Somewhere between the chaos of a drive-thru and the commitment of a three-course meal with linen napkins exists a sweet spot in the dining world.
It’s the place you go when you want your food fast but still want the option to sit down, breathe, and eat with actual silverware. Casual enough for jeans, fast enough for your lunch hour, and tasty enough to text a friend mid-bite to brag about your meal.
Some meals are meant to be quick. Others are meant to be enjoyed. But every now and then, a place comes along that manages to do both without breaking a sweat. It’s not fancy, but it’s far from forgettable. The food comes out fast, the atmosphere is relaxed, and somehow it all just works.
Whatever the secret recipe is, LoveFood found the one Illinois spot that does it better than the rest.
According to LoveFood's list, the best fast, casual restaurant in Illinois is Brightwok Kitchen in Chicago.
Here's what LoveFood had to say about the best fast, casual restaurant in the state:
"With two Chicago restaurants (in River North and the Loop), Bright Wok has built a reputation for affordable Asian eats in modern surroundings since it opened back in 2015. The bright and fresh stir-fry dishes are all free from gluten, dairy, fish, shellfish, and peanuts, making the entire menu allergy friendly as well as tasty. Expect colorful veggie bowls like The Crunchy Crave (featuring creamy cashews, brown rice, carrots, sprouts, and kale), and munchable appetizers like banana chips with Korean barbecue spice."
Check out LoveFood for a continued list of the best fast casual restaurants across the country.