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Lunch spots with salad in River North

A lunch break should be a reset, which means a fresh salad in a space that actually lets you slow down.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 2
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 3
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Spacious restaurant with modern, elegant decor and airy layout that avoids crowding. Atmosphere feels casual but chic, with loud music creating an energetic vibe. Tables require personal light to read menus due to dim lighting.

Salads here shine with heirloom tomato and beet burrata options that are fresh and flavorful. The tomato salad stands out for its vibrant freshness and pairs well with dishes like beef kofta.

Chicken lunch bowl offers a delicious option. Lunch during restaurant week provides a fantastic experience with solid choices.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh and delicious, especially the hummus."

"The heirloom tomato salad is so fresh and flavorful."

"The chicken lunch bowl was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with unique cocktails at reasonable prices.

2

Enjoy $2 oysters during happy hour, a great deal for seafood lovers.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% surcharge to all bills, so plan accordingly.

02
Brehon Pub image 1
Restaurant

Irish pub with old-fashioned decor and a quiet secretive back area contrasts with a crowded front room. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for watching sports with multiple screens and playing games like pool and darts. Offers a huge patio and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Fresh grilled chicken tops the salads here. The Caesar and Cobb salads stand out with crisp greens and solid flavors.

Lunch specials stand out with good value and variety. A single bartender handles lunch service smoothly while keeping up with other tasks like pool.

People are saying

"The food and beer at this pub were awesome."

"I loved their awesome Caesar salad."

"The bartender was so attentive during lunch service."

Good to know

1

The pub charges an extra 3% on the bill for credit card payments.

2

Expect a $1 table fee for games, payable in quarters or bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

03
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Salads here stand out with the Burrata salad that rivals versions from Rome and the Cesare salad that pairs well with pizza. They offer affordable prices compared to downtown spots.

Lunch features Italian beef sandwich with mozzarella and sausage pizza. Pizza stands out as very good during midday meals.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"I found the salads here to be scrumptious and affordable."

"This lunch spot's Italian beef sandwich is delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

04
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

Chopped salad features sweet corn, salty bacon, and cheese with herb ranch dressing. Side salads are fresh, crisp, and packed with variety alongside sandwiches and wraps.

A cute little spot offers a really nice lunch experience with good food and great beer options. It suits casual midday meals with colleagues or friends.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"I was impressed by the sensational, fresh, and crisp salad."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

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

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

05
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse offers a stylish and warm dining room with quiet sophistication and a relaxed but upmarket atmosphere. Cocktails are expertly crafted, complementing the coal-cooked steaks that define the menu. Private rooms and a dynamic space support both intimate and business gatherings.

Lunch offers a wonderful and excellent experience with incredible flavors. The meals stand out for their quality and satisfaction.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The bib lettuce salad was lightly dressed and a nice counter balance."

"The Lunch Spot's beef was perfectly cooked and everything was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm-6pm with great deals on steak, burgers, and oysters.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday roast, which is only available on Sundays.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options and is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

06
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an airy, spacious interior with tasteful decor and soft lighting that creates a calm, casual vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support relaxed dining or working. The atmosphere balances upscale design with a welcoming, comfortable feel.

Salads come with free hummus and are fresh and generous in portion. The chicken shawarma salad and side salads with entrees offer great quality and value under 25 dollars.

Mediterranean wraps offer a quick and casual lunch option. The spot works well for working from home and provides a cozy atmosphere even on rainy days.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The hummus here is perfectly smooth and memorable."

"I ordered the chicken shawarma salad; the portion and quality were superb."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

07
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Salads feature shrimp, lamb hummus, and chicken options that stand out. The Caesar salad offers a satisfying crunch, especially with shrimp added.

Rooftop seating offers a great spot for lunch with a relaxed vibe. Frequent visits confirm it works well for both late lunch and regular midday meals.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The rooftop views are panoramic and beautiful, especially at sunset."

"The poached eggs at this Lunch Spot were hard boiled."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week from 5-7pm.

2

Reservations are typically required, but walk-ins may be accommodated if available.

3

The happy hour offers a great selection of drinks and appetizers at unbeatable prices.

08
Cocoro Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an authentic, homey atmosphere with a cozy, laid-back vibe that feels like dining in Japan. The space is warm and relaxing, suited for quiet meals or enjoying sake at the counter. It stands out for its traditional izakaya style and genuine Japanese dining experience.

Cold options like seaweed salad and tofu with bonito flake sauce stand out. Salads come as part of sets and pair well with soups and sushi.

Lunch offers specials with a great menu featuring dishes like katsu kare and ramen. Food quality stays consistent whether dining in or taking out.

People are saying

"I found the most authentic Japanese food outside of Japan here."

"The dinner spots here are amazing, with delicious sushi and ramen."

"The seaweed salad and cold tofu were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Lunch specials are available during the day, offering good value.

3

The restaurant features a menu with authentic Japanese dishes beyond typical sushi.

09
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Fresh salads stand out with options like Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, and beet salad. Almond and garlic spread, hummus, and faro salad add variety to the vibrant menu.

Offers a great value lunch bar with delicious options suitable for business or casual dates. Provides a positive experience that encourages repeat visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"This lunch spot's food is full of flavor and amazing."

"The cucumber watermelon feta salad is so refreshing."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

10
Just Salad image 1
Health food restaurant

Small space with long lines during lunch hours and convenient pickup options to avoid wait times. Atmosphere feels busy and efficient, attracting a crowd looking for fresh, healthy salads and smoothies. Prices tend to be on the higher side, reflecting the focus on quality and convenience.

Salads come in fresh, large portions with options like Buffalo Chicken Caesar and Plant Power with miso ginger dressing. Staff serve quickly and keep vegan salads free from cross-contamination.

Quick service and friendly staff keep the lunch line moving fast. Offers a variety of salads, bowls, and wraps ideal for a workday meal.

People are saying

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is super friendly and efficient."

"I found the salads to be always fresh."

"The takeout salads are enormous and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long lines during lunch hours.

2

Expect long wait times around noon; consider ordering ahead.

3

Prices can be high, but they offer a variety of salads, bowls, and wraps.

11
Protein Bar & Kitchen image 1
Health food restaurant

Health food restaurant offers clean, quiet atmosphere with self-ordering kiosks and customizable menu focused on high-protein, whole food options. Prices are reasonable and service includes mobile ordering and rewards program. Energy stays calm, making it suitable for quick, healthy meals.

Salads offer a build-your-own option with fresh ingredients and helpful staff giving topping tips. Some find them tasty and refreshing, while others see them as overpriced and mediocre.

Offers healthy options that work well for lunch or a quick snack. Provides consistent and delicious meals suitable for a midday break.

People are saying

"I found the healthy food here to be great and served quickly."

"This lunch spot's food is always on point and delicious."

"I found the salad to be really fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The menu offers customizable healthy options for various dietary needs.

2

Prices for bowls are around $12, comparable to similar fast-casual places.

3

Mobile ordering is available for quick service.

12
Mendocino Farms image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop features faux grass benches and blue farm-inspired accents creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It stays constantly packed with ample seating and offers vegetarian and vegan options. Wait times can be long during peak hours, reflecting its popularity.

Salads feature fresh lettuce and kale with a nice crunch. The Thai mango salad stands out for its consistent flavor, matching quality from California. Some salads include chicken and avocado, though the chicken can lack flavor and avocado may be underripe.

Exceptional food and service create a solid lunch experience. The atmosphere suits casual meals but long wait times during business hours make it less ideal for meetings.

People are saying

"I was so pleased with the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor of this sandwich."

"This lunch spot has exceptionally delicious food."

"You have to try the Thai mango salad."

Good to know

1

Expect an average wait time of 20-30 minutes for your meal.

2

Prices are higher than typical fast food options.

3

Mendocino Farms offers vegetarian and vegan menu items.

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River North, Chicago

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