You might not blame "Seven on State," the upscale food court at the State Street Macy's, for sticking up its nose a bit; it does boast items from some accomplished chefs in a store that's been named a national landmark. But La Brea Bakery, which shares the space with Noodles by Takashi Yagihashi and Rick Bayless' Frontera Fresco, simply doesn't have the time for pretense. The focus here is on fresh and light food in a simple, modernly furnished interior. The prices are reasonable, too; nearly everything on the menu is between $6-$7.
Expect fresh-baked bread every day, but as the saying here goes, "bread is just the start." The sandwiches here are filled with unique ingredients like Gruyere cheese, marinated bitter greens or fried sage—things you're not likely to find at the deli down the street. Order a half sandwich and a cup of soup, maybe the chicken chili (it comes with cilantro cream and tortilla chips). It's not much of a hangout spot—it fills up during lunch with shoppers and Loop workers and empties pretty quickly—but there's plenty to keep you entertained if you've got the time; you are in the world's second-largest department store, after all.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Beatrice Smigasiewicz
