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Guide to Elmhurst

Lunch date spots

A midday date that feels like a deliberate escape from the routine, not just a quick bite between errands.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Pho lime image 1
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Vietnamese restaurant

Bright, modern space with a white, mint, and green color scheme creates a clean and comfy atmosphere. Tables are spaced to offer privacy while maintaining a casual vibe. Staff choose varied music to keep the mood fresh and friendly.

Lunch offers an $11 special with a drink, appetizer, and entree. The spot serves authentic Vietnamese flavors and suits casual or date lunches.

Frequent visits create a familiar vibe with the staff. The pho stands out, especially the steak and brisket pho that gets noticed on dates.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has incredible, flavorful broth."

"The pho broth here is beautiful, light, and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is rich, aromatic, and phenomenal."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $11 and includes a drink, appetizer, and entree.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the money.

3

Takeout orders separate noodles from broth for better transport.

02
Phase Three Brewing Company - Taproom + Kitchen image 1

Taproom and kitchen combine modern design with a sunlit space and eclectic decor, creating a welcoming, chill vibe. Large bar and outdoor beer garden offer lively and quieter seating options. Crowd tends to be energetic, with a mix of casual and upscale elements.

Busy Saturdays call for reservations to secure a spot for lunch. The place welcomes groups of all sizes, including families with babies and even those bringing along dogs.

Great spot for dates with accommodating service that handles allergies well. The menu features hearty options like the Angry Reuben and Tocino Melt, paired with a solid beer selection including IPAs and refreshing hard seltzers.

People are saying

"The beer here is industry best, especially the hazy IPA."

"You have to try the tocino melt; it's a flavor winner."

"The people at this Lunch Spot are literal angels."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for lunch on busy Saturdays.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The menu features multiple Filipino dishes and ingredients.

03
Maharaj Indian Grill image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant offers a clean, spacious interior with cozy lighting and comfortable seating that creates an authentic atmosphere. Large tables and a banquet hall accommodate groups of various sizes, while a huge TV adds a modern touch. The environment balances quiet and lively moments, with some noise when full.

Lunch specials offer tasty dishes with generous portions at reasonable prices. Options like the Chief Special Combo and buttered chicken provide satisfying meals that deliver good value.

Staff offer personal congratulations for special occasions, adding a warm touch. Dishes like Butter Chicken and sausages appeal even to picky eaters, making it a solid choice for a date night or small gathering.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"This lunch spot's food was absolutely delicious."

"The food here is flavorful and comes in large portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes and kid-friendly options.

3

Online ordering is available for takeout and delivery.

04
Salkara Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Interior combines warm, inviting design with clean, pristine presentation. Atmosphere stays comfortable and welcoming with quiet Indian tunes or soft background music. Crowd enjoys affordable, high-quality Indian dishes with standout items like samosas and butter chicken.

Weekday lunch specials offer great prices with dishes like butter chicken and chicken Tikka masala served alongside garlic naan and a drink. Meals are affordable and provide solid value for the price.

Music creates a relaxed vibe for couples. Lunch options include Biryani and Paneer, offering flavorful choices for a shared meal.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and reminds me of Kerala."

"The lunch buffet had a great variety and was full of flavor."

"The food here is amazing, especially the dosa and samosa chat."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $7.99 if you arrive before 4pm.

2

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch special priced at $8.95.

3

The weekend buffet features a variety of dishes including chicken biryani and curries.

05
Primos Locos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open windows create an outdoor feel indoors, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a cozy, art-filled dining space. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and notable margaritas in a welcoming setting with both front and backyard patios.

Outdoor seating on the patio offers a pleasant spot for lunch on nice days. Groups gather regularly here, making it a reliable choice for a light lunch with friends or coworkers.

Live music adds a lively touch to the atmosphere. Enjoy margaritas and dishes like chicken and cheese enchiladas with mole sauce for a casual date or celebration.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tasted so fresh."

"The tacos here are fresh and delicious."

"The enchiladas at this Lunch Spot are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Free street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The upstairs room is available for events and can impress guests.

3

Happy hour specials are offered, but specific times are not mentioned.

06
Fry the Coop (Elmhurst) image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small dining area with Tennessee chicken hut decor and seat-yourself booths creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music and a chalk wall add to the family-friendly vibe. The place is known for best Nashville fried chicken sandwiches and unique beef tallow frying.

Chicken dishes stand out during lunch with consistently good quality. Using points to order two lunches for free shows a rewarding system for regular visits.

Staff bring food to the table without asking, showing thoughtful service for couples. The spot has a comfortable vibe that suits early dates well.

People are saying

"I thought their chicken sandwich was the best I ever had."

"The chicken sandwich here is flavorful and juicy for a great date spot."

"The chicken at this Lunch Spot is crispy, moist, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The base chicken sandwich costs $11, and fries are $5.

2

Expect a line to order food, especially during peak hours.

3

They charge an additional $0.60 for extra dipping sauce.

07
Firewater BBQ & Brew - Elmhurst, Illinois image 1

Rustic, cabin-like space with rolling smoke creates a genuine smokehouse feel. Atmosphere feels like a family BBQ with lively energy, though noise levels rise when busy. Features include an arcade area and an inviting bar with live music, adding to the casual, fun vibe.

Lunch offers a Granny Lunch Special with a sandwich, fries, and drink for $11. The brisket and ribs stand out as flavorful and satisfying. Prices stay affordable with filling portions.

Grill master burger stands out as a solid choice. The cornbread and potato salad pair well and get consistent praise.

People are saying

"These ribs are so tender and packed with flavor."

"The cornbread here is unreal, so moist with actual corn kernels."

"The pulled pork and brisket at these Date Spots are so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The wait for dine-in food at lunch is approximately 25 minutes.

2

There is no printed menu available, making ordering difficult for large groups.

3

Prices have increased despite a reduction in portion sizes for meat combos.

08
Yorky's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers a comfortable casual setting with spacious, clean dining and real cutlery for dine-in. Atmosphere stays family-friendly and laid back despite often being crowded. Outdoor seating and drive-thru add convenience to the experience.

Busy during lunch hours with a steady crowd, it offers a great spot to grab lunch. Many find it worth the wait and a popular choice for lunch dates or quick breaks from work.

Lunch dates often involve sharing large portions, so plan accordingly. Steaks cook hotter than ordered, so choose one level below your preferred doneness. Staff may compensate for mistakes, showing customer care.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The chicken dinner here is juicy with a nice char."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is amazing and always smiling."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours; arrive early.

2

The Friday special features Stuffed Peppers, a popular menu item.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals for three under $40.

09
Rainbow Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Quaint American restaurant offers light, airy decor with family-friendly atmosphere and spacious outdoor patio featuring colorful umbrella art. The vibe stays calm and inviting, attracting a steady flow of diners. Indoor seating mixes diner-style tables with whimsical seasonal decorations.

Lunch offers very good options in a cute local diner setting. The spot serves both breakfast and lunch with a friendly atmosphere suitable for casual dates.

Outdoor seating offers a quiet morning vibe with birds chirping, ideal for breakfast dates. The menu features New Orleans French toast and potato pancakes, enjoyed during both lunch and late-night visits.

People are saying

"I loved their minced ham and scrambled eggs; they were the best I've had in ages."

"This lunch spot has great food and generous portions."

"The food here is so good, it made my lunch date enjoyable."

Good to know

1

There is ample free parking right at the building.

2

Parking is available in the garage right behind the location.

3

There was no wait at Rainbow Cafe during my visit.

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Elmhurst, Illinois

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