Lounge in Chicago

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Upper level was blocked off last week when I was there. Still no food offerings but they allowed you to bring in your own.
Darn! I'm headed on an Amtrak trip to Chicago and back next month and was looking forward to it..

How crowded is it during the pandemic?
 
Had this been restricted during the pandemic? They've allowed you to bring your own food in since the closing of the Legacy Club.
I think they said that "they have no snacks due to the pandemic, but you can bring your own". So I would assume you can during the pandemic.
 
I think they said that "they have no snacks due to the pandemic, but you can bring your own". So I would assume you can during the pandemic.

It wouldn't make any sense to me if they'd restrict your own food in the lounge unless they're concerned that you have to remove your mask to eat. I've not been back there since last February so I am clueless as to what is going on there. I only have the reports of people on AU and Facebook to go by. I have to assume the snacks, veggie bar, soft drink and hot drink dispensers and other food/drink amenities won't return for quite a while.
 
It wouldn't make any sense to me if they'd restrict your own food in the lounge unless they're concerned that you have to remove your mask to eat. I've not been back there since last February so I am clueless as to what is going on there. I only have the reports of people on AU and Facebook to go by. I have to assume the snacks, veggie bar, soft drink and hot drink dispensers and other food/drink amenities won't return for quite a while.
Pre-COVID was when they did not allow you to bring in outside food. Now we’re allowed to because they don’t have any food/drinks for us.
 
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It's one of those experiences, that everyone should try at least once, if they can. The upper level is indeed quiet and relaxing, with those big window views on the street, but I find the lower level to be equally relaxing depending on mood. I like the tall backed chairs on the lower level, and you're also closer to the service station with water, tea/coffee, and occasional snack offerings. No idea what this looks like in the pandemic area, hoping to find out this Spring.
The key is to find a spot where you can be comfortable waiting for a short time... or longer. Sometimes it's great just to stow your bag and explore Chicago until boarding time.
 
The showers provide towels. If I recall, you went to the desk for access. Not sure what their status is in the Covid environment. Haven't been through Chicago since 2019. Back then, snacks were laid out, drink orders were taken and we had a wine tasting. Not now.....
 
Jersey Mikes Subs was open on my last visit a month ago. So was McDonalds and that bar on the good court. Knowing I would be "dining" on the flexible menu on my three day trip later that day the sub from Jersey Mikes was the best meal I had on my Amtrak trip.
 
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Jersey Mikes Subs was open on my last visit a month ago. So was McDonalds and that bar on the good court. Knowing I would be "dining" on the flexible menu on my three day trip later that day the sub from Jersey Mikes was the best meal I had on my Amtrak trip.
food..not good
 
Throughout the pandemic, there haven't been any food or beverages available in the normal stations at Chicago's Metropolitan Lounge. Occasionally they'll give out snacks. The second floor of the lounge is open with a 50% chance.

More sadly, most of the businesses I've patronized in downtown Chicago for years seem to be closed for good. Very few businesses of any type seem to be open at all in Downtown Chicago. Many hotels closed for good and my favorite Chicago hotel, the Cambria, is closed at least temporarily. Even places like Dunkin Donuts or McDonald's aren't open, and there have been barely any people around downtown for months. I really hope downtown Chicago can return after the pandemic because it really should be the capital of the Midwest.
 
I would always get a hot dog in Chicago... until I tried an Italian beef.

This place is a short walk from Union Station:
https://lukeschicago.com/
I’m still not a fan of deep dish pizza, though.
A GREAT place to get a quick but solid meal, though I thought I herd this location sank a year or so ago.
"Al's Roast Beef" close to Union Station was really good,( Great Sandwiches with Peppers) unfortunately that location closed.

The Late and Great Joe Hess and I ate there several times during Chicago layovers after he introduced me to the place!
 
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