Best of 12 caesar salad in South Loop
In the heart of Chicago's South Loop, there's a culinary gem that lovers of Caesar salad should not miss. This iconic salad, with its rich and tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and shavings of Parmesan cheese, takes on a new life in the South Loop. Local restaurants put their unique spin on the classic Caesar salad, offering an array of options from traditional to trendy. Whether you're a South Loop local or just visiting, indulging in a Caesar salad in this bustling neighborhood is a must-try experience.
1. Giordano's
Family-owned pizzeria since 1974, famous for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were informed of a 45-minute wait for pizza. To hold us over, we decided to order a Caesar salad and some soft drinks. The salad turned out to be quite delicious and more than sufficient for sharing. Surprisingly, our pizza arrived earlier than expected.
Featuring flavorful sausage, pepperoni, peppers, and generous amounts of gooey cheese, the pizza did not disappoint. The long wait proved to be worth it, as the pizza's taste and quality exceeded our expectations. The menu and waitstaff had both accurately highlighted the wait duration, but they failed to mention how delicious the pizza would be.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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2. Flo & Santos
Cozy family-owned Italian restaurant with live music on weekends

We enjoyed a meal that included several delicious options. Two of the soups offered were minestrone and a hearty, homemade meat chili. The salad selection featured a Caesar salad made with fresh romaine hearts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and grilled chicken.
In addition to the soups and salad, there were also other tasty dishes to choose from. The meal was a satisfying and enjoyable experience, with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients to suit every palate. Whether you were in the mood for something warm and comforting like the soups, or something lighter and fresher like the salad, there was something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
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3. Gino’s East - South Loop
Serving award-winning pizza since 1966, with a unique and cozy atmosphere, and a 'make your own' pizza option

The salad we consumed was incredibly fresh and tasty. It was a Caesar salad, dressed appropriately and containing a generous helping of components. The salad served as a wonderful prelude to our main course.
Our main dish was a 9-inch deep dish pizza, generously topped with both mushrooms and pepperoni. The pizza, when combined with the salad, left us both feeling pleasantly full and satisfied. The pizza's size and toppings certainly did not disappoint.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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4. Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop
Handmade pizza dough made fresh daily

The Caesar salad served at Chili's consists of a mix of greens, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing. However, the dressing has a distinct flavor that resembles dill yogurt, and the croutons are quite overpowering, making it challenging to taste other components of the salad.
Chili's Caesar salad is known for its signature creamy and tangy dressing, which ties all the ingredients together to create a delicious taste. This salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or a starter before heavier meals, such as steak. Its unique flavor profile and refreshing taste make it a popular choice among diners.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
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5. Aurelio's Pizza South Loop
Family-owned and operated since 1959, using original recipes and high-quality ingredients

The Caesar salad that was served as an appetizer was noticeably fresh and crisp, making it a satisfying start to the meal. Its enjoyable taste and texture made it a great prelude to the delicious pizza that was still to come.
The Caesar salad was decent, but not particularly exceptional. It served its purpose as a starter, providing a bit of freshness before diving into the main dishes. While it wasn't noteworthy, it was still a satisfactory option for those looking for a simple salad to complement their meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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6. Half Sour in South Loop
Cozy atmosphere, old-fashioned decor, and traditional Jewish deli fare

The Caesar salad served at the restaurant is always fresh and full of flavor. The dressing is a highlight, with just the right amount of seasoning and creaminess that complements the crisp romaine lettuce. One of the standout dishes at Half Sour is their Caesar salad. It is consistently fresh and generously portioned, making it a satisfying choice.
Half Sour's Caesar salad is a favorite among diners for its great balance of flavors and textures. The dressing, in particular, is not overpowering and adds a nice touch to the salad. Whether you're a fan of classic salads or just looking for something fresh and tasty, Half Sour's Caesar salad is sure to deliver. Its combination of fresh ingredients, generous portion size, and delicious dressing make it a must-try dish.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
7. Little Branch Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, great for brunch

The Caesar salad served at this establishment is not to be missed. The croutons, a crucial component of the dish, were crunchy and added a satisfying texture. Another highlight was the generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese, which added a rich and savory flavor. Overall, the salad was well-balanced and fresh, with a tangy dressing that complemented the crisp lettuce.
In terms of presentation, the salad was visually appealing, with the lettuce arranged in a way that made it look light and refreshing. The combination of the croutons, parmesan, and dressing resulted in a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's clear that a lot of thought and care went into the preparation of this salad, making it a standout dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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9. First Draft
Extensive wine list, Housemade pasta, Outdoor seating

The Caesar salad at this location received mixed reviews. Some customers raved about the generous portion size and the perfectly crunchy croutons. The lettuce in the salad was fresh and appealing. However, other individuals found the salad to be just average, with the dressing being overly tangy for their preferences.
In summary, the Caesar salad here was notable for its fresh lettuce and crunchy croutons, although the dressing was a point of contention. Some customers loved the tangy flavor, while others found it to be too strong. Nonetheless, the salad appeared to be popular due to its ample serving size.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
10. Potbelly
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and toasted sandwiches

The Caesar salad from Potbelly is a solid, healthy option for those looking for a quick lunch. The ingredients are fresh and the croutons provide a nice crunch to the salad. While it may not be the best Caesar salad I've ever had, it was still quite enjoyable and met my expectations.
Potbelly's Caesar salad is a decent choice for a light meal. The salad features fresh ingredients, and the croutons provide a good texture. Although it may not be the most exceptional salad I've ever tasted, it is still a good option for those seeking a healthy lunch.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
11. 720 South Bar & Grill
Featuring a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a variety of entertainment options, including live music and sports on TV.

The Caesar salad served at this location is noteworthy. Its croutons are described as having a satisfying crunch, while the dressing is delicious and well-seasoned. Overall, the salad is fresh and crisp, with a nice balance between the lettuce and toppings.
Diners are sure to enjoy the salad as a satisfying start to their meal. The balance of flavors and textures make it a standout option for those looking for a tasty and refreshing dish. The quality of the ingredients and the care taken in preparing the salad are evident in every bite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
Historic firehouse building, Upscale American cuisine, Excellent service

The dinner started with a few delicious appetizers. My wife and I enjoyed a lobster bisque and jumbo shrimp cocktail. The lobster bisque was rich and creamy, with a strong lobster flavor. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was fresh and crisp, served with a tangy cocktail sauce.
One of the standout dishes of the night was the Knife & Fork Caesar Salad. It was made with crisp romaine hearts, crunchy garlic croutons, and flavorful Parmigiano cheese. The salad was well- dressed with a creamy Caesar dressing that tied all the ingredients together. Each bite was a burst of flavors and textures that made this salad a real delight.
Note: The character count is well below 800, as requested.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
8. Sociale Chicago in South Loop
Voted as one of the best Caesar salads in Chicago, cozy atmosphere, friendly service
The Caesar salad served in this establishment is consistently fresh and delicious. The dressing is applied in a balanced amount, adding flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Both reviews highlight the salad's quality and the enjoyment of consuming it.
The Caesar salad's dressing is a particular standout, noted for its perfection. The croutons included in the salad are also commended for their crispy texture. These shared details suggest a well-executed and flavorful dish. The reviewers' shared enthusiasm indicates a positive dining experience.
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BYOB restaurants in South Loop Chicago