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Cool salad spots

A salad spot that feels cool enough to hang out in, instead of just a place to grab a quick, utilitarian lunch.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Adams Street Brewery image 1
Adams Street Brewery image 2
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Wood-paneled sports bar with a large warm wood bar and historic vibes creates a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Polka music and live performances add a German Beer Hall feel, while televisions offer casual entertainment. The place stays relaxed during mid-afternoon and grows lively later in the day.

German potato salad stands out with its authentic flavor and is a solid choice for fans of German cuisine. The Italian salad offers a delightful main dish option with fresh ingredients.

Historic significance stands out with the site holding Chicago's first liquor license. The bar offers a cool atmosphere and a wide range of draught beer selections.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great German-style beers here."

"I found the banana beer to be amazing."

"It's a cool bar with lots of draught beer selections."

Good to know

1

Expect busy times during holidays; reservations are not required.

2

Pickpocketing incidents have been reported, so keep personal items secure.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for purchases.

02
Seville Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers stunning city views and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. The space features beautiful ambiance suitable for quiet meals or lively happy hours. Cocktails and small plates complement the setting, creating a charming dining experience.

Beet salad stands out with its excellent flavor and freshness. Other salads also maintain a consistently high quality.

Cool airy decor sets a fresh vibe. Rooftop feels laid back with smoky, cool drinks and plenty of non-alcoholic options.

People are saying

"You'll love the inventive cocktails, many are sweet."

"The food here is delicious, super juicy and flavorful."

"The cool airy decor here is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 to 5:30pm on weekdays.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

The restaurant is located on the 16th floor of the Hilton hotel.

03
Bistro Monadnock image 1
French restaurant

Historic building hosts a French bistro with European charm and elegant design. Live jazz music creates a relaxing atmosphere complemented by a skilled bar offering standout cocktails. The space feels cozy and stylish, attracting those seeking a refined dining experience.

Salads here include a beets & blue salad with a delicious raspberry dressing and a Cucumber Salad with Green Goddess Dressing. Side salads come fresh and complement main dishes well.

Effortlessly cool Parisian bistro vibe fills the space. Located in a historic Chicago building, the atmosphere feels both classic and fresh.

People are saying

"The escargot here is outstanding and alone worth the visit."

"I really enjoyed the salad; it was nicely proportioned."

"This place has a cool, historic building and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a $10 charge for each cheese on the charcuterie board.

04
Monk's Pub image 1

Classic pub with dark wood and exposed brick creates a cozy, old-world atmosphere filled with Belgian beer memorabilia and vintage decor. The space feels packed and lively, offering a laid-back vibe ideal for socializing. Music leans toward garage rock, punk, and blues, enhancing the authentic pub experience.

Salads serve as legit meals with solid flavor. The Mediterranean quinoa salad comes without feta, and coleslaw resembles a garden salad with shredded lettuce instead of cabbage.

Rustic, charming pub design with stained glass fixtures and Germanic styling sets a cool tone. Walls covered in beer and spirit memorabilia add to the old-timey tavern vibe.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is extensive and solid."

"The food here was amazing and great."

"The salads here are a legit, delicious meal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour gets crowded, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Reservations are not accepted after 6pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is available under the elevated tracks on Lake Street.

05
Francois Frankie Le Carousel Bar image 1

Rotating carousel bar moves slowly, completing a full turn about once per hour, creating a unique focal point. Upscale ambiance combines with comfortable seating and a perfect noise level for conversation. Jazz duo adds to the atmosphere, making it lively yet approachable.

Salads come in perfect portions and show careful preparation, especially when topped with added salmon.

A bar shaped like a carousel moves slowly, adding a unique touch. The spot has a modern French bistro vibe that feels fresh and cool throughout.

People are saying

"The Amish chicken at this Bar is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The burger was fatty, juicy, and perfectly griddled."

"My salad with added salmon was prepared with care."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy a $10 cocktail and oyster night with live jazz music.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Expect to spend around $60 per person for a meal with drinks and tip.

06
The L Station image 1
Restaurant

Small, beautifully decorated restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with an intimate feel. Live DJ spins strictly R&B music, creating an upbeat and fun vibe that keeps energy lively. Known for spectacular lamb chops, perfect margarita flights, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Salads come as a half garden salad option and pair well with seafood like salmon bites or shrimp. They serve as a fresh side alongside dishes like lamb chops and fried catfish.

Bartenders like Tee and Chris bring a friendly vibe and make sure everyone feels cool and comfortable. Sharing drinks and good company add to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The drinks here are amazing and perfectly made."

"The service here is so nice and accommodating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.

2

Expect a two-hour wait without a reservation.

3

The kitchen closes at 7pm, so arrive early.

07
The Walnut Room image 1
American restaurant

Dining room showcases historic decor and a stunning Christmas tree that creates a magical atmosphere. Fairy princesses visit tables, adding a whimsical touch to the experience. Space feels spacious and elegant with white tablecloths and a sense of Chicago history.

Salads come in large portions and include options like the salmon salad and petite Caesar. Dressings such as the toasted sesame seed add distinct flavor, and side salads pair well with main dishes.

A candy style tree stands out as a cool feature. The space has a holiday vibe that feels really cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The holiday atmosphere and the Great Tree are just stunningly gorgeous."

"The salads here are a cherished part of Chicago's history."

"I found the experience and atmosphere to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for holiday dining at least two months in advance.

2

The Walnut Room hosts a popular drag brunch every Sunday at 11 AM.

3

Parking costs $28 for three hours, so plan accordingly.

08
Umai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open feel despite crowded, close seating. Atmosphere is chill but stylish, attracting a younger, hip crowd for casual dates or dinners with friends. Music and a full bar complement the lively vibe during dinner hours.

Salads come with options like the salmon skin salad and the house salad. They often arrive alongside miso soup and rolls, adding a fresh touch to meals like Gyu-Don or Chirashi Don.

High ceilings and big windows create a laid-back vibe with a street view. Funky music adds to the cool atmosphere that feels open and not crowded.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, beautiful, and delicious."

"I found the food to be fresh and well-presented."

"It's got a cool vibe with high ceilings and funky music."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

2

Umai offers a self-serve sushi experience with prices based on weight.

3

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with several options available.

09
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Tiny fast food spot blends Greek and American road culture with an open kitchen where staff prepare food in plain view. The atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, with chill music adding to the inviting vibe. Limited seating means most eat standing or take food to go.

Salads feature fresh, crisp vegetables with big chunks of tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Greek salads include real Kalamata olives but sometimes have mostly lettuce with fewer tomatoes.

Really cool service and hospitality create a welcoming vibe. The spot has a lot of history that adds to its cool character.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food, especially the gyros, to be excellent."

"The Greek salad here has fresh, crisp vegetables and big chunks of feta."

"It's a really cool spot with lots of history."

Good to know

1

Jimmy's Gyros & Grill offers a late night special.

2

The restaurant closes at 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

There is no bathroom available at the restaurant.

10
Luke's Italian Beef image 1
Italian restaurant

Interior showcases vintage American Italian decor with 1950s-inspired elements and Chicago memorabilia. Atmosphere feels authentic and cozy, reflecting a classic Chicago beef establishment. Space is bright and relaxed, with a serve-yourself drink fountain adding to the casual vibe.

Antipasto salad stands out with its great flavor. Caesar salad features homemade croutons but is otherwise ordinary.

Walls display Chicago memorabilia and 3D food art, creating a cool atmosphere that stands out. The vibe feels relaxed and unique, making it a cool spot to end the day.

People are saying

"This juicy, soaked Italian beef sandwich is the best I've ever had."

"This Italian beef sandwich was delicious and surpassed my expectations."

"The Italian Beef here is very good and moist."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay extra fees not disclosed on the menu.

2

There are no public restrooms available for customers.

3

The restaurant can get crowded quickly after opening at 10am.

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