There are some really great perks for those of us working in River North and downtown Chicago. Lake views, river walks and flagship shopping make it easy to fill lunch hours with pleasure. One of the best ways to find lunch time happiness is dining at a local restaurant. Here is a delicious list of Suites Collection favorites for dining near our business centers whether with friends or entertaining for business.
The swankiest new pizza place in Chicago is La Madia, at 59 W. Grand. The floor to ceiling windows draw you inside. In warm weather, the windows are open and it feels like you’re dining al fresco and, in cold weather, a cozy seat by the fire will make you forget your worries. Another great place to escape from the grind is the high-octane vibe at Rockit Bar & Grill at 22 W. Hubbard. The wide ranging menu makes it an ideal location for group outings. We celebrated a team birthday there recently and we highly recommend the sweet potato fries!
If you have someone in from out of town, they are going to want a steak while in Chicago. Take them to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 431 N. Dearborn. We had our company holiday party there last year and we lingered for hours over the delicious meal. Their professional staff took special care of us all evening. On the other hand, if you are looking for a dining experience to make you feel like you are away of Chicago, try Brasserie Jo, an excellent French brasserie at 59 W. Hubbard.
When in a hurry, don’t settle for a convenience store sandwich at your desk. Grab a custom made sandwich and chips and slip into a booth at Potbelly Sandwich Works at 508 N. Clark. During weekday lunch hours, enjoy live music in their dining room. There is always a stack of free Chicago Readers or The Onion waiting for you. Corner Bakery is another easy and quick alternative right downstairs from Theatre District Business Center at 60 West Randolph.
Adjacent to the Corner Bakery on the corner of Randolph & Dearborn is Petterino’s, named for Arturo Petterino, the long-time maitre d’ of the Pump Room during the heyday of stars and socialites. Petterino’s is a good choice for entertaining clients. The food is superb and the walls are decorated with caricatures of actors and politicians – a guaranteed conversation starter because there is always a story to go with them! If you’ve got tickets to a show at The Goodman or The Ford Center, the location is perfect.
Need some comfort food? Feeding the gang? Maggiano’s Little Italy will take care of you. Everything can be served family style, so take some friends or plan to leave with a doggie bag. Located at the corner of State & Grand downstairs from Court House Executive Offices, the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and seemingly unlimited choices of pastas, meats and seafood.
Bon Appétit!





