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North America

United States

# Pine Street Kitchen – Affordable Lunch Spot in Chicago
Pine Street Kitchen, located in the Equitable Building at 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, is a hidden gem for office workers seeking affordable and convenient lunch options. This cafeteria-style restaurant offers a diverse menu, including freshly cooked burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Established to serve the local community, it has quickly become a favorite among employees in the area. Review highlights often mention the tasty burgers and friendly staff, although some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality and service. Overall, Pine Street Kitchen is a practical choice for a quick meal in a bustling urban environment.

## History
### The story of Pine Street Kitchen
Pine Street Kitchen was founded with the vision of providing a convenient dining option for the employees of the Equitable Building and nearby offices. The founders aimed to create a cafeteria that not only served quick meals but also emphasized quality and affordability. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of its clientele, adapting its menu and services to cater to a diverse group of diners.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in the early 2000s to serve the Equitable Building.
- Expanded menu offerings to include a variety of cuisines and dietary options.
- Renovated the dining space to enhance the customer experience.
- Gained popularity among local office workers, becoming a go-to lunch spot.

### Cultural and local influence
Pine Street Kitchen has become an integral part of the local work culture in Chicago. It reflects the city's fast-paced lifestyle, providing quick service and a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. The restaurant's commitment to affordability resonates with the working community, making it a popular choice for lunch breaks.

### Continuing the tradition
As Pine Street Kitchen continues to serve its loyal customers, it remains dedicated to its founding principles. The management regularly updates the menu based on customer feedback and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that the offerings remain fresh and appealing. This commitment to quality and community engagement helps Pine Street Kitchen maintain its relevance in a competitive dining landscape.

## Community
### Community involvement
Pine Street Kitchen actively engages with the local community by sourcing ingredients from nearby suppliers whenever possible. This not only supports local businesses but also enhances the freshness of the meals served. The restaurant often participates in community events, further solidifying its role as a community hub.

### Community notion about the place
The general sentiment among the local community is that Pine Street Kitchen provides a valuable service. Many employees appreciate the convenience and affordability of the meals, although some have expressed concerns about the consistency of food quality. Overall, it is viewed as a practical option for a quick lunch.

### Events and gatherings
Pine Street Kitchen occasionally hosts events to promote local food vendors and seasonal specialties. These events help foster a sense of community among diners and encourage them to try new dishes. Additionally, the restaurant is often a gathering place for informal meetings and social interactions among office workers in the area.

## Offerings
### What Pine Street Kitchen offers
Pine Street Kitchen provides a diverse menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, salads, and daily specials. The cafeteria-style setup allows diners to customize their meals, making it easy to accommodate various dietary preferences. The restaurant's focus on fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals sets it apart from typical fast-food options.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Pine Street Kitchen is casual and efficient. Customers can choose from a variety of stations, including a grill for burgers, a salad bar, and a hot food section. The emphasis on freshly prepared meals ensures that diners enjoy quality food without the long wait times often associated with traditional restaurants. Reviewers frequently highlight the tasty burgers and the convenience of the cafeteria setup.

### Events and packages
Pine Street Kitchen offers catering services for local businesses and events, providing a selection of menu items that can be tailored to suit different occasions. This service has been well-received, as it allows companies to provide their employees with convenient meal options during meetings or special events. Seasonal promotions and special menu items are also featured regularly, encouraging repeat visits.

### Facilities and features
- Salad bar with fresh vegetables and toppings
- Grill station for made-to-order burgers and sandwiches
- Daily specials featuring a variety of cuisines
- Comfortable seating area for dining
- Convenient location in the Equitable Building

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Pine Street Kitchen present a mixed bag of experiences. While many diners appreciate the affordability and convenience, others have raised concerns about food quality and service consistency. The restaurant's strengths lie in its diverse menu and friendly staff, but it also faces challenges related to maintaining freshness and quality across all offerings.

### Compliments and strengths
Many customers commend Pine Street Kitchen for its affordable prices and the quality of its burgers and sandwiches. The friendly staff and quick service are often highlighted as positive aspects of the dining experience. Additionally, the variety of menu options allows for customization, catering to different dietary needs.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Contrasting opinions emerge regarding the salad bar and some prepared items, with several reviewers mentioning instances of wilted or rotten vegetables. Service speed can also vary, with some customers experiencing longer wait times during peak hours. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment remains that Pine Street Kitchen is a valuable lunch option for those in the area.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, Pine Street Kitchen offers a convenient and affordable dining experience for office workers in Chicago. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding food quality and consistency, the restaurant's strengths in service and menu variety help maintain its popularity among local diners.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Pine Street Kitchen is situated in the heart of Chicago, specifically in the Equitable Building at 401 N Michigan Ave. This prime location places it within close proximity to several notable attractions, including the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The bustling neighborhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch before exploring the city. The restaurant's accessibility and central location contribute to its appeal among both locals and visitors.

## FAQs
**What are the opening hours of Pine Street Kitchen** Pine Street Kitchen typically opens for lunch during weekdays, catering primarily to office workers.

**Is there parking available nearby** Yes, there are several parking garages within walking distance of the restaurant.

**Does Pine Street Kitchen offer vegetarian options** Yes, the menu includes vegetarian dishes, although selection may vary.

**Can I order food for takeout** Yes, Pine Street Kitchen provides takeout options for customers on the go.

**Is there a seating area for dining** Yes, there is a comfortable seating area available for diners.

## Visit Pine Street Kitchen Today
Pine Street Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone working in or near the Equitable Building in Chicago. With its affordable prices, diverse menu, and community-friendly atmosphere, it stands out as a practical dining option. Whether you're in the mood for a freshly cooked burger, a hearty salad, or a quick snack, Pine Street Kitchen has something to satisfy your cravings. Experience the convenience and quality that this local favorite has to offer!

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Yesterday I met up with my bud and we were searching for some lunch. He knew of some cafeteria in the Equitable Building, so we went to check it out. With COVID-19 around, no one really knows what is open and what is closed. We wound up at Pike Street Kitchen, which is in the lower level of the Equitable. I'd say unless you are an office worker in or near this building, you'd have no idea that PSK existed. It looked like on this day they had very limited selections that were available. We each ordered a double burger from the grill area. The fellow cooking at the grill said business was super slow (seemed there was only one other customer while we were there), but he quickly whipped up a couple of tasty burgers for us with all the fixin's (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, ketchup).

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They have a great burger & onions rings that won't break the bank. The area is all touristy & you usually have to spend 25.00 for a burger & fries . This place is 13.00, for a double burger & fries & onion rings , it's not a frozen patty either.

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Went for lunch and was excited to try out the featured spots. Then got a snack and Found an inch warm in the trail-mix. So grossed out

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Thank you to Pine Street Kitchen for providing convenient, affordable lunch options for those working in the 401 N Michigan building and nearby! I love that there's one counter that changes it's offering every few days and that burgers are cooked fresh to order. Pricing can be a little odd - only $1.59 for a giant rice crispy treat or toffee brownie, but $2 for 8 orange slice candies? Or similar pricing for a a turkey sandwich versus a full on Mediterranean style lunch with chicken, rice, two sides and toppings (feta, olives, hummus, tzatziki, pita, etc.). The only bad experience I've had in my (at least) dozen visits is at the Starbucks counter. The black ice tea (unsweet) that I ordered was bitter (multiple coworkers agreed, as we each tasted it trying to figure out what was wrong). When I returned and explained the problem to the staff, it wasn't handled very pleasantly. I'll skip the boring details, but I was basically told that I don't know how to order a black iced tea. Interesting, though, that the Starbucks at Grand and State never has a problem with the same exact order. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

3129e5ff-7037-4f93-9758-06240a475dbf

I'm upping my rating to 5 stars for these guys. The food has been rock solid for months for a lunch spot, and lately I've been having a tough time deciding between multiple very well done entree selections between their hot bar, sandwiches and pop-up to the far left. Plus their soups are always tasty. That very nasty review below is quite frankly, unwarranted. You can get a full meal with a side for $9. I mean, c'mon. And they usually have at least 1 vegetarian soup with the good salad bar.

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The tinga chicken is very good in the chopped salad or perhaps in the tacos. Their chopped salad with jicama, beans, cheese, and egg is really good. The tinga has a green saw that makes it very good, but the green cilantro-lime-serrano dressing makes it all come together nicely! Good lunch place and cafeteria.

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I ordered the "Bradford's Little Stumpin Tenders" which came with a plastic saucer cup of your choice of dipping sauce (Mustard, BBQ or Ranch). I also ordered the hand cut fries. It seemed like the only choices for drinks were bottled or, as i did, ordered a cup of water for $.28. It also shares a small Starbucks coffee area and that's where I got the water. They have a few shelves of meat and poultry RAW and ready for cooking and you can witness them dipping the tenders in the batter and then in the frying oil. point here is that it does take another minute or two than you would usually expect when ordering tenders from a place that seems like a lot of other in-building cafeterias. The tenders themselves are crispy and crunchy when finished and served but seem to occasionally fall off the tender when consuming. Therefore you make see a little mess due to the crunch. It did, however, have a good juicy taste. Besides the juiciness, it did not have much seasoning abundantly present and tasted quite plain. Tenders that are prepared in this manner and that look the way they do also tend to have an oilier aftertaste than most others. There should be pictures attached to show. The fries are not that great at all as they did not have much of a taste and were a bit soggy (perhaps from already having been cooked and just kept warm). They have quite the selection there with a big salad bar and a small soup section. you also had main course sections where people would build you tacos, burgers or even noodle dishes (Udon, rice, etc..). the place looked quite newly remodeled and was accessible to the public by heading immediately to the basement but didn't look to be advertised as well from the outside that i could tell. It seemed to be quite similar to all lunch places inside a tall commercial building. In general, The hand battered prepared tenders are decent but not at all awful. The price is not as bad as other places that server tenders at only around 5 and a half dollars (without fries and a drink). It's not a bad alternative to try as there are plenty of other, more main courses to eat and try first at Pine Street Kitchen. However, if you are looking for chicken tenders and only tenders.... well sir..... you MAY want to try a few more places as you probably passed a few on your way there. They likely serve a better prepared and better rated chicken tender.

01d86af6-c033-4b60-beba-87f1caf2a0c6

This place is THE WORST. PSK is located in the basement of 401 N. Michigan and was highly anticipated by the employees who reside in the building as a convenient new lunch spot. However, it is poorly executed. I haven't eaten at all the stations, but honestly they aren't that appealing to me. I have eaten at the grilled sandwich station and the salad bar. The salad bar veggies are continuously ROTTEN. I have gone down there multiple times to see rotten, browned, SMELLY veggies. Who knows how old they are? My co-worker has experienced the same thing. Do not eat the salad bar! The grilled food bar is OK tasting, however if you have 1 hour or so to spare to stand in line (the line is always short) but the employees literally take for---evveerrr to cook your food and 99% of the time it will not be what you ordered. Numerous times I have left with a sandwich that was not what I ordered after waiting an extremely long time to get my food. So I gave up. Will never eat in this "kitchen" again. Gross.

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This place is THE WORST and is the reason I bring my lunch when in the office. The food is not only lame, but horrible selection if you're vegetarian. Then to top it off, the prices are just laughable ($6 for ONE tamale???) -- they know you're captive as it's the only place in the building. And did I mention the people that work there are rude to boot? Haven't been in over a year and decided to try it again. Just as bad, maybe worse, than a year ago. STAY AWAY....you've been warned.

63da55db-24f1-4f08-a87b-4385bea07cc0

Great soups (depending on the day)! Salad bar has gone down hill in the summer months. It could be fresher. Overall great cafeteria to have in a place of work. Thankful for it during the harsh winter months. Also, the staff is all very kind.

Discover Pine Street Kitchen in Chicago's Equitable Building for delicious local cuisine. Experience vibrant flavors in the heart of Chicago. Book your table now.

Pine Street Kitchen in Chicago - Top Local Restaurant

Chicago

Pine Street Kitchen

Illinois

Experience the vibrant flavors at Pine Street Kitchen, Chicago's favorite restaurant at 401 N Michigan Ave. Enjoy unique dishes near Millennium Park!

Pine Street Kitchen in Chicago - Delicious Dining at 401 N Michigan Ave

Learn about Pine Street Kitchen, a top Chicago restaurant located at 401 N Michigan Ave. Discover our story, menu, and why locals love us!

About Pine Street Kitchen, Chicago - Your Local Culinary Hub

Opening hours for Pine Street Kitchen, Chicago. Find opening hours for Pine Street Kitchen, Chicago at 401 N Michigan Ave.

Pine Street Kitchen Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Pine Street Kitchen

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