O'Hare dining options expanded in Terminal 5
May 9, 2014 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- If you're planning a summer vacation overseas, there's a chance you'll spend time at O'Hare's International Terminal 5. If you're hungry, you're in good shape, because the dining options just got a lot better, thanks to a $26 million renovation.
Ahi tuna with avocado, loaded nachos and cocktails? It's no mirage, but rather, a fraction of the menu from River North's Hub 51, now part of the new eating options at O'Hare's Terminal 5.
"Travelers typically at an international terminal arrive about two hours early, meaning they have some lag time before their flight leaves, so with the new restaurants, they can sit down and relax; they can grab a mimosa while they get a massage they can get some prosciutto from Tocco, they've got a whole array of options now," said Angela Heuer, Westfield.
Wicker Park's Tocco also features a nice lineup of thin pizzas. There's the familiar Tortas Frontera, which also has two locations in Terminal 1, plus a handful of concepts from Lettuce Entertain You.
"We really brought everything post-security, with the exception of one location right now - Goddess and Grocer - most of the locations are post-security which has really made for a nice environment," said Kevin Reynolds, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Besides Hub 51, there's a decent Chinese lineup of stir-frys from Big Bowl, the famous steamed buns stuffed with savory fillings from Wow Bao and a new ethnic option featuring Middle Eastern spreads, dips and basmati rice.
"We brought in a Mediterranean concept in Urban Olive and then of course you have to bring in a burger, because everybody in the world eats a burger," said Reynolds.
That would be from either Hub 51 or the Lincoln Park classic R.J. Grunts. Reynolds says there are several hurdles in establishing around-the-clock eating and drinking, but if you find yourself stuck in the Terminal this summer, adults have a respite:
"Cocktails 24 hours a day," said Reynolds.
Terminal 5 at O'Hare International Airport
