Nothing beats cooling down over a leisurely lunch after a long summer ride. But after you’ve been spinning your wheels so hard, you don’t want to hang your helmet just anywhere. Check out these places with a soft spot for pedal-pushing patrons.
Green City Market
This organic oasis on the edge of Lincoln Park is the place to stop when you’re pedaling in the park. The emphasis is on farm-fresh goods, but a handful of vendors offer healthy snacks that’ll give you the boost you need to keep on cruising. Green City Market is also the starting point for this summer’s Veggie Bike and Dine event, a 15-mile cycling tour of vegan-friendly restaurants sponsored by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and Earthsave Chicago. The market is open 7 a.m-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays through October. Lincoln Park, between 1750 N. Clark St. and Stockton Drive. 847-835-2240.
Best bites for bikers: organic crepes, baked goods from Red Hen Bakery (prices vary)
Chicago Diner
Grease is for your gears, not your lunch. Chicago Diner’s vegan specialties will help you hang on to the healthy feeling you’ve been working on all morning, and the outdoor patio provides a relaxing respite from the road. The diner is also a good spot to power up with a hearty breakfast before picking up the Lakefront Trail near Belmont Harbor. 3411 N. Halsted St. 773-935-6696.
Best bites for bikers: Thunder Salad ($8.95), fresh juices ($3.25-$5.35)
Medici on 57th
For those wise souls who cycle south on the Lakefront Trail to avoid beachfront bottlenecks, Medici’s rooftop patio is the perfect place to wind down. This Hyde Park institution is also a good choice if you’re rolling with a large group. For riders looking for fuel before hitting the road, the Med’s next-door bakery opens at 7 a.m. 1327 E. 57th St. 773-667-7394.
Best bites for bikers: Garbage Pizza ($4-$24), milkshakes ($3-$4)
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
This whimsical ice cream shop is the best thing going near the head of the 20-mile North Branch Trail, the path that winds from the Northwest Side to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The ice cream served here comes from a Madison creamery that churns out unusual creations with names like Snap-O-Lantern and Fat Elvis. If you can’t convince yourself you’ve earned a scoop of the real thing, Chocolate Shoppe offers no-sugar-added flavors, as well as non-fat yogurts and soy cream. 5337 W. Devon Ave. 773-763-9778.
Best bites for bikers: fruit-flavored sorbets ($2 and up), low-fat smoothies (around $3)
Handlebar
If you’re looking for the ultimate post-pedaling destination, put on the brakes at Handlebar. This bicycle-themed Wicker Park spot welcomes anyone on two wheels, from hard-core messengers to recreational weekend riders. Rack your ride on the back patio or grab a seat inside on one of the quirky barstools crafted from old tire rims, and choose from an international and mostly vegetarian menu. 2311 W. North Ave. 773-384-9546.
Best bites for bikers: Green Meenie sandwich ($7.50), Handlebar salad ($5.25-$8.25)
