The 7 Best West Loop Takeout Spots Compared

Chicago's Culinary Convenience: West Loop Takeout

West Loop takeout offers some of the city's most exceptional dining experiences delivered right to your door. Here are the top spots for takeout in this food-forward neighborhood:

1. Monteverde - Award-winning handmade pasta (Order via Toast)
2. Duck Duck Goat - Chef Stephanie Izard's Chinese-American cuisine
3. Nonna's - Italian sandwiches and NY-style pizza
4. Saigon Sisters - Vietnamese with build-your-own bowl options
5. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Southern comfort food
6. Wishbone - Cajun-inspired dishes with cocktail kits
7. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Gluten-free options available

The West Loop has transformed into Chicago's premier culinary destination, with Randolph Street's restaurant row leading the charge. What makes this neighborhood special is the remarkable concentration of chef-driven concepts that have acceptd takeout without compromising quality.

From Monteverde's handcrafted pastas to Duck Duck Goat's inspired Chinese-American dishes, West Loop restaurants have mastered the art of packaging their signature creations for at-home enjoyment. Most impressive is how these establishments maintain their commitment to freshness and flavor even when their food travels beyond their doors.

With over 80 restaurants available on Uber Eats alone and operating hours that accommodate both lunch cravings and late-night hunger, the West Loop takeout scene caters to every schedule and palate. Many spots like Nonna's (open until 10pm on weekends) and Monteverde (serving until 10:30pm on weekends) ensure you're never without options.

Whether you're seeking comfort food classics, globally-inspired cuisine, or accommodations for dietary restrictions, West Loop takeout delivers on all fronts. The neighborhood's restaurants have acceptd eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing practices while maintaining the chef-driven quality that put the area on the culinary map.

West Loop Takeout at a Glance

Navigating the incredible West Loop takeout scene can feel overwhelming with so many stellar options. We've done the legwork for you by rounding up seven standout spots that showcase the neighborhood's culinary diversity.

Whether you're craving hand-crafted pasta from Monteverde or spicy fried chicken from Gus's, this neighborhood delivers on every culinary front. Most spots offer both direct ordering (which often comes with loyalty perks) and third-party delivery options for maximum convenience.

For dietary considerations, Saigon Sisters stands out with their comprehensive approach to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their build-your-own bowl concept makes customization a breeze. Meanwhile, Duck Duck Goat has thoughtfully adapted many of Chef Stephanie Izard's Chinese-American creations to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.

Price points across these establishments range from everyday affordable (perfect for those weeknight cravings) to special occasion splurges when you want to lift your at-home dining experience. The beauty of West Loop takeout is this variety – whether you're feeding a family on game day with Nonna's combo packages or treating yourself to Monteverde's award-winning pasta, the neighborhood has you covered.

Why West Loop Takeout Reigns Supreme

The West Loop takeout scene has earned its crown as Chicago's go-to food destination, and for good reason. This neighborhood doesn't just offer food—it delivers experiences that rival in-restaurant dining.

What makes these restaurants special starts from the ground up. Many West Loop kitchens accept local-first sourcing, with places like Monteverde tracking ingredients from farm to takeout container. When you're unwrapping that cacio whey pepato pasta at home, you're tasting the same quality you'd get sitting in their dining room.

Speed doesn't suffer for quality here either. With over 80 restaurants on Uber Eats and a staggering 732 options through OpenTable, your cravings are covered whether you're planning dinner or making a spontaneous late-night decision. Most spots have streamlined their operations specifically for takeout efficiency without compromising what made them famous.

The flavor innovation that put West Loop on the culinary map travels beautifully. Chef Stephanie Izard's Duck Duck Goat proves that even the most creative Chinese-American fusion dishes can be packaged for home enjoyment. These chefs aren't just adapting their menus—they're rethinking dishes to ensure they shine even after a journey across the neighborhood.

Perhaps most impressive is the attention to packaging. West Loop takeout pioneers like Nonna's have invested in specialized containers that keep your pizza crispy and your pasta perfectly sauced. The days of soggy takeout are history in this neighborhood, where restaurants take the final delivery experience as seriously as the cooking itself.

How to Snag West Loop Takeout for Award-Winning Nights

Timing is everything when it comes to West Loop takeout. The neighborhood's popularity means that 6-8pm orders, especially on weekends, can mean longer wait times. Place your order 30-45 minutes before hunger strikes, particularly at hotspots like Monteverde and Duck Duck Goat.

Smart locals know that pre-ordering is the secret weapon. Many restaurants now let you schedule pickup orders days in advance—Monteverde's Toast platform allows reservations up to three days ahead, perfect for ensuring you get those limited-quantity specials that sell out nightly.

The neighborhood has also perfected the curbside experience. Restaurants like Nonna's and Wishbone offer dedicated parking spots where your order comes directly to your car window. It's a game-changer when you're juggling a busy schedule or just don't feel like hunting for parking on a Friday night.

When you live at The Duncan, you're just steps away from all these culinary conveniences—making West Loop takeout less of an occasional indulgence and more of an everyday luxury that feels like having Chicago's best chefs on speed dial.

Chef-Driven Classics

The West Loop's reputation as a culinary powerhouse comes from its incredible concentration of chef-driven restaurants, many of which now bring their magic right to your doorstep.

Monteverde, under the passionate guidance of Chef Sarah Grueneberg, has mastered the art of translating handmade pasta into exceptional west loop takeout. Their philosophy of "following the food" means every ingredient in your takeout bag meets the same high standards as their dining room offerings. Their Cacio Whey Pepato arrives in clever packaging that keeps every strand perfectly al dente until you're ready to twirl it around your fork. Order via Toast

Duck Duck Goat showcases Chef Stephanie Izard's playful spin on Chinese-American cuisine even when enjoyed at home. Each dish reflects Izard's "lifelong experiences with Chinese-American cuisine," balancing traditional techniques with her signature creative flair. Their special occasion packages shine – like their New Year's Eve dinner featuring bone marrow potstickers that prove celebration-worthy meals can absolutely work as west loop takeout. Order to Go Duck Duck Goat

Girl & the Goat, another Izard hotspot, packages its "fun and lively" approach to bold, shareable plates with the same care as their in-restaurant experience. Their commitment to local sourcing doesn't waver when food leaves their kitchen, ensuring your at-home feast maintains the quality that made them famous.

What truly sets these chef-driven options apart is their thoughtful approach to packaging. Many include simple finishing instructions and separate garnishes so you can add that final chef's touch at home – keeping textures crisp and flavors vibrant until the moment you dig in.

Signature Dishes Worth the Hype

When exploring west loop takeout from these culinary stars, certain signature dishes truly deliver on their promises:

Monteverde's Cacio Whey Pepato deserves every bit of its cult following. This seemingly simple pasta creation showcases Chef Grueneberg's genius for honoring tradition while adding her own contemporary magic. The components arrive separately, allowing you to combine them at home for that fresh-from-the-kitchen experience.

Duck Duck Goat's XO shrimp wontons perfectly capture Chef Izard's talent for balancing authentic Chinese techniques with unexpected flavor combinations. The wontons come with fool-proof reheating instructions to maintain their delicate texture, while the  flavorful XO sauce arrives ready to create that perfect umami-rich bite.

Girl & the Goat's wood-oven roasted goat empanadas showcase their namesake protein in handheld form that travels beautifully. The accompanying dipping sauces arrive sealed tight, preserving their bright, complex flavors until you're ready to enjoy.

West Loop Takeout Without the Wait—Chef Edition

Scoring takeout from these popular spots requires a bit of strategy, especially during prime dinner hours. Here's how locals do it:

Pre-order packages have become the secret weapon for securing meals from high-demand restaurants. Duck Duck Goat offers special event packages that can be reserved days ahead, guaranteeing you won't miss out on limited-quantity creations. These often include multiple courses designed with reheating in mind, giving you that complete restaurant experience at your kitchen table.

Limited-quantity drops add excitement to the west loop takeout scene. Monteverde occasionally releases special pasta kits through their Toast platform, letting fans recreate signature dishes at home. These treasures typically vanish quickly, so setting calendar reminders is absolutely essential.

Resy alerts can be your competitive edge for securing orders from the neighborhood's most coveted kitchens. Setting up notifications for specific time slots puts you first in line when ordering windows open, giving you the best shot at snagging popular items before they sell out.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Bites

When those inevitable comfort food cravings hit, West Loop takeout delivers with soul-satisfying options that don't require snagging a coveted reservation at a fine dining spot.

Nonna's has quickly become the neighborhood's go-to Italian comfort spot. Operating from the same kitchen as sister restaurant Formento's, they've perfected grab-and-go Italian classics that actually travel well. Their NY-style pizza by the slice maintains that perfect fold-and-eat texture, while their Sicilian pies offer that addictive crispy-yet-fluffy crust experience. Open until 10pm on weekends, Nonna's rescues late-night hunger with quality that puts typical midnight munchies to shame. Their Game Day Combo has become legendary among West Loop residents – featuring a whole Sicilian pie, two sandwiches (choose between their massive Chicken Parmesan or hearty Meatball), and house-made dipping sauces that lift everything they touch.

Ranalli's brings serious pizza game to the takeout scene with options spanning the full spectrum from thin crust for crispy-lovers to deep dish for those seeking Chicago's iconic cheese-pull moments. What truly sets them apart is their thoughtful packaging – specially designed containers that keep crusts crispy and prevent that disappointing steam-soggy situation that ruins lesser takeout pizza. Their family meal packages bundle salads and appetizers with their signature pies, creating complete meals that arrive ready for sharing.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken keeps things beautifully simple, focusing on a single item executed to absolute perfection. Using a recipe unchanged for over 60 years, their Southern-style fried chicken delivers that magical combination of super-crispy exterior and juicy interior, all improved by their distinctive spice profile that delivers gentle heat without overwhelming. Their sides deserve special mention – particularly the mac and cheese with its creamy-yet-structured texture and collard greens that maintain their integrity during transit.

Best West Loop Takeout for Comfort Cravings

For the ultimate West Loop takeout comfort experience, certain menu standouts deserve special recognition:

Gus's crispy spice blend has earned its cult following for good reason. Their chicken features that thin, shatteringly-crisp coating with a spice profile that delivers warmth rather than scorching heat. Unlike many fried chicken options that arrive sad and soggy, Gus's uses cleverly vented containers that prevent steam buildup, keeping that precious crunch intact all the way to your coffee table.

Nonna's Sicilian pies represent the perfect pizza for takeout scenarios. The square slices maintain their structural integrity during transit, with that ideal balance of crispy bottom and cloud-like interior. The generous corner pieces with double-crisp edges are worth fighting over, and the quality ingredients don't compromise during the journey to your door.

Local food enthusiasts have developed some insider hacks worth trying: request a honey-butter drizzle on Do-Rite's already excellent fried chicken for a sweet-savory combination that's utterly addictive. Similarly, adding tangy-spicy giardiniera to Nonna's Italian beef creates that perfect balance of richness and acidity that captures Chicago comfort food at its most authentic.

Dietary-Friendly & Sustainable Choices

The West Loop takeout scene doesn't just cater to foodies looking for indulgence—it also accepts those with specific dietary needs and sustainability concerns, proving that convenience can come with consciousness.

Saigon Sisters brings Vietnamese cuisine to your doorstep with remarkable flexibility. Their Build-Your-Own Bowl concept lets you create a meal that's perfectly aligned with your dietary preferences. Start with your choice of base (fragrant rice, tender noodles, or fresh greens), add your preferred protein (including several plant-based options), and finish with vibrant toppings and sauces. This family operation—run by two sisters and their mother—stays true to authentic flavors while ensuring that vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive diners never feel like an afterthought.

Wishbone takes Southern comfort food and gives it a health-conscious spin that travels beautifully. Their vegetarian options shine with seasonal produce that's treated with the same care and attention as their meat dishes. What really sets their takeout experience apart are their craft cocktail kits—a thoughtful touch that lifts your at-home dining experience from mere meal to genuine occasion. These kits come with everything you need to mix restaurant-quality drinks alongside your Southern-inspired feast.

Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken has become a neighborhood hero for the gluten-sensitive crowd. Their small-batch, gluten-free donuts are prepared in dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination—a level of care that explains their cult following. The texture and flavor rival their traditional counterparts so convincingly that many customers can't tell the difference. With vegan options also available, Do-Rite ensures that dietary restrictions never mean missing out on sweet treats.

The neighborhood's commitment to responsible practices extends beyond menu accommodations. Many West Loop takeout spots have acceptd eco-friendly packaging solutions that decompose naturally, reducing the environmental impact of your convenient meal. From compostable containers to plant-based utensils, these thoughtful touches show that sustainability has become a priority, not just a buzzword. More info about neighborhood sustainability

Eating Green While Ordering In

The West Loop takeout scene takes "eating green" beyond just plant-based options—it's built into their entire operation:

Local sourcing shines at restaurants like Monteverde, where the "following the food" philosophy means ingredients come from either nearby Midwest farms or directly from Italy. This approach not only supports regional producers and reduces transportation emissions but also delivers noticeably fresher flavors. The difference is particularly evident in seasonal vegetable dishes that showcase the bounty of local harvests.

MSC-certified seafood has become standard practice for environmentally conscious restaurants like Wishbone. This certification ensures that fish and seafood come from fisheries committed to sustainable practices, addressing the growing concern about ocean health and species preservation. When you order seafood from these establishments, you can enjoy your meal knowing it comes from responsibly managed sources.

Reusable container programs have taken root throughout the neighborhood as restaurants get creative about reducing waste. Several spots offer meaningful discounts when you return containers or bring your own. Some have even implemented deposit systems for specialized containers—you pay a small fee upfront that gets returned or credited to your account when you bring the container back. These initiatives create a closed-loop system that maintains food quality while dramatically reducing single-use waste.

Living at The Duncan Apartments means having all these sustainable, dietary-friendly options just steps from your door—making it easy to align your values with your dining habits without sacrificing convenience or flavor.

Ordering Tips, Deals & Logistics

Getting the best West Loop takeout experience is all about knowing when, where, and how to order. Whether you're craving handmade pasta or crispy fried chicken, a little insider knowledge goes a long way.

When deciding how to place your order, you've got options. Third-party apps like Uber Eats give you the convenience of browsing over 80 West Loop restaurants in one place with helpful minute-by-minute tracking. You can literally watch your dinner make its journey from kitchen to doorstep! This feature is especially handy for time-sensitive foods like Monteverde's pasta or Gus's fried chicken, where timing makes all the difference.

That said, ordering directly through restaurant websites often means better deals and sometimes exclusive menu items. Many West Loop spots offer lower prices through direct ordering to offset those third-party commissions. Toast has become the platform of choice for neighborhood favorites like Monteverde and Nonna's, offering perks like advance scheduling and detailed customization. Plus, creating a Toast account lets you rack up those loyalty points for future rewards.

Looking to save some cash? Keep an eye out for bundle discounts designed specifically for takeout. Nonna's Game Day Combo packs tremendous value with a whole Sicilian pie, two sandwiches, and dipping sauces – perfect for feeding friends while watching the Bears play. Several restaurants have also cleverly adapted their happy hour specials for takeout customers, offering discounted food and drink bundles during traditionally slower periods.

When ordering for a group, consider how the food will travel and be served. Restaurants like Duck Duck Goat have thought this through with family-style packages where components are separately packaged to maintain temperature and quality. Pro tip: for large orders, ask if hot and cold items can be prepared with slightly staggered timing so everything arrives at its best.

Pickup hours vary widely throughout the neighborhood, with spots like Nonna's serving until 10pm on weekends while others close earlier. Keeping a personal list of your favorite spots and their hours prevents that sad moment when you're craving something specific only to find they've closed for the night.

Money-Saving West Loop Hacks

Want to enjoy West Loop takeout without emptying your wallet? Try these smart strategies:

Focus your loyalty on a few favorite spots rather than spreading orders across many restaurants. Most places reward repeat customers through their direct ordering platforms, and those free items add up quickly when you concentrate your spending.

Follow your go-to restaurants on social media and subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive coupon drops. These discounts rarely appear on third-party platforms and can sometimes be substantial enough to offset delivery fees completely. The restaurants want to encourage direct ordering, so they often make it worth your while.

Take advantage of aperitivo hour specials that have made the jump from in-restaurant to takeout. Monteverde offers their Aperitivo Hour Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30-4:30pm with special pricing on select items. Ordering during these windows not only saves money but also helps you avoid the peak delivery rushes when wait times stretch longer.

With these strategies in hand, you're ready to steer the West Loop takeout scene like a true local – getting the best food at the best prices without leaving the comfort of home. Perfect for those nights when you want to enjoy chef-quality meals while relaxing in your apartment at The Duncan.

Frequently Asked Questions about West Loop Takeout

What are typical takeout hours in the West Loop?

West Loop takeout hours vary across restaurants, but you'll generally find most spots serving during standard lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5pm-9pm) windows. 

If you're planning your meals around your schedule, here's when some neighborhood favorites are slinging their to-go specialties:

• Nonna's keeps the pizza and sandwiches flowing Sunday through Thursday 11am-9pm, extending until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays for those weekend cravings
• Monteverde dishes out their handmade pasta Tuesday through Thursday 11am–9:30pm, with extended hours until 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays
• Viaggio focuses on dinner service Monday through Saturday 5pm–9pm, with slightly earlier Sunday hours from 4pm–8pm
• Duck Duck Goat offers daily dinner service plus weekend dim sum brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am–3pm

Many West Loop restaurants have expanded their takeout windows beyond traditional dining hours as demand has grown. Night owls should look to Nonna's and Monteverde for some of the latest pickup options, while early birds can grab breakfast from Wishbone and Do-Rite Donuts starting at 8am.

Which spots handle vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets best?

The West Loop takeout scene shines when it comes to accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Vegetarians will find their happy place at Saigon Sisters, where the Build-Your-Own Bowl concept lets you customize every element of your meal. Monteverde also deserves special mention for vegetarian pasta options that are thoughtfully crafted rather than afterthoughts.

Vegan diners should head straight to Saigon Sisters and Do-Rite Donuts. Both clearly mark their plant-based items, making ordering stress-free. Do-Rite's vegan donuts have earned a cult following even among non-vegans who appreciate their perfect texture and inventive flavors.

For gluten-free needs, Do-Rite Donuts takes extra care with dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination—a serious consideration that sets them apart. Duck Duck Goat also excels with numerous gluten-free options clearly marked on their takeout menu.

Most restaurants in the neighborhood now include comprehensive allergen information on their online ordering platforms, making it easier to filter options based on your specific needs. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call the restaurant directly—many West Loop chefs pride themselves on accommodating special requests even when they're not explicitly listed on the menu.

How do restaurants keep food hot and crispy during delivery?

Maintaining food quality during transit is perhaps the greatest challenge for West Loop takeout operations, especially for foods that can quickly lose their magic like fried chicken, pizza, and pasta.

The neighborhood's top spots have gotten creative with specialized packaging designed for specific menu items. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken uses cleverly vented containers that release steam, preventing that disappointing soggy coating that ruins lesser fried chicken. Similarly, Nonna's packages their pizza in boxes with moisture-wicking materials that keep the crust properly crisp.

Component separation has become standard practice throughout the neighborhood. Monteverde wisely packages sauces separately from pasta, allowing you to combine them just before eating for that fresh-from-the-kitchen experience. This thoughtful approach preserves textures and flavors that would otherwise be compromised during the journey to your home.

Many orders now arrive with detailed reheating instructions, providing specific guidance to restore items to their optimal state. Duck Duck Goat includes comprehensive directions with their special event packages, ensuring even complex multi-course meals can be properly finished in your kitchen.

Some restaurants have taken the extra step of redesigning popular menu items specifically for takeout, adjusting ingredients or preparation methods to create versions that travel better than their dine-in counterparts. These takeout-optimized dishes maintain the essence of what you love while addressing the practical challenges of getting the food from their kitchen to your table.

Living at The Duncan puts you just steps away from all these culinary innovations, making it even easier to enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own home.

Conclusion

There's something magical about unwrapping a carefully packaged meal from one of Chicago's finest kitchens while relaxing in your own space. West Loop takeout transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary trip without the need to change out of your comfortable clothes.

The beauty of the West Loop's food scene isn't just its world-class quality—it's the remarkable accessibility. Every restaurant highlighted in this guide sits within a short stroll of one another, creating a walkable food paradise unlike anywhere else in Chicago. For residents of The Duncan Apartments by Flats®, these celebrated kitchens aren't just in your neighborhood—they're practically extensions of your own kitchen.

What makes the area truly special is how seamlessly these restaurants blend innovation with convenience. The handmade pasta from Monteverde, the perfect crispy chicken from Gus's, or the build-your-own Vietnamese bowls from Saigon Sisters all maintain their chef-driven quality even when enjoyed at your dining table or—better yet—during a rooftop picnic overlooking the stunning Chicago skyline.

The evolution of West Loop takeout mirrors broader shifts in how we approach dining. Today's options accept sustainability with compostable packaging, accommodate diverse dietary needs with clearly marked menus, and leverage technology to make ordering smoother than ever. These thoughtful touches transform takeout from a compromise into a genuine alternative to dining out.

Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch between Zoom meetings, planning a special date night at home, or hosting friends for a dinner party without the cooking stress, the West Loop delivers exceptional options just moments from your door. The neighborhood's restaurants have mastered the delicate art of packaging their distinctive flavors in ways that preserve quality during the journey from kitchen to couch.

For those lucky enough to call the West Loop home, this concentration of culinary talent represents one of the neighborhood's most compelling perks—access to Chicago's celebrated food scene without reservations, waiting lists, or the need to dress up. And for residents of The Duncan, all of this sits just an elevator ride away from stylish, comfortable apartments that make the perfect backdrop for enjoying your gourmet takeout haul.

Ready to explore all the flavors waiting right outside your door? Learn more about West Loop Takeout and find how The Duncan puts you at the center of Chicago's most exciting food neighborhood.