If you must shop in the Loop, this is your hidden oasis. Skip the lobby bar and head back to Potter's. They mix the Manhattans strong (but balanced) so plan on calling for a ride afterwards.
If you're prepared to cook or preserve within a day or two, head back to the almost - due rack (hidden between the freezer and meat counter) for ripe, bulk produce around 50% off.
I didn't understand protein shakes until I tried Zinc's. Almond butter, flax and, just maybe, magic.
A beery, cozy oasis that somehow exists apart from the surrounding madness of the Theater District. The flights on the menu reward the curious.
The chilaquiles verdes and a margarita oaxaqueña will bring you back from whatever bender brought you here in the first place.
Find the most obscure bottle of eastern European amaro you can find in the liquor section upstairs, then pair it with whatever suits your fancy from the butcher.
Try the cold brewed coffee on tap. It's the only setup of its kind that I've seen in Chicago.
After many attempts at transubstantiation the alchemists behind the bar at Parson's wrought the Negroni Slushie. Sunshine in a glass. Bitter, bitter sunshine.
The cinnamon buns here make Ann Sather's taste like they came out of an EZ-bake oven. Lemon icing, caraway, gooey deliciousness. Add some Ander's hash and eggs if you're craving protein.
If you're patient and resourceful you can find a couple of hidden utility outlets on the outdoor patio. Between that and the lovely coffee you'll be thoroughly fueled for the morning.
If getting my meticulously poured traditional cappuccino from a charming barista in a bowtie is wrong, then I don't want to be right.
If you can't figure out which kind of smoothie you'd like, pull a wild card and spring for the fresh sugar cane juice. It's less sweet and more flavorful than you might expect.
Look on the other side of the wine list for a robust selection of ciders. Then kick back and watch your footie like a proper Europhile.
Pick up a bottle of something tempting and bring it to one of the several nearby BYOB dining spots. If you don't see what you want, ask. They might just begin stocking it by the next time you're in.
