The Absolute Best to Go Food in Chicago [Updated 2025]

With a city as vibrant and diverse as Chicago, the options for delicious to-go meals are seemingly endless.

I've had the pleasure of reviewing twelve fantastic eateries that showcase the city's culinary prowess, from classic deep-dish pizza to innovative international flavors.

Each place I’ve chosen reflects not only quality but also the convenience that we crave in our busy lives.

So whether you're a local looking for your next meal or a visitor wanting to savor some of Chicago's finest offerings, this guide will help you navigate the delicious landscape of to-go food in the Windy City.

Hermosa Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious chicken sandwiches
Fresh, made-to-order meals
Fantastic Asian fusion flavors
Excellent service and hospitality
Enjoyable milkshakes

At Hermosa Restaurant, I found myself in a culinary paradise where flavors explode with each bite. Their chicken sandwiches are nothing short of a revelation! Each sandwich features perfectly marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, and nestled within a fresh, fluffy bun. But that's not all—the fusion of Asian flavors truly sets this place apart. From tangy sauces that dance on the palate to crisp vegetables that add a delightful crunch, each bite is an adventure.

What truly made my experience unforgettable was the exceptional service. The staff were not only friendly but genuinely passionate about their food, making recommendations that perfectly matched my palate. I felt like a valued guest rather than just another order.

To cap off my meal, I couldn't resist one of their delicious milkshakes. Smooth and rich, it was the perfect sweet note to end my visit. If you're in the Windy City and looking for the best to go food, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by Hermosa Restaurant. Their fresh, made-to-order meals are worth every bite, and your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

urbanbelly

Highlights
Korean Asian fusion flavors
Delicious curry pho
Spicy Korean rice cake soup
Great for group settings
Reliable and friendly service

Urbanbelly is a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, and let me tell you, it’s a treasure trove of Korean Asian fusion flavors! As I approached the bustling location, my excitement was palpable. The menu, a delightful medley, had me pondering over the variety of dishes—each more enticing than the last. I couldn’t resist trying their curry pho, and it was not a decision I regretted! The aromatic broth combined with delicate noodles swirled together in a dance of flavor that was simply unforgettable.

But the star of my meal had to be the spicy Korean rice cake soup. It packed a punch of zest that warmed the soul and invigorated the taste buds—definitely a must-try for spice lovers. What really impressed me was the service; the team was not only reliable but also genuinely friendly, adding a personal touch to the entire experience.

Urbanbelly also stands out as a fantastic option for group settings—the dishes are perfect for sharing and make for an exciting communal dining experience. If you're on the hunt for delectable to go food in Chicago, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Urbanbelly a try. You won’t be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

LaShuk Street Food

Highlights
Friendly staff
Great Middle Eastern food
Vegetarian options available
Cool atmosphere
Highly recommended

First things first, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in the door.

Now let's talk about the most important part - the food. The Middle Eastern cuisine here is simply amazing! Every bite was bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. As a vegetarian, I was pleased to see that they had plenty of options available for me to choose from.

The atmosphere at LaShuk Street Food is also worth mentioning. It's a cool and trendy spot that's perfect for grabbing a quick meal on the go or even sitting down to enjoy your food.

Overall, I would highly recommend checking out LaShuk Street Food if you're looking for some delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in Chicago. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

EL ideas

Highlights
Impeccable vibe
Exceptional flavors
Welcoming atmosphere
Unique surprises
Personal experience

The first thing that struck me about EL ideas was its impeccable vibe. The decor is modern with a hint of industrial, and the dim lighting gave it a cozy ambiance. The staff was incredibly friendly and made me feel like I belonged there.

Now onto the most important part - the food! The flavors were exceptional, each dish had its own unique twist that was both surprising and delicious. I highly recommend their homemade pasta - it's cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth.

What sets EL ideas apart from other restaurants is their unique surprises. Without giving too much away, expect to be wowed by unexpected flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

Overall, my personal experience at EL ideas was outstanding. I left feeling full, satisfied, and ready to come back for more. If you're looking for an exceptional to go food option in Chicago that's worth every penny, look no further than EL ideas!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Moti - River North

Highlights
Unique Indian pizza
Delicious loaded fries
Friendly staff

First off, let me start by saying that if you're looking for a unique twist on pizza, then Moti is the perfect spot for you. They offer an Indian-style pizza that is out of this world. The toppings are a blend of traditional Indian flavors and spices which makes for an unforgettable taste. I highly recommend trying their Chicken Tikka Masala pizza - it's a game-changer.

Besides the pizza, they also have some delicious loaded fries that will make your mouth water just thinking about them. The fries come with a variety of toppings and sauces, including butter chicken and chutney mayo, that complement each other perfectly. You might think you don't need fries with your pizza, but trust me when I say that these are worth it.

As someone who values good customer service, I was pleased to find that Moti has friendly staff who were more than happy to answer my questions and offer recommendations. They made my experience at the restaurant even better.

In summary, if you're looking for something new and exciting to try in the world of to go food in Chicago, look no further than Moti - River North. Their Indian-style pizzas and loaded fries will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, their welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home while enjoying your meal.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

The Berghoff Restaurant

Highlights
Iconic establishment
Unique menu items
Historic atmosphere
Excellent service

The first thing that caught my attention was the iconic establishment itself. The Berghoff Restaurant has been a staple in Chicago since 1898, and its historic atmosphere is truly unique. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I felt like I had stepped back in time.

When it came to deciding what to order, I was excited to see some unique menu items. The Berghoff offers a variety of German-inspired dishes, including their famous Reuben sandwich with homemade sauerkraut and corned beef piled high on rye bread. I also tried their potato pancakes topped with sour cream and applesauce – delicious!

But what really stood out to me was the excellent service. Even though I was only there for takeout, the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. They even threw in some complimentary chocolate-covered pretzels – a sweet surprise.

Overall, if you're looking for quality to go food in Chicago with an iconic atmosphere and unique menu items, The Berghoff Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Don't miss out on their Reuben sandwich or potato pancakes!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

Saucy Porka South Loop

Highlights
Diverse menu
Gluten-free options
Quick service
Fusion cuisine

Firstly, I was impressed with the diverse menu options that cater to different dietary needs. As a gluten-free eater, I appreciate the gluten-free options available, which are not always easy to come by in other fast-food establishments.

The fusion cuisine offered at Saucy Porka South Loop is a unique blend of Asian and Latin American flavors that tantalize the taste buds. I tried their pork belly tacos and they were bursting with flavor!

What's more impressive is the quick service that ensures you get your food in record time without compromising on quality. This makes it an ideal spot for grabbing lunch on the go or when you're in a hurry.

Overall, Saucy Porka South Loop is a must-try if you're looking for delicious fusion cuisine that caters to different dietary needs. Don't forget to try their signature pork belly tacos - they are out of this world!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Sunda Chicago

Highlights
Amazing atmosphere
Great service
Delicious food
Accommodates allergies and dietary restrictions

First off, let me just say that the atmosphere at Sunda is amazing. The decor highlights a modern take on Asian culture, which creates an ambiance that is both elegant and welcoming.

As for the service, I was impressed with how attentive and accommodating the staff were. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful suggestions based on my dietary restrictions.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food. Oh my goodness! The food at Sunda is simply delicious! From the sushi rolls to the entrees, every dish was expertly prepared with fresh ingredients.

What I appreciated most about Sunda was their ability to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. As someone with a gluten intolerance, I often feel limited when it comes to dining out. But at Sunda, I felt well taken care of and never once felt like I was missing out on anything.

Overall, if you're looking for amazing Asian cuisine in Chicago that caters to all dietary needs, then Sunda is definitely worth checking out. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Vajra

Highlights
Authentic taste
Next level dishes
Good ambience
Small but good cocktail list

First off, let me tell you that if authenticity is what you're after, Vajra will not disappoint. The authentic taste of their dishes will transport you straight to the streets of India. Their menu offers a wide range of options, from savory curries to crispy samosas, and each dish is taken to the next level with perfectly balanced flavors.

But it's not just the food that impressed me - the ambience is also worth mentioning. The warm colors and cozy interiors make for a great dining experience even if you're taking your food to go. And don't forget to check out their small but good cocktail list!

Overall, Vajra is definitely one of Chicago's hidden gems when it comes to Indian cuisine. If you're looking for some delicious food on-the-go, I highly recommend giving Vajra a try!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

avec Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious food
Bacon wrapped dates
Nice wine selection
Cosy atmosphere

First of all, let's talk about the food. The dishes at avec Restaurant are simply delicious. From the perfectly cooked meat to the fresh salads, I couldn't get enough. But there was one dish that stood out above the rest: the bacon wrapped dates. Trust me when I say that these little bites of heaven will change your life. I'm not even exaggerating.

To complement the amazing food, avec Restaurant also has a nice selection of wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for something to pair with your meal, they've got you covered.

And let's not forget about the cosy atmosphere. The dim lighting and warm decor make it the perfect place for a date night or a casual dinner with friends.

But what really impressed me about avec Restaurant was their ability to adapt to the current situation we're in. They offer great to go options without sacrificing quality. So whether you're dining in or taking your food to go, you can expect nothing but excellence from this restaurant.

In summary, if you're looking for delicious food, an extensive wine list, and a cosy atmosphere, look no further than avec Restaurant in Chicago. And don't forget to try those bacon wrapped dates – they'll change your life!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

BIG & little's Restaurant

Highlights
Tasty shrimp and chips basket
Excellent portions of fish and chips
Fresh taste on the fish
Nice spicy kick on the shrimp taco

First of all, I was blown away by the tasty shrimp and chips basket. The shrimp were cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. The fries were also great, not too greasy or soggy.

Next up was the excellent portion of fish and chips. The fish had a fresh taste that made me feel like I was eating it right off the pier. The batter was light but still crispy enough to give that satisfying crunch with every bite.

One thing I really appreciated about BIG & little's Restaurant was their attention to detail. Each dish had its own unique flavor profile that kept me wanting more. For example, the spicy kick on the shrimp taco was just perfect for my taste buds.

Overall, I would highly recommend BIG & little's Restaurant for anyone looking for delicious and fresh to go food in Chicago. Their portions are generous, their flavors are spot-on, and their prices won't break the bank. Plus, they have a fun and laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for grabbing a quick meal on-the-go or hanging out with friends over some tasty seafood.

Go 4 Food

Highlights
Delicious seafood dishes
French style beef tenderloin
Vegetarian options available
Chef's special menu for private dinner
Great Hong Kong style cuisine

First of all, I was impressed with their diverse menu. From delicious seafood dishes to French style beef tenderloin, they had something for everyone. Even vegetarians could enjoy the meal as they had vegetarian options available as well.

As a foodie, I always appreciate when restaurants go the extra mile to make meals special. At Go 4 Food, they have a chef's special menu for private dinner which is perfect if you're looking to impress someone special or just treat yourself.

But let me tell you what really stood out - their Hong Kong style cuisine. It was like taking a trip to Asia without leaving Chicago! Everything from the flavor to the presentation was spot on.

Overall, my experience at Go 4 Food was delightful and I would definitely recommend it as one of the best places for to go food in Chicago. So next time you're craving some Asian delicacies, don't hesitate to give them a try!