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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Near South Side

Salad spots

You want a salad that is treated as a substantial meal rather than a bowl of wilted greens.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Buttercup image 1
Buttercup image 2
Buttercup image 3
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Small, intimate space shifts from cozy daytime cafe to swanky speakeasy bar with soft lighting and curated 1940s/50s decor. Caesar salad is very flavorful with nuts and olives adding texture. Atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, perfect for quiet dates or after-work drinks.

Caesar salad stands out with its very flavorful taste and includes nuts and olives that add texture. It pairs well with pork collar and is consistently described as amazing.

People are saying

"The cafe's specialty coffees are unique and fantastic."

"You have to try the cocktails; the menu is unique and they taste phenomenal."

"I had one of the most flavorful Caesar salads ever."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with a great menu of drinks and appetizers.

2

Buttercup transforms into a cocktail bar after 4pm.

3

Street parking is available nearby for easy access.

02
Doughboy's Chicago image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot offers a peaceful atmosphere with nice music and artwork. Salads feature lots of chicken and a spicy jerk chicken option. Signature dishes blend Southern and Italian flavors for unique tastes.

Salads come with lots of chicken but few other ingredients like cheese or cucumber. Some meals include a side salad instead of fries, and the jerk chicken salad has a noticeable spicy flavor.

People are saying

"The spaghetti here is the best Italian food I've ever had."

"Their spaghetti is the best I've ever had."

"I found the grilled chicken salad very tasty."

Good to know

1

Takeout service is quick and efficient, ensuring food arrives well-packed.

2

This eatery has quickly become a neighborhood favorite among locals.

3

Expect a community vibe that fosters togetherness and connection.

03
Steve's Bite image 1
American restaurant

Minimal decor and big empty walls create a calm space with regular chairs. Salads shine with freshness and variety, featuring jerked chicken and falafel options. Calming music keeps the vibe chill for quick meals or casual chats.

Salads stand out for their freshness and variety. The jerked chicken salad and falafel salad offer unique, flavorful options with creamy Caesar dressing also available.

People are saying

"I found the gyros here to be fresh, fast, and consistently good."

"The burgers here are nice, juicy, and thick."

"I've never had a better salad; it was so fresh."

Good to know

1

A regular meal costs between $17 and $25 plus taxes.

2

The cheeseburger costs $15.61.

3

All food is halal certified.

04
Southern Chicago image 1

Elegant space offers fresh kale Caesar and fried green tomatoes for salad lovers. Guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails and high-quality Southern dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere with great music.

Kale Caesar salad and wedge salad stand out with fresh, crisp greens. Fried green tomatoes add a unique twist alongside classic salad options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The desserts here are phenomenal, sealing the deal for me."

"The kale Caesar salad was so good, I highly recommend it."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

05
MIKAMI IZAKAYA & RAMEN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese spot blends industrial-chic design with a calm vibe perfect for dates. Salads are fresh with a tangy invisible dressing that pairs well with rice dishes. Full bar serves Japanese beer on tap and rare ramen, making it a unique casual yet upscale choice.

Small salads come with rice dishes and feature a tangy invisible dressing that adds a subtle kick. The salads are fresh and complement meals like the perfectly fried cutlet well.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is flavorful and comforting."

"The gyoza here are great and crispy."

"The side salad with the ramen was surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for $21.95, including a side, main dish, and drink.

2

Happy hour features discounted cocktails and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes beyond ramen, like gyudon.

06
The Staley image 1
Sports bar

Large sports bar offers a dark basement vibe with huge projector screens for game watching. Caesar salad is crisply tossed with fresh greens and creamy dressing. Free arcade games add casual fun beyond sports.

Caesar salad comes perfectly tossed with a crisp texture and fresh greens. Chicken Caesar salad features tender chicken paired with creamy dressing that complements the salad well.

People are saying

"The food here is unique, delicious, and top-notch."

"The staff here is super friendly during live sports."

"The staff here are so friendly and give great recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted on game days; plan accordingly.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills on game days.

3

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

07
Sumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with calm atmosphere offers fresh sushi and standout rolls like Hedgehog and lobster. Kani Salad shines among salads but may arrive late. All-you-can-eat option adds great value and a relaxed vibe.

Kani Salad stands out and appears often on the menu. Other options include Octopus Salad and a simple cucumber salad. Salads sometimes arrive after sushi, which can be inconvenient.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat sushi here is a great value."

"The all-you-can-eat dinner here is made to order and worth it."

"I enjoyed the salads and other dishes at Sumi Sushi."

Good to know

1

They offer an all-you-can-eat lunch special at a great price.

2

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30.

3

An 18% mandatory tip is added to your bill.

08
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar image 1

Big-screen TVs create a sports-focused vibe while a live DJ pumps loud music for dancing. Fresh ingredients make the house salad a standout, perfect with wings and pizza. Seating suits both family dinners and lively game nights.

Fresh ingredients make the house salad a nice portion. The Caesar salad stands out as a favorite choice alongside the wings and thin crust pizza.

People are saying

"This deep dish pizza is amazing and straight out of the oven."

"The bar staff treated me like a regular with a smile."

"The atmosphere here has a really nice ambiance and decoration."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Parking is difficult; consider using a ride share or park a block away.

3

A DJ performs on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

09
VU Rooftop image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant shines with spectacular city views and a lively vibe fueled by live jazz music and fire pits. Salads impress with light dressing and fresh options like shaved Brussel Sprout. Cozy lounge areas make it perfect for relaxed group gatherings.

Salads feature light dressing that avoids overpowering flavors. The shaved Brussel Sprout Salad stands out for its freshness. Crab salad offers a solid option with balanced taste.

People are saying

"The food here is great, and the staff are so friendly."

"The rooftop views of the city and lake are impressive."

"The staff here are attentive and informative about the salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

A 20% automatic gratuity is added to all bills, regardless of party size.

3

Security checks are similar to TSA procedures before entry.

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Near South Side, Chicago

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