15 Foodie Approved Restaurants Around Columbia College Chicago

These are the best restaurants around Columbia College Chicago. If you're a student here who wants to explore your pallet, these are the top 15 places to check out.

If you’re like me, you know that scouting out the trendiest restaurants or grabbing a bite to eat with your friends is a must! It can be intimidating to move to a large city such as Chicago, especially when trying to navigate through all the new experiences that college has to offer. Luckily, I have gathered 15 restaurants around Columbia College Chicago all food lovers need to know!

1. Revival Food Hall

Do you have trouble picking out one thing on the menu? Have no fear! Revival Food Hall is a casual food market that caters everything from gelato to tacos to your classic BBQ, and many more tasteful neighborhood restaurants. Not only do you get to satisfy all your cravings in one, this happening place is located right around The Loop area!

2. Saucy Porka

A unique blend of Asian-Latin fusion, Saucy Porka offers a variety of delicious dishes to try from. Out of all the restaurants around Columbia College Chicago, this menu delivers classic plates like thai chicken curry, vegetarian egg rolls, pork carnitas and a selection of sandwiches including a twist on the classic cubana. Whether you want to indulge in some guilty pleasure foods or just a quick bite to eat, this is the place for you!

3. The Bad Apple

Basically every burger connoisseurs fantasy. The Bad Apple has various ones to try, 14 to be exact. Some of them more creative than others. For instance, take “JUST BEYOND THE THUNDERDOME,” a hearty burger that is topped with braised short rib, white cheddar, beer battered rings, horseradish sauce on a pretzel bun. If you’re more of a sandwich or salad person, the restaurant offers these options as well.

4. Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee

What’s better than a donut and coffee? Nothing. You will never be bored of Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee as the menu is switched up quite often, keeping you on your toes of what the next one will look like! Treat yourself to one or two donuts after a hard week or just because you deserve it! Even the Queen B herself can’t resist the delicious doughy goodness. This is the best one of breakfast out of all the restaurants around Columbia College Chicago.

5. Toni Patisserie & Cafe

One of my personal favorites on this list of restaurants around Columbia College Chicago: Toni Patisserie & Cafe. It is the essence of Instagram worthy pictures of a cappuccino with your bestie. No need to book a ticket to France or Italy when this charming cafe gives you the same feeling. An array of decadent desserts from macaroons to bite sized tea cakes. I’m pretty sure the iconic Audrey Hepburn would have given her approval after a shopping spree at Tiffany’s.

6. Giordano’s

Everyone knows that Chicago is famous for their deep dish pizza. One word: yummy. Dive into Giordano’s classic menu with more than you can handle including their thin crust and extra thin crust. Not a pizza lover? Totally OK! There are tons of pasta dishes as well as salads. It is advised to bring a big group as “sharing is caring” seems to be the motto here!

7. Nutella Cafe Chicago

America’s first Nutella Cafe is in the one and only Chi-town! As a wise person once said “Money can’t buy happiness but it can buy Nutella and that is basically the same thing.” Practically every single thing has Nutella incorporated into it, from crepes to gelato to even steel cut oats. In addition, this new kind of cafe offers savory specialties, soups, and panini’s. Out of all the Some restaurants around Columbia College Chicago, this one is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

8. Yolk

A match made in heaven for anyone who is a die hard fan of breakfast. Yolk is every dream you’ve ever had of pancakes, eggs, and bacon all in one. This breakfast chain offers an extensive arrangement of foods to choose from including classics like chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, and cinnamon roll french toast. Want to know the best part? The portions are bigger than your head. You might as well fast the day before.

9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Are you someone who loves chicken and spicy food? Out of all the Some restaurants around Columbia College Chicago; this is the place for you! Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken precedes to its name, a local favorite among many. Kentucky fried chicken and other well known chains have a run for their money due to an endless amount of praises and positive reviews by food critics alike. Located close to Fulton River Park, this will become your new “go-to!”

10. Blue Door Farm Stand

For all you health nerds out there, Blue Door Farm Stand carries fresh and carefully crafted meals that will have you itching to come back. Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner; their philosophy “Seasons should dictate what is on the table: Our customers should associate Blue Door with top quality service and products” sets them apart from other restaurants around Columbia College Chicago. I didn’t forget those of you who live for happy hour, from cocktails to wines by the glass, Blue Door has got you covered!

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11. Sugar Shack

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t like ice cream. There’s nothing better than devouring a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and turning on your favorite Netflix show. Whether we’ve had a bad day or want to celebrate, ice cream is always the solution. Sugar Shack has every topping imaginable and other frozen treats that will make you heart melt. Not only do they have exactly 30 toppings to choose from but the business is family owned as well!

12. Dylan’s Candy Bar

Willy Wonka would have been jealous. Dylan’s Candy Bar has everything for every sweet tooth, including your favorite candies, chocolates, and other sweets! The shop is so massive you could probably get lost in the sea of colorful treats. A good place to eat dessert after a night out or even if you want to just indulge! Fun fact: Dylan’s Candy Bar houses over 7,000 confections, boasting the largest unparalleled selection of candies and candy-gifts from around the world.

13. Davanti Enoteca

“Everything you see I owe to pasta” said the once famous actress, Sophia Loren. The Italians seem to know how to live life, particularly when talking about food. Davanti Enoteca captures all of the necessities with affordable prices that will have you wanting more. Spaghetti Al Pomodoro and Brasato Al Barolo, which braised beef short ribs, are just some of the scrumptious items Davanti Enoteca has. This is sure to be your new first pick!

14. Niu B

A small and intimate lounge styled restaurant, Niu B offers all your favorite asian plates such as pad thai and honey sesame chicken. Although, perhaps the real reason people go here is for the sushi, traditionally known as Maki and Nigiri. With classics like California Maki and Rainbow Roll to newbies like Bagel Maki and The Flamer Roll, you’ll never become tired of the menu! Not in the mood for sushi, they carry a good list of ramen soups to try as well. A cozy and casual little place, perfect for a first date!

15. Wilde Bar & Restaurant

Macaroni and cheese is a blessing from heaven, especially when it’s done to absolute perfection. Don’t even get me started on their sweet potato fries and shepherds pie! Wilde Bar & Restaurant is your classic Irish Pub but with a twist. This isn’t some casual “bar food,” Wilde provides delicious dishes that look like they should be on “America’s Next Top Chef” or some other food channel. A popular spot, located in Andersonville, you can always expect a buzz of people.

Munja munja! Eat eat! What are you waiting for? Go try these restaurants and find out which ones are your new favs. Start your own food diary, bring your friends, and dig in!