Sometimes you just need a quick and easy meal on the go.  It’s annoying to always have to plan ahead and make a reservation on the weekend.  Everyone needs that go to list of places that you won’t have a problem getting into.  Here is a look at three quick meals I’ve had in the last couple of weeks.

Dylan’s Tavern – I don’t spend much time eating in the Loop.  However, my coworkers and I were yearning for a sit down lunch and found our way to Dylan’s.  I’ve been to Dylan’s for happy hour before but never for the food.  I had been craving a quesadilla and was excited to see one on the menu.  My temporary happiness quickly turned to uneasiness when I found out that they do not serve guacamole with their quesadilla.

I seriously debated going to Chipotle to pick up a side of guac, and I regret not doing so.  The quesadilla was fine.

I prefer a doughier tortilla to a crunchier one and I just found the overall dish to lack flavor.  The pico helped contrast the flavors a bit but I was really missing the quac.  Luckily, I split a basket of fries with a coworker and they were flavorful.  The real surprise was the BBQ sauce on the side for dipping which tasted homemade and had a great sweet/smoky flavor.  I’ll probably keep to drinks at Dylan’s moving forward.

Star of Siam – I have to admit that I haven’t ventured to many Thai places in Chicagoland.  However, I found my go-to Thai place early on and I haven’t strayed even though I know that better exists out there.  Star of Siam is always quick, consistent, cheap, and is one of the few places you can  grab a table on a weekend in River North without a reservation.

I’m in love with their yellow curry with chicken, potatoes, and peas.  The curry is subtle and comforting.  Definitely one of my comfort food dishes during the winter months.  However, this most recent trip was during a 90+ degree day so I tried the Shrimp Pad Thai.

The portion is filling, the serving size of shrimp is adequate, and I enjoy the contrasts of flavors and textures in the dish (as you would expect from any good pad thai).  I wouldn’t say it’s the best I ever had but it keeps me coming back!

Athenian Room – Another quick and easy spot is the Athenian Room.  It took me 3 skeesons (yes I said it) of skeeball at Glascott’s Saloon before I ate at the attached restaurant.  Athenian Room is a low key Greek spot that I probably wouldn’t have noticed.  However, spending once a week in Glascott’s makes it nearly impossible to ignore the delicious gryos and kebabs coming out from next door.

I ordered the classic Gyro with fries.  The meat was delicious and I could barely get enough.

I also have a strong obsession with tzatziki sauce and I was in pure heaven.  My only complaint is that the juice from the dish made the fries and pita wet and soft which made it difficult to make into a sandwich.  However, the cheap prices and delicious food will maintain a smile on my face.

Do you have some go to quick and easy spots to share?  I’d love to hear them!

Till next time, peace out food ninjas!