Bodega N. 5 opens below Mercat a la Planxa

Does a $5 lunch exist anywhere in this city? That's the question I was asking myself as I trolled the streets of the South Loop yesterday, looking for somewhere besides Dunkin' Donuts to eat.

Soon I found myself outside Mercat a la Planxa, the Spanish spot in the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel, where I noticed that its new lower-level concept, Bodega N. 5, seemed to be open. I popped my head into the open door. A guy behind the bar waved me in.

It was as if a higher power had heard me. Because get this: At Bodega N. 5, everything on the streamlined, made-for-takeout menu is $5. Everything. $5. Until 5pm, at which point it starts offering some higher-priced, dinnerish items from the Mercat menu.

What could you possibly get for $5? Well, I've copied the menu for you and pasted it below, so now you don't even have to ask.

Bodega N. 5, now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at 634 S Michigan Ave, 312-542-3605.

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Bodega N. 5
Menu (6:30am–5pm):

Salads
Green salad
Russian potato salad

Sandwiches
Bacon, egg and cheese
Peppers and onion
Turkey with bacon
Ham and cheese
Tuna

Flat breads
Egg salad
Roasted vegetable

Empanadas
Egg, green onion, manchego
Serrano and San Simon cheese

Menu (after 5pm):

Salads
Green salad
Russian potato salad

Sandwiches
Turkey with bacon
Tuna

Flat breads
Roasted vegetable

Empanadas
Egg, green onion, manchego
Serrano and San Simon cheese

A la planxa
Wagyu "Zabuton" - $42
Wagyu flat iron - $40
Black Angus ribeye - $42
Rack of Colorado lamb - $24/$48
House smoked veal sausage - $12
Chorizo - $9
Morcilla (traditional blood sausage) - $10
Catalan spinach with raisins, pine nuts and apples - $10
Green onions with Romesco- $10
Wild mushrooms - $14
Lentils with garbanzo beans and feta - $11
Patatas bravas - $5