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Steve's Bite
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Steve's Bite
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Steve’s Bite is a compact South Loop counter spot near Wintrust Arena turning out burgers, chicken, and griddled sandwiches over generous piles of fries. Locals use it for quick pre- or post-event meals where hot, straightforward fries anchor combo plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with Fries, Chicken Tenders and Fries, Italian Beef with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: A small, fast-moving South Loop grill where fries complete every combo.
Who should go: Arena-goers needing fast, filling burgers and fries nearby.
When to visit: Before tipoff or right after events to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Tenders and Fries, Italian Beef combo.
Insider tip: Call in or order online before events; seating is limited inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible on nearby side streets but becomes limited during Wintrust Arena events; most guests rely on nearby paid garages or rideshare on game nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, hoodies, and event attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate — quiet during off-hours, but can be loud around pre- and post-event rushes.
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes around event times; little to no wait outside of games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with occasional brief lines during nearby campus rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries and a few meat-free sides may work, but mains are mostly burger and chicken focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries may be the only practical option; confirm prep and oil use if strict.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program — most items include breading or buns; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual bite than a formal date — it’s a compact counter spot focused on quick meals and fries.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations, but seating is limited; many guests order takeout, especially during events.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, casual meals — simple menu and counter seating, but space is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable combo meals with generous fries before or after nearby events.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, broader dietary accommodations, or a linger-and-hang style meal.
Steve's Bite
7.8
Just east of Indiana Avenue, Steve’s Bite is a compact South Loop grill turning out burgers, rice bowls, and halal chicken plates for Wintrust Arena crowds and neighborhood regulars. Online reviews emphasize hot fries, generous combo portions, and friendly counter service that make it a reliable pre- or post-event stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with Fries, Chicken Tenders and Fries, Italian Beef Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Halal-friendly South Loop counter spot where burgers, bowls, and fries anchor filling game-day meals.
Who should go: Arena-goers needing fast, filling combos near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Before tipoff or right after events to dodge the rush.
What to order: Cheeseburger with fries, chicken tenders and fries, Italian beef combo.
Insider tip: Order online for pickup before big events; seating is limited and lines spike right before tipoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets; availability tight during Wintrust Arena events. Paid garages around McCormick Place are the most reliable option on game nights.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during event rushes; quieter on non-event evenings and weekday lunches.
Weekend wait: Event-dependent — typically 20–40 minutes before games; often no wait on non-event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with brief spikes from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries, sides, and occasional customizable bowls; most mains are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries and a few sides; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice bowls may be modified, but there is no separate prep area or cross-contamination guarantee.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, quick meals than a formal date — it’s counter-service, compact, and geared toward pre- and post-event crowds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, but seating is limited. Expect to take food to-go during peak event rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals — simple menus and combo plates work well for families, but seating is tight and there are few kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable halal-friendly combos and hot fries within walking distance of Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, spacious seating, or robust vegan/gluten-free options — or you’re avoiding busy event-night crowds.