Where to Get the Best Power Lunch in Chicago
Chicago, a bustling metropolis that is home to some of the country’s biggest companies, is a bit of a culinary mecca. While your options are varied, it can be tough to pick out the perfect spot for a true power lunch. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rustled up six of the city’s best power lunch spots. Dine at one of these establishments and you are sure to impress your business clients.
Gibsons
Gibsons isn’t just a restaurant, it is something of an institution. If you are looking to dine on fine steaks during a power lunch this is the place to go, hands down. Located on North Rush Street, Gibsons is the embodiment of sophisticated and cool. Decorated in golds and browns, the entire space feels opulent, and that feeling carries through when your plates are delivered by an expert waitstaff. Thick steaks, overstuffed baked potatoes and martinis are pretty much the standard here. Reservations will be necessary, so plan ahead.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
Okay, so the name is a bit unwieldy, but what this established restaurant does in Chicago is undisputed. Offering everything from thick, juicy steaks to seasonal stone crabs, Joe’s has a hefty reputation. Joe’s may be a Florida transplant, but it fits right into Chi-town. Diners here can also delight in gluten-free food options, so its a great lunch choice for those on a restricted diet. Things can get a bit hectic, so do call ahead.
The Gage
Smack in the middle of the action, The Gage manages to carve out a cozy and comfortable nook just steps from Millennium Park. Experts suggest requesting a table in the back if you have sensitive matters to discuss, and delve into your meal. The gastropub, best known for their burgers and mussels, has a true downtown feel without being too touristy. The leather appointed booths and the exposed brick walls give this eatery a cozy yet hip vibe that your business partners are sure to appreciate.
Blackbird
If you are in the market for no-fuss, no-muss modern dining, then Blackbird is the spot for you. Located at 619 West Randolph Street, this sleek eatery has food that will impress in a completely unpretentious atmosphere. With a modern take on American cuisine, chef-owner, Paul Kahan whips up everything from sturgeon to steak tartare. While this cramped dining room doesn’t really allow you to spread out, the food is worth the cramped quarters and is sure to impress your business clients. Try the pre-fixe lunch menu if you are in a rush.
The Purple Pig
Farm-to-table is the name of the game here, so save this eatery for your foodie clientele. The eatery, just minutes from the Tribune Tower has managed to turn its bustling location into a quaint and quiet nook. European, small plate eating is supreme here. Order a bunch and share between your dining partners for a truly explosive culinary experience. More adventurous eaters will do well here, so read your clientele well before you make reservations.
Sepia
If you are looking to truly show off what Chicago has to offer, Sepia is a good place to start. The building and décor simply scream “Chi-town” from the moment you walk in. Tiles, brick and wood create a modern, yet old-world feel in this expansive space. The food is also out of this world. Power lunchers should look towards the light lunch menu offered by Sepia. The food offering is seasonal American here and only the freshest ingredients make the cut, so you can eat with confidence!