Thanks -- unfortunately, I got your reply too late. From what I experienced, food priced at ORD are OK, although by the time you pay the 10% sales tax, you're probably looking at a 30% mark-up over non-airport prices. (I agree with you that prices are worse at LAX!). I didn't make it over to the UA area, and the selection in the AA concourse was mediocre. I had my family with me and probably would have bought a deep dish pizza for my crowd, but alas they were only selling individual pizzas at Reggios and Pizzeria Uno, and I must say they looked pretty bad and pretty expensive ($6). Everyone was lining up for a burrito at Burrito Beach so I tried it, but I thought it was pretty mediocre and somewhat overpriced. I did notice that the food court on the walkway to the UA terminal was MUCH less crowded than the "main" food court between the H and K concourses, and seemed to have some local style options at slightly better prices. Overall, my outbound "culinary experience" at ORD was such that I brought some cheese and french bread for my return flight and fed the kids at McDonalds.

Speaking of kids, there's a great play area just inside the UA terminal that is also accessible from the AA terminal without having to pass through security (if you're already on the air-side part). A great way to keep the little ones occupied on a longish layover. It worked for us!