blueslipper

We are going to do the Bike Tour at Bobbys downtown. Any suggestions for a good place to eat for a group of 10? I understand Gino's East is about 5 blocks away that might be a good spot. Just looking for something casual after a 3 hour bike tour - our group is adults and teens. Other ideas?

ChgoGal

Hi blueslipper,

Gino's East on Superior is certainly a fine option. But deep dish pizzas take 30-40 minutes, so keep that in mind. The restaurant feels a bit dark and crowded for me. If this is a weekend night (Fri-Sat), you may have a little wait. Maybe call the restaurant and feel them out.
http://www.ginoseast.com/flash.html

Other places that might be a good option, that I enjoy:

Dao Thai (if folks like Thai food)
http://www.daothai.com/

Pompeii Bakery (their pizza strudel is good)
http://www.pompeipizza.com/

I've not been these places but they look large, bright and nice:
D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
http://www.d4pub.com/

Emilio's Tapas (if you like tapas)
http://www.emiliostapas.com/

If everyone is famished and want soups, salads and sandwiches FAST, then the cafe at Fox & Obel is going to be right there. It's in the back of a gourmet grocery store - like Dean and Deluca.
http://www.fox-obel.com/cafe

This place is a quick cab ride away but I was just there and the new restaurant was very nice - Lou Malnati's is Chicago deep dish pizza, too -- in the Gold Coast at State and Rush.
http://www.loumalnatis.com/

Or you folks can walk straight west on Grand and be near lots of casual chain restaurants: P.F. Chang's, Weber Grill, Cosi Cafe.
Or west on Ohio: California Pizza Kitchen, Big Bowl (Asian).

Close, but maybe avoid: Timothy O'Toole's and PJ Clarke's. Just okay.
Hope you have a good time!

sf7307

>>

Only better! (I love that store )

blueslipper

Thanks for the suggestions! I think we might try Weber Grill for dinner. We've never been to one of those - and our group will be heavy on teenagers & three 'grill out kind of dad's' - ha!
We are planning to go to Fox & Obel for lunch - so glad you suggested that. It will be perfect to grab a sandwich before our tour.

ChgoGal

Sounds like a good plan, blueslipper. Weber Grill is very popular, and I hope all like the offerings at Fox & Obel. (Remember, when you enter, you're in the grocery portion. You have to walk through the store to the back and left to get to the cafe.) Hope you have good weather and a nice time!