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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Oak Park

Salad spots

You are looking for a salad that is substantial enough to actually count as a meal.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated April 2026
01
Ciro image 1
Ciro image 2
Ciro image 3
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Italian restaurant

Eight-seat counter wraps around an open kitchen where chefs craft fresh Italian dishes. Salads arrive perfectly seasoned with balanced dressing, ideal as starters or light meals. Walls show family photos, adding cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like home.

Salads come freshly prepared with perfect seasoning and balanced dressing. They serve as solid starters or light meals.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be incredibly authentic."

"The tiramisu here is amazing and decadent."

"This salad was seasoned and dressed perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at Ciro.

2

Ciro has a BYO policy, allowing guests to bring their own wine.

3

A $7 per person fee applies for BYO wine.

02
Kettlestrings Tavern image 1

Corner spot offers a family-friendly vibe with pet-friendly outdoor seating. Salads shine with large portions and fresh ingredients like blackened salmon and avocado. Burgers and in-house cocktails make it a chill, casual hangout with plenty of TVs inside.

Salads come in large portions with crisp, varied healthy ingredients. Options include a blackened salmon Caesar and an avocado and brussel sprout salad with salmon.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of ciders on tap."

"I found the Kettlestrings burger thick, juicy, and flavorful."

"The salads here are crisp with varied healthy ingredients and large portions."

Good to know

1

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

2

The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, allowing patrons to bring their dogs.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

03
Pete's Fresh Market #12 - Oak Park image 1

Supermarket offers extensive fresh food bars with a standout large salad bar full of tasty options. Narrow aisles create a claustrophobic atmosphere but seating inside and outside feels welcoming. Great for fresh meals and quick bites.

A large salad bar offers many fresh and tasty options alongside a hot food bar and soups. The selection includes a variety of fresh ingredients suitable for lunch, dinner, or snacks.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, with a great hot food bar."

"This grocery store has amazing fresh meat and seafood selections."

"The salad bar here has lots of options for prepared meals."

Good to know

1

The store has a large selection of fresh produce and halal meat products.

2

Parking is ample and convenient for customers.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

04
The Little Gem Cafe image 1

French bistro blends live jazz with a quiet dining area for two moods. Salads are plentiful and pair well with soups or mussels. Gold accents and fresh flowers add to a cozy vibe that feels unpretentious and welcoming before evening noise rises.

Salads come in plentiful portions and pair well with soups or mussels. The offerings feel cozy and unpretentious, fitting a neighborhood bistro style.

People are saying

"The food at these Date Spots is amazing, especially the short ribs."

"I ordered a filet mignon, and it was perfect."

"The chopped salad with salmon was delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Tuesday-Thursday date night special with a 3-course dinner for two.

2

Happy hour is available after work with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Parking is available a block away, but it can be challenging to find closer spots.

05
Giordano's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Neighborhood charm shines with Chicago cultural history in decor and a lively vibe. Deep dish pizza boasts melting cheese and rich flavor. Fresh salads with lemon vinaigrette arrive fast, served with humor, and some are even complimentary.

Fresh salads come with a lemon vinaigrette and arrive quickly, around six minutes. Staff add a sense of humor when serving, making the experience light. Some salads are complimentary, like the second one offered free.

People are saying

"I found the deep dish pizza to be a regional masterpiece."

"I thought the deep dish pizza here was amazing."

"I loved the chopped salad with lemon vinaigrette."

Good to know

1

Expect approximately 45 minutes for pizza preparation.

2

No onsite parking is available at this location.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but Apple Pay is not available.

06
Breakfast House Oak Park image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small space feels loud and crowded but lively with family-friendly energy. Salads are good size with fresh basics like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Bright decor adds cheer despite cramped seating.

Salads come in a good size with basic greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. They serve salads as a side option with burgers and breakfast dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was the best I ever had."

"The breakfast here is awesome and always tastes great."

"The salads here are beautifully presented and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during busy hours.

2

To avoid a 45-minute wait during busy mornings, sit at the bar.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

07
Avenue Ale House image 1
American restaurant

Large indoor bar and rooftop patio offer distinct moods from quiet evenings to lively sports nights. Salad options include a steak salad with spinach and strawberries, though portions are small. Crowd enjoys craft beer and unique cocktails with a mix of classic and modern music.

Steak salad features steak, spinach leaves, strawberries, and pecans but comes in a small portion that may leave you hungry. Tuna and Caesar salads are also available and maintain consistent quality over time.

People are saying

"The bar staff, especially Jon and Karyl, are so welcoming and attentive."

"The rooftop has such a great vibe, especially on summer nights."

"I made an excellent salad here."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on select drinks, including domestic beers.

3

The venue has a history of cleanliness issues, particularly in the bathrooms.

08
Cuzzo's Pasta, Pizza, Panini, & More image 1

Enjoy huge tasty portions of NY-style pizza in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Fresh Caprese salad pairs well with varied panini and pasta options, making it great for diverse tastes.

Caprese salad stands out with fresh, simple ingredients. Salads come alongside a variety of Italian dishes like pizza and paninis.

People are saying

"The shrimp Alfredo and chicken penne with vodka sauce was amazing."

"I loved the pizza slices; they were thin and crispy."

"I found the caprese salad to be wonderful."

Good to know

1

Takeout or delivery are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a wait time for panzerotti as they take time to bake.

3

Prices are reasonable, with large portion sizes.

09
Victory Italian | Oak Park image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant features a cozy fireplace and spacious bar seating for a lively yet relaxing vibe. Salads like the Joe’s Mama’s Meatball Salad and generously sized Caesar are crisp and flavorful. Patio seating offers a pleasant outdoor option.

Salads come crisp and flavorful with options like the Joe’s Mama’s Meatball Salad and the generously sized Caesar salad. The Oak Park salad offers a fresh choice alongside other dishes like calamari.

People are saying

"Our server Dave really knew the Italian food and wines."

"The complimentary bread with marinara was dangerously addictive."

"Our server Dave was so kind and helpful with recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Half off bottles of wine are available on Wednesdays.

3

Parking can be challenging on busy days, so plan accordingly.

10
Publican Quality Bread Oak Park image 1

Small bakery shines with a wood-fired oven and bright vibe. Salads impress with fresh trout and ribs, though beans can be underdone. Outdoor seating pairs well with fresh espresso and pastries, making it a lively spot.

Salads feature fresh trout and ribs with solid flavors. Bean salad sometimes has underdone beans, but overall salads stay consistently good.

People are saying

"The pastries and bread here are amazing, especially the almond croissant."

"I loved the sandwiches; they were the best around."

"I found the trout salad really tasty."

Good to know

1

Publican does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

2

All purchases incur a service charge that is not clearly communicated until checkout.

3

Bread is not available for sale until 9 am, despite opening at 7 am.

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