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Arturo Express
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Loop
Best Family Friendly Italian in Loop
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Loop
Master Critic Review
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.