Many of us continue to work from home, whereas some are returning to the office. Either way, we all need our lunch break, and finding a good work lunch can be tricky sometimes. Let’s see… you don’t want to eat too heavily because that’s gonna make you sleepy. But you also don’t want to half starve to EOB, do you? Therefore, we’ve rounded up the best quick lunch spots in Chicago next time you need to run out for some food during your lunch break. Hey, tell them we sent you!
Rotisserie Ema
74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Rotisserie Ema is our personal favorite office lunch spot. The process is in-and-out, and you can choose from a full-sized salad bar to traditional Mediterranean protein options. But wait for this… they have freshly baked spiced bread every, single, day! And you can even grab a handful of additional spices and sprinkle it all over your customized lunchbox. Their food is so healthy you can literally feel your brain getting rejuvenated.
Also, do you love vinegar-heavy cuisine? Because if you do, Rotisserie Ema would be right up your alley in that case.
Edie’s All Day Café & Bar
675 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Catering to individuals on-the-go, and remote workers and professionals looking for a community space to work, relax and gather from breakfast through dinner, Edie’s has been a neighborhood favorite since its initial opening right in the middle of the pandemic. Featuring globally inspired food and drink menus, Edie’s make work lunch fun, light-hearted, and nutritious.
By the way, did you know they’re opening a second location in Spring 2022? Better stay tuned and follow them on Instagram for latest updates!
Beatrix Restaurants
River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market & Oak Brook
Office workers are certainly familiar with Beatrix, whether you go there for food or for a delicious cup of coffee to power you through the day. Then, no wonder they’re on our list of favorite quick lunch spots in Chicago. With multiple locations scattered across the most vibrant neighborhoods in Chicago, Beatrix brings delicious lunch right to your office doorstep.
Enjoy a delicious Straight “A” Salad, or a simple Ham & Cheese Croissant. And finally, don’t forget to grab a cup of their freshly squeezed juice for some vitamins!
Farmhouse Evanston
703 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201
If you work up in Evanston, then, Farmhouse is a great place to stop by during your lunch break. You can almost never go wrong with their Classic Farmhouse Burger or the Farm Green Salad. However, we also like to go the non-traditional route and grab some Mushroom Toast (because it’s so good!) and a side of the Roasted Squash & Zucchinis.
Only working half of the day? Farmhouse has a wide selection of beers, ciders, and boozy kombucha!
Bhoomi
15 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Need a kick of flavor to wake you up and keep you focused in the afternoon? Check out Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill! Bhoomi focuses on fresh, organic, and responsibly-sourced grilled food. The menu features seafood, chicken, paneer, and meats bursting with flavor and crafted to treat the palette, body, and soul.
From sustainably sourced salmon and prawns to pasture-raised beef and organic paneer, Bhoomi is obsessed with sourcing the highest quality, chemical, and preservative-free ingredients. Their creations are the perfect balance of gastronomic indulgence and wholesome eating, while crave-worthy flavors are at the core of their food.
Sushi-San
63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
How can you talk about the best quick lunch spots in Chicago without adding a sushi place, right? That would be such an unforgivable offense! While there are plenty of amazing sushi restaurants in Chicago, for a quick yet delicious bite, there’s nowhere better than Sushi-San.
Redefining sushi, Sushi-San serves up the highest quality ingredient prepped by a chef’s passionate spirit. We swear — you have no idea how good lunch takeout sushi boxes can be until you try Sushi-San. Need suggestions? We’re huge fans of their Ikura (salmon roe) and Uni, Matcha Cctopus, and Otoro (Fatty Salmon) nigiris!
Jet’s Pizza
All locations
On a mission to bring delicious Detroit-style pizza to every neighborhood across Chicagoland, Jet’s Pizza® is proud to announce their expansion in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with five new locations opening for business in the first quarter of 2022 alone. You know what that means, right? You can get their undefeatable Detroit-style pizza in the burbs now! Hooray!
Epic Burger
All locations
Opened in 2008, Epic Burger serves as a community beacon and pioneer of inclusivity, establishing the use of non-GMO ingredients, Halal-certified preparations, and expansive vegetarian options as standard in the quick service realm. Known for its Epic Burger Challenge (which can totally be finished within a regular lunch break if you know what you’re doing), Epic Burger is also known for other delicious guilty pleasure lunch items.
Have you tried their new honey hot chicken sandwich? We’re seriously obsessed!
Chicago French Market
131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661
Your life is incomplete if you’ve never been to Chicago French Market. As the home of various iconic restaurants, featuring everything from pastries to seafood to ethnical menu items, Chicago French Market is not only one of the best quick lunch spots in Chicago, it will also keep you coming back until you’ve tried everything there — only to find a new item that you somehow missed out!
Urbanbelly
1542 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
You’re a true warrior if you can resist the temptation of dumplings. And let’s not forget Urbanbelly also has delicious, steamy ramen that’s perfect for this freezing weather. Been working in front of a computer all day? The fresh broth will warm up your limbs and activate your brain cells. Also — we aren’t the only ones taking dumplings to-go so we can snack in the office later, are we!?
Wow Bao
All locations
There is no better place than Wow Bao to satisfy your office Bao cravings. We highly recommend the BBQ Pork and Whole Wheat Vegetable baos. Their Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is also absolutely divine! They also have potstickers (pan-seared dumplings) and steamed dumplings for you dumpling lovers.
New Furama
2828 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Now, if you want more than just baos and dumplings, check out New Furama — one of the few spots offering authentic Chinese dim sum for a quick lunch! Honestly, it’s always such a struggle when we try to grab food for ourselves from this place, so you might as well drag all your coworkers down here with you. Try the Lotus Rice Wrap, Curry Baby Octopus, or Beef Tripes if you’re feeling bold, or stick to the classic Scallop & Shrimp Dumplings and BBQ Pork Fun Roll if you want something lighter but equally filling!
Lardon
2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
We’ve said enough good things about Lardon lately — and they sure deserve the love. While most times we go there for the charcuterie board, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other choices for a more substantial lunch! Check out their El Jefe, which is a brand new addition to the menu. It’s Lardon’s version of a classic Cubano sandwich, and as always, using the freshest meat you’d ever get in a sandwich.
Broken English Taco Pub
75 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
Did you know the Loop location of our favorite Taco Pub actually opens at 12 pm instead of 4 pm? Yup. That means you can enjoy your favorite Broken English Tacos during lunch break now! Thursdays are $2 Taco days, and I think that’s really all we need to say, right?
Now, here comes the real question. Are you Team Carnitas or Team fish (Oh My Cod taco)? We promise we won’t judge you!
Stan’s Donuts
All locations
In an effort to help us stay on top of our New Year’s Resolution, Stan’s is partnering with Cloudies to create the perfect breakfast Stanwich that is both healthy and delicious. This new breakfast launch will be a unique twist on your favorite menu items by introducing CloudBread a gluten-free, sugar-free, zero-carb bread alternative with no added preservatives and only 35 calories. Made with four simple ingredients – eggs, cream cheese, baking soda and baking powder – Cloudies will melt in your mouth and give you energy first thing in the morning. Stan’s breakfast stanwiches will be available to order with Cloudies keto-friendly CloudBread from January 6 to January 31.
Featured Image Credit: Rotisserie Ema
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