When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Goodwin's Restaurants

Why Goodwin's Restaurants is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Goodwin's is a well-loved restaurant located in the downtown Chicago Loop, known for its solid, tasty sandwiches and quick service, making it a great spot for meeting friends or grabbing a casual lunch. The restaurant offers a huge variety of sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads, appealing to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. Its atmosphere is welcoming and a respite from the hustle and bustle of Chicago's busy transit area, providing friendly smiles, fresh-baked bread, and high-quality ingredients that invite guests to linger and enjoy their meals. Goodwin's unique touches, like offering a green apple with every meal, add to the friendly and inviting vibe, making it a popular place for locals and visitors alike. Conveniently located at 333 West Wacker Drive inside the green Nuveen tower, it operates weekdays from early morning until mid-afternoon, and offers reliable takeout and delivery services with timely bikers who deliver with smiles. Whether you're stopping by for a quick Cuban Rueben or exploring their adventurous menu options like the Sacramento sandwich with sriracha quinoa, Goodwin's offers something special for every appetite, cementing its reputation as a dependable, tasty lunchtime destination in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Goodwin's Restaurants
As of recent, Goodwin's Restaurants holds a 4.5-star rating based on 135 reviews.
Reviews of Goodwin's overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its quick service, consistently delicious food, and highly satisfying sandwich options, including crowd favorites like the Cuban Rueben and the Sacramento sandwich. Many users appreciate the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the bread, noting that each bite reflects the care put into preparation. Positive reviews frequently mention the friendly staff and the pleasant atmosphere, which offers a calm oasis amid the hectic city surroundings. The selection is described as both vast and thoughtfully curated, appealing to adventurous eaters as well as those seeking classic deli fare. On the other hand, some reviewers described the experience as average deli fare, indicating that while the food was solid, it was not dramatically innovative. A few also noted the bustling downtown location can be crowded and somewhat noisy during peak hours. Despite minor criticisms, the overall reception is highly positive, with many patrons returning regularly for lunch. In conclusion, Goodwin's is highly regarded for its quality sandwiches, efficient service, and friendly environment, making it a standout lunch spot in Chicago's Loop district.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brandon Newman
I think I messed up… Goodwin’s has so many great options and I decided to order the sandwich with turkey and sour cream! The Nogales sandwich features an interesting combination that I have no idea why I ordered. It was good and showcase delicious meat, but there are so many better options like the Cuban Reuben or any traditional sandwich. The service was great and the owner is very welcoming. The atmosphere is free but a little contrasting, with the green apple logo contrasting the decorations that include surfboards. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Goodwin’s and will be back to try another sandwich. For now, I give Goodwin’s 4 stars!
Aniya Evans
I'm so thoroughly impressed with this place and everything about it. Tom, who I believe is the owner/manager?, is an absolute gem. The friendliest guy you'll ever meet with some of the best customer service I've experienced. And it's obvious he expects the same from everyone who works with him because they're all stellar. The food is top notch with so many great options, you can't go wrong. Their new space is lovely as well. Big big fan and happy to have a great lunch spot in the Loop!
Emily Day
Goodwins is an amazing place. the food is always fresh and there is a ton of food on your plate. Tom the manager (i believe) is amazing he always helps me to get our corporate lunches organized and delivered on time. Wonderful place wonderful service
Laverne B
We are so lucky to have this spot in our building. The food is amazing whether breakfast or lunch and the owner Tom is top notch. His customer service skills is off the chain and expects the same from his employees. Let's talk about the food, it's fresh and seasoned well. My favorite breakfast sandwich is called the Venice it's toasted bread, peanut butter and thick bacon slices with a drizzle of honey. For lunch my spouse go to is the Corvallis: Sliced turkey breast, lettuce, avocado, tomato, cheddar cheese & monterey jack cheese with 1,000 island dressing on wheat, mine is the Ranier: Roasted turkey breast, crisp bacon, cole slaw, cheddar cheese and russian dressing on sour dough
Pat Godfrey
Me and my friends normally come here to eat but this particular day we ate a salad and found a long blonde gross hair inside our salad. We normally come to see the Italian cashier girl who is so so sweet unfortunately they told us that she wasn't working there anymore and I can see why. We are so disappointed we will miss her. But we can see why she left, The owner seems utterly out of touch with his employees and treats them horribly also the place seems a little bit racist to me because the white girl gets to keep her hair down while all the other employees who are Latin I see put their hair up. Explains why there was hair in our food. This place is terrible especially now that that Italian girl isn't working anymore. Do not go back! Trust me it smells like cigarettes and there WILL be hair in your food or worse. Just gross 🤢 🤮
How to reach Goodwin's Restaurants
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Why Goodwin's Restaurants may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Goodwin's Restaurants with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at Goodwin's Restaurants is an inviting choice for a meetup because it seamlessly combines a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just catching up after a long week, Goodwin's offers an environment that encourages connection and relaxation. The restaurant’s consistent high rating—4.5 from 135 reviews—reflects widespread guest satisfaction, suggesting you can expect quality service and delicious food each time you visit. What's more, Goodwin's locations, such as those in Dallas, Chicago, and Riverside, emphasize fresh, flavorful dishes prepared with care, making your dining experience a highlight of the gathering. The balance of well-crafted American classics and innovative culinary twists means there’s something enjoyable for everyone in your group. Also, the ambiance ranges from bright and lively to cozy and intimate depending on the location, facilitating conversations and making your meetup both memorable and comfortable. Overall, Goodwin's not only meets essential criteria for group dining but exceeds expectations by offering atmosphere, cuisine, and service that encourage guests to linger and enjoy one another’s company.
What kinds of activities can you do at Goodwin's Restaurants that make it perfect for group meetups?
Goodwin's is more than just a dining spot; it serves as a versatile venue that supports several group activities ideal for social gatherings. One key activity is shared dining experiences—Goodwin’s menu features an extensive range of sandwiches, salads, and organic-inspired dishes that cater to diverse palates, including health-conscious eaters. Groups can enjoy communal meals, sharing plates and trying a variety of options, which promotes a fun, interactive dining style. Moreover, several Goodwin's locations boast well-curated bars with a lively but tasteful ambiance, perfect for cocktail hours or casual happy hours with friends. The bar areas often feature cozy seating and a warm atmosphere, supporting relaxed conversations and socializing over drinks. Some venues, such as the Dallas Goodwin’s on Greenville Avenue, are noted for their vibrant, artsy vibe inspired by Hollywood charm, adding an element of entertainment and style to your gathering. For those who prefer a quieter and more intimate meetup, the seating arrangements include inviting booths and private nooks, enabling smaller groups to have meaningful conversations. Finally, Goodwin's accommodates takeout and delivery, offering flexibility for groups who might want to start their meetups off-site but enjoy quality food from a trusted source.
How does Goodwin's Restaurants cater to different dietary preferences?
One of Goodwin's standout features is its commitment to accommodating a variety of dietary needs and preferences, which makes it an excellent choice for group meetups where members may have distinct eating habits. Many locations, like the Goodwin's Organic in Riverside, emphasize fresh, organic ingredients and offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. This approach ensures that health-conscious diners aren't left out and that everyone can find something delicious and suitable on the menu. For instance, visitors have praised the availability of smoothies, juices, raw treats, and acai bowls, alongside heartier fare such as hot dishes and sandwiches prepared with fresh, natural ingredients. In other cities, Goodwin's also offers quick, satisfying options like the Cuban Reuben and specialty sandwiches that appeal to meat lovers and those seeking hearty lunches alike. The breadth of choices ranges from healthful and light to indulgent and comforting, making it easy to satisfy your entire group. This diverse offering reflects Goodwin’s intention to serve a broad customer base, enhancing its appeal as a gathering place for friends and family with varying tastes or dietary restrictions.
What makes the ambiance at Goodwin's ideal for socializing and group events?
The atmosphere at Goodwin's Restaurants is thoughtfully designed to foster social interaction, making it an ideal spot for groups looking to enjoy quality time together. Depending on the location, the ambiance can range from bright and lively to cozy and intimate, providing flexible settings suited to different kinds of social gatherings. For example, the Dallas Goodwin's on Greenville Avenue features an airy, stylistic front bar that blends modern warmth with a touch of Hollywood-style glamour, creating a unique and memorable backdrop for your meetup. The presence of distinct spaces like the Goose Bar, known for its moody lighting and rich textures, offers groups a place to continue conversations late into the evening while enjoying creative cocktails. Other locations focus on casual and friendly vibes, with open seating arrangements that encourage mingling and communal interaction. Lighting, music, and décor are carefully curated to balance energy levels—lively enough to keep excitement high but mellow enough to talk comfortably. This versatility in design ensures you can gather your group for a festive celebration or a relaxed meal without sacrificing comfort or ambiance.
How do Goodwin's Restaurants support convenience for large groups and extended meetups?
Goodwin's understands the practical needs of groups meeting up, offering conveniences that make gatherings smooth and enjoyable. Seating is generally designed to accommodate various group sizes, from intimate tables for a few friends to larger arrangements that facilitate bigger parties. The service tends to be efficient, often highlighted by reviews that mention quick ordering and friendly staff, which is crucial for groups who want to maximize time together instead of waiting long for food. The variety on the menu also helps reduce wait times since there is something for everyone, allowing simultaneous ordering without much delay. Additionally, many Goodwin's locations offer takeout and delivery options, providing flexibility if your group prefers to start somewhere else or continue the event at home or another venue. Their commitment to quality food prepared fresh daily means you don’t sacrifice taste or experience by choosing off-site options. Furthermore, Goodwin’s hours are suitable for evening dinners and late meetups, with some locations open until 11 p.m., supporting long, leisurely nights out with friends or family.
What sets Goodwin's Restaurants apart from other meetup venues?
Goodwin's stands out for its harmonious blend of high-quality food, inviting ambiance, and attentive service that collectively create a compelling destination for meetups. The blend of classic American bar and grill fare with organic and health-conscious options ensures your group can share dishes without compromise on taste or lifestyle. Its locations often have a distinctive character — from art deco neon signs in Dallas conveying a cinematic charm to an organic grocery store café in Riverside offering fresh, wholesome eats — delivering unique experiences in each city. This thoughtful attention to both cuisine and setting means that Goodwin's is more than a typical restaurant; it's a place where guests feel valued and comfortable, enhancing social engagement. The positive reviews and strong ratings echo the community's appreciation for good food and a convivial atmosphere, which helps ensure your meetup will be well received and remembered. Choosing Goodwin's means choosing a spot where everyone—from food lovers to casual diners—feels welcome and eager to return.