After looking through our list of picnic spots in Chicago, pick up some prepared food and drink from these convenient locations.
Eataly
Made-in-Italy salumi, cheese and snacks are the star of the market at Eataly, a gourmet Italian food chain located in River North. Its proximity to Millennium Park, Lakeshore East Park and Navy Pier make it ideal for grabbing some freshly-prepared pasta, salads or charcuterie essentials for a picnic. Organic, locally-grown produce and wood-fired breads are also a must.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a hip cafe and market chain with locations in Gold Coast, River North, Fulton Market, Old Town and Wicker Park. On-trend grab-and-go offerings include grain bowls, salads and various kombuchas, teas and coffee.
Potash Market
With two locations in Gold Coast, Potash combines the traditional supermarket with unique, upscale products. Pick up grab-and-go sushi, deli sandwiches and salads, fresh bread and miniature gelato cups. It’s reasonably priced for its high-quality products, which include farm-to-table meat and produce.
Café L’Appetito
Family-run business Café L’Appetito brings a taste of small-town Italy to the Gold Coast, West Loop and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The to-go menu consists of Italian panini, classic American sandwiches, salads and indulgent desserts. Try the Caprese sandwich and pistachio cannoli and wash it down with a San Pellegrino soda.
Beatrix Market
Beatrix is a stylish coffee shop chain with four market locations: two in the Loop, one in Streeterville and one in Fulton Market. Its hot bar, salad bar, hummus bar and prepared foods have a wide variety of flavors and ingredients united by a wholesome, healthy theme. Pick up the salmon dill pasta salad, hummus sampler or lemon vanilla yogurt parfait.
J.P. Graziano Grocery
Housed in the West Loop since 1937, J.P. Graziano has groceries imported from Italy plus an in-store sub shop. Freshly-sliced meats and cheese grace its signature sandwiches, most famously the Italian. Don’t miss its made-to-order tuna salad, cheesy focaccia and fruity sorbetto.
The Goddess and Grocer
The Goddess and Grocer, also known for its bakeries, is a modern, refreshing twist on the typical market. Its locations in Gold Coast and Fulton Market (near Heritage Green Park in the West Loop) have elevated lunch fare — sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads — as well as add-ons like miso honey salmon and butter chicken samosas. Sweeten the deal with housemade desserts like its famous rainbow cake.
