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SPACE 519 | The Lunchroom
ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
SPACE 519 | The Lunchroom
7.9
Tucked inside the SPACE 519 concept store, The Lunchroom is a 40-seat cafe serving vegetable-forward, California-style takes on American lunch standards, plus brunch plates and pastries. Portions skew lighter and presentations cleaner than neighboring hotel spots, with an emphasis on salads, toast-based plates, and composed sandwiches. It’s more of a daytime hangout than a destination dinner, but fills a real gap for fresher-feeling food near the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast Club, Carolina BBQ Chicken Flatbread, Farm Table Burrata
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A stylish concept-store cafe serving lighter, California-influenced American lunches.
Who should go: Shoppers and office workers seeking fresher daytime options nearby.
When to visit: Late weekday lunch for easier seating and a relaxed pace.
What to order: Choose Avocado Toast Club, a composed salad, and a pastry.
Insider tip: Plan a visit when you have time to browse the adjoining shop; the combined cafe-and-retail experience is the real draw.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite parking; nearby paid garages along Michigan Ave and Delaware St are the most reliable. Street parking is limited and metered, especially during retail hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — shoppers and office casual attire are common; athleisure and jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate daytime café buzz — conversation is comfortable at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a daytime café and is not a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate — typically little to no wait outside peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — many salads, toasts, and bowls can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several items can be modified; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Multiple options — salads and select plates can be prepared gluten-free upon request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date — it’s bright, relaxed, and conversational, better suited to coffee-and-lunch vibes than a formal evening outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common at lunch; arrive slightly before the peak noon rush for the best shot at immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for well-behaved kids during daytime hours — small space with limited stroller room and no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Lighter, vegetable-forward plates and a calmer, boutique-retail setting compared to larger hotel restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You want a full dinner, large portions, or a lively nightlife scene — this is a daytime café with a lighter, wellness-leaning menu.
Hours
Monday9am - 6pm
Tuesday9am - 6pm
Wednesday9am - 6pm
Thursday9am - 6pm
Friday9am - 6pm
Saturday9am - 6pm
Sunday10am - 5pm