Places To Eat Off The Chicago Red Line

Have you ever gotten off the L at a random stop and suddenly been hit with hunger pains? It pays to be prepared when you're navigating the city, and knowing where to get a good bite is paramount. Whether out running errands or meeting up with friends, a quick guide to some of your likely stops will keep your stomach from complaining too loudly.

The Chicago Red Line stop is the gateway to Michigan Avenue and the strip known as the Magnificent Mile. The area is a mecca of shopping and fashion in the Windy City, and you'll work up quite an appetite walking from store to store. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the surrounding blocks to sustain an epic shopping spree.

Deep-dish pizza is a ubiquitous choice in Chicago, and there are a few great options around this station. Stop into Giordano's, or head east of Michigan Avenue to Gino's East: both serve up amazing pizza that will keep you plenty full. Bar Toma also offers some Italian dishes for a decent price and is handily situated right across from Water Tower Place (and next door to Hershey's and Ghirardelli!).

Silver Spoon and Friends Sushi deliver a taste of Thailand and Japan, respectively, if your taste buds are craving something more exotic. Flaco's Tacos is great for a quick, cheap fix for your appetite, and it's just a block away from the station itself.

There are some upscale options as well, if you want a place to show off some of your fancy purchases. The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel has gotten a lot of buzz and incredible reviews. Wander a little farther down Michigan Avenue to check out Tru, one of Chicago's best in fine dining. Just make sure to get a reservation if you don't want to be left in the cold!

A little something sweet is always a treat after a long day of shopping. Forever Yogurt is easy to stop into on the way back to the train. If you're feeling ambitious, however, a few blocks north will lead you to Sprinkles Cupcakes. With their 24-hour cupcake ATM[cg1]  (!), you won't ever be without your reward for a long day on the Mag Mile.