Best Lunch Restaurants in South Loop

325 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

1. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • South Loop

Booked 15 times today

No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.

A photo of Burger Bar Chicago restaurant

2. Burger Bar Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(645)

Price: Moderate

• Burgers • South Loop

Booked 12 times today

American Ranchers know a thing or two about beef. When they tell us that Prime is the best, we just go with the flow and serve up the biggest, baddest Prime burgers around.

A photo of Aurelio's Pizza South Loop restaurant

3. Aurelio's Pizza South Loop

4.5

Awesome(25)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • South Loop

Booked 1 time today

Aurelio's Pizza was awarded, 2016 Chicago Tribune's "Top 25 Pizzas" for their thin crust cheese and sausage pizza.Aurelio’s is Chicagoland's first and the nation's fifth established pizza chain. With a history as rich and entrenched in the community as the pizza it’s famous for, the very first Aurelio’s restaurant opened on Ridge Road in Homewood, IL as the pride and joy of Joseph A. Aurelio, Jr. who decided to give it a go as a restaurateur at the age of 26. With its legendary "old oven" dating back to 1959 in its Homewood location, Aurelio’s was a pioneer in the concept of the Family Pizzeria in the United States and helped to launch pizza into the American lexicon. Since that time, Aurelio’s has become a favorite pizzeria franchise to 41 locations across six states, growing a strong fan base for the taste of Aurelio’s. Learn more at www.aureliospizza.com.

4. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7322)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 114 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

5. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7620)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 171 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

6. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12031)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 100 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

7. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4556)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 130 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

8. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6303)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 87 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

9. Brass Tack

4.3

Awesome(673)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 27 times today

For anyone seeking a truly unforgettable dining experience in Chicago, Brass Tack is a must-visit destination. Located on the 3rd floor of the famous Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this laid-back upscale restaurant seamlessly blends classic ambiance with a Chicago twist, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Our impressive menu features American cuisine, highlighting the freshest and finest ingredients sourced from regional farmers and purveyors. Here, classic traditions fuse with a bold and welcoming, uniquely Chicagoan culinary style. Every dish is prepared with precision and passion, utilizing classic techniques to elevate flavors to new heights.Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two, a night out with friends, or a special occasion celebration, Brass Tack is the perfect choice. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and impeccable service, this restaurant is a true gem in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.

A photo of Blue Door Kitchen & Garden restaurant

10. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

4.6

Exceptional(2402)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 30 times today

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. We pride ourselves in showcasing dishes made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from Midwest farms. Experience a chef-driven menu featuring everything from pierogis and market fresh salads, to Chef Art Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. Walk-ins are always encouraged. Be sure to join us during the warmer weather months when the beautiful outdoor patio is open. While visiting, be sure to enjoy one of Blue Door Kitchen’s garden-to-glass cocktails, local beers or perfectly paired wines from our extensive list.For reservations eight or larger, please call the restaurant 312-573-4000.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tim
St. Louis •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress was amazing and food was awesome! Highly recommend this place.
More info
Lou Malnati's - South LoopPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• South Loop
•
4.5
N
Nancy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We brought our two grandsons (ages 5 and 3) to the Walnut Room in Chicago on 1/3/2025, to experience the holiday decor. The "fairies" circulating around to each table were so engaging while chatting with our grandsons, and explaining how to "make a wish". Our server was very friendly and efficient, even under the pressure of a very busy day at the restaurant. The food was very good, and I was pleasantly surprised to see kids menu items available, which our grandsons thoroughly enjoyed. Two small glitches. . 1. Upon arrival, there were soiled napkins/food items on the floor next to one of the chairs at our table. I was disappointed at that mess. One of the "fairies" noticed this mess and got the staff to clean it up and 2. Our cocktails were served AFTER our food arrived. Despite these two small glitches, we had a wonderful time together, and on the way home, our 5 year old grandson told us he had the BEST DAY ever.
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
M
Mickey
Indiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The service was excellent from the moment we walked in until we left. The RL Burger was one of the best burgers I have ever had.The atmosphere was very appealing. We look forward to a return visit in the near future.
More info
RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.9
E
Eric
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was superb! First time dining here - won’t be the last!
More info
Burger Bar ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Burgers• South Loop
•
4.6
D
Domnitz13
Wisconsin •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2019
Quite possibly the best pizza I’ve ever eaten in my life. Amazing ingredients, perfect crust, great sauce. Loved every bite.
More info
Aurelio's Pizza South LoopPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• South Loop
•
4.5

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Best Lunch Restaurants in South Loop

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325 restaurants available nearby

1. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

2. Burger Bar Chicago

3. Aurelio's Pizza South Loop

4. RL Restaurant

5. The Walnut Room - Chicago

6. The Gage

7. Ema - River North

8. Mercadito - River North

9. Brass Tack

10. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

See what locals rave about

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