Best Lunch Restaurants in Downers Grove

"Restaurants American Lincoln Park. No matter what the forecast looks like outside, this Lincoln Park restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You transports diners to sunny California through a bright and spacious dining room that's dotted with greenery. Choose from avocado toast loaded with tomatoes and scallion mascarpone, chicken tinga tacos with guac, or the charred summer corn elotes that's imbued with jalapeños and queso fresco."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"Get a taste of California without leaving the city or even having to sit down through dinner. These cookies are always available alongside other sweets at their Market counter."

"While many of the dishes at Fat Rice may not be familiar to fans of classic Chinese-American takeout joints, they are still Chinese through and through. Fat Rice is firing up the food of former Portuguese colony Macau, which gives the restaurant it’s fusion style, particularly evident in the paella-style arroz gordo, where chorizo, seafood, duck, and egg make sweet love in a bed of rice (but heads up, it’s a communal dish meant for two or more people). There are potstickers and noodles for those who want more familiar fare, but none of it is lacking in flavor or inspiration."

"Eater 38 Macanese stalwart Fat Riceopened a bakery expansion in 2016 and its since become one of the city’s hotbeds for an array of creative sweet and savory baked goods with influences from Asia, Europe, and even Chicago. The Chicago-style hot dog buns are one of the most sought-after items in the city, followed closely by the addictive Portuguese egg tarts. Seasonal selections depend on the day and could include Macanese-inspired Rice Krispies treats, Mai Tai cocktail buns, and more."

"Fat Rice's light-drenched dining room makes for an inviting brunch, with wood-accented walls, quirky art, and colorful, Asian-style platters hung as art. The room is buzzing with energy, thanks to the spacious open kitchen. Chef Abe Conlon executes what could be one of the few Macanese menus outside of Macau."

"If you are looking for something more in the downtown core, then this would be one of the best places to eat in Chicago. They have two branches around town and offer an amazing breakfast. What I really enjoyed most about this place was the effort they made for Pride Week in Chicago."

"Not only is Goddess and the Baker an Instagram-worthy spot, the desserts are to die for. Your family will be happy with everything from cinnamon rolls and cookies to mini pies. And parents, you can grab some needed caffeine!"

"Sure, you can score a well-rounded meal here, but wouldn't you rather have a multi-course feast of rainbow layer cake, iced cut-out cookies, pecan sticky buns, and hulking rice crispy treats?"

"Only in Chicago could a joint that blasts heavy metal music, refuses to carry Budweiser, and stirs a controversy with the Catholic Church, be adored. Kuma’s Corner has become a destination in every food lover’s pilgrimage. Depending on what you order, your burger may include bourbon poached pear, roasted poblano peppers, avocado mash and other inventive ingredients."

"Music is never far from mind at this bar: In addition to a rocking soundtrack, nearly all the burgers are named for bands. Try the Slayer: a bunless patty on a pile of fries, topped with chili, andouille sausage, cherry peppers, onions and cheese. Watch the Video: The Slayer Burger"

"Kuma’s Corner is participating in the “Dining Together, Apart” Program, so groups of two to six people can reserve one of the domes to eat their burgers outside."

"Nestled in a dingy underground food court, Hello Jasmine is a modest boba place, but don’t let that fool you. The small shop stays true to the taste of Taiwanese boba, using the largest, most chewy balls that can be found in Chicago. Their grapefruit tea features pieces of real grapefruit (with peel), giving the drink a subtle bitter edge to accompany the sweet citrus taste."

"Residents that are looking to find the best brunch buffet in Chicago cannot overlook Nellie’s, a Peurto Rican gem on the edge of Humboldt Park. A brunch buffet is available that beats out your typical trip to Old Country. Nellie’s is the place to be this weekend, 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Nellie's is a fan favorite for Puerto Rican food in the heart of Humboldt Park!. This family-owned restaurant is best known for its brunches. Order the avena de coco (coconut oatmeal) and thank us later."

"Most people haven't tasted Filipino food unless they have friends or family but if you find yourself craving for an authentic Filipino breakfast in Chicago, head to Uncle Mike's Place. The Longaniza (sweet anise-wine chorizo sausage) and Tocino (annat and anise cured pork shoulder) can be ordered separately but also together as a combo that arrives with garlic fried rice and two eggs any style. It also serves bangus (boneless grilled milkfish) which is popular among Filipinos."

"A photo posted by Infatuation Chicago (@infatuation_chi) on Oct 28, 2016 at 9:17am PDT. Uncle Mike's Place may look like a fancy breakfast spot, but it's actually a Filipino-inspired diner. Save yourself the time of reading through their extensive menu and just order one of their Filipino breakfast plates, which come with your choice of meat, two eggs, garlic fried rice, and lugao (Filipino porridge), all for under $10."

"Instead of the usual bacon and sausage, opt for Spam and longaniza in the morning. This Filipino diner mixes things up with Southeast Asian favorites such as bangus (milkfish), marinated skirt steak, and bone-in pork chop. Don’t fret if those sound a little too hearty though, patrons can still order an omelet or short stack."

"Adam and I love sharing plates, which makes tapas at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba perfect for us!. We actually went to Cafe Iberico on one of our first dates, but since then we’ve both agreed that Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has better food. The last time we were there, we were going to meet friends but they had to cancel last minute… don’t worry, Adam still asked for multiple orders of bacon wrapped dates, and we had the best time ordering slowly with multiple rounds of drinks."

"This Spanish stalwart in Lincoln Park (it’s been serving tapas since 1985) touts a patio completely enclosed in glass, allowing diners to stay warm while enjoying the view."

"After all that walking, head back to your room at the Dana Hotel and Spa in the chic River North neighbourhood to freshen up ahead of the night portion of your Chicago itinerary. The design-forward property wows from the moment you walk through the multi-storey, airy foyer, which is accented with geometric seating and light fixtures that set the tone for the surrounding ultra luxe spaces. On-site amenities include an acclaimed spa and multiple restaurants, like the rooftop Apogee Lounge where the in-crowd comes to sip hand-crafted cocktails and soak in the views."

"Located inside the serene Waldorf Astoria hotel, the spa was designed like a Greco-Roman European Spa. It's spacious (14,000 sq. ft) and includes a state-of-the-art fitness facility, impressive lap pool and separate men's and women's locker rooms, each with a Eucalyptus Steam Room, Dry Sauna, Jacuzzi and relaxation lounge. You're bound to find something appealing among the wellness offerings and experiences are tailored for each guest's needs: customized facials, men's services, treatments for hands and feet and even eyelash extensions."

"Until teleportation is possible, we’ll take a shortcut to Turkey through the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Their signature cleanse includes a coffee, olive stone and lemon scrub, followed by a rhassoul clay wrap, for a full hammam experience in 120 minutes. Afterward, we like to relax in the elegant lounge, but you’re also welcome to use the state-of-the-art fitness center."

"The Waldorf Astoria Spa is probably the most indulgent spa on this list. This 14,000 sq ft Greek-inspired spa offers an array of attractive treatment options. From salons to pools and even a health club, this spa has got you covered."

"Featuring stunning views from every area of the hotel, this landmark building of stainless steel and tinted glass stands 92-stories above the Loop and North Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River...."

"Luxury spa services, fine dining and upscale amenities are among the unique services offered to guests at the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase iconic views of Lake Michigan, Chicago River ..."

"Southern comfort at this Burbank Cafe ranges from barbecue to Tex-Mex, including ribs, po' boys and fried chicken, but the pulled pork is one of the true standouts. It cooks for 12 hours in a garlic-infused achiote paste before spending another hour in the smoker. After being shredded and getting doused in pan juice, it's ready to be served."

"The jibarito is yet another original Chicago sandwich, created by our vibrant Puerto Rican community. Though it may look like a regular sandwich, there is one element that sets it apart:"

"Just beyond Wrigleyville lies this section of Lakeview; it's been a major "gayborhood" since the 1970s, which also makes it one of the…"

"Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, video consultant, three-time Emmy®-award winning TV producer, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical and traveled around the world for three years. She has been blogging atLLworldtour.comsince 2006."

"The timeless Chicago hotel has all the fame and historic charm to make your green-eyed followers even more envious of your travels."