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A gateway to work and play in the Loop.

Thursday Nov 06, 2008.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Travel + Tourism Feed

Just steps away from the Daley Center, minutes from Marshall Field's on State Street and a hop, skip and a jump from the Lyric Opera House, the Washington/Wells Brown Line stop is a gateway to work and play.

Best of the nightlife
Ghostbar
If the fact Ghost Bar is only open two nights a week — Friday and Saturday — doesn't give you an idea of the exclusive vibe that the club is going for, the dress code just might. Don't show up wearing shorts, tennis shoes, a baseball hat or anything that may be interpreted as workout gear—or you’ll see your chance of being let in to Ghost Bar vaporize faster than a spooky apparition.

Located above the swank restaurant Nine Steakhouse, Ghost Bar is a place to see and be seen; and a place to be scene-y. The hip green and silver decor (which includes lots of rounded edges and circular-type furnishings) sets the clubby tone for Ghost Bar patrons, who can spend their weekend evening splurging on bottle service and munching on snacks prepared in Nine's kitchen.

Good for groups
Billy Goat II
The Billy Goat Tavern Original near the Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building is the place to hear the latest gossip among the savviest writers in Chicago. Its brother location harbors just as much of an after-work scene, in this case trading journalists for public workers and traders.

Lunchtime gets busy thanks, in no small part, to the renowned "cheezborgers" made famous after a 1978 "SNL" sketch featuring no less than Bill Murray, John Belushi, John Aykroyd and Lorraine Newman. But beyond the beef patty on a bun, you'll also find salami and cheese, Italian beef and triple cheeseburgers on the simple menu. To facilitate its status as an after-work hangout, you'll find plenty of cocktails and beer on tap. If you're up for trying, take a shot at pronouncing the super-duper-long Greek name written on the wall to get a free drink.

Cheap eats
Eppy's Cafe & Deli (Loop)
All the obligatory sliced meats spilling out of each sandwich are available in this bright, spacious Loop location. For breakfast or lunch, nothing will set you back more than $9. Breakfast is egg-centric with omelets, scrambled eggs with lox and onions and a breakfast sandwich of eggs, ham and cheese on your choice of bagel. Lunch brings the typical selection of deli sandwiches like pastrami, corned beef and tuna salad, among others, ranging from $5.95 to $8.50.

Temperature priced soup might make a bleak and blustery Chicago winter's day a bit more bearable. Even if you can't feel your toes on the walk over. Pair it with a sandwich overflowing in pastrami and you might still lose feeling in your extremities on the way back to work, but at least you'll be full.

Where to chill
Goodwin's
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the Loop during lunchtime? The quiet atmosphere of Goodwin's may be just what the doctor ordered. Specializing in healthy gourmet eating, the staff at Goodwin's goes that extra mile to fulfill its "eat fresh, feel good" motto. Goodwin's serves mostly specialty sandwiches and tortilla wraps, complemented by a number of salads, soups, desserts and breakfast items. We like the sound of the Avalon Salad, your choice of homemade chicken, tuna or turkey walnut salad surrounded by seasonal fruit, and The Fresno, a whole-wheat wrap with asparagus, turkey, tomato, red onion, sour cream and Muenster, served hot.

Located in the historic Lake Franklin building complex, a unit made up of the oldest remaining buildings in the Loop, Goodwin's looks tiny and un-restauranty, and though it's located in the basement, the whole place is rather quiet and conducive to conversation.

In-the-know-spot
Delmonico
Shortly after the morning rush hour, Delmonico's employees start assembling the Loop's most impressive buffet: a four-pronged monster assortment of salads, baked pastas, marinated meats, sliced fruit and international dishes including sushi rolls and pirogies.

It's a welcome option for the lunchtime crowd, particularly those who are trying to eat healthy or who like to eat a lot. The cost per pound is reasonable, but you'll be charged extra if you load up on shrimp, gourmet cheese or other "salad bar delicacies." If you're daunted by all the choices, step up to the grill for an omelet breakfast or a midday burger or sandwich.

If you work in the Loop, chances are you've unwittingly passed this place on your way to a fast-food joint or cafe. It's easy to miss. You'll have to spot its sign across from City Hall, go through the revolving door and look for the floor-to-ceiling windows.