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Depot 226
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Depot 226
7.7
A hotel-lobby all-day spot that functions as a coffee bar, cocktail counter, and light-bites kitchen without feeling like an afterthought. The best move is to treat it as a flexible reset—morning caffeine, late-afternoon snack, then a simple drink before heading out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich, Pastry + coffee combo, House cocktail (ask what’s featured)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A lobby bar-cafe that’s genuinely useful all day.
Who should go: Travelers, remote workers, pre-theater crews
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening
What to order: Breakfast sandwich, pastry, a cocktail
Insider tip: Sit at the bar—service runs faster than tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available; pricing varies by day and event schedule. Limited street parking nearby, typically tighter after business hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and clean sneakers are common; business-casual fits naturally.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation most of the day, slightly livelier during happy hour.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait or a short wait; not a peak destination dinner spot.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pastries, breakfast items, and light bites with vegetarian-friendly options.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly coffee drinks and select snack items; menu depth is modest.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free snacks and drinks, but no dedicated program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual meet-up or pre-event drink than a formal first-date dinner—the setting is relaxed and low-pressure, but not especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is primarily walk-in friendly, with bar seating often turning over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral-friendly—fine for well-behaved kids during daytime hours, but there’s no kids menu or family-focused setup.
Best For
Better for: Flexible all-day use—coffee, light food, and cocktails in one stop—especially when you want something calmer than a full restaurant.
Skip if: You’re looking for a destination meal, a lively dinner scene, or a menu with deep dietary accommodations.
Depot 226
7.7
A hotel-adjacent bistro and market setup that’s practical for coffee, grab-and-go, and a light meal when you’re in the Central Loop. The best value is in the quick picks—breakfast items, sandwiches, and snacks—rather than trying to force it into a long, multi-course sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich, Grab-and-go sandwich, Pastry or dessert case pick
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A bistro-plus-market format that’s genuinely convenient downtown.
Who should go: Hotel guests and Loop grab-and-go diners
When to visit: Morning or mid-afternoon lull
What to order: Breakfast sandwich, a deli-style sandwich, a pastry
Insider tip: Use it as a quick reset stop between meetings—don’t over-order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearby garages serve the Central Loop but rates are typical for downtown. Street parking is limited and time-restricted during weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual to casual—workwear, jeans, and sneakers are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; generally easy to hold a conversation outside of peak breakfast and lunch rushes.
Weekend wait: Not typically a dinner destination; minimal wait when open.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short line during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pastries, some breakfast items, salads, and a few sandwich options.
Vegan options: Limited—mainly packaged snacks or modified orders; not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some packaged items and salads, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date—it’s more functional than atmospheric, better for a quick coffee or casual meet-up than a linger-and-talk meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system, and seating typically turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral—fine for older kids grabbing breakfast or a snack, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Speed, convenience, and flexibility when you need coffee, a sandwich, or a light bite between meetings in the Loop.
Skip if: You want a destination meal, a long sit-down lunch, or strong dietary-specialty cooking.
Depot 226
7.6
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A hotel-lobby bistro and bar that’s surprisingly useful for happy hour when you want a lower-drama scene near the commuter corridor. Think quick bites, simple cocktails, and an easy in-and-out rhythm—best when you treat it as a casual reset, not a destination dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parfait, Garden Salad, Grab-and-Go Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: A calm hotel-lobby bar that works for quick drinks and light bites.
Who should go: Solo commuters and small groups near Union Station
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for a quieter happy hour
What to order: A cocktail, a sandwich, something small and shareable
Insider tip: Use it as a meet-up anchor—easy entry, easy exit, minimal wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available for a fee; nearby garages around Union Station are plentiful, street parking is limited during weekday rush hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—workwear, jeans, and commuter-friendly outfits all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, even during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: No wait typically; space rarely fills to capacity.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, even during standard lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited but workable options like salads and vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—may require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly items available; confirm with staff for specifics.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a low-pressure meet-up than a true date spot—calm, comfortable, but not especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm and usually seated immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Neutral—kids are fine in early hours, but it’s more geared toward adults and business travelers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, calm happy hours near Union Station when you want easy drinks without crowds.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-energy bar scene or a destination-worthy food experience.