You may be in a hurry between Palma airport transfers or stuck in a frustrating layover – whatever the case, there are many places to eat in and around the O’Hare International Airport, and listed here are some of the absolute best, depending on what you’re looking for.
Burrito Beach
- 5600 N. Mannheim Road
- Inside the O’Hare International Airport
- Terminal 3-H/K Apex Food Court
- Open Monday – Sunday 5am-10pm
Burrito Beach is a great option if you’re in a hurry or simply don’t want to opt for one of the many more popular fast food restaurants that seem to take up the area. With this fresher, healthier choice, you won’t even have to leave the airport.
Specializing in mostly burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, nothing is ever fried here. Meat choices such as chicken, beef, or steak are all grilled instead, and there are many vegetarian options as well – all made only when you order it. Unlike other quick Mexican fares, the efficient, quick-serving staff of Burrito Beach gives you great-tasting food that doesn’t sit heavy on the stomach, making it an ideal choice to eat before or between plane rides. On top of everything, the prices are very cheap.
Plush Pup
- 5344 N. Cumberland Avenue
- About a mile from O’Hare
One of the things that Chicago is known for is its delicious hot dogs. Plush Pup is a small establishment that embraces the Chicago-style when it comes to hot dogs, from the great taste to the very low prices. If you aren’t in the mood for a dog, they also serve other great American food such as hamburgers, onion rings, beef sandwiches, and grilled chicken. There is pretty much something on the menu for everyone and is great for a quick stop if you’re in a rush.
The Original Gino’s East of Chicago
- 8725 W. Higgins Rd.
- Open Monday – Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday 11am-12am;
- Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 12pm-9pm
If you’re in a hurry, skip this place. Otherwise, you should definitely check it out. Whether just in the area or in the middle of a boring airport layover, you’ll be glad you passed the time and entertained your tastebuds with some of the most delicious pizza you’ve ever had.
Chicago-style in all ways, this pizzeria specializes in all sorts of incredibly-filling deep dish pizzas (in general, one pizza will probably be able to feed 3-4 adults), but also offers thin crusts, pasta, bread, salad and sandwiches for those looking for lighter fare.
Sometimes there is a long line in wait for a table in this popular restaurant, but once you’re in you’ll see it was well worth the wait – the dim atmosphere and lively jukebox give the place a classic ambiance. Of course, if you’d rather not wait around, you can always get a pizza to go. Just expect to still have to wait around 40 minutes, as deep dish pizzas take a while to cook. Again, a great place if you have all the time in the world or are trying to get through a layover.
Cafe Salute
- 9501 W. Devon Avenue
- Rosemont
- Open Monday – Tuesday 11am-1am;
- Wednesday – Friday 11am-4am;
- Saturday 4pm-4am
For a more moderately priced establishment, this Italian restaurant has great value for the quality and portion size of the food. The menu is huge and has something for pretty much everyone, and entrees come with a choice of soup or salad making the value shoot through the roof even more.
There is also a bar and piano bar in the basement that is open on weekends, a nice place to relax if it’s what you’re looking for. The service here is greatly efficient and very friendly. Overall Cafe Salute is a great place if you’re looking for a casual lunch or dinner.
The Gaslight Club
- 10000 Bessie Coleman Drive
- O’Hare Hilton Hotel, Lobby Level, O’Hare Airport
- Monday – Friday 11am-2am;
- Saturday – Sunday 4pm-1am
Just outside the lobby of O’Hare’s Hilton Hotel is this classy restaurant, serving just about every type of meal. Wherever you come from, you’re sure to find something you like, with such foods as chicken, fish, steak, and pasta (to name a few) in many different international styles.
The Gaslight Club is on the more expensive end of this list, with entrees beginning at $19 and only going up. However, the appetizers and sides are much more affordable, as is the huge lunch menu. All in all, for the quality of food, the fact that it is basically still inside the airport, the wonderful service and the relaxing live entertainment, it’s a great value.
