Best Places to Eat at by DePaul’s Loop Campus

A smiling young woman with glasses and AirPods holds up a large slice of pizza, showing its crispy bottom crust. She is seated in a pizzeria with an orange wall and wood paneling behind her.

I’m always down to grab a bite, from a quick lunch, to an early dinner after class with friends. Luckily as we are located right in the Loop, there are so many options to choose from. I have a top 5 places that are super near DePaul and make it easy to grab and go or sit down and chat.

1. Fontano’s Subs & Pizzeria

Not only do they have delicious pizza and sandwiches, but as it’s located right on Michigan Avenue the views are amazing. Personally I love getting a slice of cheese pizza! The crust is thick, fluffy and it is super cheesy. It’s a very on the go atmosphere, with window seating, a few small tables and that’s it. Fontano’s is a great place to pop in to grab a bite and when the weather is warm you can even sit outside.

A single slice of cheese pizza on a white plate sits on a wooden table, accompanied by a bottle of Joe’s Unsweetened Black Tea. The background shows a large window with a view of an outdoor patio and city buildings.

A cheeseburger with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a toasted bun sits in a paper tray on a counter in a food hall. The background is blurred, showing tables, chairs, and people.

2. Harry’s Hamburger

The next two places are actually located in the same place, Sterling Food Hall. I love the food hall itself as there is literally something for everyone. But one of my top picks is Harry’s Hamburger. They manage to always get the outside of the burger slightly crispy, and the brioche buns are the perfect sweetness. They even offer a veggie burger!

3. Los Milagros

Los Milagros is the perfect place to grab a taco or even a taco salad. They also serve breakfast which is a plus. As I walk right past them on my commute to school, if I’m early I stop in and get a breakfast burrito.

A picture of a large inflatable snowman at the DePaul University Ugly Sweater Party.

A store front in white brick with the sign “Bibibo” in orange lettering, with a window showing a barstool. A street is running in front of it, along with a car parked outside.

4. Bibibop

The next place is right across the street from DePaul Center, Bibibop and they are a great option especially if you are craving something a little fresher. My friends and I are there a lot because they are totally gluten free. My favorite part is that their bowls are completely customizable, so if you want to leave out the Kimchi or double up on tofu you can.

5. Beatrix Market

Last is a DePaul favorite, which is Beatrix Market. As it is right next to DePaul, most of the time you can find students and professors there. They have a rotating menu featuring different things. They do have some staples like their salad bar. Which personally is the best I have ever seen. Also there are lots of pizza, even your own mini personal deep dish. And of course they have a coffee bar with lots of decadent pastries.

A coffee shop with a modern, cozy interior featuring a wooden counter, menu boards, and a "Line Starts Here" sign. Two women stand in line while a seating area with leather couches and paper takeout bags is visible in the foreground.

These are just a couple of the places located near and around the Loop Campus. There are always new places popping up and as you’re located in the heart of Chicago there are many, many options. I suggest meeting up with a friend during a break in classes and trying a new place!