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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Northbrook

Lunch spots

A midday pause is essential for refueling with a solid lunch before the afternoon takes over.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Little Louie's image 1
Little Louie's image 2
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Hot dog restaurant

Walls display classic photos and local memorabilia, creating a museum-like atmosphere. The vibe is authentic American diner with a welcoming, homey feel. The place draws families and casual diners seeking traditional Chicago eats in a relaxed setting.

Food stands out for its exceptional taste and consistent quality across many events. Guests often ask about the source and praise the delicious offerings at parties and gatherings.

Catering handles large groups easily, serving lunches for over 60 people from a food truck. Kids often pick it for lunch or dinner, making it a go-to spot for casual meals and staff events.

People are saying

"The food here is always excellent and restaurant quality."

"This Lunch Spot made ordering and pickup easy and accommodated all dietary needs."

"I loved the traditional Chicago hot dogs with awesome toppings."

Good to know

1

Little Louie's offers a diverse menu including burgers, tacos, and salads.

2

The food truck is a great option for parties and events.

3

A 'bag of fries' costs $5, making it an affordable option.

02
Marisa's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Traditional pizza joint with a cozy setting and fresh dough made up front creates a welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers New York-style pizza with a variety of slices and reasonable prices. The place draws a steady crowd looking for a casual, wholesome meal with familiar Italian dishes.

Authentic food stands out here, especially the pizza which is the highlight. Overall, the food tastes good with a generally clean dining area and friendly service.

Great lunch specials make it a solid spot for pizza at midday. Pizza by the slice is available beyond lunch hours, offering flexible options.

People are saying

"I thought the New York Style Pizza here was delicious."

"I thought it was a great lunch spot for pizza."

"The food here is pretty good, especially the pizza."

Good to know

1

Marisa's Pizza offers great lunch specials throughout the week.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

Pizza is available by the slice at any time, not just during lunch.

03
Manna Korean Restaurant 만나한식당 image 1

Small, family-run Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and cozy interior. The place draws a crowded, loyal crowd seeking authentic, traditional flavors and generous portions. It offers a hole-in-the-wall vibe with sincere, carefully prepared dishes.

Authentic Korean dishes come with tasty Banchan and traditional flavors that are not Americanized. The food consistently delivers a satisfying, original experience that appeals to both newcomers and those familiar with Korean cuisine.

Lunch offers very good and delicious dishes with a menu worth trying fully. Expect waits during peak hours, so visiting after lunch hours helps avoid them.

People are saying

"The Korean food here tastes like home-cooked meals."

"I found the restaurant to be warm and cozy."

"The Korean food here is so authentic and comforting."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours; arrive early to secure a seat.

2

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

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $31.

04
Kamehachi - Northbrook image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious dining area combines traditional Japanese details with modern booth seating and an artistic atmosphere. Counter seating offers views of chefs crafting sushi, creating an engaging experience. Noise levels stay moderate, supporting a lively yet comfortable vibe.

Food here is delicious and very fresh with a variety of great selections. The dishes offer excellent quality and come at a price that matches the experience.

Easy lunch options stand out with a menu featuring special selections. The spot suits casual dates or quick midday meals.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is amazing and fresh."

"I thought the food here was delicious and very tasty."

"The sushi at this Lunch Spot is delicious and consistent."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available for customers.

2

The menu offers a wide variety of Japanese dishes.

3

Extra Miso soup costs $4 per bowl.

05
Krua Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Minimal dining space with just a couple of tables supports a primarily takeout-focused operation. The atmosphere is no-frills and home-cooked, with food preparation times varying significantly. The place stands out for authentic Thai flavors and unexpected small appetizers included with orders.

Food tastes homemade and authentic with generous portions. The nam tuk stands out as a top dish among the excellent Thai offerings.

Lunch specials include an entrée with baby eggroll, crab rangoon, and a potsticker on the side. Meals come at a great price and offer a full-sized portion with appetizers.

People are saying

"This lunch spot is mostly for take-away with only a couple of tables."

"I thought the chicken Pad Thai here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the food here was seriously so good."

Good to know

1

Order early for Fresh Spring Rolls as they sell out quickly.

2

Krua Thai primarily offers takeout service with limited seating.

3

Expect order times to vary from 20 to 50 minutes.

06
Los Huaraches image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic neighborhood vibe and quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Walls display interesting paintings, and Spanish is commonly spoken. Known for generous portions and standout dishes like huaraches and al pastor tacos.

Authentic Mexican flavors shine through in every dish, with high-quality food that stays consistent over time. The delicious salsas and huaraches offer a solid, genuine taste of Mexico.

People are saying

"The al pastor tacos here are delicious and flavorful."

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

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Los Huaraches is open for breakfast.

2

They do not serve liquor.

3

Los Huaraches is closed on Tuesdays.

07
Tong's Hunan Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy and clean space with a family-owned feel creates an inviting atmosphere for casual dining. Menu offers homemade soups, dumplings and pot stickers, and flavorful dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Hunan Beef. The environment stays peaceful, making it a steady choice for those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.

Cantonese food stands out with consistently delicious dishes. The menu offers a solid range of tasty Chinese cuisine that makes dining enjoyable.

Many choices fill the menu with wonderful lunch specials. Prices stay reasonable, making the lunch menu easy to enjoy.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The homemade hot chili at this Local Spot adds delicious flavor."

"This Lunch Spot has wonderful specials and homemade hot soup."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during weekend dinner hours.

2

Portions may be smaller than expected for the price.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of lunch specials at reasonable prices.

08
Prairie Grass Cafe image 1
New American restaurant

High ceilings and pristine white linen create a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels like dining at a clubhouse. The space is brightly lit and relaxed, though it can become very loud during busy times. Cloth tablecloths and napkins add a touch of formality to an otherwise comfortable setting.

Food offers high quality and diverse options that cater to many tastes. Service complements the great food with a welcoming atmosphere.

Lunch offers include a special burrata salad and a salmon burger that fills you up. Coconut pineapple ice cream serves as a sweet finish during midday meals.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is truly exceptional."

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

"The food here is delicious, especially the Asian chicken salad."

Good to know

1

Soups cost $8, salads cost $15 or more, and they are not entree size.

2

The skirt steak costs $50 after taxable service charge.

3

An 18% service charge is automatically added to all takeout orders.

09
Bin Hai image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with about two tables serves mainly as a takeout hub featuring a varied menu and large portions. Atmosphere is quiet and functional, with a focus on quick service and friendly local interaction. Prices remain very reasonable, making it a practical choice for affordable Chinese food.

Food comes out nice and hot with large portions that offer a lot for the price. The Chinese dishes are consistently delicious and satisfying.

Lunch specials cost around $10 and offer reasonable prices for the portion size. The menu allows for custom ingredient requests, making it flexible for quick meals.

People are saying

"The takeout food here is always hot and fresh."

"The food here is always fantastic and delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is always fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer all-day specials on select menu items.

2

The food is ready 10 to 15 minutes after ordering over the phone.

3

Prices are very reasonable, especially for lunch specials around $10.

10
Bean Bar image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious cafe lounge with private meeting rooms, cozy fireplace seating, and a covered outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, suitable for work, study, or casual dining. Variety of seating options includes booths, high tables, and sofas, creating a warm and flexible environment.

Food features delicious options like the rose cardamom chai and leek pastry. Coffee and other beverages also stand out for their quality.

Cozy vibes make it a solid spot for quick lunch breaks or catching up with friends. The menu offers salads and sandwiches that fit well for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"The coffee shop's vibe is so cozy and welcoming."

"The food here is amazing and the drinks are delicious."

"The food and drinks here are phenomenal."

Good to know

1

There is no signage at the entrance, making it hard to find.

2

The layout can be confusing for first-time visitors.

3

Seating options include both indoor and outdoor areas.

11
Simply Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, family-run Thai restaurant with a quiet, cozy atmosphere and quick food service. Offers customizable heat levels and big portions with authentic flavors. Mainly serves pick-up and delivery, featuring a long table for dine-in.

Food arrives quickly and features authentic Thai flavors with quality ingredients. Dishes taste fresh and avoid fillers, served in a quiet, cozy setting.

Lunch specials run from 11 am to 3 pm with a generous portion and an appetizer included. Weekly Thai lunch parties happen regularly, making it a quick and lively spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"My takeout order was ready but they wouldn't hand it over."

"This Lunch Spot has authentic Thai food with quality ingredients."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers gluten-free options suitable for those with celiac disease.

2

Simply Thai provides large portion sizes for a satisfying meal.

3

You can customize the heat levels for your dishes to suit your taste.

12
Barnaby's of Northbrook image 1
Pizza restaurant

Old-school pizza parlor with vintage 70s decor and a dark wood bar featuring stained glass. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with constant announcements over booming loudspeakers. Known for classic tavern-style pizza and a tight, cozy setup with separate windows for drinks and pizza orders.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh when dining in. The menu offers consistently great flavors with a friendly atmosphere.

Stops for lunch feel informal and relaxed, suitable for business or casual meals. Service can be slower than expected during a slow weekday lunch.

People are saying

"This thin crust pizza has a perfect snappy crunch."

"This food, especially the pizza, has a perfect snappy crunch."

"The pizza here has a tasty, crispy thin crust."

Good to know

1

Friday nights are extremely busy with families, affecting the dining experience.

2

The restaurant operates as a self-service establishment where you order at the counter.

3

Parking can be challenging; bring a small car to navigate the lot.

13
Serious Sanji Asian Cuisine & Bubble Tea image 1

Spacious Chinese restaurant with a modern yet cozy interior and a vibrant atmosphere. Music playlist appeals to a younger crowd, creating a fun and welcoming vibe. Known for authentic dim sum and generous portions, it offers a casual dining experience close to home.

Food offers great variety with a focus on Asian cuisine including dim sum style dishes for dinner. The flavors are consistently delicious and tasty.

Lunch service includes wonderful service but some items like pot stickers and soup dumplings may not be ready early. Meals tend to be priced above $15, with totals nearing $65 before tip.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fantastic, especially the soup dumplings."

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

"I was still hungry after this Lunch Spot meal."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available nearby.

2

The prices are generally affordable for dim sum.

3

Expect generous portions with each order.

14
Jake's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza comes by the slice with thin crust tavern style and square-cut pies. Prices stay under $5 with large portions and late hours. Atmosphere stays basic and clean with a steady flow of people ordering slices.

Offers consistent, good food with a variety of options including pizza, tacos, beef dishes, and sandwiches. Portions are generous for the price, and carry out orders arrive on time and stay hot.

Lunch options include pizza slices, a chicken burrito, and a Calzone that works well if ordered ahead. Food can take over half an hour to arrive, which may not fit a short lunch break.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and excellent."

"I found the pizza slices here to be very good."

"The pizza at this Lunch Spot is very good."

Good to know

1

A large slice costs under 5 dollars.

2

Jake's Pizza offers tavern-style cuts on your pie for takeout.

3

The steak tacos cost $3.49 each, which is very reasonable.

15
Claypot Seolleongtang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small indoor space feels like sitting outside with a cozy atmosphere and quiet vibe. Authentic Korean soups dominate the menu, known for rich, hearty broths and traditional flavors. Seating includes comfy benches, though some may wobble under weight.

Food features bold, rustic flavors with simple but satisfying tastes. Dishes offer warming comfort and maintain a healthy profile.

Wang Galbitang stands out as a hearty lunch option that some enjoy any time of day. Lunch with colleagues happens often, but be aware it can cause digestive issues for some.

People are saying

"I thought the Korean soup here was awesome and special."

"I found the Korean comfort food here to be delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's Wang Galbitang is so delicious, I could eat it daily."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight in the small plaza, but there's additional parking behind the laundromat.

2

The menu is limited but focuses on perfecting traditional Korean dishes.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

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