This was a Mariano's store that I appreciated and enjoyed a lot. I considered it somewhat of a…read morehidden gem, being a bit out of the way from Streeterville. I recalled when someone told me that you could go to Mariano's for meals cooked at the store. They told me that you could select a cut of beef, and they would grill it at the store for you. When I was in school, I went with this precise plan in mind to this Mariano's at 333 East Benton Place in Chicago. I had a lady friend accompanying me. We selected well-marbalized and excellent-appearing steaks. We also chose a bottle of wine. The food was high quality, and it was fun. Whomever grilled the steaks did an excellent job. We also found wine that was good quality and not too expensive, which was great on a student buget. For a grocery store, I thought this was an awesome experience. Mariano's stores have a classy vibe. They exude an aura of quality. Their stores have an excellent ambiance. When I walk in, I notice the stores are well-organized with phenomenal displays. I value that Mariano's stores typically have a wide variety and selection. I have appreciated the ability to obtain prepared foods at Mariano's, including delicacies like sushi. I have found other great prepared foods at Mariano's that I enjoyed a lot, e.g,. succulent beef pot roast. It is fantastic that Mariano's have self checkout kiosks, which can help with convenience. There are also a significant number of Mariano's stores in Chicagoland.

Free parking but you need to scan a QR code and use a kiosk machine at the grocery store Marianos…read moreto get it validated for a free 2 hours of parking. Fresh fruit and veges and lots of items here. It's clean and staff are nice. It's convenient for tourists also bc it's right near the magnificent mile...About 3-4 blocks. Outdoor seating is nice also.

Hey, five stars to these guys aka vendors as they are "real troupers"=brave and determined…read more It is pouring rain today and the vendors still are friendly with a positive attitude despite the weather. Shoppers can find fresh seasonal produce, plants, cheese, bread, cookies, bagels,etc. (Key word is "seasonal" with the produce.) I decided to take a walk down to the Federal Plaza Farmers Market to see what was fresh. Fresh Asparagus by the pound-you pick it-(out of the basket) and they weigh it! Leeks! Herbs! Peony flowers! I am looking forward to tomato and cucumber season. For now it is asparagus, fresh "Siam Queen" Thai basil from Smits Farms is of a much better quality with larger leaves than I have found in other places in Chicago. Plus reddish-pink peonies. Look for the Alexander Calder "Flamingo" Sculpture-then you know you are in the right spot! FYI-Not all vendor's from one market go to other Chicago City Farmer's Markets during different days of the week. Which makes it all the more interesting to market hop.

We visited this place on the opening day,4th August. Wen we…read morearrived there only to find few vendors. So disappointed... Will try again some other Tuesday.

Got the $13 meal with sesame ginger chicken, broccoli salad, and mozzarella pasta salad, and…read moreeverything was really good. The chicken breast was cold but still not dry at all. Both salads were super flavorful and honestly delicious. I'd definitely get it again. It tasted fresh, healthy, and really satisfying. 9/10

We stopped in to try their pizza for the first time. They've got pies by the slice or you can order…read morea whole one. We weren't totally sure where to stand, but it was obvious we were waiting to be helped. The staff completely ignored us and went straight to help someone who had just walked up and was ordering a bunch of pizzas. When we finally got their attention and asked about ordering, the guy told us (in a pretty rude tone) that we'd have to wait 30-45 minutes because of the big order he just took. Uh... maybe help the people who were already waiting first? We didn't have time to wait that long, so we just grabbed a few slices that were already out. The pizza itself was actually good, solid flavors but there wasn't much variety, and they weren't making any more pepperoni, so what was out was it. Took our slices and a drink back to our hotel. Good pizza, but the service and attitude need a serious tune-up.

Smoothie King was an unfortunate let down…read more I grew up in the age of Jamba Juice so having a smoothie spot in the Loop was exciting. The actual location is small and set up for to-go orders which makes sense for the area. When I visited it was within an hour or two of them opening and the solo worker was already overwhelmed with orders. I didn't mind the wait because it wasn't their fault they were the only person working. Where Smoothie King lost stars was the quality of the smoothie vs the price. I ordered one of the protein smoothies, I believe it was a berry based smoothie. From the moment I got the smoothie it was a pale color that didn't resemble the previous smoothie I ordered which had a tint of the fruit color that was in it (I.e strawberry would have a reddish tint). I was reassured that this was the correct smoothie so I left. I was only able to take a few sips before the protein powder was too overwhelming. I would rank this smoothie as one of the worst that I've had to date. It tasted like a milky protein shake with no fruit to mask the protein taste. I wasn't able to finish a 1/4 of the drink before I had to take my loss and threw it away. I was able to taste my husband's non-protein smoothie and it wasn't bad. I learned that you should only stick to the fruit only based smoothies from this location. I will most likely visit again but now I know which smoothie to get. Their parfaits look delicious so I'll try that next.

A great smoothie place! I had their island impact (pineapple, mango, etc.) and I loved it! It had…read moreno added sugar but the drink was still sweet and flavorful! You're able to add supplements too like protein, fiber, energy, etc. I wouldn't recommend their added "energy" supplement because I don't think it works. The service was good. The server was really nice and helpful. The drinks were made quickly as well. The ambiance is nothing special. There's no sitting. It's more a place to grab a refreshing and healthy drink and head out. Definitely recommend!

First time coming here, I've always been over in this part of the city frequently but never knew…read moreabout this grocery store prior or one existed in the heart of the city. This place is in the perfect spot too and it's truly a hidden gem. They have daily specials in their deli though unfortunately they don't serve their specials in the morning. The store is really clean and the best part of this store was that everything here is affordable! Nothing is grossly overpriced! You can also find everything you need from grab and go snacks, drinks and groceries here as well! It's exactly like being in a New York City style bodega! Highly reccomend if you're in the city.

The service was ok the price was ok but I can see why the beef sandwich tasted pretty old. Not…read morefresh I've been here a few times because it's convenient but I've learned to ask them if the items are fresh several employees have told me the items aren't so fresh

I love this neighborhood market! Everything is very fresh and high quality. Lots of specialty and…read moreunique items. I love their wine, teas, sandwiches, turmeric egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, cheeses, fresh pasta, hummus, chips, bagels, bread, dairy products, eggs, sausage, salsas, guacamole, and more. Excellent and friendly staff. It's a small place and very well organized and esthetically pleasing. They really use the space well.

Came in for lunch yesterday. Not a bad selection of dry goods. I'd describe the food items as…read morevittles you'd bring to fancy picnic. Grabbed egg& cheese bagel which was satisfactory. However doesn't exceed high bagel bar set by Tillys and Gotham Bagels not far. Got a chicken Caesar salad. I believe the chicken in the salad is rotisserie which is a nice addition for a Caesar salad. Got a coffee with oat milk and some kind of brown butter cookie. Loved the cookie. A bag of BBQ potato chips. Thought it was cool they carry Hot Doug's sausages. And another thing.. I wish it were easier to see what ready made sandwiches they had available that day on the website. It list suppliers but doesn't say these are the sandwiches we'll serve today.

Pretty nice break to see the farmers market in the city center to spend some time between…read moreappointments. I came through when it be was winding down. But it's situated rights at the Picasso of Chicago. Summer time vibes people just hanging out around the fountain and people watching. Pretty much standard fare for a farmers market. This one has a bit more jewelers and gift options. One thing I notice was the Raclette stand right in front of the Picasso. Mm... hot melt cheese! It's fun to watch too. Always fun stuff happening at Daley Plaza. Random house music parties, pop up shops, and sometimes protests. Always worth passing through when traveling through the loop. Always something fun going on and something tasty to eat.

Tis the season for garden fresh fruits and veggies and flowers, every Thursday at Daley Plaza. The…read moremarket has not fully recovered to the pre Covid amount of venders. Its still a great place to visit because you may get lucky and find what you are looking for. I purchased the squash blossoms which I plan to stuff with goat cheese and bacon then pan fry.

If I could go back in time... I would definitely go somewhere else besides go grocer…read more Okay the selection is small but I can deal with that, it was just so so expensive for just a little snack. I'd be better off going to walgreens or something, and definitely way better off finding a regular grocery store.

Small, neat grocery story with sufficient groceries, snacks and coffee. The staff are always so…read morefriendly! It's a little expensive compared to other grocery stores. But it's perfect for when you just want to get the basics/few things or you run out of certain things and you're lazy to go to a bigger grocery store.They have pretty good coffee, but I am not a fan of their croissants.

First time coming here. Surprised this place doesn't have any reviews considering it's in the the…read morepedway. It's a small sized store that doesn't get much attention. It's fully stocked full of inventory apon my visit. I only came here for a bang energy drink to share with people.

Was in the area and stopped by. This aldi is huge, there is so much space to walk the aisles. The…read morestore is well stocked with many aldi favorites including food and snacks. There were several checkout lines open, which allowed us to get in and out quickly.

Hey! This used to be Whole Foods. Remember that. Whole Foods move a block north on Chicago Ave. a…read morecouple years ago (see our review). I guess you can call this Aldi, River North #2 because there's another one on Division St. a half mile away. I got a tea drink.