Lunch in the Loop

bdklatt

Hi ladies (I also post this on theknot).  I will be heading downtown tomorrow to see The Nutcraker (yay!!!!!!!!!!) and we would like to grab lunch before the ballet.  Does anyone have any recommendations....we will be taking the train down so anywhere near Union Station and Congress Parkway (where the theater is).  Thanks ladies! 

celiabeth

What type of lunch are you looking for?  The Gage on Michigan Avenue (near Monroe) is quite good. It is a littely pricey, but has great food.   If you want something casual with really great sandwiches I would check out Pastoral (Lake St. near Wabash).

bdklatt

Yea I would say something more casual.  We will be dressed up and looking nice for the ballet....but with this economy (and with Christmas around the corner) we're not looking to spend major $$$$ on lunch. 

celiabeth

If you want to be close to the theater I still recommend Pastoral.  Another good sandwich place is Hanah's Bretzels (Washington & Wells..no seating though).  If you want to venture a little away from the Theatre I recommend Quartino (State & Ontario) for some pizza, small plate Italian dishes and reasonably priced wine.  The issue with the Loop on a Saturday is that it is a non business day which means some places might be closed.   If you like Indian food there is a fast food Indian restaurant called Chutney Joes (State & Congress) that is decent.  At this same location there is a Panera and a burger place.  For pretty good Thai food there is Siam Rice (on Wells near Washington)

bdklatt

That's what I was worried about....places not being open for lunch on a Saturday.  But thanks for your recommendations!  I'll have to see what the girls think!

lmb5109

Have fun! I've always wanted to see the Nutcracker!! 

There's a Corner Bakery by there:

4 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60606-6961 P: (312) 575-1410 F: (312) 575-1417
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM Sun: Closed

I also really love this place, not sure if they are open on a Saturday. But the pasta is awesome

Full-screen

Bacino'sAddress:

Removal requested ()Restore requestedEdited

Placement on map is approximate

118 South Clinton Street

Chicago, IL 60661-3628

Get Directions

(312) 277-1100

* approximate times

 - bacinos.com

And another place we went to a few months ago for lunch during the week, good sandwhichs and meals:

Jackson Street Bar & GrillAddress?oval requested ()Restore requestedEdited

Placement on map is approximate 547 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60661 Get Directions

(312) 341-0700

bdklatt

Thanks for all the help ladies!!!  Can't wait!  And I recommend seeing The Nutcracker (if you like ballet).  I LOVE it!  We used to see it every year when I was little.  Haven't gone in about 6-7 years so I'm excited to go.