The Best 17 Lunch Restaurants in Chicago

Explore our curated list of Chicago's most delicious and convenient takeout lunch restaurants, from classic Italian to modern vegan options.
Best of
Chicago
Jul 2024

Looking for the best takeout spots in Chicago? Our guide covers everything from juicy Italian beef sandwiches to unique vegan bowls, making sure you find the perfect lunch spot that's just a click away. We've searched the city to bring you the most delicious and convenient options for every taste and budget.

Sociale Chicago

American
$$
$$$$

Looking for a cozy spot with great food? Head to Sociale Chicago for their Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Trio of Dips. The Whipped Feta and Guacamole are a must-try. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for lunch or a relaxed evening.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

XOCO

Mexican
$$$$

XOCO’s barbacoa braised goat delivers rich, hearty flavors that will leave you craving more. The casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a perfect lunch spot in River North, combining great food and vibes. The overall experience is a must-try.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Pokeworks

Health food
$$$$

The build-your-own poke bowls at Pokeworks are fantastic for a fresh, customizable lunch. The ingredients are always fresh, and the customization options allow for endless creativity. Perfect for takeout, ensuring you get a healthy meal on the go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Chicken
$$
$$$$

Treat yourself to Honey Butter Fried Chicken's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Pimento Cheese Fries. The flavorful hot sauce and cheesy fries are not to be skipped. Quick service and a welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal lunch destination in Chicago.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Ricobene's

Pizza
$
$$$$

Elevate your lunch with Ricobene's Italian Beef Sandwich. Juicy beef, perfectly seasoned au jus, and friendly service await you. Whether dining in or taking out, the hearty portions and rich flavors make it a top pick in South Side Chicago.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Doc B's Restaurant (River North)

American
$$$$

Craving a burger with a twist? Check out Doc B's Dragon Burger. Juicy, flavorful, and fully customizable. The modern, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or drinks with friends.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Chicken Parmesan
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Deli
$$
$$$$

Step into nostalgia at Manny's and indulge in their Corned Beef Sandwich. The generous portions and rich flavors make it a true classic. The cozy cafeteria vibe adds to the charm, making it perfect for a comforting lunch.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Green Street Smoked Meats

Barbecue
$$
$$$$

For a heavy, meat-focused meal try Green Street Smoked Meats. Dive into their perfectly smoked brisket and incredible pork belly. Pair them with elote-style corn for a sidekick with a kick. The warehouse vibes and top-notch BBQ make this a must-visit in the West Loop.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Brisket
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Au Cheval

American
$$
$$$$

Ready for an unforgettable burger experience? Au Cheval’s Double Cheeseburger with Egg and Bacon is a game-changer. Rich, juicy, and perfectly cooked, it’s a must-try. Exceptional service and a cozy atmosphere make it a standout lunch spot.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Smoque BBQ

Barbecue
$$
$$$$

Craving top-notch barbecue? Smoque BBQ's ribs and brisket are a must-try. Perfectly smoky and tender, each bite melts in your mouth. The fast service and cozy atmosphere make it a prime spot for a satisfying lunch.

Order now
Top items: Try the
BBQ Ribs
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Flat Top Grill

Asian fusion
$$
$$$$

Craving a unique and healthy meal? Head to Flat Top Grill for their customizable bowls. Mix and match your favorite veggies, proteins, and sauces. The stylish decor and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for lunch.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Chicken Pasta
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

sweetgreen

Health food
$$$$

Need a fresh, healthy meal? sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl is the perfect pick-me-up. With a mix of vibrant ingredients, it's a burst of flavor in every bite. The clean, modern setting and friendly staff make it an enjoyable lunch spot.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Harvest Bowl
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

LaShuk Street Food

Middle Eastern
$
$$$$

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning LaShuk Street Food's Grilled Za’atar Chicken Rice Platter. Fresh ingredients and rich seasonings make it a must-try. Quick service and a cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a downtown lunch break.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Seafood
$$$$

Brown Bag Seafood Co. impresses with its fish and chips. Fresh, well-cooked, and served quickly, it’s perfect for a lunch break or takeout. The vibrant decor and easy ordering process make it a go-to spot for a delicious and convenient meal.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Lobster Roll
and
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese

American
$$$$

Gayle V's Lobster Grilled Cheese offers a savory and cheesy treat that's perfect for lunch. The lively atmosphere and occasional live music make it a fun spot to grab a bite. The convenient Loop location is great for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Naf Naf Grill

Middle Eastern
$$$$

Naf Naf Grill's chicken hummus bowl is a delicious lunchtime staple. The fresh ingredients and generous portions make it a great choice. The convenient location right in the loop and friendly service add to the overall positive experience.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

Fast food
$
$$$$

Treat yourself at Portillo's & Barnelli's with their decadent Chocolate Cake Shake and a hearty Italian beef sandwich. Generous portions and rich flavors make this spot a local favorite. Plus, their speedy takeout service means you can always pop-in and grab something to go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Sociale Chicago

American
$$
$$$$

Looking for a cozy spot with great food? Head to Sociale Chicago for their Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Trio of Dips. The Whipped Feta and Guacamole are a must-try. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for lunch or a relaxed evening.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

XOCO

Mexican
$$$$

XOCO’s barbacoa braised goat delivers rich, hearty flavors that will leave you craving more. The casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a perfect lunch spot in River North, combining great food and vibes. The overall experience is a must-try.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Pokeworks

Health food
$$$$

The build-your-own poke bowls at Pokeworks are fantastic for a fresh, customizable lunch. The ingredients are always fresh, and the customization options allow for endless creativity. Perfect for takeout, ensuring you get a healthy meal on the go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Chicken
$$
$$$$

Treat yourself to Honey Butter Fried Chicken's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Pimento Cheese Fries. The flavorful hot sauce and cheesy fries are not to be skipped. Quick service and a welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal lunch destination in Chicago.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Ricobene's

Pizza
$
$$$$

Elevate your lunch with Ricobene's Italian Beef Sandwich. Juicy beef, perfectly seasoned au jus, and friendly service await you. Whether dining in or taking out, the hearty portions and rich flavors make it a top pick in South Side Chicago.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Doc B's Restaurant (River North)

American
$$$$

Craving a burger with a twist? Check out Doc B's Dragon Burger. Juicy, flavorful, and fully customizable. The modern, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or drinks with friends.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Chicken Parmesan
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Deli
$$
$$$$

Step into nostalgia at Manny's and indulge in their Corned Beef Sandwich. The generous portions and rich flavors make it a true classic. The cozy cafeteria vibe adds to the charm, making it perfect for a comforting lunch.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Green Street Smoked Meats

Barbecue
$$
$$$$

For a heavy, meat-focused meal try Green Street Smoked Meats. Dive into their perfectly smoked brisket and incredible pork belly. Pair them with elote-style corn for a sidekick with a kick. The warehouse vibes and top-notch BBQ make this a must-visit in the West Loop.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Brisket
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Au Cheval

American
$$
$$$$

Ready for an unforgettable burger experience? Au Cheval’s Double Cheeseburger with Egg and Bacon is a game-changer. Rich, juicy, and perfectly cooked, it’s a must-try. Exceptional service and a cozy atmosphere make it a standout lunch spot.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Smoque BBQ

Barbecue
$$
$$$$

Craving top-notch barbecue? Smoque BBQ's ribs and brisket are a must-try. Perfectly smoky and tender, each bite melts in your mouth. The fast service and cozy atmosphere make it a prime spot for a satisfying lunch.

Order now
Top items: Try the
BBQ Ribs
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Flat Top Grill

Asian fusion
$$
$$$$

Craving a unique and healthy meal? Head to Flat Top Grill for their customizable bowls. Mix and match your favorite veggies, proteins, and sauces. The stylish decor and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for lunch.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Chicken Pasta
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

sweetgreen

Health food
$$$$

Need a fresh, healthy meal? sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl is the perfect pick-me-up. With a mix of vibrant ingredients, it's a burst of flavor in every bite. The clean, modern setting and friendly staff make it an enjoyable lunch spot.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Harvest Bowl
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

LaShuk Street Food

Middle Eastern
$
$$$$

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning LaShuk Street Food's Grilled Za’atar Chicken Rice Platter. Fresh ingredients and rich seasonings make it a must-try. Quick service and a cozy atmosphere make it perfect for a downtown lunch break.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Seafood
$$$$

Brown Bag Seafood Co. impresses with its fish and chips. Fresh, well-cooked, and served quickly, it’s perfect for a lunch break or takeout. The vibrant decor and easy ordering process make it a go-to spot for a delicious and convenient meal.

Order now
Top items: Try the
Lobster Roll
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese

American
$$$$

Gayle V's Lobster Grilled Cheese offers a savory and cheesy treat that's perfect for lunch. The lively atmosphere and occasional live music make it a fun spot to grab a bite. The convenient Loop location is great for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Naf Naf Grill

Middle Eastern
$$$$

Naf Naf Grill's chicken hummus bowl is a delicious lunchtime staple. The fresh ingredients and generous portions make it a great choice. The convenient location right in the loop and friendly service add to the overall positive experience.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Website
Phone Number

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

Fast food
$
$$$$

Treat yourself at Portillo's & Barnelli's with their decadent Chocolate Cake Shake and a hearty Italian beef sandwich. Generous portions and rich flavors make this spot a local favorite. Plus, their speedy takeout service means you can always pop-in and grab something to go.

Order now
Best restaurants nearby:
Other locations menus
Phone Number