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the Loop's best

Soup and salad spots

A crisp salad paired with a steaming bowl of soup is the reliable rhythm of a balanced lunch.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery image 1
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery image 2
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery image 3
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Clean, organized bakery with seating offers a fully halal menu featuring unique Palestinian baked goods. The atmosphere holds a great vibe with fresh, flavorful options like pistachio croissants and distinctive sandwiches. It serves as a healthy lunch and breakfast spot with a welcoming, accessible layout.

Lentil soup offers a warming, flavorful experience with a perfect balance that pairs well with sandwiches. Vegan options include this tasty lentil soup alongside za’atar bread.

Mediterranean salad features fresh ingredients with a bright, tangy flavor. Lunch salads come with fresh vegetables and pair well with Levantine breads like manakeesh and croissants.

People are saying

"I loved the date cake; it was rich and tasty."

"I found the lentil soup warming and flavorful."

"The salads here are fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The bakery is fully halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

Parking is limited and is paid street parking nearby.

3

Expect to find high-quality organic ingredients in all menu items.

02
Chengdu Bistro Loop image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining room with an industrial look and bright lighting creates a modern but sparse atmosphere. Music blends Chinese pop and Rihanna, sometimes loud, adding a lively vibe. Most diners are non-Asian, and the restaurant operates as BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

Soups here deliver perfect spice balance and a numbing Sichuan kick. The Spicy Wonton Noodle Soup offers a crazy umami flavor with just the right heat, while Suan La Fen features sour soup with sweet potato noodles.

Garlic cucumber salad stands out with its bold flavor and frequent cravings. Cold Noodle Salad offers a simple but flavorful option that suits picky eaters well.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings and noodles, is delicious and authentic."

"The spicy wonton soup here is really good."

"I loved the spicy cucumber salad and Dan Dan noodles."

Good to know

1

Chengdu Bistro Loop allows customers to bring their own beverages.

2

All dumplings and noodles are made in house.

3

Expect limited menu options during the soft opening phase.

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.

French onion soup stands out with its rich, cheesy flavor and a 2-day veal broth that adds deep richness. The smoky Portuguese bean soup also shows clear signs of patience and skill in its preparation.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the French onion soup was outstanding."

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

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
Franklin Tap image 1
Restaurant

Expansive layout with many high-top tables and a dog-friendly patio creates a relaxed setting. Multiple TVs show sports, attracting a diverse afterwork crowd with a lively vibe. Over 100 beers on tap and affordable menu complement the casual atmosphere.

Yellow curry soup stands out with rich flavor and warmth. Tomato soup comes topped with breadcrumbs and cheese. Curry chicken and rice soup offers a hearty, spiced option.

Salads stand out with options like the Cobb salad with chicken and the roasted sweet potato and kale salad that can be made gluten-free and vegan. The pomegranate salad also offers a solid, flavorful choice among the variety available.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, tasty, and solid."

"You have to try the cobb salad, it's the best I've ever had."

"I loved the yellow curry soup, it was so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day with great deals on drinks.

2

Weekend brunch is available with special menu items.

3

Daily drink specials make it easy to unwind after work.

05
Grill on 21 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant occupies a sleek, upscale space on the 21st floor with an art deco and speakeasy vibe. Ambient live jazz music plays softly, creating a lively yet inviting atmosphere. Booths accommodate small groups comfortably, enhancing the overall elegant dining experience.

Roasted tomato soup offers a comforting flavor with crunchy croutons. Other soups tend to be average without standout qualities.

Seafood salads like lobster and shrimp and Caesar with salmon stand out for their freshness and flavor. The cranberry Waldorf and crab cake salads also offer solid options, while the wedge salad features sharp, puckering crumbles.

People are saying

"The food here tasted lovely and was outstanding."

"I found the lobster and shrimp salad to be exquisite."

"I found the roasted tomato soup super comforting."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances happen every Friday and Saturday evening.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two.

3

Sourdough bread is often out of stock, so consider alternatives.

06
Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar image 1

Space combines art deco style with southern France beachy decor, creating an upscale, classy atmosphere. Music features French pop and chill house, setting a low-key but lively vibe. Cocktails and French-inspired dishes attract those seeking a luxurious dining experience with a trendy touch.

French onion soup stands out with its deep, slow-cooked onion richness and a golden, bubbling layer of gruyère cheese on top. Salmon soup also appears as a delicious option alongside other dishes.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The Caesar salad offers a light touch with just the right amount of parmesan, while the steak Cobb and power food salads provide hearty options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The French onion soup was delicious with gooey cheese."

"The Caesar Salad was delicious and light."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

The rooftop menu starts at 3 PM, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

07
Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant (Halal Certified) image 1

Space combines warm, earthy colors and authentic Turkish decor with a spacious patio for outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels calm and family-friendly, welcoming guests like a home with thoughtful, friendly energy. Music adds a relaxing vibe that complements the genuine cultural setting.

Lentil soup stands out with its delicious flavor and comes served with fresh bread. Various other soups also appear on the menu, complementing traditional Turkish dishes.

Salads include falafel, dolma, and eggplant options that stand out for flavor. The chicken salad features fresh ingredients beyond just lettuce and tomato, offering a more substantial dish.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fantastic."

"I found the lentil soup delicious and served with fresh bread."

"The staff here are so friendly and kind."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

A 20% service charge is added to all bills, regardless of group size.

3

Expect an additional 3% fee for credit card payments.

08
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.

Creamy and cheesy textures define the Canadian cheese soup here. It stands out for its rich flavor and smooth consistency.

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.

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."

"The soup here is part of a beautiful, nostalgic family experience."

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.

09
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.

Miso soup stands out with high quality and rich flavor enhanced by black garlic oil. Small touches like extra servings and Japanese pickles add to the experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the miso soup here to be superb."

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

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.

10
Lotus Banh Mi - Loop image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior with soft jazz ambient music creates a calm, chill atmosphere ideal for lunch. The menu offers Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, focusing on lighter, healthier options in a busy downtown setting.

Beef pho soup features a traditional flavor but can be excessively sweet at times. Pho broth is also available for making soup at home.

Ginger chicken salad stands out with fresh flavors and light dressing. Options include a variety of Vietnamese salads alongside sandwiches and noodle bowls.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is fresh and delicious."

"The traditional beef pho soup here is delicious."

"The salad ingredients here are always so fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially around noon.

2

The line moves quickly, so don't be discouraged by the wait.

3

They offer a few vegan options on the menu.

11
Bockwinkel's image 1
Grocery store

Small grocery store with a fresh deli and wide selection of produce and prepared foods offers a cozy atmosphere and convenient location near hotels. It serves as a practical spot for quick meals and essentials in a busy urban area. The store maintains a neat and clean environment with a friendly vibe.

Hearty deli sandwiches come with homemade soup priced around $3. The deli offers breakfast sandwiches and soups at reasonable prices, making it easy to get a filling meal.

Salads come as part of a classic deli fare lineup alongside sandwiches and soups. Options include fresh fruit and other deli staples, offering a varied selection for quick meals.

People are saying

"This neighborhood deli is a tasty, convenient grab & go spot."

"I found fresh fruit and salads alongside deli sandwiches."

"I visited during a conference break because the hotel restaurant was crowded."

Good to know

1

Bockwinkel's offers a wide selection of fresh produce and prepared foods.

2

The deli features a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads.

3

Expect to pay per piece for fruit at pound price.

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