Top Chicago Luncheon Restaurants

352 results near Chicago, IL

Find a Venue

Choosing your luncheon venue will be one of the most important steps in the planning process. So much goes into finding the perfect restaurant in Chicago. You’ll want to consider everything from the aesthetics of the space to any in-house amenities and services. Luckily, PartySlate makes it easy with our Find Venues page. Use the filters to narrow your search — taking into account everything from your guest count to specific catering preferences. Once you’ve set your filters, scroll down to search our curated list. Look for the “featured” tag for PartySlate’s top recommendations. With PartySlate, finding your ideal Chicago restaurant has never been easier.

Results

  • Bar, an event space at Puttshack Oakbrook

    Puttshack Oakbrook

    1828 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA
    • 2 Restaurants
    • 1 Event Space

    Puttshack is an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience that brings everyone in to play. More than just indoor mini golf, patented Trackaball technology allows guests to play a point scoring game, in an immersive, upscale and exciting environment coupled with world-class food and a full bar in a cool environment. Puttshack is the perfect place to come together, to host a company event, to celebrate a birthday, to escape for a date night or simply to play a round with friends. The Puttshack experience is really all about having fun – and doing something fun – together.

    Est. $63/guest
    Pricing Details Available
    Avg response time 12-24 hrs
  • Crystal Hall, an event space at A Thousand Tales

    A Thousand Tales

    2340 S Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA
    • Spaces for 150-200 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    A Thousand Tales is a family-owned restaurant and event venue offering a warm, elegant setting paired with elevated Mediterranean cuisine. Our space is designed to host unforgettable gatherings—from intimate celebrations to large-scale private events—while delivering exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. We specialize in hosting weddings, engagement ceremonies, corporate events, birthdays, baby showers, and private dinners, with flexible layouts that accommodate both seated dining and standing receptions. Every menu is prepared fresh in-house using high-quality ingredients, combining traditional flavors with a refined, modern presentation. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach. Our events and catering team works closely with each client to customize menus, layouts, and service styles to match the vision of their event. Whether you’re planning a professional corporate gathering or a meaningful family celebration, we focus on creating a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. Located in Mount Prospect, Illinois, A Thousand Tales offers a unique blend of cultural richness, culinary excellence, and personalized service—making every event feel intentional, welcoming, and memorable.

    Est. $40/guest
    Avg response time 1-2 hrs
  • Soto Bar, an event space at 28 Mile Distilling

    28 Mile Distilling

    454 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL 60040, USA
    • Spaces for 36-360 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant
    • 1 Outdoor
    • 1 Event Space

    28 Mile Distilling offers a versatile, one-of­ a-kind event venue located centrally in High­wood, Illinois. Each of our rooms - The Soto Bar, Bourbon Lounge and the Rooftop - offer open loft-style space that can be custom­ized to accommodate a vast range of occa­sions for your next event. Our in-house mixologists' craft one-of-kind cocktails specifically blended with 28 Mile Distilling's award-winning Debonair Bourbon, Gin, Vodka, and Ventiocho Tequilla. The roaring 1920s meets modern at 28 Mile Distilling with its gas lamps, exposed brick and soaring ceilings. From Bar/Bat Mitz­vahs and weddings to corporate gatherings, photo shoots and fundraisers, 28 Mile Distill­ing transforms your event into an experience you and your guests will not soon forget.

    Pricing Details Available
    Avg response time 1-2 hrs
  • Revolucion, an event space at Revolucion

    Revolucion

    30 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
    • Spaces for 40-60 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant
    • 1 Historic Space

    Revolución is an upscale, vibrant event space in downtown Geneva featuring a tequila and mezcal-inspired atmosphere with modern Latin design. The space offers a variety of layouts including semi-private and full buyouts, with warm lighting, custom wood finishes, and a lively yet elevated ambiance perfect for celebrations. Ideal for birthdays, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and social gatherings, Revolución provides customizable food and drink packages with a focus on elevated Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.

    Est. $40/guest
    Avg response time 1-2 hrs
  • Little Victories, an event space at Little Victories

    Little Victories

    1725 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
    • Spaces for 50-70 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Footman Hospitality has opened the doors of Little Victories in the heart of Wicker Park, continuing a long legacy of drinking and dining places that have brought people from all over the city together for years. Little Victories, which is housed in a former warehouse conversion, welcomes you with a horseshoe bar as its focal point. Billiards and darts are two Chicago pastimes that are complemented by booths and decor that have a vintage feel to them. Everything about this place is simple and straightforward: fantastic moments, nice music, decent beverages, and pleasant service. With an emphasis on classics that are easy to remember and enjoy, the cocktail program strives to retain the integrity of the traditional drinks that everyone knows and loves. Additionally, Little Victories provides a changing assortment of canned and draft beers, which includes microbrews and craft beers from Chicago's several local brewers. The wine list is straightforward, straightforward, and enjoyable. Little Victories is a celebration of the large things that come about as a result of the accumulation of minor victories. And there is maybe no better way to do it than while enjoying a game of darts or billiards with pals while sipping on a drink. It's easy to get caught up in life's small disappointments; we believe it's time to pay attention to life's small victories.

  • Event Space at Ranalli's, an event space at Ranalli's

    Ranalli's

    1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    • Spaces for 215-400 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    For groups of 15 to 385 people, Ranalli's offers private and semi-private spaces for events. A large sidewalk patio and a private rear room with a full bar are just a few of the amenities available for your occasion. Are you looking for a private area to host a larger gathering? Inquire about purchasing the entire venue! BACK ROOM The private Back Room can seat up to 50 people seated or 65 people standing for a cocktail-style gathering. A full private bar, high top banquette seating, flexible low top seating options, 8 TVs, private A/V options, private toilets, and a full wall of windows looking out onto our courtyard are all available in this space. KING'S TABLE The King's Table has seating for up to 12 people or cocktail space for up to 15. It has two tap handles with your choice of draft beers and five TVs. For gatherings of up to 25, adjacent table space along the windows can be added on. MAIN BAR Our Main Bar has a full private bar, a mix of scattered bar height tables and low seating, 12 TVs, and private facilities that can accommodate up to 125 guests for a cocktail-style gathering. PATIO Our outside terrace can seat groups of 12 to 170 people. It's the ideal outdoor location to host your next celebration, with heaters, shade umbrellas, flower boxes, lights, and a pergola! For the best of all worlds, inquire about adding a few reserved outdoor tables in conjunction with an interior space.

  • Event Space at Jefferson Tap & Grille, an event space at Jefferson Tap & Grille

    Jefferson Tap & Grille

    325 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
    • Spaces for 56-114 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Jefferson Tap offers a great private event area that can be personalized for any event or occasion, whether it's a conference, a baby shower, or a birthday. Since 2002, we've been tucked away in Chicago's Fulton River District area, making us the ideal setting for a drink with friends, a romantic late-night supper for two, or a full-fledged party with all the trimmings. Enjoy daily specials, weekly specials, a seasonal menu, a dog-friendly terrace, and two full bars to keep your spirits high. The Loft at Jefferson Tap is on the second floor of the building and has a west-facing view of Jefferson Street. The Loft comfortably seats 56 people and has a maximum capacity of 114. There are six televisions in the Loft, as well as a drop-down projector that works with both Mac and PC. The space is equipped with full A/V and a microphone, which makes it ideal for both personal and professional events and can be adapted to fit any floor plan or design. We’re happy to discuss how you can make this space your own for your next event. Jefferson Tap would not be here to host your forthcoming special occasions if it weren't for the support of our friends and family, as well as our regulars who we consider family. We appreciate your patronage, support, and devotion, and we look forward to better days ahead. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts for your continuing support, and we hope to see you at The Tap!

  • Gajin, an event space at Gajin

    Gajin

    950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
    • Spaces for 70-100 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. A self-described gaijin, or “outsider” in Japanese, Virant playfully embraces this perspective and honors traditional preparations and techniques, as well as his well-known passion for pickling and preserving. Designed to deliver a lively and interactive culinary experience, the 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service. The dessert menu features kakigori, a shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue-Gaijin collaboration house lager, sake, Japanese whisky, and wine. We can’t wait to see you at Gaijin!

  • Featured photo from Francesca's on 95th

    Francesca's on 95th

    6248 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
    • Spaces for 75-100 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Francesca's on 95th is an Italian trattoria in Oak Lawn, Illinois, part of the Scott Harris Hospitality family of restaurants. Opened in 2009, the restaurant draws on the rustic, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio — bringing the warmth of an authentic neighborhood trattoria to the South Suburbs. The restaurant hosts private and semi-private events for groups of up to 75 guests, with service styles ranging from family-style and plated dinners to appetizer receptions. In-house catering is available for both on-site and off-site events, and the team works directly with hosts to coordinate menus and room configurations.

  • Main Dining Room, an event space at The Quadrangle Club

    The Quadrangle Club

    1155 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
    • Spaces for 8-200 Guests
    • 2 Restaurants
    • 1 Bar
    • 6 Total Spaces

    The Quadrangle Club, located in the heart of the University of Chicago campus, is a historic membership club for University of Chicago faculty, employees, and community members. Throughout the years, the club has held spectacular weddings, private member celebrations, and intellectual University gatherings in a variety of authentic venues. Members can enjoy special gourmet dining and catering services in addition to traditional guest room amenities. The Quadrangle Club is a great site to hold events on the University of Chicago campus and in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Meetings, conferences, banquets, weddings, retirement parties, graduations, and holiday celebrations can all be held at this historic facility from the 1920s. The Club can accommodate parties of all sizes with its six event areas. Event rooms can be joined to offer a variety of set-up possibilities that are tailored to your specific needs. With connections to the Solarium and Private Dining room, the Main Dining room is excellent for big banquets and receptions, with seating for up to 190 people. The Club's second largest space, with a built-in bar, comfortable fireplace seating, and classic red-brick walls. This space is ideal for receptions and can be paired with other rooms to increase attendance. Smaller spaces: - Banquets, parties, meetings, and lectures can all be held in the Library's private space. - The Solarium, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is great for small banquets and gatherings. - The Private Dining Room, which can seat up to 16 people, is suitable for intimate meetings and private lunches. - The Founder's Room, as its name suggests, is a private, intimate location for small gatherings and dinners.

  • Event Space at Fitzgerald's, an event space at FitzGerald’s Nightclub

    FitzGerald’s Nightclub

    6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA
    • Spaces for 750 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    FitzGerald's is an incredible private event venue. With rich history, vintage charm, and scalability from 25 – 750 people, we offer a unique alternative with character and flexibility. Our collective decades of experience in event production come in handy as we support you through the planning process. From before the invitations to after the thank you cards, we got you. FitzGerald’s has been a place for gathering since it was built in the early 1900’s. Up to 1925, the frame building at 6615 W. Roosevelt was a roadhouse used as a hunting lodge and sporting team headquarters. As more buildings rose along Roosevelt Road, the property was home to several nightclubs, the best-known being The Hunt Club, which flourished through the 1950’s and early 60’s–acts included Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey and Lil Armstrong. After the Hunt Club closed, the space became the Deer Lodge, complete with pool tables and a fortune teller. The FitzGerald family bought the building in 1980, and since that time FitzGerald’s has gained a national reputation for excellent live music in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Along the way, the family purchased the buildings on either side of the club; the corner building now houses FitzGerald's Sidebar, a neighborhood cocktail lounge as well as a private event space. On March 5th 2020, Chicago entertainment veteran Will Duncan (Thalia Hall, Dusek’s/Punch House, MONEYGUN/Saint Lou’s) acquired the buildings and business from the FitzGerald’s family as they transitioned to retirement. The ownership transition achieved an uninterrupted experience for the many regular patrons, without closing for even one day. Will is keeping the name, preserving the legacy, and bringing fresh energy to this old roadhouse at 6611-6619 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn.

  • Outside Voices, an event space at Outside Voices

    Outside Voices

    3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
    • Spaces for 50-100 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Outside Voices, from the same people who brought you Scofflaw, Slippery Slope, The Heavy Feather, and The Moonlighter, is an eclectic Logan Square wine bar. Outside Voices is a welcoming indoor space with elegant woodwork by Threefold, modern elements, and Nate Otto's humorous paintings. A big private terrace adjoins the facility, which will open in the spring. A dynamic and complimentary charcuterie and snack program complements an ever-changing carousel of entertaining, low-intervention wines. Outside Voices is located on Armitage between Scofflaw and The Moonlighter. The bar, which is run by beverage manager Davis Sayer, avoids the pretension that frequently comes with wine. It hits you within 15 seconds of approaching the bar to examine the menu. Rather than putting the onus on the drinker to choose a style, the daily-changing menu of whites, reds, rosés, and orange wines, as well as bubbles, concentrates on the distinct flavors and textures found in each of the 20 or so wines available. If you say you're in the mood for a white, bartenders will use a similar strategy, calling out key descriptors from one or two wines—crisp, tastes like lemon peel—if you say you're in the mood for a white.

  • Upstairs, an event space at Quality Crab & Oyster Bah

    Quality Crab & Oyster Bah

    1962 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    • Spaces for 30-100 Guests
    • 3 Restaurants

    You'll be delighted you chose Bah as your party location out of all the fish in the sea! For all party menus, please give us 72 hours' notice. We’ve got a variety of delicious menus prepared to serve your guests, so you can rest assured that the Bah’s high quality eats will be making your event along with our lovely space. You and your guests will be blown away by all aspects of your event; that’s our commitment to you. You have three options to choose from when considering event spaces at Quality Crab & Oyster Bah. Check out their descriptions below: Low Tide Lounge: Sail downstairs to visit the Low Tide Lounge, a quiet, private setting. Low Tide Lounge has its own bar and can accommodate up to 30 people sitting. An Oyster Shucking Station, Build-Your-Own Taco Bar, Wine Tasting, Bloody Mary & Michelada Bar, Cocktail Classes, and more are all popular interactive stations to add to any party. Upstairs: The entire upstairs of Oyster Bah may be used as an event space for up to 75 people seated and 100 people standing. With its own dedicated bar and kitchen, the crew can tailor your event to your exact specifications! The Halsted Room can accommodate 35 people seated and reception-style for a more intimate gathering. Guests have access to a dedicated television for presentations. While staring out wide windows to Halsted St., enjoy one of our private party menus. Reach out today to see how Quality Crab & Oyster Bah can help make your next event spectacular! We’d be happy to chat on the phone or by email, or you can reach out via the contact form on our website.

  • Featured photo from Bottom Lounge

    Bottom Lounge

    1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
    • Spaces for 210-330 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant
    • 1 Loft

    Bottom Lounge, an 18,000-square-foot music venue and restaurant in Chicago's buzzing West Loop district, offers a variety of customizable event venues for every occasion. Bottom Lounge can accommodate a variety of events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. In addition to having an in-house event planner as well as a fully-stocked bar, we are prepared to offer unique packages that will help you bring your specific idea to reality. Whether it's in the upper warehouse-loft area, on the rooftop terrace, or in the main music room, our diverse venues will create a lasting impression on your guests and colleagues. If you are looking for a convenient site that is easily accessible by vehicle or public transit, we can accommodate your needs. We also have comprehensive staging, lighting, and video capabilities. Allow our experts to assist you in planning birthday parties, wedding receptions, and family gatherings, as well as organising the ideal corporate party, wrap party, reunion, or live performance for you and your guests.

  • italian Village, an event space at Italian Village

    Italian Village

    71 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
    • Spaces for 36-200 Guests
    • 2 Restaurants

    You will have a memorable eating experience at the Italian Village Restaurants no matter what the occasion. Over the course of more than 90 years, we have hosted birthday parties, anniversaries, prom banquets, and a variety of other special occasions for our clients. In The Village, you may enjoy the wonderful ambience of a rustic, "star lighted" Italian street, the intimacy of a tiny wine cellar in La Cantina, or the modern Baroque elegance of Vivere. More information may be obtained by contacting our Event Director at (312) 332-7005 or by email at ivcatering1927@gmail.com. The Town can accommodate up to 36 guests in the middle of the dining area, which is designed to seem like a village from the eighteenth century. Private dining is provided for parties of up to 15 people in a private room or booth.. Parties can be held in The Village seven days a week from lunch until evening, as well as after theatrical performances and before and after sporting events. The Balcony, which overlooks the main dining area, is available for cocktail receptions and sit-down meals for up to 50 people at Vivere Restaurant and Bar. Guests can rent the main floor dining room for supper or buffet service if they are in groups of 60 or more. With cocktail service in the intimate Lounge, the entire space can accommodate seats for 125 people or a buffet gathering of 170 people with cocktail service. From Tuesday through Friday, lunch is provided; supper is offered Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is available for private events on Sundays and Mondays as well. The atmosphere of La Cantina is reminiscent of a cozy wine cellar. The restaurant can accommodate up to 120 people. With its walls covered in books about food and wine, Enoteca (the Library), as well as Vista, provide semi-private rooms for groups of up to 25 to 35 people. In the evenings from Tuesday through Saturday, La Cantina is available for supper. Sunday and Monday are also available for private parties to be scheduled.

  • The Fireside Room, an event space at Harbor Chicago

    Harbor Chicago

    1312 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
    • Spaces for 16-75 Guests
    • 2 Restaurants

    Harbor is located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Gourmet versions of traditional meals, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, are served at Chef Anthony Bernal's restaurant, which pays respect to the Great Lakes region. Drinks include regional tasty beers, delectable and balanced cocktails, as well as a diverse variety of wines from all over the world, including those from the United States. The interior of the resturaunt, created by Barker/Nestor in collaboration with Ingrassia Design, represents the sensibilities of the surrounding neighborhood while also paying homage to the region's illustrious history. The dining tables, which were custom made by Timberwolf Slabs of Crystal Lake, Illinois, included a 17-foot single slab live edge walnut table. There are several eating choices available to guests, including raw bar dining, dining by the fireplace dining, relaxing at a banquette dining, and watching Chefs make their meal while seated at the dining counter.

  • Example Event Space, an event space at Bernie's Chicago

    Bernie's Chicago

    660 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
    • Spaces for 50-150 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Bernie's Restaurant & Bar, located in Chicago's historic River North district, opened its doors in the summer of 2015. Chef Zack Sklar's first effort in the city of Chicago follows a successful career in Michigan, where he has been at the helm of several successful culinary projects. Bernie's, which is located on the corner of Erie and Orleans Streets, is situated in an appealing and informal yet polished atmosphere that includes family-style sitting, beautiful turquoise banquets, vaulted ceilings, and an unusual assortment of textiles, among other things. In addition to our wood-fired pizza oven and two big bars, we also have a seasonal rooftop terrace that is perfect for both regular eating and special events. We take great pleasure in providing each of our visitors with a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience. Our seasonal and progressive cuisine, which draws on flavors from Spain to coastal Italy, Provence, and beyond, features many locally produced foods and draws inspiration from across the world. With attentive and polite service, we also offer specialty cocktails, microbrewed beers, and a well curated wine selection, in addition to our other offerings.

  • Restaurant, an event space at The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile

    The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile

    166 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
    • Spaces for 70-120 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant
    • 1 Bar
    • 4 Total Spaces

    The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile offers flexible event spaces for your next celebration in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue along the iconic Magnificent Mile, this centrally located hotel provides a convenient setting for hosting guests while enjoying easy access to the city's renowned dining, shopping, and attractions. Whether planning a business meeting, networking reception, milestone celebration, or weekend gathering, The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile combines a prime downtown location with comfortable accommodations to create a seamless event experience in one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods.

  • Sparrow, an event space at Sparrow

    Sparrow

    12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
    • Spaces for 20-35 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    The refinement of the Gold Coast district is reflected in this Art Deco apartment complex and its lobby bar. After 75 years, we've brushed it off and reopened it to the public as The Sparrow, the original establishment. Originally intended as a nightcap or late-night rendezvous spot for residents, the bartenders here have been privy to private conversations, thereby becoming the building's concierge. Yes, a sparrow is a sociable, attractive, and intelligent bird. But a real persona of the tenants who nested above, outgoing yet quiet, entrenched in their vocation and art, always considering the next move, despite not moving much. We accept everyone and don't feel the need to show off. Logistics: - All visitors must be at least 21 years old. - The location is wheelchair accessible. - There is no available outside space. - Parking is available on the street. - Decorations are permitted if negotiated at the time of booking. - A fully stocked bar Buyouts and smaller pieces with a minimum party size of 10 are available. - A contract, a 25% payment, and a pre-authorized credit card are required for buyouts and section reservations. - Deposits are not refundable unless the event is less than 30 days away. We have the right to refuse refunds after 30 days. - The final payment is payable at the conclusion of the event. - There is no food, plates, or silverware accessible on-site. - For the spread, we can supply tables. - When mentioned during the booking process, guests are welcome to bring their own food or catering. - Cakes and other related goods have limited storage space.

  • Event space at Scofflaw Chicago, an event space at Scofflaw Chicago

    Scofflaw Chicago

    3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
    • Spaces for 65 Guests
    • 1 Restaurant

    Pull up a stool. In Chicago's Logan Square district, Scofflaw is a gin-focused cocktail bar. Scofflaw brings together a varied range of drinkers for wonderfully prepared cocktails, artisan beer, and small plates that go far beyond "bar food." You'll be treated to polite service and a familiar pleasant feel whether you're eating dinner and cocktails in the Victorian-style salon, grabbing a barstool for a shot and a beer, or brunching on the patio—not to mention fresh baked cookies at midnight. Danny Shapiro deserves us eternal appreciation for creating the city's best Serious Cocktail Bar and Logan Square's nicest local. If you take a seat on one of Scofflaw's Victorian-style settees, the server will greet you with a friendly remark. Then she'll serve you a life-changing gin drink, like the Forest Floor, which is prepared with Letherbee gin and gently mixed with fir tree scent. If you can, stay by the fireplace until midnight, when the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies appear and you begin researching local real estate to make this one-of-a-kind gem your permanent neighborhood bar. To be honest, referring to Scofflaw as a gin joint is akin to referring to Martin Scorsese as a cameraman. It's just been two years, but it's already a master class on how to run a first-quality bar without being pretentious. Partner Danny Shapiro's perfect and inexpensive cocktails ($8! ), some of which are created with Scofflaw's own Old Tom Gin, are Exhibit A. Then there's the Guapichosa, a mythical off-menu beast of a sandwich. And the fresh-from-the-oven free chocolate-chip cookies at midnight. The red light above the door, which the hostess uses to alert passing cabs when you're ready to leave, is the best of all. You don't want her to activate it.