As with practically all businesses at this time, restaurants are fighting to survive—and have had to adapt by, among other things, getting creative with curbside/delivery offerings since dine-in service is currently shuttled. Here are a few to consider, covering a variety of cuisines and locations:
—Nutella Cafe: Nutella Cafe is exclusively serving customers via non-contact methods such as phone-ahead/curbside pickup or delivery through DoorDash. The cafe, at 189 N. Michigan Ave., is currently open, and store hours are Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ( Note: First-time Nutella Cafe orders on DoorDash, with a $15 minimum order, will receive free delivery ). It's also on Uber Eats.
—Prairie Grass Cafe ( PrairieGrassCafe.com ): The Northbrook spot is offering something different every day, with items including grilled salmon, casserole packages and even fresh fish for you to cook/freeze for later. Curbside pickup of signature menu items is available as well, 4-7 p.m.
—Pearl's Place ( PearlsPlaceRestaurant.com ): This Bronzeville restaurant, at 3901 S. Michigan Ave., has tempting items like shrimp po'boys, New Orleans Breakfast, fried green tomatoes and even a jerk turkey dinner. Pearl's is available on Grubhub.
—Mango Pickle ( MangoPickleRestaurant ): This North Side spot, at 5842 N. Broadway, is taking orders of its Indian dishes for carry-out, curbside pickup and neighborhood delivery ( within two miles ) at 4-8 p.m. daily. I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant, so I know that the offerings are top-notch.
—Temporis ( TemporisChicago.com; items on Caviar and Tock ): The upscale restaurant has several items available, ranging from the Wagyu burger ( $25, but it's Wagyu, with black truffle aioli ), truffled mac 'n cheese and what's called THE Brownie ( with Okinawa brown-sugar ganache )—and there's also dinner for two, for $70. Items are available 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
—Francois Frankie ( FrancoisFrankie.com ): Located in the Loop, this is one of three spots of the Well Done Hospitality Group ( along with Cochon Volant and Taureaux Tavern ) that's offering family meals for two ( $30 ) and four ( $60 ). ( The meals are available on Tock for delivery and curbside pickup Monday through Saturday for dinner. ) Visit ExploreTock.com/welldonepickup to view daily rotating menus to order.
—Eduardo's Enoteca: This Gold Coast spot specializes in Italian dishes, and is available on Caviar. Menu items include spicy kale Caesar salad, lemon parsley spaghetti, hot honey pizza ( with cayenne-infused honey ), seafood tortellini, antipasti, tiramisu and more.
—El Mariachi Restaurant and El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill ( ElMariachiTequilaBar.com ): The Lake View restaurants are on Grubhub and Caviar, and have a variety of their Mexican items to order. Taquitos, quesadillas, the pork dish cochinita pibil and salmon a la talla are just a few of the items available.
—Maple & Ash ( MapleAndAsh.com/menus-chicago/ ): The Near North Side steakhouse ( on Caviar ) has listed popular items such as the little gem Caesar salad and its downstairs burger as well as wild Alaskan king crab legs, ricotta agnolotti, Slagel Farm crispy fried chicken and chocolate cake, among others.
—Lao Sze Chuan: Craving Chinese? Then you might want to check out this spot's offerings that include dry chili chicken, sliced tender pork with garlic sauce, wonton soup, peapod leaves and prawn ( with shell ). It's on Caviar. ( BTW, this restaurant has been feeding a lot of first responders, for free, the local ABC affiliate reported. )
—Jake Melnick's Corner Tap: In connection with ESPN's The Last Dance 10-part documentary series on the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's last season, Jake Melnick's is offering a special "Chicago-Style 3 for $23" every Sunday through May 17, including three Chicago-Style Polish Dogs with one quart of Jake's BBQ beans. Jake's is offering curbside pickup and delivery ( Doordash ). Also, Jake Melnick's has its unique burgers, wings and other items.
—90 Miles Cuban Cafe: On Caviar and Grubhub, this Roscoe Village spot has some delicious items you may want, such as papatas bravas, tuna ceviche, pescado, grilled-cheese sandwich, braised oxtails and, of course, the Cubano, among other items.
—True Food Kitchen ( TrueFoodKitchen.com ): Those who want more healthful items may want to check out this restaurant ( available on Grubhub ). Whether it's ancient grains, teriyaki quinoa, kale salad, spaghetti squash casserole, a turkey burger or family meals, you'll find it here.
