busy due to limited staff.

3

The food comes out as it is ready, not all at once.

12
BoJono's Express image 1
Pizza restaurant

Quaint shop with cozy vibe offers quick, affordable meals perfect for lunch spot needs. Limited seating suits takeout well, keeping food hot and fresh. New decor creates a welcoming space for lunch and early dinner.

Takeout food stays hot and ready for lunch and early dinner. Frequent orders show it works well as a go-to spot for quick meals.

People are saying

"This American food's pot roast sandwich is tender and packed with flavor."

"I found the chopped chicken salad fresh and tasty."

"This lunch spot's pot roast and meatballs are excellent."

Good to know

1

BoJono's Express reopened in November and serves lunch and early dinner.

2

The restaurant offers a great selection of sandwiches, salads, and daily specials.

3

Prices are very affordable, with meals typically around $15.

13
Furama Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Old-style Chinese restaurant shines with dim sum carts on Fridays and Sundays, perfect for a lively lunch spot. Large banquet hall with 60s and 70s decor creates a family-oriented atmosphere. Music stays low, inviting quiet chats.

Lunch features dim sum served on Fridays and during a monthly Sunday gathering. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and tasty."

"I enjoyed the traditional dim sum cart experience on weekends."

"This lunch spot's dim sum variety and quality are outstanding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant hosts a monthly dim sum event every first Sunday.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy weekends, especially for dim sum.

14
Breakfast House Uptown image 1

Bright, polished space with farm-themed artwork offers a cozy, laid-back vibe. Generous portions of breakfast and lunch classics shine, especially the salmon patty salad. Loud music makes it lively but can drown out conversation.

Cozy atmosphere serves breakfast and lunch classics. Salmon patty salad stands out as a fresh lunch option.

People are saying

"The chorizo hash at brunch is so good it made my husband cry."

"The food at this Outdoor Seating spot is excellent and well priced."

"I found the lunch spot's classics really tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, but large parties can make arrangements in advance.

2

Parties of five or more are automatically charged a 20% gratuity.

3

Currently, the restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

15
Taqueria Diamante image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with a laid-back, Mexican vibe and friendly energy. Lunch shines with large portions and a standout Machacado dish. Casual, cafeteria-style setting and BYOB policy make it perfect for a relaxed meal.

Lunch offers large portions with delicious options like the Machacado. Burritos stand out as filling and satisfying for a quick meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and tasted homemade."

"The tacos here are amazing with well-seasoned fillings."

"The burrito at this Lunch Spot is huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB and there is a liquor store just a few doors down.

2

The prices are very reasonable, making it easy to try a variety of items.

3

The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

16
Nhà Hàng Vietnam Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small tables and a 90’s vibe create a cozy family-style space. Lunch is popular, featuring pho and grilled pork banh mi. Strong kitchen aromas add to the authentic Vietnamese feel, drawing diverse crowds.

Lunch draws crowds, prompting an expansion into the next space. Options include pho and a grilled pork banh mi sandwich. Lunch for two with appetizers runs about $70, excluding drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and authentic Vietnamese."

"I found the Vietnamese food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"This lunch spot had amazing flavors and tasted freshly made."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available nearby.

2

Reservations are not required for this family friendly, authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

3

As of 2025, the restaurant closes at 8:30 PM.

17
Lucy's Fried Chicken & Smashburgers image 1

Retro decor and loud music create a homey vibe. Fried chicken and smashburgers shine with flavorful sauces. Lunch is quiet and casual, perfect for a midday meal with self-serve condiments adding ease.

Quiet atmosphere at lunch with no crowd around 3pm. Offers fried chicken and smashburgers suitable for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"I found their chicken sandwich to be one of the best I had."

"The pulled pork sandwich was great tasting and tender."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is crispy and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers buy-one-get-one-free fries, shakes, and Mac at certain times.

2

Sandwiches do not come with fries, which is an additional cost.

3

The meal cost around $30 for a burger, fries, and a drink.

18
Hing Wang image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bars on windows and austere seating give a prison lunch room feel. Lunch specials offer large portions at a good price. Cash-only policy with an ATM inside adds convenience. Known for spicy fried rice that keeps locals coming back.

Lunch specials serve large portions at a reasonable price. The dining area feels like a prison lunch room with bars on all windows, including the order spot.

People are saying

"I thought the fried rice here was the best I'd had in the city."

"I found the egg rolls here juicy and delicious."

"The lunch specials here are a ton of food for a great price."

Good to know

1

Hing Wang is a cash-only establishment.

2

Parking can be tight.

3

A large to-go box can feed 3-4 people.

Discover more

Uptown, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...