Hello, and welcome to Loyola!

Throughout your first few weeks here you are no doubt acquiring a plethora of information on all things Loyola: benefits info, orientation packets, your job duties and requirements, etc. Although, there are some things you should know that won’t be included in these packets of information. The little things that can help make transitioning to your life at Loyola easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.

If you ever need a kick-start in the morning there are a few places around the Water Tower Campus that can provide that extra edge:

  • ING Café(Wabash & Chestnut) – Tasty and cheap coffee for only $1 (really, $1, no taxes). They also carry breakfast goodies for those mornings when you’ll inevitably be running out the door with one shoe on and your stomach growling. Everything from assorted fruits, breakfast pastries, and yogurt with granola. (Their breakfast sandwiches are nothing to write home about)
  • McDonalds (Chicago & State) – Is there anything more American than a bacon and cheese breakfast sandwich in between two syrup soaked buns? I didn’t think so. The shamrock shakes come March can stir up a frenzy in the division.
  • Starbucks – As always, you can find at least 34 different Starbucks within a one mile radius, but the closest two are at State & Pearson, and on Chicago Ave, between Wabash & Rush.

Now, onto the lunch hour, that most anticipated hour of the day:

  • Grillers (Pearson & Wabash) – You’ll probably see 18 people from Loyola inside here at any given moment. They have your typical, greasy food that is sometimes a necessity. Cheeseburgers, pizza puffs, steak sandwiches, Italian beef, etc. This is also where you can purchase 72 oz. fountain drinks. All in all, Griller’s is a heart stopper.
  • The Soupbox (On Chicago Ave, between Wabash & Rush) – Perfect for cold days, but it’s a little pricey. Although, sometimes soup and bread sounds too good to pass up, despite the price. (You’ll also find a Jimmy Johns next door)
  • Food Court(Enter on Rush St, between Superior & Huron – This place is a little hard to find, especially because the building is virtually empty besides the food court, which is on the top floor. It has Great Steak & Potato, Panda Express, and Taco Bell, amongst others. The entrance is on the east side of Rush street.
  • Potash Brothers (On State St. between Chestnut & Delaware) – This place will provide you with a more healthy alternative. It’s a small grocery store that has a salad bar and various pre-packaged meals made in house at the deli.

There are plenty of other places to grab a bite to eat, the above are just a few. Ask any of your coworkers for a suggestion and they’ll be happy to offer up some advice.

You might not be able to tell from what you read above, but there are some more important things than food around the Water Tower Campus that you should probably be aware of.

The HancockCenter – Here at the HancockCenter, located on Michigan & Chestnut, is a post office, which is in the basement.Although, this is not a full service post office, but this is the closest place to buy some stamps. Also, there is a Best Buy on the ground level.

Walgreens – There are two Walgreens close to the Water Tower Campus. One is on the corner of Michigan & Chicago, the other is at State & Walton. If you ever need to go, you should probably stop in at the one on State & Walton. The Michigan & Chicago location can be a zoo.

Museum of Contemporary Art – If after work you want to infuse some culture into your life the MCA is only a couple of blocks away, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission is free on Tuesdays. During the warm months there is a farmers market located just outside of here on Tuesday mornings/afternoons.

LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art) – Be sure to check out Loyola’s resident art museum, especially because as staff you are entitled to free admission. You must enter on the east side of LewisTowers (820 N. Michigan Ave.)

Borders–On the corner of Michigan Pearson, this is perfect for a little lunch hour shopping to pick up the latest book recommended by Oprah.

Harrys Gold Coast Shoe Repair –Located at 1 W Chestnut St. Busted your shoe racing to get to work early? No problem, just let Harry know and he can fix it for you. He also makes keys, which can come in handy. It’s an independently owned and operated place, just don’t leave your shoes there for over 30 days because as the sign clearly states, “Not Responsible for Items Left Over 30 Days.”

Golden Needle Tailoring & Cleaning – When you busted your shoe did you also fall and rip some of your clothes? That’s too bad. Go to 814 N. State St. and they’ll fix them up for you. So, that’s not too bad.

Water Tower Shopping Place – Located on Michigan Ave just north of Pearson, you can pretty much find whatever it is you’re looking for inside here. Beware of loudly dressed tourists.

900 N. Michigan Ave. – Very similar to the Water Tower Shopping Place, just less crowded. Also, there is a Potbelly’s on the 5th floor (the only one close enough to walk to). Go ahead and order yourself “the wreck w/ bacon.” Even the people making your sandwich will admire its beauty and be jealous of this sumptuous feast.

Portillos – This is not mentioned with the rest of the food because it’s a little farther away and should be considered a special treat. Also, eating here too often will contribute to cardiac arrest, but that’s because the food is to die for.