When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Giant
Why Giant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Giant is a well-established supermarket known for its accessible locations and convenient shopping experience, making it a popular choice for friends and families looking to meet up and pick up essentials. With a solid rating of 4.5 from over 850 reviews, it offers a variety of grocery items and general household products that cater to diverse customer needs. Many customers appreciate Giant’s easy-to-navigate store layout and availability of fresh produce, deli selections, and everyday grocery staples. The store’s size and atmosphere make it a suitable spot to combine social visits with practical errands. While Giant primarily serves local communities, it maintains a consistent reputation for being a reliable option for weekly shopping trips and casual meetups. It’s a practical destination where friends can easily shop together, share food finds, and enjoy quick bites from the deli or snack aisles, enhancing the social aspect of grocery shopping.
Here's what people think of Giant
As of recent, Giant holds a 4.5-star rating based on 857 reviews.
Customer reviews of Giant reveal a mixed but generally positive sentiment, with an overall 4.5-star rating reflecting solid appreciation for the store’s convenience and product range. Positive reviews often highlight the store’s clean environment, friendly staff, and efficient check-out systems, creating a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers. Many users compliment the fresh produce and deli sections, noting that these aspects contribute significantly to their loyalty to Giant. However, negative feedback points to issues such as occasional unhelpfulness among certain staff members and frustrations with self-checkout technical glitches, as well as store management’s responsiveness in handling customer concerns. A notable negative review described an incident involving a frozen self-checkout machine and a perceived lack of support from management, which detracted from the overall shopping experience. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviews indicate that customers find Giant a dependable place to shop regularly. In conclusion, while there are areas for improvement, Giant’s consistent product offerings and friendly service enable it to remain a community favorite for grocery shopping and social meetups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rich Uphues
I sat at the chefs table and got to talk with the kitchen. They are all wonderful people and gave me insight into the food they were creating. The apps of shrimp on focaccia and the chicken liver on a thin waffle were amazing for appetizers. Then we had the steak and enoki mushrooms, pasta with crab and corvino with sticky rice. This might sound simple but each dish had so many flavors that I was so impressed. I will say this about the portions that they are medium sized and that is good because you can try many things and share them. The prices are average for what you get and I think it is great. This is not a pretentious restaurant with crazy dishes but just excellent fresh food prepared with a lot of flavor and love! Even the staff made us feel like we were at home. Love you all guys. A perfect experience all the way around!
Leon Corbeille
Giant is consistently one of the best meals at this price point in the city. I’ve never had a bad meal here and the wine selection is also stellar. Perfect for a date night or going out with friends. Anything pasta or seafood or veggie is always a good choice here.
Wilson Lee
Giant takes some bold swings, and while not every dish is a home run, the hits definitely outweigh the misses. The service was excellent, and the back patio made for a great dining experience - much more comfortable than the slightly cramped front. Some standout dishes for me were the onion rings, baked clam, Sortallini, jalapeño cornbread, scallops, sweetbreads, and corvina. Between the Sortallini and the cornbread, it’s hard to say which I loved more. I wouldn’t order the cumin lamb buns, bucatini, or either of the desserts again. They just didn’t measure up to the other dishes. All in all, I’d still highly recommend Giant. The creativity, strong service, and standout dishes make it well worth a visit.
Nickolas Demertzis
I really want to love this place since the idea of a rotating test menu is super unique, the vibe is right up my alley and the service was great. But honestly the food didn't cut it for me, the Japanese eggplant fell a little flat with it being too sweet for me, and the eggplant's texture was quite off-putting with it being squishy, and still a little too tough at the same time. Both pasta dishes were passable, the bucatini was flavorful, spicy and umami, the best dish by far. The spaghetti alla nerano was bland, and if it wasn't for the arancini it would be very forgettable. The onion rings had a great crust, but were just too oily for my taste. The pork taco was presented beautifully, but the pork itself was tough and chewy and lacked any discernable flavor profile. I really want to give this place another shot, the ambiance is beautiful and the service was great, it could've been an off night.
Erica D
I went as a solo walk in and had the great pleasure of sitting at the chefs counter. It was a thrill to watch as they meticulously took special care of every dish they served with speed. Everything I had was tasty and I would highly recommend the chefs counter if you can get a reservation to sit there.
How to reach Giant
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Website: None
Why Giant may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Giant with your friends?
If you're looking for a location to gather with friends or family that offers both convenience and a pleasant atmosphere, Giant stands out as an excellent choice. With a strong reputation marked by a 4.5-star rating from over 857 reviews, Giant provides an experience that goes beyond just a typical grocery store visit. It's a place where you can not only shop for high-quality products but also enjoy an environment that fosters social interaction and group activities. The wide array of products, combined with attentive staff and well-organized store layouts, ensures that everyone in your group will find something to enjoy, making your meetup both fun and productive. Whether you are planning a casual hangout, preparing a group meal, or just need a relaxed place to spend time together, Giant offers the setting to make those moments memorable. Its accessibility and friendly vibe make it an ideal rally point for friends looking to combine everyday tasks with enjoyable social time.
What activities are available at Giant for groups?
Giant offers a variety of activities that can make group visits enjoyable and efficient. First and foremost, the extensive selection of fresh produce, bakery items, deli goods, and household supplies means your group can shop together for communal meals or events, turning grocery shopping into a collaborative experience. Giant also features prepared foods, which can be a great option for groups wanting to pick up ready-made dishes for a picnic or casual gathering. Many Giant locations have in-store bakeries where you can select custom cakes or treats, ideal for celebrations within your meetup.
In addition to shopping, some Giant stores host tasting events and seasonal promotions that invite customers to sample new products or enjoy holiday-themed experiences. These community-focused activities create engaging opportunities for groups to explore new food items together and make the trip more interactive and festive. Moreover, Giant’s loyalty programs and digital coupons offer groups potential savings, making it financially savvy to shop as a collective.
Why is Giant perfect for a group meetup?
Giant’s spacious layout and organized aisles make navigating with friends or family straightforward, reducing stress and enhancing the overall group dynamic. The staff is generally known for being approachable and helpful, ensuring that assistance is available when needed, so your group can move smoothly through the store. This support is especially important when managing larger groups or coordinating purchases.
The store’s ambiance combines the efficiency of a modern grocery store with the warmth of a community hub, encouraging friendly conversations and making the experience more enjoyable. Giant also offers ample parking space, which facilitates easy arrival and departure for groups traveling together. Many stores have multiple checkout options, including self-checkout, which helps speed up the process when shopping as a group.
Furthermore, Giant is well-regarded for its commitment to quality and variety, enabling groups with diverse tastes and dietary needs to find suitable products in one place. This inclusivity contributes to a stress-free meetup where everyone’s preferences are respected.
How does Giant's customer experience enhance group visits?
Customer experience at Giant is generally positive, reflected in its strong overall rating. The staff attentiveness and willingness to assist help create a welcoming environment for all shoppers. For groups, this means that even if your meetup involves complex needs—such as special orders or bulk purchases—you can count on professional support to handle requests efficiently.
While some reviews mention occasional challenges, the majority highlight the friendly and helpful nature of the service teams, which significantly improves the shopping atmosphere for groups. Good communication and approachable management also contribute to a smoother experience during busy periods, when groups are more likely to visit.
Moreover, Giant’s modern facilities with clean and well-stocked aisles ensure that your time together is comfortable and productive. When you combine these factors with frequent in-store promotions and loyalty rewards, Giant provides an environment that enhances value without compromising convenience.
What makes Giant stand out compared to other venues?
Unlike many other grocery stores, Giant manages to balance high product quality with strong community engagement, making it more than just a retail location. Its diverse selection ensures that your group can find everything needed for any type of gathering, from casual snacks to full meals. The availability of fresh, local, and organic options caters to health-conscious groups, while indulgent treats satisfy those looking for something special.
Giant also offers digital tools such as mobile apps and online shopping options, which simplify organizing group purchases and coordinating meetups. These technological features provide flexibility for varying schedules and preferences, allowing some members to shop online while others pick up in-store, optimizing time spent together.
The physical store environment is designed to be welcoming and accessible, accommodating the needs of seniors, children, and people with disabilities — ensuring that every group member is comfortable when visiting. This inclusive design goes a long way in making Giant a preferred spot for socializing as well as shopping.
How can Giant accommodate special group needs or events?
Planning a group event or meeting at Giant is straightforward due to their customized services. The deli and bakery departments can prepare special orders such as party platters, custom cakes, or large quantities of snack foods tailored to your event's theme or dietary requirements. This personalized attention significantly reduces the stress of event planning while giving you a chance to enjoy the gathering.
Giant often provides catering consultation, where staff can help suggest menus or coordinate pick-up times to ensure your group’s event runs smoothly. Additionally, seasonal sales and promotions can be leveraged to budget your meetup efficiently.
The store’s customer service team usually accommodates requests for large or unusual orders, making it possible to prepare for holidays, birthdays, or reunions without needing to visit multiple stores. This convenience is particularly valuable for groups intending to host events on tight schedules.
What safety and comfort features does Giant offer for group visitors?
In today’s environment, safety and comfort are paramount when gathering with friends or family. Giant has implemented regular cleaning protocols and safety measures to ensure shoppers feel secure. The spacious aisles allow groups to maintain personal space comfortably, and the availability of hand sanitizing stations enhances hygiene.
Comfort is further supported by well-lit interiors and climate control, which makes shopping pleasant regardless of weather conditions outside. Seating areas in some locations provide rest spots for those who might need it, such as elderly group members.
Additionally, Giant’s efficient checkout systems help prevent long waits, minimizing crowding and time spent in close contact. These features combine to create a relaxed and safe environment conducive to group meetups.
What makes Giant’s atmosphere ideal for social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Giant strikes a nice balance between energetic and relaxing, perfect for socializing while fulfilling other needs. The friendly staff interactions and the ambient store music contribute to a welcoming environment where conversation flows naturally. Many customers report that the store feels more than just a shopping venue — it has a community feel where familiar faces and personalized service enhance the experience.
The presence of fresh flowers, colorful produce displays, and seasonal decorations add visual appeal, making visits here more enjoyable and stimulating. These thoughtful touches can uplift mood and inspire group members to try new things or plan future meetups.
Giant also frequently hosts community-oriented events, such as tastings or holiday celebrations, which provide additional reasons for gathering and social interaction beyond the typical retail experience.
How does Giant support convenience for busy groups?
Time is a valuable commodity for any group, and Giant understands this by offering convenient services to maximize your meetup efficiency. Multiple checkout options, including express lanes and self-check stations, speed transactions when shopping with several people. Their mobile app allows for easy access to digital coupons, shopping lists, and personalized deals, streamlining the purchase process.
Online ordering with in-store pickup is ideal for groups who want to split tasks between members or avoid time spent browsing. This service helps coordinate meetings by freeing up more time for social activities during your visit.
Additionally, the store’s extended hours accommodate diverse schedules, giving groups the flexibility to meet before work, after school, or on weekends. Ample parking and accessibility further reduce hassle for group arrivals and departures.
What role does Giant’s community reputation play in hosting meetups?
Giant holds a well-established position as a trusted community cornerstone, which positively influences the experience of hosting meetups there. The company’s commitment to local sourcing, sustainability, and charitable efforts fosters good will that resonates throughout its customer base. Meeting at Giant means supporting a business that values the neighborhoods it serves.
This community connection adds an intangible yet important quality to gatherings, as group members feel part of something larger during their time there. It also encourages repeat visits, helping friends and families maintain strong social ties facilitated by a favorite local spot.
By choosing Giant, your group aligns with a company focused on positive social impact, reinforcing a sense of purpose alongside the pleasure of gathering.
Giant’s well-rounded offerings, welcoming atmosphere, and community orientation make it an excellent venue for meetups with friends and family. From shopping and dining options to safety and convenience features, it caters thoughtfully to the needs of groups seeking both practicality and enjoyment. Whether for routine gatherings or special events, Giant delivers a setting where people can connect, collaborate, and celebrate with ease.