Top 17 salads in Lincoln Park
In the vibrant and trendy neighborhood of Lincoln Park, salads take center stage as a fresh and healthy dining option. Salads in Lincoln Park are a culinary delight, featuring an array of seasonal ingredients, locally-sourced produce, and innovative flavor combinations. From hearty grain bowls to refreshing chopped salads, there's something for every palate to enjoy in this thriving Chicago community. Whether you're grabbing lunch on the go or savoring a leisurely dinner, salads in Lincoln Park offer a nutritious and delicious dining experience.
- 1. R.J. Grunts
- 2. Summer House Santa Monica
- 3. Roti Mediterranean Bowls. Salads. Pitas.
- 4. sweetgreen
- 5. sweetgreen
- 6. The Pasta Bowl - Lincoln Park in Lincoln Park
- 7. Blue Door Farm Stand
- 8. The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park
- 9. Homeslice Pizza + Patio
- 10. Basil Leaf Cafe
- 11. Sultan's Market
- 12. Protein Bar & Kitchen
- 13. Potbelly
- 14. Fry the Coop (Lincoln Park) in Lincoln Park
- 15. CornerStone Café Lincoln Park in Lincoln Park
- 16. Farmer's Fridge
- 17. Blue Door Farm Stand Too
1. R.J. Grunts
Voted "Chicago's Best Burger" by Chicago magazine

There is a rumor that Grunts, a popular restaurant, was the first to introduce the salad bar. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the salad bar has been replaced with a design-your-own salad option. A recent dining experience at Grunts resulted in an unpleasant meal. The food was served cold, the hamburgers were overcooked, and the salad was disappointing. On top of that, the prices were high.
Grunts, once known for its salad bar, has seen a decline in the quality of its food and service. The rumor of their salad bar innovation does not make up for the poor dining experience. The cold food, overcooked hamburgers, and unappetizing salad were not worth the high prices. The service during this visit was also unsatisfactory, contributing to the overall negative experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
Relate link
2. Summer House Santa Monica
The restaurant has a bright, beach-house inspired atmosphere with an extensive raw bar and pizzas.

The kale salad and Cobb salad at this establishment are renowned for their delicious and fresh flavors. These salads are a favorite among patrons, who appreciate their high-quality ingredients and generous portions. However, it is worth noting that a small number of reviewers have reported inconsistencies in the quality of the ingredients and the size of the portions.
Despite these rare complaints, the salads remain a popular choice for many diners. The kale salad, in particular, has received numerous accolades for its unique combination of fresh, tender kale, tart apple slices, and crunchy almonds. The Cobb salad, meanwhile, is a classic favorite that boasts a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Overall, the salads are a standout option for those seeking a fresh and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
3. Roti Mediterranean Bowls. Salads. Pitas.
Uses locally sourced and organic ingredients, Offers vegan and vegetarian options

The restaurant in question is a Chipotle-like chain serving Mediterranean food, featuring a variety of fresh and healthy options such as gluten-free and vegan items. While the ingredients are not lacking in freshness and quality, the overall flavor profile may be described as bland and not particularly authentic to Mediterranean cuisine. The dish consists of many salad ingredients and sauces, which may be delicious on their own but don't come together to create a cohesive and fully flavorful dining experience.
Patrons have mixed opinions about the food, with some praising its freshness and health benefits while others find it lacking in flavor or simply not to their taste. Although it is not an authentic Mediterranean restaurant, the chain does offer a wide range of options for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that can cater to various dietary restrictions. Overall, while the food may not deliver a traditional Mediterranean dining experience, it still provides a fresh and reasonably tasty option for those seeking healthy and customizable meal choices.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
4. sweetgreen
Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

The food served at the establishment was delicious and fresh. There was a notable highlight on the salad, which was perfectly balanced with the dressing. The service, however, fell short of expectations. There was only one person working the line, which resulted in a significant wait time for the customers. The lobby and tables were also not properly attended to, giving an impression of disorganization.
Despite the service issues, there was a bright spot in the friendly and helpful staff. They went the extra mile to assist customers, even those who were not well-versed in the menu. For instance, a customer was helped in choosing the 'kale Caesar' salad, which ended up being a great recommendation. The customer left satisfied and expressed the intention to return.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
5. sweetgreen
Seasonal ingredients, innovative recipes, and technology driven customer experience

The food at this establishment was delicious and high quality, with fair prices considering the portion sizes. The salad in particular stood out as very fresh and well-balanced, with a flavorful dressing. The staff were friendly and helpful, even going so far as to assist a less salad-savvy customer in finding the perfect option for them, resulting in a satisfying kale Caesar salad.
The kale Caesar salad was a highlight of the meal, with fresh and crisp greens and a delicious dressing. The staff's assistance in selecting the salad was much appreciated, as it led to a truly enjoyable dining experience. The overall quality and price of the food, along with the friendly service, make this a place worth returning to.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. The Pasta Bowl - Lincoln Park in Lincoln Park
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine for over 25 years

The meal started with a bruschetta appetizer, featuring toasted French bread topped with garlic, tomato, basil, shredded parmesan, and an olive oil vinaigrette. This was followed by a bowl of minestrone soup and two salads - a Chicken Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce and garlic croutons, and a Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella slices, basil, Kalamata olives, and plum tomatoes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
I am a frequent customer of Pasta Bowl and I must say, their chicken Caesar salad is always excellent. In fact, I have been ordering it at least once a month and have never been disappointed. During this recent visit, I decided to try other items from the menu and I am glad to report that I was not disappointed. The consistent quality of the food at Pasta Bowl is truly impressive. Every meal I have had there has been delicious.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
7. Blue Door Farm Stand
Small family-owned business, Emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced produce, Cozy and welcoming atmosphere

Our group thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at this upscale casual cafe that prides itself on serving farm-fresh foods. The salads and sandwiches were not only visually appealing but also packed with fresh ingredients and full of flavor. We particularly enjoyed the Cobb Salad, Sesame Chicken salad, Ham and Brie grilled cheese, and Turkey and Cheddar sandwiches.
In addition to the delicious sandwich options, I was excited to try the Kale and Brussel salad after reading about it in an article that raved about it being one of the best salads in Chicago. I can attest that it lived up to the hype - the combination of fresh, crisp kale and brussel sprouts with a tangy dressing and topped with savory parmesan crisps was a delightful surprise for my taste buds.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
- Rooftop
8. The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park
Gourmet sandwiches and sides with an upscale twist in a casual setting

The speaker expresses a strong enthusiasm for the truffle BLT, and also recommends trying their potato salad. The meal starts off with bowls of tomato bisque and a serving of bacon dill potato salad. The potato salad features crispy potatoes, bacon, red onion, dill pickle, and course grain mustard.
The truffle BLT is a highlight of the meal, and the potato salad is not to be missed. The tomato bisque and potato salad combination is a great way to begin the meal. The potato salad has a variety of textures and flavors, with crispy potatoes and bacon, and the tangy taste of dill pickle and mustard.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
9. Homeslice Pizza + Patio
Spacious dog-friendly patio, delivery and takeout available, and a relaxed atmosphere

Salads are a popular choice among guests, with many expressing their appreciation for the Caesar salad. However, some comment that the salads were not as generously portioned as they have had elsewhere.
Pizzas and salads receive high praise from guests, who also enjoy the appetizers and drinks on offer. The quality of the food is consistently mentioned as a highlight of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
10. Basil Leaf Cafe
Offers vegetarian and vegan options, cozy atmosphere

The salads at this establishment are a standout option, featuring fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Two salads in particular are worth highlighting: the house salad and the Caesar salad. The house salad is dressed in a tangy and flavorful balsamic vinaigrette, while the Caesar salad boasts a perfect dressing that complements the crisp romaine lettuce.
Overall, the salads are a must-try for anyone visiting this restaurant. The use of fresh ingredients and attention to detail in the dressings make for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Whether you prefer the balsamic vinaigrette of the house salad or the perfect dressing of the Caesar salad, you are sure to be impressed by the quality and taste of these dishes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
11. Sultan's Market
Vegetarian and vegan options, casual atmosphere, Middle Eastern cuisine

Biiig Sultan is a restaurant that offers delicious and satisfying food, particularly the Veggie Combination option. This meal comes with a choice of lentil rice or curry rice, tabbouleh, hummus, pita, and tahini. The restaurant is known for its reliable and tasty food that keeps customers coming back for more.
In addition to the Veggie Combination, Biiig Sultan also has a fantastic Middle Eastern Buffet. The buffet includes a variety of items such as hummus, babagnouch, whole eggs, an assortment of vegetables, beans, salads, and excellent falafel. This variety of options allows customers to sample different flavors and dishes, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
12. Protein Bar & Kitchen
Sustainable sourcing, Customizable meals, Nutrient-dense options

The service at this establishment is efficient and courteous, with employees who are attentive and help ensure the ordering process is smooth. This results in a quick and satisfying dining experience.
The food offered is not only delicious but also healthy, with a wide selection of options such as salads, smoothies, and bowls. The quality of the food is consistently high, making it a great choice for those looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
Relate link
13. Potbelly
Cozy atmosphere with live music performances

If you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, the salads here are a great choice. They offer excellent value for their price and can be a perfect option for those who want to eat light and healthy. The Chicken Salad, in particular, is a delicious choice. With fresh ingredients and generous portions, it makes for a delightful light lunch.
The Chicken Salad is highly recommended for those who enjoy fresh and tasty meals. It is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied, yet not weighed down. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a healthy meal option, the salads here are a great choice. The Chicken Salad is a delicious example of the quality and value you can expect from the menu.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
14. Fry the Coop (Lincoln Park) in Lincoln Park
Family-owned business serving award-winning Nashville-style hot chicken

Fry the Coop, located in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois, is a restaurant that specializes in chicken sandwiches and tenders. During my visit, I ordered two spicy chicken sandwiches - a #3 level spicy and a #5 top level spicy. The #3 level spicy sandwich offered the perfect level of spiciness for my taste, delivering an enjoyable flavor with a gradual build-up of heat.
Regrettably, the #5 top level spicy sandwich did not meet my expectations of being "over the top." Despite this, both sandwiches offered a good value. The restaurant's focus on chicken dishes proved to be a winning concept, as my dining experience left me satisfied and eager to try more options from Fry the Coop's menu. Overall, I had a positive impression of the restaurant, particularly due to the satisfying flavor of the #3 level spicy sandwich and the overall value offered by the chicken dishes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
15. CornerStone Café Lincoln Park in Lincoln Park
Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options

The Greek salad I tried was exceptional, with its fresh ingredients and well-seasoned dressing. Similarly, the Cobb salad offered was also bursting with flavor and proved to be quite filling. Both salads showcased the kitchen's commitment to serving fresh and delicious dishes.
In terms of quality, the ingredients in both salads were fresh and top-notch. The Greek salad was a standout with its juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese. Meanwhile, the Cobb salad was loaded with grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and ripe avocado. The dressings for both salads were well-balanced and added an extra layer of flavor to each dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
Relate link
16. Farmer's Fridge

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
17. Blue Door Farm Stand Too
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems