Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Best lunches in the Loop
Cafecito is one of Best lunches in the Loop.

1. Cafecito

9.0
26 E Congress Pkwy (at State St), Chicago, IL
Cuban Restaurant · The Loop · 193 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: There’s no confusion over the star of the show here: The Cubano’s crusty bread is toasted just right, its roast pork juicy, its pickles thick, and its mustard and gooey cheese plentiful. Read more.

Wow Bao is one of Best lunches in the Loop.

2. Wow Bao

7.6
1 W Wacker Dr (btwn State & Lake), Chicago, IL
Dumpling Restaurant · The Loop · 144 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Pot stickers are fine; better to go with the Thai curry-chicken rice bowl with its yellow curry. Or just stick with the bao, steamed buns stuffed with fillings such as slightly spicy kung pao chicken. Read more.

3. Perry's Deli

719 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL
Deli · University Village - Little Italy · 2 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: There's a fiercely enforced policy of no cell phones. The wait is rewarded with deli classics, like egg salad sandwiches and “Perry’s Favorite”—corned beef, Jack cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing. Read more.

The Gage is one of Best lunches in the Loop.

4. The Gage

8.9
24 S Michigan Ave (btwn Monroe & Madison St.), Chicago, IL
Gastropub · The Loop · 339 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: The food is rich and flavorful, from the perfect-for-snacking Scotch egg to the Gage burger, served a juicy medium-rare and dripping with melted onion marmalade and gobs of Midwestern Camembert. Read more.

5. Epic Burger

7.9
517 S State St (btwn E Congress Pkwy & E Harrison St), Chicago, IL
Burger Joint · South Loop · 105 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Burgers are cooked to a nice medium. Opt for aged cheddar, bacon and egg toppings, and be sure to add the rustic, skin-on fries. Try the Lemon Squeeze, a blend of fro-yo, strawberries and lemonade. Read more.

Frontera Fresco is one of Best lunches in the Loop.

6. Frontera Fresco

111 N State St (at 7th Floor of Macy's), Chicago, IL
Mexican Restaurant · The Loop · 37 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: There's tortas, huaraches, quesadillas and tamales, all of which counter most fast-food notions. But we’re big fans of the torta Cubana, and all of its smoked pork loin and applewood bacon glory. Read more.

7. Protein Bar & Kitchen

8.0
235 S Franklin St (at W Adams St), Chicago, IL
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant · The Loop · 48 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Healthy options—try the quinoa chili—are the rule, rather than the exception at this quickie spot Read more.

8. Shikago

190 S La Salle St (at Adams), Chicago, IL
Bar · The Loop · 4 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Don’t bother with pseudo-fresh and flimsy maki—stick to creative combos like miso-glazed scallops over beet risotto, a standout item amid pedestrian pot stickers, crab rangoon and seaweed salad. Read more.