Chicago Weekend Bites: River North & Beyond

4.6 (1,331)

Mon – Sun, 07:30 – 13:00

401 N Franklin St

Go early for handcrafted doughnuts and strong, balanced coffee at this narrow River North walk-up. Choices rotate, and the counter closes when the day's doughnuts sell out.

4.5 (3,507)

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

548 N Wells St

Order thin-sliced Italian beef wet or dipped, with sweet or hot peppers, at this River North counter. Hand-cut fries and a glass-walled room with yellow chairs round out the stop.

4.5 (5,938)

Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 14:30; Sat – Sun, 08:30 – 15:30

1112 S Wabash Ave

This Jewish deli-meets-diner pairs a vintage soda fountain with house-brined brisket and pancakes with crisp edges and fluffy centers. Choose it when the group wants familiar diner classics.

4.4 (1,476)

Mon – Wed, 10:30 – 01:00 (+1); Thu – Sat, 10:30 – 03:00 (+1); Sun, 10:30 – 21:00

3420 N Clark St

At 3420 N Clark St, this compact Wrigleyville counter roasts and slices beef in-house for French-bread sandwiches. Seating is limited, so plan on a standing counter stop or takeaway.