Arami

For Illinois residents and travelers passing through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), discovering Arami is a welcome surprise. Far from typical airport fare, this Japanese-inspired eatery offers a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience, providing a taste of quality and freshness in a convenient grab-and-go setting. Arami aims to elevate airport dining with its focus on delicious, well-prepared dishes, including sushi, customizable bowls, and even vegan-friendly options, making it a highly desirable stop for those seeking a healthy and flavorful meal while on the move.

Arami stands out for its commitment to offering a superior dining experience within the often-limited confines of an airport. Customers frequently express pleasant surprise at the quality of the food, especially for an airport establishment. From "pretty good healthy build a bowl lunch" to "absolutely delicious" sushi, Arami strives to deliver on flavor and freshness. Their menu caters to various dietary needs, with notable vegan options like the Spicy Tofu Bowl receiving high praise for its generous portions and authentic kick. While the setting is designed for efficiency, Arami aims to provide a clean and approachable environment where Illinois travelers can find a satisfying and genuinely enjoyable Japanese meal before, during, or after their flights.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal before your next journey, Arami at Midway Airport offers a compelling option that redefines airport dining for Illinoisans.

Arami is conveniently located at 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA, specifically within Terminal A of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Its exact placement is often noted as being "directly across from A7" in the Concourse A Food Hall. This strategic location makes it highly accessible for travelers utilizing Midway Airport, a key hub for many Illinois residents and visitors.

As an airport establishment, accessibility is primarily tied to airport operations. To reach Arami, individuals must typically be ticketed passengers passing through Terminal A. Midway Airport itself is very accessible from various parts of Chicago and the wider Illinois region:

• Public Transportation: The CTA Orange Line 'L' train offers direct service from downtown Chicago to Midway Airport. This provides a convenient and affordable option for those without a car. Numerous CTA bus routes also serve the airport.
• Driving: For those driving, Midway Airport has multiple parking garages and lots, including a terminal garage, daily parking, and economy parking. The airport is easily accessed via Cicero Avenue, which connects to major expressways in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Walk-ins (within Airport): Once inside the airport, Arami is situated in a "grab and go vibe inside of the airport with shared dining tables with other restaurants," making it easy to find for those looking for a quick and fresh meal between flights or before boarding.

While its location within a secure airport terminal means it's not a destination for the general public from outside the airport, for Illinois residents flying in or out of Midway, Arami is exceptionally well-placed to serve their dining needs.

Arami at Chicago Midway Airport is designed to provide efficient yet satisfying Japanese-inspired dining services for travelers. While operating within an airport environment, it strives to offer quality and variety.

• Grab-and-Go/Quick Service: The primary service model is a "grab and go vibe," ideal for travelers on a tight schedule. Food is often prepared quickly, with one customer noting a "pretty good healthy build a bowl lunch" experience.
• Dine-In (Shared Dining Tables): While primarily a quick-service spot, Arami shares dining tables with other restaurants in the airport's food hall. This allows customers to sit and enjoy their meal comfortably if time permits.
• Customizable Bowls: A key offering is the ability to "build a bowl of your choice." This allows diners to personalize their meal with various bases, proteins, and toppings, catering to individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Sushi & Maki Rolls: Arami offers a selection of sushi and maki rolls. While specific names are not provided in the reviews, the mention of "pretty good sushi" and "trio maki" indicates fresh options are available. The primary Arami restaurant (not the airport location) is renowned for its extensive sushi, sashimi, and maki offerings, suggesting the airport outpost aims for similar quality within its more limited scope.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: The restaurant is noted for its "fully vegan friendly" options, particularly the Spicy Tofu Bowl, which includes white rice, red onions, bean sprouts, and tofu with a tangy vinaigrette, topped with green onions. This caters to a significant demand for plant-based options in an airport setting.
• Hot and Cold Options: While some items like the Spicy Tofu Bowl might be served cold (though designed to warm up with rice), there are likely heated meat options like Teriyaki Beef Bowls available, providing choices for different preferences.
• Beverages: Standard airport beverage selections are likely available to complement meals.

Arami at Chicago Midway Airport distinguishes itself within the often-challenging airport dining landscape through several key features and highlights that are particularly appealing to Illinois travelers:

• Surprisingly High Quality for Airport Food: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the unexpected quality of the food for an airport establishment. Phrases like "Not bad for an airport rice bowl!" and "For an airport food/restaurant, this place was actually pretty good" indicate a pleasant surprise and a higher standard than typically expected in such a setting.
• Delicious and Flavorful Dishes: Despite being quick-service, the food is noted for its taste. The Spicy Tofu Bowl is praised for being "actually spicy" with a "good kick without it feeling completely burn-your-tongue" and "delicious and filling." The Teriyaki Beef Bowl also receives positive mentions for its flavor.
• Generous Portions: Customers appreciate the "generous amount of tofu" given in their bowls and the overall quantity of food, with one reviewer noting "There was a lot of food in a bowl so I think it would be better to share between two people." This offers good value for airport dining.
• Vegan and Healthy Options: Arami stands out for its clear commitment to "fully vegan friendly" choices. The Spicy Tofu Bowl is a prime example, making it a crucial spot for plant-based diners at Midway where options can be limited. The focus on "healthy build a bowl lunch" options also caters to health-conscious travelers.
• Efficient "Grab and Go" Model: The "pretty clean bar and food for grab and go vibe" allows for quick service, which is essential for travelers with limited layover times. While service can sometimes be affected by staffing, the overall intent is speed and convenience.
• Fresh Ingredients and Authentic Touches: Despite the fast-paced environment, the dishes are made with fresh ingredients. The use of "authentic Japanese toppings like sautéed mushrooms and onions, pickled radishes, ginger, green onions, and sesame seeds" elevates the bowls and adds to the authentic flavor profile.

Given Arami's location within Chicago Midway International Airport, traditional, publicly advertised promotions or loyalty programs common to standalone restaurants might be less frequent. However, certain aspects of airport dining and general restaurant practices could lead to indirect "offers" or value for Illinois travelers:

• Value for Airport Food: As highlighted in customer reviews, the primary "promotion" is often the surprisingly good quality and generous portions for the price within an airport setting. While $15 for a bowl might seem high outside an airport, it's considered "satisfied with this airport lunch" by patrons, indicating it offers good value for the location.
• Mobile Ordering: Airports often promote mobile ordering through various apps to reduce wait times. While not explicitly detailed for Arami in the provided snippets, many airport eateries participate in such programs, which can sometimes come with app-exclusive deals or expedited service, offering a type of convenience-based promotion.
• Airport-Wide Programs: Occasionally, airports or airport concessionaires run promotions that might include participating restaurants like Arami. These could be tied to credit card rewards, airline loyalty programs, or seasonal airport campaigns. Illinois travelers could check the official Midway Airport website or digital signage within the terminals for any such broad initiatives.
• Grab-and-Go Efficiency: For travelers on a tight schedule, the efficient "grab and go" service model itself serves as a valuable offer, saving time that would otherwise be spent waiting for a sit-down meal. This is a significant benefit in a travel context.

While explicit discount codes or happy hour specials might not be the norm, Arami's consistent delivery of quality food in a high-demand environment represents its core value proposition and a "special offer" in itself for those needing a reliable meal at MDW.

For Illinois travelers seeking a fresh and flavorful meal at Arami while at Chicago Midway International Airport, here's the relevant contact information:

Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA (Located within Terminal A of Chicago Midway International Airport, often across from Gate A7)

While a direct phone number for the specific Arami location within Midway Airport is not explicitly provided in the immediate reviews, Arami's main Chicago location (1829 W Chicago Ave) has a phone number of (312) 243-1535. However, for real-time inquiries about the airport location, it's generally best to check the official Chicago Midway Airport website or resources like airport information desks upon arrival, as individual airport outlets might not have separate publicly listed phone numbers for customer inquiries. Most interactions at this location would be in-person.

For Illinois residents who frequently travel through or work at Chicago Midway International Airport, Arami presents itself as an exceptionally suitable and highly beneficial dining option. It effectively addresses several key needs for locals navigating the busy airport environment.

Firstly, Arami offers a rare commodity in airport dining: quality and freshness. Customers consistently express pleasant surprise at the deliciousness of the food, noting it's "not bad for an airport rice bowl" and even "pretty good healthy." This means that locals don't have to compromise on taste or health when grabbing a quick meal before a flight or during a layover. The emphasis on "fresh ingredients" and authentic Japanese "flavors" provides a satisfying culinary experience that stands out from typical fast-food airport choices.

Secondly, the availability of genuinely "vegan friendly" options, particularly the lauded Spicy Tofu Bowl, is a significant advantage for Illinoisans with dietary preferences or restrictions. Finding diverse and flavorful plant-based meals can be challenging in travel hubs, and Arami fills this gap admirably, ensuring a wider range of locals can find a suitable and enjoyable meal. The customizable "build a bowl" concept further enhances its appeal, allowing for personalized, healthy choices.

Finally, the efficient "grab and go vibe" and quick service are perfectly tailored to the realities of airport travel. Locals are often on tight schedules, and Arami provides a solution for a fast yet satisfying meal without lengthy waits. Its convenient location within Terminal A also means minimal hassle to access. For Illinois residents, Arami at Midway Airport is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a reliable, high-quality, and health-conscious oasis in the midst of travel, making it an ideal choice for any journey through MDW.

Arami

5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA