The West Loop, Chicago's culinary heart, boasts more than just trendy restaurants. Hidden gems and established favorites offer a delightful array of quiche, that savory custard tart that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. This guide dives deep into the top 16 places to find the best quiche in the West Loop, ensuring your next quiche craving is met with absolute satisfaction. We've considered everything from classic Lorraine to inventive vegetarian options, highlighting what makes each spot unique.
Classic Quiche Experiences:
1. Avec: Elevated Comfort Food with a Quiche Twist
Avec, known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates, surprises with a consistently delicious quiche offering. Their quiche changes seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients available. Expect unique flavor combinations and impeccable execution. This isn't your grandma's quiche; it's a sophisticated take on a classic.
- Why it's great: Creative seasonal variations, high-quality ingredients, perfect for sharing.
- Quiche Style: Primarily seasonal variations, often featuring vegetables and cheeses.
2. Mon Ami Gabi: Parisian Charm and a Classic Quiche Lorraine
For a taste of Paris in the heart of Chicago, Mon Ami Gabi offers a superb Quiche Lorraine. Their rendition adheres faithfully to tradition, featuring a flaky crust, rich custard, and plenty of smoky bacon. Enjoy it al fresco on their patio for the full Parisian experience.
- Why it's great: Traditional recipe, beautiful patio setting, excellent service.
- Quiche Style: Classic Quiche Lorraine
3. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: Steakhouse Surprise with a Hidden Quiche Gem
While known primarily for its steaks, Bavette's occasionally features a quiche on its brunch menu. This isn't the main event, but it's a pleasant surprise for those looking for a savory side or a lighter option alongside their steakhouse fare.
- Why it's great: Unexpected find in a steakhouse setting, good for those wanting a variety.
- Quiche Style: Varies depending on the menu; check their website for the current offering.
Unique and Inventive Quiche Options:
4. Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's Inventive Quiche Creations
Chef Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat is famous for its globally-inspired cuisine, and this adventurous spirit extends to its quiche offerings. Expect unexpected flavor combinations and techniques that redefine the dish. Each quiche is a culinary adventure.
- Why it's great: Bold and innovative flavors, showcasing Izard's culinary genius.
- Quiche Style: Global-inspired, inventive and often changes seasonally.
5. Monteverde: Rustic Italian Charm with a Twist
Monteverde, renowned for its handmade pasta, also showcases a seasonal quiche that beautifully complements their Italian menu. Expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and a subtle Italian twist on the classic.
- Why it's great: Excellent ingredients, subtle Italian influences, complements other menu items.
- Quiche Style: Italian-inspired seasonal variations.
6. RPM Italian: Upscale Italian with Exquisite Quiche
RPM Italian, a West Loop staple, elevates the quiche experience to new heights. Expect a refined presentation, high-quality ingredients, and a touch of Italian flair. It's a luxurious choice for a special occasion.
- Why it's great: Upscale ambiance, refined presentation, perfect for special occasions.
- Quiche Style: Refined Italian-influenced quiche.
Vegetarian and Vegan Quiche Havens:
7. Little Goat Diner: Vegetarian Delights and Creative Quiches
Little Goat Diner, another Stephanie Izard creation, offers consistently impressive vegetarian options, including creative and delicious quiches. Expect bold flavors and innovative combinations, even in the vegetarian realm.
- Why it's great: Wide variety of vegetarian options, inventive flavor combinations.
- Quiche Style: Primarily vegetarian, inventive and bold.
8. Formento's: Italian-American Comfort Food with Vegetarian Options
While primarily known for its Italian-American dishes, Formento's often features a vegetarian quiche as a side dish or appetizer. This is a reliable option for those seeking a hearty and flavorful vegetarian choice.
- Why it's great: Reliable vegetarian choice, good portion sizes, comforting flavors.
- Quiche Style: Primarily vegetarian, classic flavors with some Italian influences.
Cafes and Bakeries with Quiche Gems:
9. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken: Unexpected Quiche Perfection
This popular spot is known for its donuts and fried chicken, but also offers a surprisingly excellent quiche. It's a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This is a perfect example of how a restaurant can offer high quality food items not expected of the restaurant.
- Why it's great: Unexpected find, good value for money, balances sweet and savory.
- Quiche Style: Classic and inventive quiche options.
10. Stan's Donuts: Sweet and Savory Combinations
Stan's Donuts, a Chicago institution, provides delicious donuts, but also often has a quiche on offer. This is a solid choice for those looking for a combination of sweet and savory.
- Why it's great: Solid option if you're looking to get donuts and quiche.
- Quiche Style: Varies.
11. Floriole Cafe & Bakery: Parisian-Style Quiche
Floriole, known for its French-inspired pastries, offers a consistently excellent quiche made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's the perfect place to enjoy a taste of France.
- Why it's great: High-quality ingredients, excellent crust, French-inspired flavors.
- Quiche Style: Classic French quiche style.
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites:
12. The Purple Pig: Mediterranean Mezze and Unexpected Quiche
This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant sometimes features a unique quiche as part of its menu. It's a great option if you're looking for something different.
- Why it's great: Unexpected quiche options, great atmosphere, good Mediterranean options.
- Quiche Style: Mediterranean-inspired quiche.
13. Public House: Gastropub with Occasional Quiche Specials
Public House, a lively gastropub, sometimes has quiche specials on its menu. Check their website or call ahead to see if a quiche is available.
- Why it's great: Good for casual dining, good selection of beers.
- Quiche Style: Varies.
14. Rosebud on Rush: Upscale Italian with a Refined Quiche
Rosebud on Rush, a more upscale Italian restaurant, sometimes includes quiche on their brunch menu. Expect a more refined preparation and presentation.
- Why it's great: Excellent upscale brunch setting, refined quiche preparation.
- Quiche Style: Refined Italian-inspired quiche.
15. West Loop Farmers Market: Seasonal Quiche Delights
The West Loop Farmers Market often features vendors selling delicious homemade quiches, giving you a chance to discover new culinary treasures and support local artisans.
- Why it's great: Find unique and delicious quiches from local artisans, supports the local community.
- Quiche Style: Varies depending on the vendor.
16. Your Neighborhood Cafe: Don't Underestimate Local Gems!
Don't overlook smaller cafes and bakeries in the West Loop! Many offer delicious quiche made with love and fresh ingredients. Explore and discover your personal hidden gem!
- Why it's great: You might discover your new favorite local quiche spot, helps support local businesses.
- Quiche Style: Varies widely.
This guide provides a starting point for your West Loop quiche adventure. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for the most up-to-date menus and availability, especially for seasonal offerings. Enjoy your delicious West Loop quiche exploration!
