Originally Posted by num1bearsfan

Potbelly's is the typical out of towner's favorite. I've never been a huge fan to be honest. Potbelly's is a chain in the Chicago area and they serve a relatively ordinary toasted sandwiches IMO.. I think perhaps most people from various other parts of the country have lower standards when it comes to food, because I can't understand the fascination with an overpriced 5 inch long burnt sandwich. Chicago has a lot of outstanding food, of which potbelly's is not even a topic of conversation. I've eaten maybe 10-12 potbelly sandwiches since I've been working at MDW airport (which is many years). I think the casual traveler is intimidated by the tavern looking joint in the back called Illinois Bar and Grill, because this is where the best food is, and even this is only good for "airport food"..

Just some advice when it comes to eating at MDW..

Stay away from any of the pizza joints. If you're hoping to get a taste of Chicago style pizza, you will get the furthest thing from it at these places.

Harry Carray's is garbage. (emphasis on the period)

The Chinese joint is mediocre but tolerable as long as it's the fresh stuff and not the stuff that's been coagulating in the pan for 3 hours. (ask for the steamed rice)

Manny's is a gross cafeteria style place. Some people claim to like it, not sure why..

There's another half way decent place at the far end of the "B" concourse called Oak Street Beach.. The food is good, but the service is slow.

Miller's Pub is nick named Miller's Pube, and there's a story behind why. Use your imagination.

Avoid "Tuscani" on the A side at all costs, unless you don't mind spending $14 on a slice of frozen pizza and a salad.

Let Them Eat Cake is an odd Bar/Cake bakery combo place. Good cake sold by the slice if you ever find yourself walking through the airport with a hankering for a slice of wedding cake.

Super Dog does a respectable job at assembling a Chicago style hot dog, but the service is slow and the staff will actually hide in the back to avoid serving customers.

Lalo's is a Mexican place that serves second rate Mexican food and has been known to get closed down by the health dept from time to time.

Gold Coast sells all kinds of greasy brown paper bag type Chicago style food. Some of it is alright, but it's VERY expensive.

Pegasus is a Greek place that sells all kinds of kabbobs, gyros, pastries, etc. It's actually decent, but a Gyros about a 1000 times better can be had a short ride from the airport.

Taylor street is a deli place that's way too expensive and nothing special.

I think that cover's nearly everything.