Shanti

I'll be meeting a friend at the Art Institute next week and would appreciate any suggestions on where to eat near there. I'm vegetarian but otherwise open to suggestions.

Or should we just eat at the Institute?

Thanks,
Shanti

Toucan2

Just don't eat at the cafe directly across the street. It is truly awful.

It has been a long time, but, I think the food at the Art Institute is actually pretty good.

Toucan2

Maybe check this:

http://www.terzopianochicago.com/

It looks like it has some good vegetarian options, and is all organic and local.

POlson

a couple of my favorites:
The Gage - Irish gastropub - 24 South Michigan
Russian Tea Time - 77 East Adams
Heaven on Seven (Cajun) - 111 North Wabash (7th Floor)

no idea about vegetarian options but really good food

jent103

Ha! I only opened this thread to say exactly what Toucan2 said - the Artists' Cafe is not good (and I'm really not that picky).

I actually wandered around that area in 2009 looking for somewhere to eat before a concert at Soldier Field; we ended up at the cafe because we couldn't find much else in the area; we were looking on a Sunday night, though. (Our original plan was the Lou Malnati's on State Street, but there was too long of a wait for us that night. If you're interested in deep dish, it's pretty close - maybe 15 minutes' walk across the Loop.) I haven't eaten inside the museum, but the link Toucan posted makes it look good, at least!

ChgoGal

Hi Shanti,
I second The Gage and Terzo Piano (the restaurant in the Art Institute modern wing) and can add Rhapsody behind the Symphony Center.
http://www.rhapsodychicago.com/

Heaven on Seven is a Chicago classic, and the location is interesting on the seventh floor of a commercial building, but the atmosphere is loud and lively - depends on what you and your friend like. And if I recall, very few vegetarian options - if you eat seafood, there are a few more offerings.

If you're thinking more casual/take-away and picnic in the Art Institute South Garden (my favorite way to have lunch), you may want to look at Cafecito for their Cuban sandwiches. Their veggie sandwiches are really good.
http://www.cafecitochicago.com

Shanti

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've e-mailed the recommendations to my friend and we'll figure out where to go. They look good to me - I'm getting rather hungry just thinking about it.

Uma

I would second either Russian Tea Time or the Art Institute's restaurant(in the modern wing). That one isn't cheap, though.

bachslunch

Third Russian Tea Time -- very good food. There's also an outpost of Giordano's not far away, which does a fine stuffed style deep dish pizza.

gardendiva

There is an Italian place on Wabash in The River Hotel that is really good. I am a bit directionally challenged but it when you get to Michigan and Wabash coming from the Art Institute you would turn left. It is right on the river and they have an outdoor cafe if the weather permits.