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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lincoln Square

Salad spots

A salad that is a substantial meal in its own right rather than just a side dish you are forced to order.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Pita Express Restaurant image 1
Pita Express Restaurant image 2
Pita Express Restaurant image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with fresh salads like Kofta Kabobs and Jerusalem Salad. Cozy, bright space offers panoramic window views of a train station. Friendly staff create a chill vibe with outdoor patio seating for a relaxing meal.

Salads feature exceptional freshness and careful preparation. Options like Kofta Kabobs and Jerusalem Salad stand out for their quality.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has great food and friendly owners."

"The salad here is so fresh, it tastes like it was picked today."

Good to know

1

Pita Express Restaurant serves halal food.

2

All the meat used is Zabiha Halal.

3

The catering is suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

02
Cultivate by Forbidden Root image 1

Industrial-steel beams and an open kitchen create a spacious, inviting space with warm wood smoke scent. Salads shine with fresh, crisp ingredients like baby iceberg and watercress. Beers offer floral notes that pair well with standout dishes such as duck and dumplings.

Salads feature fresh, crisp ingredients like baby iceberg, watercress, and charred cucumber. Options include small plates such as frisee apple salad and sides paired with sandwiches.

People are saying

"The beer selection here has a great variety of styles."

"I found their cocktails to be surprisingly good and interesting."

"The chicken sandwich came with a fresh, tasty salad."

Good to know

1

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

2

The Monday burger deal includes a burger and a drink for $10.

3

Trivia night is every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

03
Bai Ordo image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with handmade wall motifs and a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Salads are super fresh and cooked to order, with the Carrot Salad providing a healthy, delicious boost. Authentic Kyrgyz cuisine draws happy families for a home-like setting.

Salads come super fresh and are cooked to order, often paired with beef kebab. The Carrot Salad stands out as healthy and delicious, providing energy and a health boost.

People are saying

"You have to try the lamb shank soup; it's life-changing."

"I found the authentic Kyrgyz cuisine to be a true gem."

"I must order the heavenly lamb shank soup."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a diverse menu with both meat and vegetarian options.

3

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

04
Cafe Mas image 1
Coffee shop

Bold murals and colorful decor create an artistic vibe. Salads shine with roasted kale and truffle options. Quiet spaces and a back room with a couch offer work-friendly comfort while a small play area welcomes kids.

Salads feature roasted kale, fresh greens, nuts, and seeds with a nice dressing. Options include a truffle salad alongside other fresh choices.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great iced coffee here; it was super refreshing."

"I tried the power burrito and it was amazing."

"The interior here is beautiful and inviting."

Good to know

1

Cafe Mas offers a variety of vegan food options and quality coffee.

2

Parking is free on Foster and is usually easy to find.

3

Soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are available as milk alternatives.

05
Union Dumpling House image 1

Self-serve dumpling spot buzzes with fast kiosk ordering and casual seating. Crisp cucumber salad refreshes the palate, while the heated back patio offers a cozy escape. Unique wood ear salad adds texture, balancing quick service with a relaxed vibe.

Salads here are light and refreshing, especially the cucumber salad which is crisp and pairs well with dumplings. The wood ear salad offers a tasty, unique texture that complements the other dishes.

People are saying

"These dumplings are seriously so good and fresh."

"You have to try the cucumber salad, it's so fresh."

"The back patio is really cute and comfortable."

Good to know

1

Budget extra time for wait or consider ordering ahead.

2

Street parking is available, but it may be limited.

3

Ordering is done through a kiosk; staff assistance is not available.

06
Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro image 1

Modern, chic space shines with luxurious decorations and live jazz music that sets a warm mood. Steak in the ribeye salad is perfectly cooked with a punch of fish sauce, while the spicy fish and papaya salads bring fiery, addictive flavors.

Steak comes perfectly cooked with a punch of fish sauce in the ribeye salad. The spicy fish salad delivers a fiery kick, while the papaya salad offers an almost addictive flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"This place is perfect for dates with its warm, intimate atmosphere."

"The papaya salad here is almost addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drink.

3

Expect a separate charge for protein in dishes, which can increase total costs.

07
Caro Mio Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, intimate spot with homemade artwork and a cozy vibe. Loud music keeps energy high while guests enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a house salad that stands out. BYOB option adds to the charm.

House salad offers a flavorful mix that stands out. It consistently delivers a good taste appreciated by many.

People are saying

"I thought the homestyle Italian food was delicious and spectacular."

"The homemade Italian dishes here are truly authentic and exceptional."

"I found the house salad to be incredibly flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is a 2-for-1 special on the anniversary menu every Monday and Tuesday.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

3

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially on busy nights.

08
Aroy Thai Chicago image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy spot buzzes with a lively crowd and a homey atmosphere. Papaya salad shines with lemongrass and herbs, while squid salad delivers a sweet, tangy, spicy punch. Cash-only and BYOB adds to the laid-back vibe.

Salads pack a punch with spicy and refreshing flavors. Papaya salad stands out with lemongrass and herbs giving it a bright, tangy kick, while squid salad hits with a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor bomb.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, especially the boat noodles and pork salad."

"The Thai food here has outstanding hospitality and friendly service."

"The papaya salad is spicy and refreshing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only, but they have an ATM inside.

2

Aroy Thai Chicago is BYOB and accepts cash only.

3

Expect a high level of spiciness; a 3/5 spice level can be intense.

09
Borelli's Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, intimate spot with a classic Chicago vibe and cozy atmosphere. Salads feature house-made dressings and serve as hearty sides. Live jazz and bluegrass add a warm musical touch, while a quirky kids' play area keeps families happy.

Salads come with house-made dressings and serve as a solid side, often enough for four people. They pair well with pizzas and pasta, offering a home-cooked meal feel.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be very good and tasty."

"The live music here is always fun and a great plus."

"Their salad was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a $2 service fee added to your pizza order.

2

Delivery charge is $6.99 for pizza orders.

3

Live music happens on Monday nights, featuring local artists.

10
Gene's Sausage Shop and Delicatessen image 1

Rooftop beer garden offers a laid-back backyard BBQ vibe with picnic tables and shade umbrellas. Indoor space features a quaint old-school atmosphere focused on German-style sausages and meats. Salads include house-made sausage and fresh pasta, plus standout German potato and cabbage salads.

Salads here include house-made sausage and freshly made pasta salad. Options like German potato salad and cabbage salads stand out among the variety of side salads available.

People are saying

"The house-made sausages here are phenomenal and fresh."

"This grocery store has an incredible selection of European foods."

"I found a wide variety of fresh salads at the deli."

Good to know

1

The rooftop bar is cash only, so bring cash for drinks and food.

2

You can't take purchased meat to the rooftop bar.

3

Gene's offers a wide variety of house-made sausages and European products.

11
Willow Café and Bistro image 1

Outdoor patio on a leafy square offers natural light and a relaxed vibe. Salads feature fresh lettuce and an amazing dressing. Indoor space is small but warm and inviting, perfect for multigenerational groups.

Fresh lettuce stands out in the salads here. The side salad features perfect garnish and an amazing dressing. The chopped salad comes out just right.

People are saying

"The patio is a cute, cozy outdoor space, perfect for brunch."

"I loved the cafe's atmosphere and pastries."

"Tom makes the kids feel special with their coffee milks."

Good to know

1

Expect busy patio seating during weekends around brunch time, especially in nice weather.

2

Parking in the area can be hard to find; allow at least 15 minutes before your reservation.

3

The Bistro area opens at 10am, so plan accordingly if you arrive early.

12
Rainbow Thailand street food (EVENT and Catering) image 1

Small space with a colorful interior creates an inviting vibe. Authentic Thai street food shines with crispy rice salad and fresh papaya salad. Music adds to the pleasant atmosphere, making it feel like home.

Fresh papaya salad stands out with its crisp flavors. The menu also features a crispy rice salad and a salad with glass noodles that adds variety.

People are saying

"I was sincerely impressed with the quality of the Thai food here."

"The authentic Thai food tasted like what I had in Chiang Mai."

"I loved the fresh papaya salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB with no corkage fee.

2

Expect long wait times due to understaffing; preparation can take over an hour.

3

Takeout is popular, with many customers ordering online.

13
Wild Goose Bar & Grill image 1

Spacious sports bar features multiple TVs and a lively atmosphere during games. Enjoy affordable beer and standout dishes like excellent wings and a steak salad that elevates typical bar fare.

Caesar salad stands out as a delicious option, served both on its own and in wrap form. The steak salad offers a level above typical bar fare, noted for its quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food to be great and reasonably priced."

"The wings here are amazing while watching live sports."

"I thought the steak salad was the best I have ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Expect busy times during major sports events, but no reservations are needed.

2

Daily specials offer discounts on food and drinks.

3

The bar has plenty of TVs for watching sports, especially Michigan State games.

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Lincoln Square, Chicago

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