Chicago is a city of big appetites, and I swear we got it all, especially if you are not feeling particularly health conscious. You can splurge downtown at a tony restaurant, take a quick trip to West Town’s latest, or lunch like a local at these neighborhood favorites that aren’t too far from McCormick Place.
Burgers:
When you need da burger, you got options. Let the tourists visit the Billy Goat Tavern off Michigan Avenue. Stick with the locals and visit The Exchequer under the L on Wabash. They have a full menu, but I’d stick with the burger. It’s as old school as the décor and deeply satisfying. While you’re not going to break the bank, lunch can set you back a little over $15.
If you’re not feeling like a trip so far back-in-the-day, then get to the point, Burger Point. The names for their burgers are silly, and if I’m honest, a little aggravating, but the burgers are tasty and the fries manage to be both crispy and soft in the center. YUM. Ask for the Just Plain Cheeseburger or the Dirty South, their bacon, barbeque wonder burger. You can get a burger, small fries and a drink for just under $15.
Italian:
To deep dish or not to deep dish? It’s a question we all face, right? I have been to Uno’s preordered and queued for more than an hour for a table. While it might have been worth it, I won’t wait anymore. And you don’t have to at Ricobene’s, a near Southside staple. The pizza-by-the-slice counter is hopping at lunch time, so you can settle the question once and for all. They are known for their breaded steak and beloved for their park and ride to Sox games, and you can try it for $10-15.
If that sounds a bit too heavy, there’s always Gio’s. An amazing deli counter tucked into the Bridgeport neighborhood, Gio’s doesn’t have a lot of room for dining in. What it does have is a Panino Di Prosciutto to be remembered. It’s so good that I’ve never wanted to try anything else. With a bottled drink from the cooler, lunch tops out at about $15.
Tacos:
If you are in a Rick Bayless mood on a Chipotle budget, look no further than Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill. I discovered their tilapia tacos at the Taste one year and did a happy dance when I realized they were 2 blocks from the library. I think there’s a probably a great taqueria in almost every neighborhood, but the fish tacos here are exceptional. Sadly, there’s no carnitas or tacos al pastor. Split chips and salsa with a friend, and you will feast for a little over $10.
Good luck and good eating! And let us know in the comments if you have a favorite place to eat in Chicago!
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Brandy Morrill, Children’s Librarian at the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library, wrote this piece as a member of the Local Arrangements Committee. She can’t wait to welcome everyone to her hometown!