West Loop Lunch Spots

From Publican Quality Meats to Little Goat, the West Loop’s lunch scene is just as famed as its renowned dinner landscape. Lately, though, the restaurant-packed neighborhood welcomed two new lunchtime standouts that are sure to beef up the area and stand out for years to come.

The first spot to open was Nonna’s, a sandwich spot from the B. Hospitality Co. team behind The Bristol, Balena, and adjoining Formento’s. It’s the restaurant group’s most casual endeavor to date, focused on grab-and-go dining courtesy of executive chef Tony Quartaro. Sandwiches, salads, and sides comprise the crux of the edibles. Try their killer interpretation of a meatball sub, or an eggplant Parmesan sandwich splashed with marinara, or their mortadella dog. There’s also an array of provisions to be perused, including Formento’s sauces, dressings, and wines.

Solidifying the Fulton Market area as Chicago’s modern meatpacking district is The Corned Beef Factory Sandwich Shop, which opened recently on Lake Street. The simple, humble spot focuses solely on a few sandwiches for carryout: corned beef, pastrami, Italian beef, and hot dogs. The counter spot represents a natural progression for the corned beef vets behind Ex-Cel Corned Beef Co. Inc., which sits just behind the sandwich shop and supplies the meat for the restaurant.

Nonna’s
925 W. Randolph Street, Chicago
(312) 690-7323
Website

The Corned Beef Factory Sandwich Shop
1009 W. Lake Street, Chicago
(312) 666-0050
Website