Tokyo Lunch Box

Multiple Locations
179 W Van Buren St
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 435-4005

This family run chain has several Chicago locations (Van Buren, Jackson, Merchandise Mart). It mainly caters to the busy lunch crowd and 9-5ers looking to grab something to bring home for dinner. They serve pre-made vegetable maki rolls (both the avocado rolls and avocado/shitake mushroom are vegetarian) and two different types of vegetarian inari (tofu skin filled with either brown or white rice). They also have edamame (soybeans) and vegetable gyoza (vegetarian). For loop-working vegetarians this is a must visit. The maki is pre-made but they are typically happy to make you something fresh (something I recommend, the freshness really makes a difference). You can get a quick tray of maki rolls and a bowl of rice for under $5. A steal!

They also have a vegetarian noodle dish, tasty, but also loaded with MSG-like flavoring (think instant ramen noodles).

Alonti Deli

333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
312-726-4335

225 N Michigan Ave
(between Lake St & Wacker Pl)
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 240-0349

Several other locations...

Alonti mainly serves the Loop lunch crowd (there are more than one location). The atmosphere is drab (especially the Van Buren location) but you can get a veggie sandwich (fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers) that is a tasty alternative to, say Subway (gasp!).