Beatrix Market {multiple locations}
At Beatrix Market, you don’t need to sacrifice your health priorities — even if you’re in a bind for time. Offering large, self-serve salads, hot soups, fresh sandwiches, and a coffee bar, Beatrix gives patrons a quick, grab-and-go experience. Beatrix Market has locations in Streeterville, Fulton Market, the Loop, and at DePaul University’s Loop campus. While any of these will deliver fast, healthy options that are sourced locally—many of which are also vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian—each location is tailored to the needs and personalities of its community. For example, unique to the DePaul Loop market is a full-service bar slinging craft beers, spirits, and wines, plus a pizza counter that serves up personal deep dish pizzas as well as pizza by the slice. Stop by the coffee bar to fuel up for a long study sesh or take a break from the office and enjoy happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm.
Tatas Tacos {4929 West Irving Park Road; 773.685.6002}
Opening on Cinco de Mayo nearly two years ago, Tatas Tacos sure knows how to make an entrance. Its commitment to quality ingredients and a seriously fun menu keeps this craft taco shop on Chicago’s center stage. Here, the likes of scallops, rib-eye steak, and lobster tails can be found wedged between handmade tortillas. House favorites include Mary’s Little Lamb, served with pepitas con chile and a zing of chimichurri, and the Big Mich that mirrors a Mexican Bloody Mary with bacon-wrapped shrimp, celery slaw, and cucumber-tomato relish finished with a little Michelada and beer reduction sauce. Looking for a little heat? The Llorona Taco’s ghost pepper chicken with lime-pickled habanero and onions will deliver. But don’t say we didn’t warn you about the heat; thrill-seeking guests will need to sign a waiver before playing with fire.
Going beyond tacos, Tatas pleases even more diners with a full menu of salads, Chi-Town wet burritos — think burritos smothered with crema, Cotija cheese, and mole — and soul-warming soups like the Chicken Tortilla. So be sure to make Tatas your next stop for satisfying tacos, drinks, and more — it’s definitely worth the drive.
Next of Kin Cafe {625 Davis Street, Evanston; 847.563.8242}
Helmed by Chef Marco Bahena, Next of Kin Cafe is a chef-driven casual restaurant that offers a little something for everyone — and we truly mean everyone. This one-stop shop neighborhood hub has quick-serve breakfasts, made-to-order sammies, all-day sweets and treats, and more. Brewing up inventive caffeine concoctions, Next of Kin lets you start the day with a Mayan Mocha or the indulgent Nutella Latte. Beyond the glass partition, pick and choose from the array of scones and muffins at the pastry counter.
Once afternoon hunger hits, tour the salad bar for fresh greens and grains, sourced locally whenever possible. Warm sandwiches, soups, poké bowls, and even burgers are available for choosing straight from the counter. When it comes to liquid refreshments, hydrate with Tempo Sparkling Tea, Marin Kombucha, or the Charcoal Lemonade made in-house. Though primed for an on-the-go experience, Next of Kin’s interior — with powder blue tufted booths, bright metallic murals, and marble tables — invites a quiet sit-down away from it all. Don’t forget to snag an éclair on the way out; you can’t go wrong with the Classic, but the Birthday Cake with confetti filling topped with rainbow sprinkles is as festive as it gets.
Stix n Brix Wood Fired Pizza {220 West 33rd Street; 312.265.0219}
Stix n Brix is proud to offer South Side Chicago an unparalleled pizza experience, plus an array of sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, and more. Bringing Chi-Town diners fresh and quality ingredients, Stix n Brix serves up seriously stacked “stubby” sandwiches, pastas, and, of course, wood-fired pizzas galore. New to the menu and not-to-miss is the Pasta Rosa — penne pasta, roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich tomato sauce — but you should also keep an eye out for limited-edition pizzas on Wednesdays. In line with its commitment to fresh, scratch-made ingredients, much of the Stix n Brix menu is made in-house. Patrons can enjoy an open view of the wood-fired oven, toasting pizza after pizza to crispy perfection.
Brightwok Kitchen {21 East Adams Street, 312.583.0729 and 631 North State Street, 312.366.2999}
Welcoming hungry patrons in the Loop since 2015 — and in River North since 2018 — Brightwok Kitchen dishes up vegetable-centric Asian bowls with a conscience, thanks to a commitment to high-quality ingredients and local produce. Alignment with a slew of diets and personal preferences is at the core of the menu as both locations are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free. They even make housemade vegan sauces.
As their founder, Jeremy Klaben, notes, “Our core vision was to create a welcoming environment for all. High-quality service is the start, but curating a delicious menu where guests can order what they want and feel great is what makes Brightwok Kitchen so special.”
Build your own bowl starting with your choice of sauce. Popular favorites include Creamy Cashew, a sweet and nutty selection made with sesame, sunflower seeds, tamari, and garlic; or the Chili Coconut Curry, a savory red curry made with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. Pick your proteins—from antibiotic-free, Halal-certified chicken to grass-fed steak and organic tofu—and top with your choice of veggies including kale, local sprouts, and edamame beans. For the indecisive, Brightwok’s signature bowls make it easy to choose a meal, with options like the Eat Right Stir-Fry with Thai Basil sauce, chicken, peppers, carrots, broccoli, and sweet onions served atop brown rice. Besides their core menu, Brightwok fare can also be ordered catering-style for office lunch meetings, dinner parties, and other special events. For a health-forward wok on the go, Brightwok Kitchen is truly a no-brainer.
Chicago Raw {51 West Huron Street, 312.664.2729 and 131 North Clinton Street – The Chicago French Market}
Opened by mother-daughter team Polly Byrd-Gaza and Margo Gaza, Chicago Raw came onto the scene preaching the power of the plant. Ten years later, the concept has clearly caught on with two locations planted in Chicago. Implied by the name, Chicago Raw prepares a breadth of healthy foods to-go, served up raw. Raw as the menu may be, these vegan offerings are all about flavor. Fueling up in the AM begins with pressed juices and elixirs, smoothies, and hydrating, freshly cracked coconut water, while light but satisfying bowls blend together the likes of açaí, blueberry, and kale for a fruit-and-veggie-rich kick.
Need a refresh in the afternoon? Run through the gamut of salads, sandwiches, and entrées like the Collard Burrito or the Pizza on a sprouted wheat berry crust. And for those of us who forgo desserts in the name of health, Chicago Raw serves up indulgence without the guilt. Just take a bite out of the Slice of Heaven and you’ll soon see the light. Take control of your health, one meal at a time, at Chicago Raw.
Hannah’s Bretzel {multiple locations}
Hannah’s Bretzel has been committed to organic, nutritionally-rich whole grain sandwiches, hearty soups, and seasonal salads for nearly 15 years. Their handcrafted sandwiches feature a blend of locally-sourced foods and global ingredients, like Italian bresaola, Spanish serrano, and Parma hams. This fine-casual restaurant also caters to the vegan and gluten-free community with veggie-packed sandwiches and gluten-free bretzel (pretzel) bread made by Chicago-based DeFloured Bakery.
For a bit of indulgence, Hannah’s offers an enticing selection of over 27 chocolate brands from around the world (check them out during the daily “Chocolate Hour”). But beyond the premium food experience, Hannah’s Bretzel’s commitment to the environment is what really sets them apart. Striving to make the smallest footprint possible, all seven locations of Hannah’s Bretzel are 100% powered by wind and solar energy, use biodegradable packaging — from sandwich bags to utensils — and compost all food waste through Healthy Soil Compost. Hannah’s Bretzel does good by the community, too.
In 2019, Hannah’s kicked off its Chef Series, which brought together local culinary talents in the name of charity. Starting January 20, Rob Levitt of Publican Quality Meats will offer two sandwiches to benefit this community-focused program: The P.Q.(A).M. for breakfast and The P.Q.M. for lunch. Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a non-profit dedicated to curing pediatric cancer. With this philosophy, Hannah’s Bretzel not only serves good food, but serves up goodwill to all.
Brown Bag Seafood Co. {multiple locations}
Brown Bag Seafood Co. serves sustainable seafood year-round, and access to their delicious catches-of-the-day is about to get even easier thanks to the restaurant’s seventh location, slated to set sail in Hayden Hall in 2020. You can also head to Riverside Plaza, Willis Tower, Revival Food Hall, Roscoe Village, River North, and right near Maggie Daley Park to enjoy all of Brown Bag’s fast-casual, fresh-fish menus. Owner Donna Lee has made it her mission to create a place where seafood arrives fast, service is friendly, dining is affordable, and every dish is of the highest quality.
Dive into delicious bites such as Crispy Cod, Shrimp Tacos, or perhaps one of the health-packed salads with your choice of protein (we recommend the grilled salmon). The warmed Lobster Roll is delicious perfection, accompanied by truffle-Parmesan tater tots. Counter service makes the stay quick and easy, while basking on the gorgeous dog-friendly patio with a craft beer, crisp wine, or batched cocktail takes your stay to the next level. On the go? Brown Bag also makes for a superb sack lunch at the office, nearby parks, or strolls along the Riverwalk. Find something from the sea for everyone—without all the fuss.
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