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Suggestions for a leisurely lunch where I can 'catch up' with a friend...casual and not expensive?

Not sure what you mean by expensive... but Gibson's would be my first choice by far. While dinner there could be construed as expensive, their lunch is actually quite reasonable and of the same wonderful quality. We go there about 2-3 times per month for lunch, instead of going out for more expensive dinners.

Most burgers and sandwiches are around $12 with excellent homemade fries. And of course, they have an excellent, beer, wine, and liquor selection as well.

Others I'd would go to if asked but not necessarily suggest would be The Clubhouse, Wildfire, and Cheeseburger In Paradise.

John

My first thought was Labriola Bakery Cafe.

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Pi r round.

Labriola is a good suggestion. Excellent food, not too expensive, nice environment.

It is a bakery first, but they have very nice small interesting pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, desserts. And awesome gelato. And, since it is an excellent bakery, you could even pick up some bread!

Part of the answer to this is what you feel is 'not too expensive'. I mean you can go to Panera, and it isn't horrible, and is very cheap. But if you want a nice restaurant, there are many in the area that are several notches above that.

As I said in my other post, I heartily endorse Labriola. But having lived in the area for many years, I can recommend a few other places that may or may not work for you.

Redstone: A few minutes down the road from Oakbrook mall, but a really nice place. It is a chain, but a quality one.

D.O.C. Wine Bar: Very nice atmosphere, nice food. Things like Ahi tuna sliders, Flatbreads, Cheese plates.

J. Alexanders: Similar style to Redstone. Quality, slightly upscale food, nice atmosphere. Next to Oak Brook Mall.

Except for Labriola, none of these places are really GNRs, but they are all pleasant with above quality food. You would have a good time at any of them.

Ok. Last one. The Clubhouse. It's actually INSIDE of Oakbrook Mall. Very similar to the others.

Let us know how it turned out!