Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, might surprise you with its vibrant salad scene. Beyond the basic side salad, Chicago boasts a diverse range of restaurants specializing in creative, healthy, and incredibly delicious salads. This comprehensive guide explores 28 of the city's top salad destinations, catering to every taste and dietary preference. Whether you're a kale devotee, a quinoa queen, or simply seeking a refreshing and nutritious meal, you'll find your perfect leafy green paradise here.
Finding Your Perfect Chicago Salad: A Guide by Neighborhood
Chicago's salad scene isn't confined to a single neighborhood. To help you navigate the city's culinary landscape, we've categorized these restaurants by location:
Downtown & Loop
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Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant offers inventive salads with unexpected combinations and locally sourced ingredients. Expect bold flavors and artistic presentation.
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RPM Italian: While known for its pasta, RPM Italian's salads are equally impressive, showcasing fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients.
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Girl & the Goat: Another Izard gem, this globally-inspired restaurant offers salads that are as adventurous as its other menu items. Expect unique flavor profiles and globally-inspired combinations.
Lincoln Park & Lakeview
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Summer House Santa Monica: This California-inspired restaurant brings a taste of the West Coast to Chicago, with fresh, seasonal salads that are perfect for a sunny afternoon.
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Andros Taverna: While primarily a Greek restaurant, Andros Taverna's salads are generous portions of fresh vegetables and herbs. The Greek salad is a must-try.
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The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant provides a flavorful array of salads featuring ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and roasted vegetables.
Wicker Park & Bucktown
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Monteverde: This acclaimed Italian restaurant incorporates fresh, seasonal vegetables into its salads, complementing the restaurant's renowned pasta dishes.
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Big Star: This popular taco spot also serves up some surprisingly excellent salads, perfect for a lighter meal or a side to your tacos.
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Parsons Chicken & Fish: While famous for its fried chicken, Parsons also offers crisp and refreshing salads that provide a great counterpoint to the richer menu items.
West Loop
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Au Cheval: This highly acclaimed burger joint features a surprisingly popular side salad that perfectly balances the richness of the burgers.
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Girl & the Goat (West Loop Location): A second location of this popular restaurant offers the same creative and globally-inspired salad options.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse features elegant salads that are perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious meal.
River North
- RPM Steak: Sister restaurant to RPM Italian, RPM Steak offers equally impressive salads, making it a top choice for a stylish meal.
Streeterville
- North Pond: This award-winning restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients in its salads, providing a sophisticated and elegant dining experience.
Other Notable Chicago Salad Spots:
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Sweetgreen: A popular chain known for its customizable salads with fresh ingredients.
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Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Another popular chain offering a variety of creative and healthy salad options.
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Saladworks: A reliable choice for a quick and healthy salad.
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True Food Kitchen: Offers health-conscious salads using seasonal, organic ingredients.
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Protein Bar: Focuses on protein-rich salads for a satisfying and filling meal.
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Lyfe Kitchen: Similar to True Food Kitchen, this restaurant prioritizes healthy and organic ingredients.
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Flower Child: A fast-casual spot offering customizable bowls and salads with a focus on healthy ingredients.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Salad Experiences in Chicago
Several Chicago restaurants go beyond the traditional salad format, offering creative and unique experiences.
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The Salad Bar at Untitled Supper Club: This unique establishment reimagines the classic salad bar concept with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
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Formento's: This classic Italian restaurant has a fantastic selection of salads using high quality ingredients.
Dietary Considerations: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Many of the restaurants listed above cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Many offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Be sure to check individual restaurant menus for details.
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Katalina's: This spot boasts delicious, vegetarian and vegan options.
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Native Foods Cafe: This all-vegan restaurant chain has several Chicago locations featuring creative salads and bowls.
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Handlebar: This vegan-friendly restaurant includes several hearty salad options on their menu.
Tips for Choosing the Best Chicago Salad for You
- Consider the season: Seasonal salads are often the freshest and most flavorful.
- Check online reviews: Read reviews to get a sense of the quality and variety of salads offered at each restaurant.
- Look at the menu online: Many restaurants post their menus online, allowing you to plan your meal in advance.
- Don't be afraid to try something new: Chicago's salad scene is full of surprises, so venture outside your comfort zone!
Conclusion: Your Chicago Salad Adventure Awaits!
Chicago's salad scene is vast and diverse, offering something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a quick and healthy lunch, a sophisticated dinner, or a unique culinary experience, this guide provides a solid starting point for your leafy green adventures in the Windy City. So, grab a fork and get ready to explore the best salad restaurants Chicago has to offer! Remember to check restaurant websites for updated menus, hours, and location information. Enjoy!
