Trip Packing List

Restaurant List

Day 1

Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Breakfast

$15–$25 per person, 45–75 minutes

Classic hearty American breakfast near Millennium Park: stacked pancakes, creative Benedicts, and seasonal fruit dishes. Expect a lively atmosphere ideal for fueling a day of sightseeing.

Portillo's (Original Hot Dog Shop) Lunch

$8–$15 per person, 20–40 minutes

Chicago fast-casual institution for a quick, iconic lunch: Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and crinkle fries. Great for experiencing local flavors without a long sit-down meal.

The Gage Dinner

$25–$45 per person, 60–120 minutes

Upscale-casual gastropub across from Millennium Park. Popular for refined comfort dishes, shareable plates, and craft cocktails — excellent for a relaxed dinner after exploring the Loop.

Day 2

Beatrix (West Loop) Breakfast

$15–$30 per person, 45–75 minutes

Bright, healthy-forward brunch spot known for grain bowls, egg dishes, fresh pastries, and excellent coffee. Good choice for a nutritious start before gallery or market visits.

Au Cheval (Counter Seating or Waitlisted) Lunch

$18–$30 per person, 45–90 minutes (including potential wait)

Famous for one of the city's best burgers — rich, juicy, and decadent. Expect a wait (or get seats at the bar); perfect for burger lovers seeking an iconic lunch experience in the West Loop.

Girl & The Goat Dinner

$45–$75 per person (shared plates), 90–150 minutes

High-energy, reservation-recommended restaurant serving bold, globally inspired small plates from Chef Stephanie Izard. Ideal for sharing adventurous flavors and a memorable dinner in Fulton Market.

Day 3

Stan’s Donuts & Coffee (Lincoln Park) Breakfast

$5–$12 per person, 15–30 minutes

Casual morning stop for classic and inventive donuts and strong coffee. Good for a quick, sweet breakfast before a stroll through Lincoln Park or the zoo.

R.J. Grunts Lunch

$12–$22 per person, 30–60 minutes

Casual neighborhood spot known for big salads, burgers, and American comfort fare. Large portions and a friendly vibe make it a convenient lunch for families or groups exploring the area.

Alinea (if special-occasion) or Sepia (alternative) Dinner

Alinea: $350–$500+ per person; Sepia: $90–$150 per person, 2–4 hours

Alinea: Three-Michelin-star tasting experience — avant-garde and theatrical (book months ahead). Sepia: Seasonally driven contemporary American tasting menu in a more intimate but elevated setting.

Day 4

Yolk (South Loop) Breakfast

$12–$25 per person, 40–70 minutes

Popular breakfast and brunch chain with generous portions: creative omelets, pancakes, and specialty breakfast bowls — convenient if you're visiting the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium.

Lao Sze Chuan (Chinatown) Lunch

$12–$25 per person, 45–90 minutes

Renowned Sichuan restaurant in Chinatown known for bold, spicy flavors and classic dishes like mapo tofu and twice-cooked pork. Great for a flavorful and satisfying lunch away from the tourist crowds.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Giordano’s alternative for deep-dish) Dinner

$20–$35 per person, 45–90 minutes

Chicago deep-dish pizza staple: buttery crust, layers of cheese and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a final-night group dinner to experience the city’s signature style of pizza.