River North, Chicago's vibrant heart, pulsates with energy, and its lunch scene is no exception. From quick bites to lavish meals, the neighborhood caters to every palate and budget. This guide navigates you through the top 19 lunch spots, ensuring your midday break is a culinary delight. We've considered everything from price range, cuisine type, and ambience to bring you this comprehensive list. Finding the perfect River North lunch spot just got a whole lot easier!
Quick Bites & Casual Eats
1. RPM Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Upscale casual
- Why it's great for lunch: RPM Italian offers a fantastic lunch menu with delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads in a stylish setting. Their happy hour deals often extend into lunchtime making it a great value.
2. Sunda
- Cuisine: Pan-Asian
- Vibe: Lively and modern
- Why it's great for lunch: Sunda's vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu provide a perfect blend of flavors. Expect creative sushi rolls, flavorful curries, and other Pan-Asian delicacies.
3. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Vibe: Classic and sophisticated
- Why it's great for lunch: While known for its dinner scene, Bavette's offers a refined lunch menu featuring delicious steak sandwiches and other lunch-friendly options in a beautifully restored space.
4. Rosebud on Rush
- Cuisine: Italian
- Vibe: Classic Italian-American
- Why it's great for lunch: A River North institution, Rosebud offers a reliable and satisfying Italian-American lunch experience. Think hearty pasta dishes, pizza, and classic Italian-American sandwiches.
Upscale & Fine Dining Lunch Options
5. Maple & Ash
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Vibe: Luxurious and modern
- Why it's great for lunch: Maple & Ash provides a truly luxurious lunch experience. Their lunch menu features high-quality steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list. Expect to spend more, but it’s worth it for a special occasion.
6. RPM Steak
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Vibe: Chic and sophisticated
- Why it's great for lunch: Similar to its sister restaurant, RPM Italian, RPM Steak provides an upscale steakhouse experience for lunch. Expect prime cuts of beef, alongside other delicious lunch options.
7. The Purple Pig
- Cuisine: Mediterranean tapas
- Vibe: Bustling and lively
- Why it's great for lunch: This popular spot serves delicious Mediterranean small plates, perfect for sharing or enjoying individually. It's a fun and vibrant place to enjoy lunch with colleagues or friends.
Diverse & Unique Lunch Choices
8. Monteverde
- Cuisine: Modern Italian
- Vibe: Cozy and charming
- Why it's great for lunch: Monteverde offers a more intimate and less hectic environment than many other River North restaurants. Their pasta dishes are particularly noteworthy.
9. Girl & the Goat
- Cuisine: Globally inspired
- Vibe: Energetic and eclectic
- Why it's great for lunch: This Stephanie Izard restaurant consistently delivers creative and flavorful dishes that draw inspiration from various global cuisines.
10. Andros Taverna
- Cuisine: Greek
- Vibe: Rustic and inviting
- Why it's great for lunch: Andros Taverna provides a taste of the Greek Isles in the heart of River North. Their menu features authentic Greek dishes, cooked simply but with delicious results.
11. Summer House Santa Monica
- Cuisine: Californian
- Vibe: Relaxed and beachy (despite the Chicago location!)
- Why it's great for lunch: Enjoy a taste of the California coast in Chicago, with Summer House's bright and airy space and menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Fast Casual & Sandwiches
12. Pequod's Pizza
- Cuisine: Deep-dish pizza
- Vibe: Casual and classic Chicago
- Why it's great for lunch: If you're craving a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza, Pequod's is a solid choice. Be prepared to wait, as this spot is popular.
13. Portillo's Hot Dogs
- Cuisine: Chicago-style hot dogs
- Vibe: Classic Chicago fast casual
- Why it's great for lunch: A Chicago staple, Portillo's offers delicious Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
14. Pret A Manger
- Cuisine: Sandwiches, salads, and soups
- Vibe: Fast and convenient
- Why it's great for lunch: A reliable option for a quick and healthy lunch. Pret A Manger offers a variety of fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups, perfect for grabbing on the go.
International Flavors
15. Tanta
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Vibe: Lively and colorful
- Why it's great for lunch: Tanta provides a vibrant and flavorful introduction to Peruvian cuisine. Their ceviche is particularly noteworthy.
16. North Pond
- Cuisine: American with seasonal focus
- Vibe: Elegant and refined
- Why it's great for lunch: North Pond offers a refined and sophisticated lunch experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and American cuisine.
Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences
17. DMK Burger Bar
- Cuisine: Burgers
- Vibe: Casual and fun
- Why it's great for lunch: DMK Burger Bar provides a fun and casual atmosphere with a focus on delicious, gourmet burgers.
18. Owen & Engine
- Cuisine: American Gastropub
- Vibe: Relaxed and comfortable
- Why it's great for lunch: Owen & Engine offers a more relaxed gastropub experience with delicious sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort food options.
19. Little Goat Diner
- Cuisine: Eclectic American
- Vibe: Quirky and fun
- Why it's great for lunch: This Stephanie Izard restaurant offers a more casual dining experience compared to her flagship Girl & the Goat, but still provides delicious and creative dishes.
This guide provides a diverse range of River North lunch options, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, menus, and reservations – especially for the more upscale establishments. Enjoy your River North lunch experience!
