131 N. Clinton St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 575-0306
www.frenchmarketchicago.com
No matter what you have a hankering for, one of the many vendors in the French Market — appropriately situated under Ogilvie train station — will have something for you to nab. Start your morning with some coffee and donuts from Beaver’s, snack on some Belgian fries mid-day from Friekoten, grab a banh mi sandwich from Saigon Sisters, and finish your day with meatballs from the Original Meatball Vault. While you will technically have to place an order at some locales, all items come out super fast and tasty. Don’t think of it as a food court either; it’s gourmet eats all centralized in one lovely place.
3033 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-5600
www.artofpizzainc.com
There’s a lot of good eats at this Lakeview pizzeria, from sandwiches to ribs (no joke). But this restaurant goes by the name Art of Pizza for a reason: it’s among the best deep dish (and thin crust) pizzas you’ll find in the city. It’s also the rare gem that carries deep dish pizzas by the slice. While we don’t necessarily advocate eating deep dish while on the go — it will get a bit messy after all — nab a slice (or two if you’re super hungry), and you’ve got more than enough food to satisfy your pizza craving. Not to mention the slices here are ridiculously affordable (think under $4 a pop).
(Photo Credit: eataly.com)
Eataly
43 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 521-8700
www.eataly.com
Mario Batali’s Eataly may be in the River North neighborhood, but step inside and you may as well be in Italy with all the gourmet Italian products available on the shelves. But if it’s prepared foods you’re looking for (along with some wine), they’ve got that too. In fact, Eataly offers a few different counters for quick-service grab-and-go meals. Over at Gastronomia, the menu is always changing with items based on what’s in season, from lasagna to grilled vegetables, while the Nutella counter gets creative with the hazelnut spread. If its focaccia or paninis (to name just a few other options), this expansive grocery store/quick meal establishment has you covered.
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Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 229-0099
www.farmersfridge.com
Forget about deciding which snack pack or kind of chips you’re going to get from the vending machine. Rather with Farmer’s Fridge, kiosks (yes, you read that right, kiosks) dispense wonderful combinations of salads. So not only is Farmer’s Fridge good for you, but it’s super convenient — and truly grab-and-go. Whether you want some healthy leafy greens, or prefer a buffalo chicken salad, there’s a salad jar for you. See Farmer’s Fridge’s website for their kiosk locations all around Chicago.
400 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-0118
www.osaka2go.com
Just as the Loop’s restaurant name implies, Osaka Sushi is all about getting some well-priced, but still fresh, sushi out to you fast. The service is quick, even when the place is crowded, and there’s plenty of sushi options. While some are pre-made, the quality is still good, and there is a crazy amount of great options to choose from, both vegetarian and otherwise. Complete your quickly-prepared sushi meal with a smoothie and you’re set, whether you’re popping in for lunch or an early dinner. Can’t make it to their shop? They deliver too.
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