Chicago Restaurants From Deli Counters to Beach Dining

4.5 (4,764)

Tue – Sat, 08:00 – 19:30; Sun, 08:00 – 15:30

1141 South Jefferson Street

Queue for corned beef or pastrami at this Jewish deli, established in 1942. The cafeteria format comes with a large dining area. Closed Mondays.

4.5 (3,507)

Mon – Sat, 10:30 – 00:00 (+1); Sun, 10:30 – 20:00

548 N Wells St

Order Italian beef wet or dipped, with hot or sweet peppers. This River North counter pairs its sandwiches with hand cut fries in a glass walled room with yellow chairs.

4.5 (3,047)

Mon – Fri, 11:00 – 22:00; Sat, 10:00 – 22:00; Sun, 10:00 – 20:00

1603 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr

Swap a counter meal for beachside dining at North Avenue Beach. Indoor and outdoor seating, lounge couches, and cocktails offer a different setting for a daytime meal.

3.9 (1,849)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:30 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 11:30 – 00:00 (+1)

642- 648 West 79th Street

Head to the South Side for jerk chicken at this family owned restaurant. Expect security screening at the entrance, including for takeout. Confirm preparation times before planning a tight pickup.