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Arturo Express
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Arturo Express
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Arturo Express is a daytime Italian cafe near Union Station known for Italian beef, hand-tossed pizzas, pastas and value-priced lunch combos. Commuters and office regulars rely on it for hearty, old-school Chicago Italian plates that move quickly without feeling like pure fast food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Beef, Arturo Signature Salad, Salad & 1/2 Pizza Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Union Station-adjacent Italian counter doing beef, pizza and pasta combos.
Who should go: Commuters and office workers wanting hearty, inexpensive Italian lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the peak noon-to-one rush.
What to order: Italian Beef, Arturo Signature Salad, Salad & 1/2 Pizza Combo.
Insider tip: Use combo deals to sample both pizza and pasta without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited near Union Station; most guests use nearby paid garages or commuter transit.
Dress code: Casual — work attire and jeans are typical for weekday lunch crowds.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a weekday daytime operation with no typical weekend dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Short counter line during peak noon hour (5–10 minutes), otherwise little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — cheese pizzas, salads, and a few pasta preparations can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — most items include cheese or dairy; customization may be needed.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free pasta or pizza program; salads are the safest option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a fast-casual, commuter-focused lunch spot built for speed and value rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; arrive slightly before the lunch rush for the best table availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly during off-peak hours, but there are no dedicated kids’ menus or amenities and seating is geared toward quick meals.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more affordable old-school Italian lunches near Union Station than sit-down trattorias in the area.
Skip if: You want a leisurely dinner, elevated ambiance, extensive dietary accommodations, or chef-driven pasta programs.
Arturo Express
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
A commuter-corridor counter built around fast Italian-American staples—pizza slices, pasta, and sandwich comfort—where the real value is speed and predictability. For families, it’s best used as a practical takeout stop: order simple, split portions, and treat it like a quick win near Union Station rather than a linger spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese pizza slice, Chicken parmesan sandwich, Baked ziti
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 5.9
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, no-drama Italian-American takeout steps from the commuter flow.
Who should go: Families needing a quick, affordable meal
When to visit: Weekdays before 1pm to avoid the rush
What to order: Cheese slice, chicken parm sandwich, baked ziti
Insider tip: Mix slices + one pasta tray—easy sharing and better value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearby paid garages around Union Station and street parking is limited and time-restricted on weekdays.
Dress code: Very casual—commuter-friendly, jeans and work clothes are standard.
Noise level: Moderate during rush periods due to foot traffic; quieter mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; weekends are slower than weekdays.
Weekday lunch: Short line possible 11:30am–1pm; otherwise little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese pizza, marinara-based pastas, and simple salads.
Vegan options: Very limited—some pasta or pizza can be modified without cheese; not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s built for speed and convenience rather than atmosphere or privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—ordering is counter-service and seating is first-come, first-served when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple pizza and pasta work well for kids, but there are no special amenities or lingering space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Italian-American comfort when you need food quickly near transit.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Italian meal, quieter dining, or broader dietary accommodations.
Arturo Express
7.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
A commuter-corridor Italian counter near the station flow that’s most useful for no-drama slices and quick takeout when kids (or coworkers) need food now. Treat it like a practical stop: order simple pizza plus one backup item and keep expectations focused on speed and predictability. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese pizza slice, Pepperoni slice, Slice + drink combo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, commuter-friendly pizza counter built for predictable takeout.
Who should go: Families needing fast fuel near trains
When to visit: Weekday mid-morning or early lunch
What to order: Cheese slice, pepperoni slice, slice + drink
Insider tip: Keep it to slices—bigger orders can slow down the in-and-out rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; limited metered street parking nearby and nearby garages at commuter rates.
Dress code: Very casual — commuter-friendly, jeans and workwear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle and steady foot traffic, fine for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Minimal crowds overall; typically no wait but hours may be limited.
Weekday lunch: Short lines during peak lunch rush; usually 5–10 minutes in and out.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese slices and basic veggie options are easy to order.
Vegan options: Very limited — no dedicated vegan menu; may require modifications.
Gluten-free options: No — gluten-free options are not a focus.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s built for speed and function, not lingering or atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter service with minimal seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops — simple slices, fast service, and easy portions work well for kids, but it’s not a sit-down family experience.
Best For
Better for: Fast slices, predictable pricing, and no-friction takeout near transit corridors.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down meal, broader menu variety, or dietary accommodations.