Hi, we are Sophia Peters (psychology and statistics) and Maddy Holmes (psychology and history), two sophomores living on campus this year! We are suitemates and, more often than not, we get home from a long day of classes, work, and meetings and just want something good to eat. The dining hall is perfect when we want our fix of a comforting grilled cheese or a filling stir-fry, but sometimes we just want to go out and get something. We are going to share our personal favorite restaurants around Roosevelt and in the city lately!
Maddy’s Favorites
Hero Coffee Bar
Hero is one of my favorite coffee places in the Loop. My friend and I have Hero Fridays as a tradition. The Jackson and Wabash location is two blocks from school, but they have other locations throughout the city. Favorite thing to order: iced caramel latte with oat milk and the New Manhattan bagel breakfast sandwich.
Address: 22 E Jackson Blvd
Website: https://www.herocoffeebars.com/
Brightwok Kitchen
This restaurant is a chain throughout the city, and it’s like a Chipotle for stir-fry. They have options of their signature bowls or a create-your-own bowl. You can choose from sauces like teriyaki and spicy cashew. I have never had a bad bowl from them. There’s a location on Adams, between Wabash and State, right by campus! Favorite thing to order: create your own bowl with tofu, rice noodles, and teriyaki.
Address: 21 E Adams St
Website: https://brightwok.com/
Chicago Bagel Authority
Bagels are one of my favorite foods and this spot in Lincoln Park has been one of my go-to spots for years. They prepare your bagel as you wait and they have variations of different breakfast and lunch sandwiches on bagels! You can get a simple sausage, egg, and cheese or even get a BLT on a fresh bagel! They also have some pretty cool merch. Favorite thing to order: The Sausage Fest breakfast bagel.
Address: 953 W Armitage Ave
Website: https://eatcba.com/
Coco Pazzo Cafe
I’ve been coming to Chicago yearly since I was young. This Italian restaurant is one of my family’s favorites. We would end every trip by going here. They relocated to Ohio St. in River North a couple of years ago, but the food is still so, so good. I have had some of the best mac n’ cheese I have ever had here. Favorite thing to order: Buffalo mozzarella and rigatoni buttera.
Address: 212 E Ohio St
Website: https://www.cocopazzocafe.com/
Thai Spoon and Sushi
This Thai restaurant is literally a block from school and has some of the best affordable food I have had in the Loop. The main dishes are $12 and under, and you WILL have leftovers. It’s also really fun to go and sit there. They have a giant fish and pretty good bubble tea. Favorite thing to order: crab rangoon and pad Thai with tofu.
Address: 601 S Wabash Ave
Website: https://thaispoonsushichi.com/
Sophia’s Favorites
Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social is great if you’re going out for dinner with friends and need something exciting. It’s located right in the West Loop and it’s only a train ride away. Not only does Punch Bowl Social have a collection of American-style dishes (with a twist), but it has an arcade, bowling alley, karaoke, and fun photo ops all around the restaurant. Favorite items on the menu: sweet and spicy wings, social nacho, buffalo fries, and birria tacos.
Address: 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Friends Sushi on North State Street
This is the all time favorite sushi spot for my boyfriend and me. The ambience of the restaurant is cozy and intimate. If I had a sushi craving on a rainy night, this is the place I’d be at, slurping my spicy miso soup! Not to mention, all the staff members are so friendly. They, as in almost every employee in the restaurant, will greet you when you walk into the restaurant and say good-bye when you’re on your way out. Favorite items on the menu: spicy miso soup, maguro nigiri, and spicy hamachi maki topping.
Address: 804 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
https://www.friendssushi.com/state/home
Artopolis Bakery
Artopolis Bakery has a special place in my heart. As I child, I’d go here with my family for some delicious Greek pastries, small dishes, and perfectly made Greek coffee. Growing up Greek, I usually came home to my yiayia (grandma) cooking traditional food, which filled the house with a mouthwatering aroma, or having coffee with my theia (aunt) Panagiota. I always crave the coffee and delicious foods she used to make for me, so I make it a point to take the train to Greektown for an occasional pick-me-up. Favorite items on the menu: Frappe with cream and sugar, galaktoboureko, amygdalota, and a horiatiki.
Address: 306 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
https://artopolischicago.com