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This year's list of business-lunch favorites was built around value, with a focus on fixed-price menus that keep the bill in check. All of our choices deliver top-flight food, service and atmosphere.
The restaurants on the list include: Ai Sushi, Balsan, Bandera, Blackbird, Cafe des Architectes, Feast, Kiki's Bistro, Lockwood, Luxbar, Mercadito, Morton's, Park Grill, Pelago, Piccolo Sogno, Province, The Purple Pig, Seasons Lounge, Sepia, The Signature Room, Sixteen, State and Lake, Sunda, Sweetwater Tavern & Grille, Terzo Piano, Vivo.
1. Terzo Piano
Third floor of the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
Dazzling, impressive, thoroughly Chicago experience
Big, sleek, open room with huge windows overlooking the city
Feels like a big art gallery
Chef: One of the city's top chefs, Tony Mantuano from Spiaggia
Contemporary Italian food, light hand. Omelette sandwich with fresh ricotta, flatbread pizzas are terrific, chocolate semifreddo with peanut nougat and caramel sauce
Summary: Great for out-of-town clients, colleagues. A memorable experience
2. Mercadito
Small plates, Mexican restaurant in River North.
Festive, hip, young, energy; complete contrast to Terzo Piano.
Rustic, old-world Mexico with sophisticated, urban attitude.Crazy artwork by former NYC graffiti artist; enough polish & sparkle to make it business-worthy
Menu - creative, chef driven, traditional dishes with a contemporary spin, i.e., guacamole, ceviches, tacos, sandwiches
Small plates concept encourages sharing, conversation
Chef: Patricio Sandoval; he and brothers started concept in NYC
Summary: Best for more casual entertaining, building relationships
3. Lockwood
The restaurants on the list include: Ai Sushi, Balsan, Bandera, Blackbird, Cafe des Architectes, Feast, Kiki's Bistro, Lockwood, Luxbar, Mercadito, Morton's, Park Grill, Pelago, Piccolo Sogno, Province, The Purple Pig, Seasons Lounge, Sepia, The Signature Room, Sixteen, State and Lake, Sunda, Sweetwater Tavern & Grille, Terzo Piano, Vivo.
1. Terzo Piano
Third floor of the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
Dazzling, impressive, thoroughly Chicago experience
Big, sleek, open room with huge windows overlooking the city
Feels like a big art gallery
Chef: One of the city's top chefs, Tony Mantuano from Spiaggia
Contemporary Italian food, light hand. Omelette sandwich with fresh ricotta, flatbread pizzas are terrific, chocolate semifreddo with peanut nougat and caramel sauce
Summary: Great for out-of-town clients, colleagues. A memorable experience
2. Mercadito
Small plates, Mexican restaurant in River North.
Festive, hip, young, energy; complete contrast to Terzo Piano.
Rustic, old-world Mexico with sophisticated, urban attitude.Crazy artwork by former NYC graffiti artist; enough polish & sparkle to make it business-worthy
Menu - creative, chef driven, traditional dishes with a contemporary spin, i.e., guacamole, ceviches, tacos, sandwiches
Small plates concept encourages sharing, conversation
Chef: Patricio Sandoval; he and brothers started concept in NYC
Summary: Best for more casual entertaining, building relationships
3. Lockwood
