Chicago Our Campus: Eating Around SAIC
Questions?
Questions can be directed to Campus Life by phone at 312.629.6880 or by email stulife@saic.edu.
See the following list for a selection of places to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner around SAIC. Options range
from familiar standbys to one-of-a-kind places with a sitdown or to-go atmosphere.
LeRoy Neiman Center Café*
The LeRoy Neiman Center, 37 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor
Monday –Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00p.m.
Sunday, 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
A full-service café and food service, the LeRoy Neiman Center café offers hot breakfast items, coffee drinks, grab-n-go options, smoothies, hot entrees, sandwiches, burgers, and much more. The café is also open until 10:00 p.m during the week to accommodate students who have evening classes. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available each day.
Columbus Drive Café*
Columbus Drive Building, 280 S. Columbus Dr., 2nd floor
Monday –Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday –Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
This full-service café offers hot breakfast items, coffee drinks, burgers and sandwiches, a salad and soup bar, and well as rotating entree items available on a seasonal basis. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available each day.
MacLean Center Café*
MacLean Center, 112 S. Michigan Ave., 12th floor
Monday –Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
The MacLean Café and lounge has a wonderful view of the lake and Millenium Park. Offerings at this café include coffee drinks, smoothies, juices, muffins and assorted pastries, soups, grab-and-go items, as well as sandwiches and paninnis.. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available each day.
America's Dog
26 E. Randolph St.
312.345.0100
21 E. Adams St.
312.786.0100
Hot dogs are not just a Chicago institution. This hot dog spot serves them up in the distinctive styles of cities across the country. It can be a bit pricier than your usual hot dog, but they use Vienna all-beef hot dogs, and that's the sign of quality in any hot dog. Burgers and wraps are available as well.
Cosi*
getcosi.com
116 S. Michigan Ave.
312.223.1061
Tasty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, salads, and coffee—good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Cosi is located next to the MacLean Center and across the street from the museum. It's also open until 9:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Chipotle*
chipotle.com
8 E. Madison St.
+ locations throughout Chicago
312.629.3662
Gourmet Tex-Mex burritos, assembly-line style. A guilty pleasure.
Exchequer Pub
exchequerpub.com
226 S. Wabash Ave.
312.939.5633
This is a reasonably priced option that's open late if you're looking for American standards or a pizza.
Jimmy John's*
jimmyjohns.com
6 E. Madison St.
+ locations throughout Chicago
312.368.4444
Korean Express
330 S. Wells St.
312.986.8009
The only Korean restaurant downtown serves sizeable portions and can be a healthier choice. They also offer vegetarian options. It may not be your mother's Korean food (it does have "Express" in the name, after all), but the bibimbop or chop chae will help ease a craving.
Kramer's
230 S. Wabash Ave.
312.922.0077
Kramer's is a quirky health food shop with a café and juice bar upstairs. It's a downtown oasis for vegetarians.
La Bamba
labambaburritos.com
120 W. Madison St.
312.338.0080
Burritos as big as your head—not an exaggeration.
Oasis Café*
oasiscafeone.com
21 N. Wabash Ave.
312.443.9534
One of the most random locations for a Mediterranean restaurant: Oasis Café is located inside the Wabash Jewelry Mall, all the way in the back. Delicious falafel, baba ghanouj, kebab sandwiches, and much more. Large portions and inexpensive; there are many vegetarian options.
Pittsfield Cafe
55 E. Washington St.
312.641.1806
Great diner-esque café in the lobby of the Pittsfield Building with huge sandwiches.
Pizzeria Uno & Due*
Pizzeria Uno
29 E. Ohio St.
312.321.1000
Pizzeria Due
619 N. Wabash Ave.
312.943.2400
A historic Chicago institution with some of the best Chicago-style pizza in the city. Both locations are typically packed, especially during tourist seasons, so be sure to allow extra time. Note that the deep dish pizzas take at least half an hour to prepare.
Su Casa*
sucasamexican.com
49 E. Ontario St.
312.943.4041
River North Mexican/Tex–Mex fare.
Under 55 Food Court*
55 E. Monroe St.
312.849.9512
Large portions and a good bang for your buck. Lunch options include pasta, stir fry, sandwiches, and more. 10% discount with student ID.
*Accepts ARTICard as a payment option
