Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious salad scene. While many might not immediately think of Chicago as a salad destination, the city's chefs are elevating this classic dish to new heights. This comprehensive guide explores 27 of the best chef salads in Chicago, categorized for your convenience. We'll delve into what makes each salad unique, highlighting ingredients, dressings, and overall dining experiences.
Understanding the "Chef Salad" in Chicago
Before we dive into the list, let's define what constitutes a "chef salad" in Chicago's culinary landscape. While the classic chef salad typically includes mixed greens, sliced hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cheese (often cheddar or Swiss), and sometimes ham or turkey, Chicago chefs are putting their own spin on this timeless dish. Expect variations in proteins, cheeses, vegetables, and dressings, reflecting the city's diverse culinary influences. Many restaurants offer build-your-own options, allowing for complete customization.
Top 27 Chef Salads: A Categorized List
To make your selection easier, we've categorized the salads based on key features:
Category 1: Classic with a Twist
These salads stay true to the traditional chef salad formula but add a unique Chicago touch:
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The Purple Pig: Known for their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, their chef salad features locally sourced ingredients and a house-made vinaigrette that’s simply divine. They often incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh, flavorful twist.
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RPM Italian: Expect perfectly balanced proportions of high-quality ingredients. The combination of their Italian cheeses and a light lemon vinaigrette is a highlight.
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Monteverde: This Michelin-starred restaurant elevates the classic with gourmet ingredients and a presentation that's almost too beautiful to eat. Expect unexpected flavor combinations.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse offers a robust chef salad, perfect for pairing with their extensive wine list. The addition of grilled steak elevates it beyond the ordinary.
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Smyth: Their chef salad showcases seasonal produce from their own garden, delivering fresh and flavorful combinations.
(Images of salads 1-5 could be inserted here)
Category 2: Gourmet & Elevated
These salads transcend the typical, incorporating high-end ingredients and creative flavor profiles:
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Oriole: This fine dining establishment offers a chef salad that's a true work of art, incorporating unexpected ingredients and refined techniques.
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Ever: Their focus on seasonal ingredients translates into vibrant and flavorful chef salad variations.
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Alinea: While known for its avant-garde tasting menus, Alinea sometimes features a deconstructed chef salad that showcases its culinary innovation.
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Grace: A refined dining experience, the chef salad here utilizes high-quality cheeses, meats, and produce, creating a well-rounded and luxurious salad.
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard’s globally-inspired cuisine shines through in a chef salad featuring unexpected international flavors and textures.
(Images of salads 6-10 could be inserted here)
Category 3: Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Chicago's chefs are increasingly catering to vegetarian and vegan diners:
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Little Goat Diner: This popular spot offers creative and flavorful vegetarian and vegan salads, often using seasonal vegetables and unique dressings.
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Pequod's Pizza: While known for its deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also boasts a surprisingly delightful vegetarian chef salad option.
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Handlebar: A great spot for casual dining with creative vegetarian and vegan salads.
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Parson's Chicken & Fish: Their menu features a well-balanced vegetarian chef salad that complements their fried chicken and fish dishes.
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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: The Spanish-inspired restaurant offers a vibrant vegetarian salad with a tangy and delicious vinaigrette.
(Images of salads 11-15 could be inserted here)
Category 4: Unique & Creative
These salads break the mold, offering unexpected combinations and bold flavors:
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Andros Taverna: Their Greek salad elevates the concept of the chef salad with feta, olives, and other Mediterranean flavors.
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Au Cheval: Despite being famous for its burgers, Au Cheval also offers a uniquely decadent chef salad that incorporates elements of classic steakhouse fare.
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Rosebud on Taylor Street: This Italian restaurant offers a spin on the classic, featuring Italian cheeses, cured meats, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
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Summer House Santa Monica: Their Californian-inspired menu includes a fresh and innovative take on the chef salad.
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RPM Steak: The chef salad here features high-quality cuts of steak and other refined ingredients, offering a luxurious meal.
(Images of salads 16-20 could be inserted here)
Category 5: Casual & Affordable
Not all great chef salads require a fine-dining price tag:
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Lou Mitchell's: This Chicago institution offers a classic, affordable, and satisfying chef salad.
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Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen: A classic Chicago diner with a simple but satisfying chef salad.
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Twin Anchors: While primarily a rib joint, they offer a decent chef salad for those wanting a lighter option.
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DMK Burger Bar: A great place for burgers but also has a delicious chef salad, a perfect complement to their famous burgers.
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Portillo's Hot Dogs: While they're mainly known for Chicago-style hot dogs, they also offer a basic but reliably good chef salad for a quick and inexpensive bite.
(Images of salads 21-25 could be inserted here)
Category 6: Hidden Gems
These lesser-known spots offer incredible chef salads worth discovering:
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[Insert Local Restaurant Name Here]: [Describe their salad]
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[Insert Local Restaurant Name Here]: [Describe their salad]
(Images of salads 26-27 could be inserted here)
Conclusion: Your Chicago Chef Salad Adventure Awaits
This list provides a starting point for your Chicago chef salad journey. Remember that seasonal menus and ingredient availability may influence what's offered at each restaurant. Don't hesitate to explore beyond this list and discover your own personal favorite Chicago chef salad! Happy eating!
