Food Life
Food Court or Street Vendor
Eclectic (Varied)
Food Court with Vegan Options
This new-age food court in the Water Tower Place mall on North Michigan Avenue is unlike any other mall dining venue. The decor consists of a "forest" of fake trees, a bamboo garden and signs with various tips to help your spiritual well-being. Upon entering, each guest receives an electronic card which is scanned at each of the international foods stations to keep tabs on your bill. Yes, the place is vaguely reminiscent of Disney's Epcot Center. However, it is one of the few places on Michigan Avenue that has intentionally vegan fare. The soy tomato cream soup and vegan shitakke mushroom broth stir-fry are just two examples of their attempts to maintain a diverse menu.
Chicago stop of the Red Line. Walk 3 blocks East, enter Water Tower Place and go up the escalator to the Mezzanine Level.
- Kid-Friendly
Added by Eric Purdy on Aug 24 04 (updated Aug 24 04)
Reviews
The food is decent, but not great. The main problem with this place is that it's way too expensive. I wouldn't eat there again unless I was starving and somehow stranded in Water Tower Place.
The key to having an enjoyable experience at FoodLife is in what you order. If you get the bottomless bowl of creamless tomato soup, you'll find that your $5 are stretched very far (last time I went, I had four bowls of the stuff). Also, the drinks are unlimited free refills (including the exotic iced teas). In short, if you're not under a time constraint and can take advantage of the refills then this place isn't a bad deal. The creamless tomato soup is the best I've had anywhere.