Foodlife

someone just wrote here: What's not to love?

Uh, luke warm bland cafeteria food.

What do I win?

What's not to love?  Inside the Water Tower place so easy walking distance even in a Chicago snow storm.  Plenty to do if its busy with a whole mall.  
Two things let me and the fam avoid this though.  First, we eat there on the weekdays in the evening.  Being local has its perks.  Second, if you are in a pinch, skip the FoodLife and grab a ticket to Might Nice in the back.  Same Lettuce Entertain You owners but a traditional sit down with its own fabulous menu.
Back to FoodLife though.  Great food options.  All or at least most of the wonderful Lettuce Entertain You food specialties, each with its own little mini menu.  Mexican, Italian, Chinese, soup, Southern comfort food.  They even added wine a few years back.
Best part is that when it is less crowded like when we go, it is a great place to take the kids.  My kids love having their own "credit card" to go and buy their own food without mom and dad looking over their shoulder.  A little on the pricey side for your typical food court but the food is really better and the atmosphere is too.  Great family event for us.

Easy five-star review served right up! Just like they serve your food right up at this "glorious buffet." That's what I'm calling it anyway. It's not some "mall food court" - no, this is the Disneyworld of Mall Food Courts if you want to think of it that way.

First, you are properly welcomed (by aromas!) but also by the greeter/host. You are handed a plastic card and then taken to a table that has become "reserved" for you. Run wild now in this theme park of food...charge like you are a ten-year-old with your parents' credit card! Hand it over every counter from which you want to receive some sustenance.  Pizza, salad, soups, mexican food, stir-fry, sushi....(There's also beer, wine, soft drinks & tea - the latter two are self-serve & all you can drink.)

I usually get crazy with the build-your-own stir fry. On one of my most recent visits - there was a table of about 12 Chicago Firefighters who looked on in awe of this little old lady with snap peas and alfalfa sprouts precariously towering at least three feet above her brown bowl.  Did they have to come to the rescue? NOPE! She agilely handed it up and over the counter where it was wok-ed up hot by the ready chef.

When you are finished enjoying your visit...flip your "reserved" indicator to "finished" (or whatever, I don't recall exactly the word) and pop up to the exit. Here, you hand over that little plastic card & pay to exit. (Kind of the opposite of a theme park where you pay to get in, but you won't be throwing up any of this food after riding too many rides!) I have seen some folks gag a little though upon finding out that there is a surcharge added (like a gratuity) but I have never balked at this. The service here has always been outstanding - the place is clean and delightful - and you pay for what you get!

PS they have some excellent daily specials on both food and wine - so look around for the chalkboards or ask someone.