Traveling, especially for work, can feel like one never-ending cup of hotel coffee. No matter how fabulous your accommodations—or how delicious their in-house lattes—every professional wanderer sometimes longs for the creature comforts of their home city’s beloved on-the-go cafes and snack spots. In honor of our fellow travelers who yearn for a casual eatery while on the road—we've collected our favorites from around the world. Dig in!
Photo, courtesy of Brothers and Sisters
Brothers and Sisters, Chicago
Brothers and Sisters—a local eatery, bottle shop and market located in the city’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood—more than meets our expectations for a grab-and-go lunch or a casual weeknight dinner. Try the juicy roasted chicken with black garlic bread pudding, and pick up a bottle of primo vino to take back home, or to “sample” in your hotel room later on. brothersandsisters.fun
Photo, courtesy of Prado Mercearia
Prado Mercearia, Lisbon
Prado Mercearia in downtown Lisbon’s Baixa neighborhood is a mandatory stop. Designed by Ark Studio, this café and marketplace caters to locals, but its chic interior and assemblage of seasonal Portuguese baked creations—a decadent grape cake served with Moscatel wine was concocted to celebrate the autumn’s grape harvest—lure epicureans far and wide. The market also crafts gift boxes stuffed with local treats like sardines and pimento jam—in case someone at home needs a little extra attention. @prado_mercearia
Photo, courtesy of Bar Shuka
Bar Shuka, Frankfurt
The recently opened 25hours The Trip hotel, located in the city’s Bahnhofsviertel district, houses an intriguing and unexpected restaurant on its ground floor: Bar Shuka, a Tel Aviv-inspired eatery with style to spare. Designed by Morgen Interiors and Michael Dreher, the spot features Instagram-worthy lighting crafted from Tunisian straw baskets hanging above a 400-year old oak chef’s table. The eats are modern interpretations of classic Middle Eastern fare, including Beluga lentils and raw Tahnini, and the drinks are even more fun—look behind a wall in the courtyard, and you’ll find a speakeasy: Shuka Bar. @barshukabar
Photo, courtesy of Little Bao
Little Bao, Hong Kong
We suggest checking out Little Bao, a 20-seat snack spot located on Staunton Street in Central district’s SoHo. Named Best Female Chef 2017 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, May Chow (featured above) opened the eatery in 2013, and both locals and tourists have been patiently lining up for her take on the pork belly bao—and her signature fried salted caramel or green tea ice cream sandwiches—ever since. Chow recently opened a bigger Bao in the Causeway Bay shopping district, but we love the bustling charm of her original spot. little-bao.com
Photo, courtesy of Versailles Bakery
Versailles Bakery, Miami
Here’s our quick and simple pro tip: when headed to your first morning meeting, have your Lyft make a pit stop at the Versailles Bakery in Little Havana, and order a café con leche and guava pastelito to-go. This iconic Cuban bakery has been serving customers on Calle Ocho since 1971, and their authentic pastries and coffee drinks are the perfect way to start the day like a well-fed and properly caffeinated local. versaillesrestaurant.com
