We have a full stretch of nice weather until the end of the school year and reading week starts on Wednesday. Why not use reading week to get dressed with your friends and take a trip into the city to eat some of the delicious food that Chicago has to offer. If you’re not into a full meal, maybe cozy up in a café to study in an environment outside of Main Library. Here’s a list of great restaurants and cafés to venture out to!
1. Siena Tavern: Italian Restaurant in River North
This super chic Italian restaurant in the city has brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, beverage and gluten free menus! Reviews of the restaurant raved about the pasta, pizza and dessert options and their large list of fun drinks. Yelp gives this $$$ so it’s definitely on the pricier side!
2. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba: Tapas Restaurant in Lincoln Park
This Spanish-inspired restaurant serves delicious tapas that you can order a variety of to share with friends. They have a brunch, Dinner, Friday Lunch, Dessert and Gluten Free menu to cater to every diner’s needs. There were many positive reviews about the baked goat cheese, so make sure to order one of those when you visit!
3. Brü: Café in Wicker Park
Brü is a variety of fresh coffee and tea, but you can get some food, too with their Breakfast and lunch menu. Brü also has raw juices and smoothies if you’re not feeling caffeine. There are lots of tables and couches for you to settle into for an afternoon of studying!
4. Mon Ami Gabi: French Bistro in Lincoln Park
This popular bistro serves brunch on Sundays but is usually just open for dinner. Popular for its extensive wine list and steak frites, Mon Ami Gabi is a perfect place to have a romantic dinner or a classic girl’s night out. The interior decoration and outside seating will make you feel like you’re eating a delicious meal in front of the Eiffel Tower!
5. Sol Café: Café on Howard St.
If you don’t want to travel all the way down into the city, you can take a short L ride to Howard St. where you can study at Sol Café. This quirky café is decorated with succulent plants and can be a nice place to stake out for a paper-writing session. Don’t worry they have a food menu if you want something more than just coffee!
6. 3 Arts Club Cafe: American restaurant within Hardware Restoration
Yes, I was a bit confused when I heard that this restaurant was inside a furniture store, but that is exactly what 3 Arts Club Cafe is. This awesome restaurant is within an arboretum inside the Hardware Resotration store in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The beautiful furniture that surrounds the arboretum makes this dining experience seem like you’re dining in a beautiful Italian villa. The glass ceiling and chandelier is beautiful and makes this place a must-go place for lunch in the city!