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Best Lunch / Non-Sandwich Place in Chicago

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Greek Islands Restaurant
200 S Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60661
It’s classic, it’s authentic, it’s the quintessential Greek restaurant in Chicago. Enthusiastic waiters, glass windows that allow diners to see into the kitchen – it’s all part of the Greek Island ambiance that harkens back to the traditions of the Old Country. This Greektown delight is perfect for diners who have yet to experience the titillating tastes of homemade Mediterranean cuisine. For those feeling particularly daring, you can begin the afternoon with the grilled octopus appetizer. For a more conventional route, try the Greek Islands cold plate, or if you’re with a big group try ordering one of the family style meals, which are six pre-planned courses. With so many dishes to choose from – each one sporting authentic imported ingredients – it’s hard to go wrong. Opa! Hours of Operation: Sun-Thu 11am-12am; Fri-Sat 11am-1am
Siam Rice Thai
117 N Wells St. Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 606-9999
You’re sitting at your desk with two hours to go before lunch, and suddenly it sets in….the craving! That little voice that says “We need Thai food today!” When you finally regain control you may find yourself seated in Siam Rice’s overtly chic dining room. Don’t think that the modern look is just an act to attract customers and cover up only so-so food. This baby’s got it all: generous portions of noodles and veggies in simmering sauces, and spices that make you think your half-way around the world. The smell wafts from the kitchen and intoxicates you from the minute you step inside. You’ll become friendly with your neighbors because you will want to know what incredible dish they are eating. A simple Thai stand-by like Pad Thai or beef broccoli will have you talking just as much as a Siam Rice specialty. Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm.
Bin 36
339 N Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 755-9463
If you ever frequent Bin 36 for dinner or drinks and dessert, you know that it’s best enjoyed with a long-term commitment. There’s simply too much to indulge in. So, it would seem foolish to come to this socialite heaven in the middle of the day for lunch, right? You better believe it – and they cleverly named it the 36 Minute Lunch. They’ll get you in and out with a scintillating lunch and top it all off with a free cookie as you head out the door. The menu may be small, but your taste buds will be on overdrive when trying to choose between the nicoise salad and the Pan Seared Atlantic salmon. Tell the knowledgeable wait staff what you like and they’ll do the rest, including finding the perfect wine to go with your entrée. And if you’re really having trouble deciding…just get the delicious prosciutto and fig salad and call it a day. Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 6:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 7am-2am; Sun 7am-10pm
Kamehachi
1400 N Wells St. Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 664-3663
Everyone likes to claim that they were the first ones addicted to sushi. “I was eating sushi way back in middle school.” “That’s nothing, my mom used to puree sushi and feed it to me as a baby.” Well, here’s a place that can truly lay stake to the claim. Back in 1967, Kamehachi opened its first sushi bar and has dazzled Chicagoans ever since. Their lunch menu is nothing short of spectacular. They boast a full menu of nigiri and maki that could entice even the wimpiest of sushi eaters. Not feeling the raw fish today? No worries, there’s a whole other page of the menu filled with hot and cold Japanese appetizers and sizzling entrees. In fact, if you’re planning on getting something other than sushi as your main course, we’re telling you right now, don’t even bother with the menu; just order the Kamehachi Bento box ($14.95). This Japanese lunch box gives you a little taste of select dishes, a California roll, and a special item for the day. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 11:30am-2am; Sun 4:30pm-12am.
Café Iberico
739 N LaSalle Blvd Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 573-1510
Tapas restaurants carry the stigma of serving small portions with big plate prices. Café Iberico is bucking the trend and leaving you feeling heavy in the stomach and the wallet. No entrée runs for more than $10 and there are enough appetizers for $5 and under that the only reason to feel guilty is how much food you eat in one sitting. The menu is the same for lunch as it is for dinner, so don’t be shy about coming in for an afternoon treat. Get creative! Try a roasted veal cold tapas paired with a grilled mushroom hot tapas, or their cold seafood salad tapas with shrimp, octopus, and squid. If you want the full experience, add a pitcher of sangria for only $14 to your mid-day feast. It comes in both red and white and with the lively atmosphere, it’s a sure pick-me-up in the middle of a long day. Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 11am-11:30pm; Fri 11am-1:30am; Sat 12pm-1:30am; Sun 12pm-11pm.
Quartino
626 N State St. Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 698-5000
Quartino offers the elegance of a fine dining experience in an inviting, casual setting. The wait staff happily helps you choose between their expansive selections of wines and small-plate dishes. You should feel very safe putting your trust in these servers - they know their stuff, and are not afraid to share their opinions. A plethora of thin crust pizzas beckons from the brick ovens in back, while offerings of exquisitely cured meats, decadent pastas, and finely flavored fish round out the menu. Since the servings come in small portions, don’t be scared about having to choose only one of the undeniably delicious dishes Quartino has in store. It is truly quality over quantity here, whether you’re keeping it nice and light with several salad choices, or going all out with specialty meats and pastas. At Quartino you can count on a meal that is anything but a typical Italian lunch. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun 11am-2pm, 5pm-1am
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