For those planning a visit to Brookfield Zoo, finding the right dining options can be crucial to make the most of your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, the area surrounding the zoo offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best lunch spots near Brookfield Zoo, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
The Chew Chew (Riverside)
Kicking off our list is The Chew Chew, a contemporary American restaurant located in Riverside, just a short drive from Brookfield Zoo. With a rating of 4.8/5, this establishment offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing lunch. The Chew Chew boasts a spacious indoor seating area that can accommodate up to 100 guests, as well as an outdoor patio that’s open from May to October. Visitors can enjoy a full-bar experience and take advantage of the daily happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. The menu features a diverse selection of contemporary American cuisine, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying and enjoyable lunch near the zoo.
La Barra – Riverside (Riverside)
Situated in Riverside, La Barra – Riverside is another excellent option for those seeking a more upscale dining experience near Brookfield Zoo. With a rating of 4.8/5, this Italian restaurant offers a private dining room, an outdoor patio, and serves lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm. The kitchen hours extend until 9 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, ensuring that you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or an early dinner. The menu features a variety of authentic Italian dishes, making it a popular choice for those craving a taste of Italy.
Maya Del Sol (Oak Park)
Venture a bit further to Oak Park, and you’ll find Maya Del Sol, a Latin American restaurant that boasts a rating of 4.7/5. This establishment offers a covered and heated patio, perfect for dining al fresco, even on cooler days. Maya Del Sol adheres to COVID-19 precautions, ensuring a safe dining experience for its guests. The restaurant has a party limit of 6 guests, making it an ideal choice for smaller groups or families. The menu features a delightful array of Latin American cuisine, catering to a wide range of palates.
Petite Vie (Countryside)
Located in Countryside, Petite Vie is a French restaurant that has earned a rating of 4.8/5. This charming establishment offers classic French dishes in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio, soaking in the ambiance and savoring the flavors of traditional French cuisine.
COA – Drake Oakbrook (Oak Brook)
For those seeking a more unique dining experience, COA – Drake Oakbrook in Oak Brook is a must-visit. With a rating of 4.6/5, this restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas and Latin-inspired fare. Guests can indulge in a variety of small plates and sample tequila and mezcal flights, creating a truly immersive and flavorful lunch near Brookfield Zoo.
Dining Options Within Brookfield Zoo
In addition to the nearby restaurants, Brookfield Zoo itself offers a variety of dining options to cater to the needs of its visitors. These include:
- Bites & Brews Stations: Offering festive favorites like beer, pretzels with cheese, popcorn, and cotton candy.
- BZ Red Hots: Serving up pizza, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and seasonal salads.
- Café del Sol: Featuring vegetarian bowls, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
- Cup & Cone: Serving up ice cream, ICEE flavors, custom-made coffee drinks, and cold brew.
- Dippin’ Dots Carts: Providing a variety of ice cream treats.
- Graze: Offering hamburgers, barbecue & smokehouse offerings, seasoned fries, and beverages.
- Leinie’s Lodge: Stocking cold beer, bottled water, Gatorade, popcorn, and pretzels.
- SWEETY BIRD: Serving up ice cream, funnel cakes, gourmet popcorn, and other sweet treats.
- The Coop FOOD Truck: Featuring hand-breaded chicken sandwiches (seasonal).
- Taco Caja Food Truck: Offering street tacos with meat and vegetarian options (seasonal).
- Wild Burger: Serving all-beef hot dogs, burgers, and more.
These dining options within the zoo provide a convenient and diverse range of choices, ensuring that visitors can refuel and recharge during their day at Brookfield Zoo.
Other Nearby Dining Recommendations
Beyond the options mentioned above, the area surrounding Brookfield Zoo offers a variety of additional dining establishments worth considering:
- Mary’s Morning Mix-Up: Serving breakfast and brunch options.
- Burger Antics: Offering steak burgers and vegetarian options.
- Irish Times: Featuring traditional Irish fare and fish and chips.
- Daisy’s Treats: Providing a variety of ice cream flavors and dairy-free options.
- Paisans: Serving up pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
- Tony’s: Offering a 24/7 breakfast menu and diverse menu options.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch, or a more upscale dining experience, the options near Brookfield Zoo cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your visit to the zoo and enjoy a delightful dining experience that will complement your day.
Reference:
– Brookfield Zoo Dining Options
– The Chew Chew
– La Barra – Riverside
– Maya Del Sol
– Petite Vie
– COA – Drake Oakbrook