State Street, That Great (Eats) Street: A Dining Guide
Story By: Marty Kaleta
If you happen to find yourself starving in the Loop this summer and it's not Taste of Chicago, there are many great spots to escape the summer heat and chow down after a busy day of shopping or before heading over to Millennium Park for Downtown Sound. Here's a "State Street Dining Guide" to cure your hunger pangs:
Seven on State- Macy's, 111 N. State St
A food court making our list of best dining spots on State? The upscale cafeteria on Macy's seventh floor challenges the stigma of dining in the same place as you shop. Quick meals from renowned chefs including Marcus Samuelsson and Rick Bayless will make you reconsider your concept of how a food court should taste. Burgers, salads, tacos, noodles, among many other options, will please even the pickiest eater.
Magnolia Bakery- Block 37, 108 N. State St
"(TWO!) No six! (No twelve!) BAKERS DOZEN! I told you that I'm crazy for these cupcakes, cousin!" If Magnolia Bakery's cupcakes can win the stomachs of Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg on the SNL classic "Lazy Sunday," there's no doubt they can replenish your sugar levels after a shopping spree at Block 37. The New York bakery has expanded to Chicago and offers a wide variety of sweets in addition to their cupcakes including cookies, pies, brownies, muffins, and the incredible banana pudding.
State and Lake Chicago Tavern- 201 N. State St
You can't go wrong with dinner and a drink at State and Lake Chicago Tavern before heading to your concert at the Chicago Theatre. Located at the Wit Hotel, the restaurant serves New American cuisine at all hours of the day. Couldn't grab tickets to the sold-out show across the street? The restaurant offers live music every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings so dig in and enjoy.
Simply Thalia- Block 37, 108 N. State St
The Chicago summer can be excruciatingly hot and the labyrinth known as the Pedway offers an escape from the sun. Block 37 is conveniently linked to the Pedway and is home to Simply Thalia, featuring an eclectic mix of Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. Simply Thalia offers a $5 carry-out, lunch menu so you can save some money for dessert at Magnolia Bakery.
Atwood- 1 W. Washington St
Situated in Hotel Burnham, step in to Atwood for a great meal and gaze at one of Chicago's architectural treasures. The restaurant strives to please the hungry patron by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients to create unique takes on traditional American cuisine. Stop in for weekend brunch to fuel your endeavors or relax with an Atwood classic cocktail at this elegant restaurant.
Devil Dawgs on State- 767 S. State St
As a DePaul alum, I am well aware of the delicacies of Devil Dawgs. Although the loaded franks, mini burgers, and (literal) buckets of cheese fries are best consumed at the wee hours of the morning, I assure you that this hot dog joint is well worth the slight walk to the south Loop. The expansion of the eatery to the Loop offers over twenty-five milkshake flavors to fulfill the needs of the tired shopper and the hungry Columbia, Roosevelt, and Robert Morris students after long nights of studying.
