Visit History

A timeline of our lunch club outings.

Armitage Ale House

Armitage Ale House

Sep 5, 2025 · Lincoln Park

8.8

Armitage Alehouse is an upscale Chicago gastropub known for its cozy, old-world British pub ambiance and popular pub-style dishes. Everything we tried was excellent — the Prime Rib Sandwich and Tartare were standouts.

Top dish: English Cut Prime Rib Sandwich (9.2)

Dicey's Pizza Tavern

Dicey's Pizza Tavern

May 30, 2025 · West Town

6.6

With all the new pizza spots opening up in Chicago we thought we'd try Dicey's. Unfortunately, having tried a few of the other new spots, it didn't hold up. The Greek salad was the best thing we had.

Top dish: Chopped Greek Salad (7.8)

NADC Burger

NADC Burger

May 2, 2025 · Wicker Park

7.5

Burgers by a Michelin chef and a professional skateboarder? Had to try it at the new Wicker Park location. Solid burger but the fries dragged the overall down.

Top dish: NADC Burger (Double Patty Griddle) (7.7)

Birrieria Zaragoza

Birrieria Zaragoza

Apr 27, 2025 · Archer Heights

9.0

Birrieria Zaragoza has earned a spot in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide as a Bib Gourmand. The quesabirria with homemade tortillas was the star of the show — crisp, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Top dish: Quesabirria (9.4)

Lem's Bar-B-Q

Lem's Bar-B-Q

Apr 15, 2025 · Chatham

7.8

A long time desire to try the famous Lem's on 75th. We finally waited in line and wasn't disappointed. The rib tips were the star of the show. Dining was via tailgate — classic Chicago BBQ experience.

Top dish: Rib Tips (9.0)

Chengdu Bistro

Chengdu Bistro

Feb 21, 2025 · Wicker Park

8.7

Really good lunch at Chengdu Bistro in Wicker Park. A solid lunch all around with every dish delivering. The dumplings were the highlight.

Top dish: Zhong's Dumplings (9.0)

Monteverde

Monteverde

Feb 7, 2025 · West Loop

9.0

We gave Monteverde a try during restaurant week. Chef Sarah Grueneberg's innovative dishes lived up to the many accolades. The Egg Yolk Raviolo was the standout — rich, indulgent, and perfectly executed.

Top dish: Egg Yolk Raviolo (9.4)

Ramen Wasabi

Ramen Wasabi

Nov 22, 2024 · Logan Square

8.5

Ramen season is in full effect so we tried Ramen Wasabi in Logan Square. A solid score and one of the city's better ramen spots. The Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso was exceptional.

Top dish: Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen (9.3)

Perilla Steakhouse

Perilla Steakhouse

Nov 21, 2024 · River North

7.7

When a luxury hotel brought in the team from Perilla Korean American Fare to open a high-end steakhouse, we decided it was worth a visit. Mixed results — the skirt steak and wagyu fried rice delivered but some items fell flat.

Top dish: Wagyu Fried Rice (8.3)

El Califa de León (Pop-up)

El Califa de León (Pop-up)

Nov 15, 2024 · Various

8.1

The world's first Michelin starred taqueria popup in Chicago from Mexico City's own El Califa de Leon! The Al Pastor Quesadilla and Corn Esquites were highlights.

Top dish: Corn Esquites (8.8)

Kabobi Persian & Mediterranean Grill

Kabobi Persian & Mediterranean Grill

Nov 1, 2024 · Albany Park

7.5

Checked out Kabobi on Lawrence Ave. Huge place which was surprisingly busy at lunch. The butter chicken and beef koubideh were highlights, while the falafel disappointed.

Top dish: Butter Chicken (8.8)

Le Bouchon

Le Bouchon

Oct 25, 2024 · Bucktown

8.1

Le Bouchon has been serving classic French Bistro food in Bucktown since 1993. The decadent savory sauce on the Moules Frites was the star. Classic French cooking done very well — a true neighborhood gem.

Top dish: Moules Frites (8.6)

La Grande Boucherie

La Grande Boucherie

Sep 17, 2024 · River North

6.8

New York City based La Grande Boucherie made its way to Chicago in the massive former Ruth's Chris space. They spent millions on stunning decor, but the food didn't quite match the ambiance. Style over substance.

Top dish: French Onion Soup (7.5)

Döner 97

Döner 97

Jun 7, 2024 · Lakeview

7.1

A trip down Lakeview's busy fast casual Clark Street to Döner 97 for a traditional German Döner Kebab sandwich. The homemade fluffy pita was the draw.

Top dish: Döner Sandwich (Beef/Lamb) (7.8)

JT's Genuine

JT's Genuine

May 9, 2024 · Various

8.2

When JT's posted their Ramped up mortadella, we knew we had to get there. The steak and potato sandwich was the sando of the day! A solid lunch all around.

Top dish: Steak and Potato Sandwich (9.0)

Daisies

Daisies

Apr 20, 2024 · Logan Square

8.4

After making the NYT top 50 and Eater's 2023 Chicago restaurant of the year, we had to check it out. The Chicken Parm was a creative standout and the menu felt fresh and exciting throughout.

Top dish: Chicken Parm (8.8)

Schneider's Deli

Schneider's Deli

Apr 19, 2024 · River North

7.0

In a town with so much deli history and so few still remaining, it's nice to have a new spot. Located in the infamous Ohio House hotel at 550 sq ft, this place is a vibe.

Top dish: Lox and Bagel Sandwich (8.6)

Gangnam Market

Gangnam Market

Apr 11, 2024 · Various

6.8

Had some not so great tacos AND an amazing sandwich. The Truffle Beef and Egg sandwich was really good while the tacos were hit or miss.

Top dish: Truffle Beef and Egg Sandwich (8.2)

Middle Brow

Middle Brow

Mar 8, 2024 · Logan Square

8.0

Big Salad with kale and garlic tahini dressing and pizza in an amazing space. A solid 8.0 across the board.

Top dish: Big Salad (Kale & Garlic Tahini) (8.0)

Sando Street

Sando Street

Mar 1, 2024 · Various

7.9

Believe the hype! Japanese and Korean street food sandos on shokupan (milk bread). Glad they didn't run out of food today.

Top dish: OG Tamago Sando (8.6)

Sushi X

Sushi X

Feb 27, 2024 · Various

8.1

Sushi X never disappoints. The Honey Roll was the standout at 9.0. Overall a solid lunch with consistently great quality.

Top dish: Honey Roll (9.0)

Thattu

Thattu

Feb 16, 2024 · Avondale

7.5

After making the New York Times top 50 and many top new restaurant lists, we made it to Avondale to check it out. The Kadala Curry was rich and flavorful. Some dishes were a bit inconsistent.

Top dish: Kadala Curry (8.1)

El Rincon de Fabi

El Rincon de Fabi

Feb 16, 2024 · Uptown

8.4

An amazing taste of Venezuela in the heart of Uptown's Vietnamese neighborhood! The Cachapa Con Queso de Mano and the sauces were the highlights.

Top dish: Cachapa Con Queso de Mano (9.0)

Loaf Lounge

Loaf Lounge

Dec 13, 2023 · Avondale

8.0

Lunch at Loaf Lounge is so good! Everything benefits from their fresh baked bread. The turkey cheddar and bacon on jalapeño cheddar bread was the standout.

Top dish: Turkey Cheddar and Bacon Sandwich (8.6)

Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill

Nov 18, 2023 · River North

8.3

Chef Rick Bayless has received many accolades and it all began with Frontera Grill. Does his original spot still hold up? We went to find out — and yes, it does. The Crispy Carnitas Tacos were excellent.

Top dish: Crispy Carnitas Tacos (8.8)

Furious Spoon

Furious Spoon

Nov 10, 2023 · Logan Square

7.0

A lot of ramen shops in town and as the weather cools we need a warm bowl. Checked out the namesake ramen and a few bites. Always jamming great classic rap and hip hop.

Top dish: Chicken Karaage w/ Tokyo Ranch (7.5)

La Chaparrita Taqueria

La Chaparrita Taqueria

Oct 18, 2023 · Little Village

7.5

Headed down to Little Village for some authentic tacos. The Al Pastor and Asada were the highlights.

Top dish: Asada Taco (8.2)

Publican Quality Meats

Publican Quality Meats

Oct 16, 2023 · West Loop

8.3

Best Butcher Shop in Chicago? Maybe. But definitely a great place for lunch. Using Publican Quality Bread makes it hard to miss.

Top dish: Smoked Turkey Sandwich (8.9)

Brown Bag Seafood

Brown Bag Seafood

Sep 15, 2023 · Lincoln Park

7.7

Doing seafood better since 2014? Brown Bag Seafood is a local mini-chain we needed to try. The lobster roll and seasoned fries were highlights.

Top dish: Lobster Roll (8.7)

RPM Seafood

RPM Seafood

Sep 5, 2023 · River North

8.0

Putting the always quality product of a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant to the test with a special big birthday lunch along the river! Very little disappointed.

Top dish: Banana Cream Napoleon (8.9)

Roost Chicken & Biscuits

Roost Chicken & Biscuits

Sep 1, 2023 · Various

7.5

Roost is on a lot of 'top chicken sandwich' lists. We decided to taste for ourselves. Solid overall — the House Style sandwich was the best.

Top dish: House Style Fried Chicken Sandwich (8.2)

Pompette

Pompette

Aug 14, 2023 · Wicker Park

7.5

One of many new all-day cafes popping up in Chicago. Part coffee shop, lunch restaurant and wine bar. New style dining where you can stay for an hour or stay all day.

Top dish: Smoked Salmon Tartine (8.5)

Uncle Mike's Place

Uncle Mike's Place

Aug 6, 2023 · Various

7.3

Great Filipino food has been available since 1991! The Tocino (grilled anise wine cured pork shoulder) was the standout.

Top dish: Tocino (8.5)

Red Hot Ranch

Red Hot Ranch

Aug 2, 2023 · Various

7.5

Could one of Chicago's most affordable burgers also be one of its best? We think so! The RHR Double Burger delivers incredible value with great flavor.

Top dish: RHR Double Burger (8.1)

Antique Taco

Antique Taco

Jul 24, 2023 · Wicker Park

8.2

They like to have fun with their tacos. And free chiclets gum when you're done! The Sweet and Spicy Chicken Taco was the star.

Top dish: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Taco (8.8)

Budlong Hot Chicken

Budlong Hot Chicken

Jul 19, 2023 · Fulton Market

7.4

Budlong has made many 'best chicken sandwich' lists. They've changed ownership and revamped their menu to be much more affordable. We decided to see if the new strategy is working.

Top dish: Budlong Original Sandwich (Nashville Hot) (8.0)

Lula Cafe

Lula Cafe

Jul 10, 2023 · Logan Square

8.3

Lula Cafe just keeps on chugging along. For almost 25 years churning out some of the brightest, cleanest most interesting food. Logan Square isn't Logan Square without this classic.

Top dish: The Royale (8.6)

Pequod's Pizza

Pequod's Pizza

Jul 7, 2023 · Lincoln Park

7.1

Would one of Chicago's most nationally awarded pizza spots live up after being featured in The Bear? We tried their $8 lunch special. The caramelized cheese crust is delicious but it didn't blow us away overall.

Top dish: Sausage and Pepperoni Deep Dish (7.3)

Momo Spot

Momo Spot

Jun 19, 2023 · Various

8.7

In Nepal, Momo is one of the national dishes! Nepalese dumplings with influences from Tibet, Bhutan and India. The Loaded Butter Masala Fries were a surprise hit.

Top dish: Loaded Butter Masala Fries (8.9)

Big Kids

Big Kids

Jun 4, 2023 · Logan Square

8.1

Fun is always had at the quirky and retro Big Kids! Great sandwiches, creative flavors, and tons of personality.

Top dish: Tots (Boom Boom Spices) (8.3)

Au Cheval

Au Cheval

May 30, 2023 · West Loop

9.0

Au Cheval still had a 30 minute wait... But well worth it! Chicago's most famous burger did not disappoint. The Foie Gras with Eggs was the group's biggest favorite — melt in your mouth goodness.

Top dish: Foie Gras with Eggs (9.4)

GG Chicken Shop

GG Chicken Shop

May 16, 2023 · Various

7.4

The Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich was phenomenal at 9.1! But the Chicken Burger was a very wet sandwich at 5.3. Inconsistent but the highs are high.

Top dish: Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich (9.1)

Gordita's Loli

Gordita's Loli

May 6, 2023 · Avondale

7.6

Cinco de Mayo! Simple good home cooked by grandma and served by grandpa. The burrito was the star — I guess we put mayo in our burritos now!

Top dish: Burrito de Deshebrada con Mayones (8.6)

Tribecca's Sandwich Shop

Tribecca's Sandwich Shop

May 2, 2023 · Various

8.2

An excellent sandwich shop with a killer Cubano. The combination of meats, chipotle aioli, mustard butter, and crispy ciabatta bread made it the crowd favorite.

Top dish: Tribecca's Cubano (9.0)

Pho & Viet Dip

Pho & Viet Dip

Apr 21, 2023 · Various

8.4

Pho Bo and Viet Dip both scored 9.0! The Viet Dip with thinly sliced ribeye, cilantro, onion, jalapeño and pho jus to dip is a unique creation.

Top dish: Pho Bo (9.0)

Spinning J

Spinning J

Apr 17, 2023 · West Town

8.7

Going back in time to this soda shop's vibe! Award-winning pie and incredible fresh baked bread sandwiches. We love this place!

Top dish: Cranberry Yuzu Meringue Pie (9.2)

Del Seoul

Del Seoul

Apr 14, 2023 · Lincoln Park

8.9

Outstanding across the board. Three for three on the tacos — the Sesame Chili Shrimp was out of this world. One of our highest-rated casual spots.

Top dish: Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco (9.5)

Ragadan

Ragadan

Apr 4, 2023 · Various

7.3

Lunch at Ragadan bringing food from the city streets of Amman, Jordan! Would have been a solid 8/10 if it were not for the recommended fries.

Top dish: Hummus Plate w/ Beef Kefta (8.5)

Johnnie's Beef

Johnnie's Beef

Mar 25, 2023 · Elmwood Park

8.1

The Bear might be making Italian beef popular worldwide but Chicagoans have always known. This place is legendary — always a line out the door. The Combo scored our highest rating at the time.

Top dish: The Combo (Beef & Sausage) (9.9)

Gene & Jude's

Gene & Jude's

Mar 25, 2023 · River Grove

7.1

Doubling down this week — hitting another Chicagoland institution. Ketchup doesn't exist here and for good reason! The fresh cut fries are the way.

Top dish: Fresh Cut Fries (8.7)