Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a vibrant salad scene. Beyond the typical lettuce and tomato, Chicago's diverse culinary landscape offers a plethora of creative and delicious salads. This guide explores twenty of the best, showcasing the city's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a great starting point for your next Chicago salad adventure!
Exploring Chicago's Best Salad Destinations
This list categorizes the salads by style and highlights what makes each unique. Whether you crave a classic Caesar, a vibrant Asian-inspired bowl, or something completely unexpected, Chicago has a salad to satisfy your cravings.
Upscale & Chic Salads:
- RPM Italian: Their Burrata Salad is a masterpiece of creamy burrata, heirloom tomatoes, and balsamic glaze. The high-quality ingredients shine through.
- Monteverde: Known for its pasta, Monteverde’s seasonal salads are equally impressive, showcasing the best of the harvest with inventive pairings.
- Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard’s acclaimed restaurant offers a constantly evolving menu, but expect creative salads with bold flavors and unexpected combinations. Their kale salad is a frequent favorite, showcasing the restaurant's flair for unexpected ingredient pairings.
Casual & Creative Salads:
- Pequod's Pizza: Yes, a pizza place! But Pequod's surprisingly delicious side salads offer a refreshing counterpoint to their famous deep-dish.
- Beatrix: This popular spot features several inventive salads, often incorporating seasonal ingredients. Their roasted beet and goat cheese salad is a regular crowd-pleaser.
- Little Goat Diner: Another Stephanie Izard creation, Little Goat’s salads often feature unusual ingredients and exciting textures. Expect inventive dressings and a playful approach to the classic format.
Healthy & Vibrant Salads:
- Flower Child: This fast-casual spot specializes in healthy bowls and salads, with plenty of customizable options. Their Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and delicious choice.
- Eataly: This Italian marketplace offers various fresh salads, highlighting the best of Italian produce and ingredients. Their daily specials are frequently a delight.
- Sweetgreen: A national chain, but their Chicago locations consistently deliver high-quality, customizable salads with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Global Salad Inspirations:
- Summer House Santa Monica: This California-inspired restaurant features bright, fresh salads that capture the spirit of the West Coast. Their Avocado Salad is a true standout.
- Andros Taverna: Enjoy authentic Greek salads with flawlessly ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. The simple, high-quality ingredients make it a classic.
- Kuma's Corner: This burger joint offers surprisingly good side salads, providing a welcome counterpoint to their intense, meat-heavy main courses.
Unique & Unexpected Salads:
- The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a variety of salads, each with its unique twist. Their roasted vegetable salad is a must-try.
- RPM Steak: This upscale steakhouse offers a sophisticated take on classic salads, using premium ingredients and artful plating. Their wedge salad is a prime example.
- Public House: This gastropub offers hearty salads that are perfect for a casual meal. Their chicken salad is a frequent customer favorite.
Vegan & Vegetarian Salads:
- Handlebar: This vegan-friendly spot offers creative and delicious vegan salads, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients.
- Parsons Chicken & Fish: While known for its fried chicken, Parsons also offers a delicious and surprisingly substantial vegan salad.
Cafes & Bakeries with Great Salads:
- Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken: While famous for its donuts and fried chicken, they also have a surprisingly great side salad that complements the richness of their other offerings.
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters: This popular coffee shop often features fresh and flavorful salads, perfect for a light lunch or snack.
- Stan's Donuts: Another donut shop surprise! Their simple but effective salad options are a refreshing contrast to their sweet treats.
Choosing Your Perfect Chicago Salad
This list serves as a starting point for your Chicago salad exploration. Consider your preferences: do you prefer upscale dining or casual fare? Are you looking for a healthy option or something more indulgent? By considering these factors, you can easily find the perfect Chicago salad to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. Remember to check restaurant websites for current menus and availability!
