What a great little spot for your healthy, protein-heavy meal. I was contemplating one of the smoothies but decided to go with an egg bowl - the one with hot sauce, tomatoes and spinach. It was heavy on the eggs and light on the greens (which is probably what most people prefer) but it would be nice to have a bit more greens. At about $7, it's a pretty good value for a quick, protein-packed meal. read more

Being a believer and avid fan of natural juices and shakes I was extremely pleased when the front desk of the Westin hotel told me the Protein Bar was less than a block from the hotel. From the outside it looks like any other food establishment lining busy Chicago street but when you walk in the colors and clean lines tells you that you're in for a healthy modern treat. Fortunately my friend and I arrived just before the lunch rush giving us plenty of time to debate between the various salads, blended drinks and wraps, which they call "Bar-ritos." I settled on the Pier-Nut Butter drink while my companion grabbed the Red Line. Although I can't comment on how his tasted mine turned out to be a tasty 400 calories blend of healthy yumminess. The service in the place was fantastic and the folks behind the counter helped me in my decision...and they definitely steered me in the right direction. The staff was both efficient by keeping the customers moving through at such an even pace that made it comfortable despite how many folks were flowing through and quick on the clean...as the place looked like it just opened days earlier. Overall: Protein Bar is clean and friendly with good prices on great tasting healthy food choices. My only regret was my wife couldn't be here to enjoy it with me - 5 Stars...now if I can just get them to open up in Virginia. read more

F'real, I love this place. It's my new favorite establishment in the city. I'm happy to see Protein Bar expand to the DC area, but I need neED NEED a Protein Bar in Streeterville so I have a shorter walk for this delicious and healthy food. I also could use one in Rogers Park or Evanston. C'mon PB, come through for me! When I first heard about this place I was a bit skeptical because it's healthy food, and usually it sounds decent but never very flavorful. However, I took the plunge and started with the buffalo chicken bowl. Wow, it was so dope! All natural juicy chicken, great buffalo sauce (I know my buffalo sauces, I think), blue cheese salad on top of warm and tasty quinoa. I have never been that big a fan of quinoa until going to PB, and now I want it instead of rice at home. I also had the Pier-Nut butter drink with non-fat milk and energy booster. The drink really had a great peanut butter and jelly taste but not one that would be overpowering. The frozen fruit combination with the vanilla protein powder did it for me. Next time I came in I had a bowl of chili...just awesome. I love chili and for a healthy version you can't beat PB. I appreciate the dollup of non-fat greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This is a nice alternative. I also tried another signature drink that had vanilla and green tea! It was one of the more light and delicious drinks I've had. The 12 oz was the perfect size. My last two trips out here I decided I had to try some of the barr-itos. The calories content is really quite impressive so I tried the original and then the buffalo chicken. After a 20 minute walk back to my office the barr-itos started warm and in tact and not soggy. Everything in both barr-itos was delicious and filling. These are not small barr-itos (yea, I'm still hyphenating) but not big like Chipotle. Delicious and sized right. I also appreciate how they wrap the barr-itos so when you take the outer layer off you are left with a wrapper that exposes half the barr-ito so you can eat and keep your hands clean and then peal back the paper as you need. Simple but thoughtful concept. My last couple times in I repeated the two drinks I mentioned but this time opted for almond milk. My wife made almond milk at home recently (easier than you think) and I'm hooked. I saved some more calories and both drinks turned out fantastic. I'll continue on with the almond milk in the future. One other thing to say is that the setup of the store is really nice and bright, with easy to read menus and literature about the all-natural and organic (sometimes local) food they use and PB's mission. The staff is really friendly and the speed at which you get your food or drink for dine-in or carry out is quick and efficient. I'm looking forward to what PB has in store for the Chicago area and finding some time to go back and get some healthy breakfast or lunch! read more

The best part of my day when I am actually working at my office near kinzie and state is walking down clark street just past the bridge.....I can smell the fresh produce, particularly the greens and citrus notes. I get happy just walking towards this place. read more

Right around the corner from my office and is incredible with speed! It took me probably 10 minutes total to travel up and down 30 floors, order, and receive my food. I ordered the Mexican inspired cauliflower rice bowl. It was filling and fairly priced for the area. I wouldn't come back often, but for sure if I need a quick lunch and a nice walking break from work. read more

Was in town for business and thought I'd try this place since I'm allergic to wheat and they seemed to have some good options given that restriction. I love Protein Bar! Wish we had this in SF. Lunch (I got the Spinach/Pesto/Chicken Quinoa bowl) was a perfect portion size, under 400 cals, gluten free, and really tasty without being too garlicky as pesto sometimes can. I would absolutely recommend this place and can't wait to try something new here the next time I'm in town. The girl who took my order was super nice, and my food came out in, I think, less than two minutes. This place is a winner. read more

If I could make sweet sweet love to this resaurant on top of a bed of quinoa, I would. Whether you are a health nut or not, food is excellent, great healthy choices, and the concept gets me excited about our country's health trends. The River North location gets long line, but from being 15 people out the door to getting your food, it takes less than 10 minutes and totally worth it. Have yet to try a dish I did not enjoy. Go here. read more

I was visiting Chicago and wanted to try this place around the corner. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of food, wasn't just protein smoothies but burritos, salads and quinoa bowls. Not only was it "health conscious" but the ingredients actually looked really tasty and amazing. I had the southwest salad. It was $11 but easily 2 servings and TOTALLY DELICIOUS. The South Acai'd smoothie- Good name, full of detoxifying acai berries and also delicious. Came here two days in a row because I was so excited to get the South Acai'd smoothie again and try something new. Wish there was a location in Milwaukee read more

Protein Bar is awesome! I've only been twice, but every time it blows my mind. The Vegan Salads rock and burritos are great. you really can't go wrong. I also love that their soft drinks are independent providers and not one of the giants. read more

I appreciate that this is healthy, I love me some quinoa. However, there was no taste to my vegan barrito. I added some avocado and some sriracha for flavor, but this still packed little to no punch. I feel that some sort of sauce or salsa was needed, but I understand they're trying to make it healthy, and lord knows I don't need any more ranch dressing in my diet (or do i?). I'd come back again (but not often) for the 300 calorie meal, just if for no other reason than health purposes. read more

I've had the vegan superfood wrap and the salad version. Both are bursting with flavor and filling to boot. It's a little pricey for the portion, but super quick, convenient, and a great option in the Loop. read more

I work downtown and often coordinate lunches for 5-10 clients. Today, the group ordered from Protein Bar---not one of our usual go-tos--- because one person was a vegetarian. There is a location at State and Lake that is very near my office, so I thought it'd be nice and convenient. Um, no. Turns out they don't do carryout. What restaurant doesn't do carryout?? Luckily the River North location does do carryout, so we called them instead. Turns out they don't take phone orders!! You can only order online. What a frickin' hassle. In their defense, they do some things right. All the food was well packaged and *labeled*, which saved me a lot of grief, and everything seemed to be of really high quality. All the salads we ordered looked delicious, and they were big. But I can only really comment on my own meal, which was the original protein bar-rito. While it tasted fine enough, I couldn't believe how DRY it was. I slathered it with some salsa I had on hand and that helped a lot, but still. I noticed some of the other burrito options have sauces, so maybe those are better and I just made a bad choice. Bottom line: It's quality food packaged in a quality manner, but their customer service is seriously lacking (as in, there is none). They seem to go to great lengths to avoid human interaction. And if they're trying to reimagine health food as rich and flavorful, they've got some work to do. read more

KEEEEEEEN-WAHHHHHHHHH!!!! No, I'm not taking karate. I just ate at Protein Bar. I like eating delicious, healthy foods for lunch, and Protein Bar seemed like an optimal place for doing that. I got the Buffalo Grilled Bar-ito. It came stuffed with chicken, quinoa, blue cheese, buffalo sauce and salad Mix. Sounded good. But...gah. It was a touch bland. I couldn't taste the blue cheese and the buffalo sauce was barely there. I literally doused the entire thing in Sriracha (they get points with me for having Sriracha) to give it more of a kick. That said, it was healthy and I don't feel like I'm falling into a coma after lunch. Maybe today was a fluke? I am willing to give it another try, especially if they keep industrial size bottles of Sriracha laying around... I also want to try their breakfast (the pancake in a bowl intrigues me) and their chili. But not together. That would be weird. read more

I cannot completely endorse this place. I had some sort of egg bowl concoction, but it wasn't so great. I like the idea of mixing them all up (I mean come on, we all eat omelets, and etc.), but this was different. The eggs were cooked separately from everything, and then it was all combined together in the form of a salad type thing, but even after trying to mix it more myself - it never fully got mixed together. Aside from the idea not working to well, the eggs got cold quickly. To begin they were at an acceptable temperature, but they got cold quickly. Aside from the food, the experience was fine - the staff was pleasant, and helpful since it was a first time experience. read more

I used to love this place when it first opened, but now that they have gotten popular, the quality of the food has gone downhill. Portion sizes reduced and their supposed "Super 6 salad mix" is basically all iceburg lettuce (see pic) with a few spinach leaves thrown in., super 6 of what? and to top it off today the avocado in my salad was brown(see pic)! ewwwwww...I buy a salad and a juice and it's $19, maybe its just me but for $19 I expect quality food! I am done, to many other healthy options in this area for that price to not get quality good. read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - now that's quality food....for $19 - Vegan Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Now that I have discovered this place my life is filled with regret. Regret that I didn't try it before. Regret that I discovered it right at the start of winter. Regret that it's a three blocks from my office, which means I likely won't go back until the spring. Regret that I didn't invest in new winter boots, otherwise I might go there before spring. Took my colleague to do her annual review. Yes, I know it's inappropriate to review someone in a crowded restaurant where the tables are literally six inches apart (more on that later), but the review was good, so it was fine. The line was fairly long, but it went by quickly. We snagged one of the last tables available and I literally had to squeeze in to the booth area because the tables were so close together. Now I'm not a big girl, but I'm no skinny minny either. There is some junk in my trunk and I have to heartily apologize to the table next to us that had said trunk skim the top of their table as I passed through. At least I didn't butt their bar-ritos. I ended up getting the Guac & Roll, which was quite refreshing, but super filling. My colleague got a bowl, but I can't remember which one. It's definitely worth checking out, but as other reviewers have said - get there early, because it gets super crowded. read more

This is my kind of breakfast: Organic steel-cut oats with organic quinoa, flaxseed, millet, and amaranth mixed with organic peanut butter, acaí pureé, organic agave nectar, almond milk, banana. I'll be honest, it was the peanut butter that got me... peanut butter and oatmeal. Let's be clear: there are two types of Protein Bars in Chicago... the regular restaurant and the food lab. This location is the food lab; I'm not sure what that means in the PB world (because I could find no information on the difference between the two)... but I'll tell you what I expect this to mean in my UX world. A "lab" in my world is about doing customer experiments and generating feedback. So, I'd expect the restaurant to be continually create new food options and use the lab to get customer feedback on these new options. I saw none of that; perhaps it's more low key than I expected. Still, it's a great place to have a healthy breakfast and it's next to Caffe Umbria is you want to pair your breakfast with excellent coffee. read more

The Protein Bar was literally a few blocks from my hotel when I was in town for the Fare Thee Well shows on the 4th of July weekend and I was pleasantly surprised. I had their Buffalo Bar-rito and the Buffalo Salad (not on the same day). Both entrees were really delicious and compliments to the staff who were super friendly! Wish we had some Protein Bars in NYC! Not sure why there are so many negative reviews here - I definitely have no complaints about the food or service, which is ironic, considering most people think New Yorkers can always find something to complain about :) read more

So how does a girl who loves french fries find fast food that is healthy yet a craving solver? She goes to Protein Bar. Now don't get me wrong...French fries, nor anything that tastes remotely like them can be found here, but what can is wonderful! I've been multiple times. While I have my favorites (buffalo chicken bowl, salad or bar-rito), I've also taste tested the chili bowl (fabulous on a winter's day!), and the Ivy Bar-rito! Both of which are nice a yummy, though I would love it if they put a few more veggies in the Ivy. Yes, you just heard a french fry lover ask for more veggies. Ok, so enough about the french fries...or maybe I'll go find some somewhere...(errrrr...) Either way, for a quick lunch/dinner that doesn't leave you hurting but leaves you satisfied, Protein Bar is the way to go. read more

The food and smoothies are so delicious. This is not my first visit to Protein Bar. I recommend getting the buffalo chicken salad! I was skeptical based on the ingredients, I thought for sure it would taste like a boring salad. I couldn't believe how much food I got and how great it tasted. The salad only has 380 calories. The avo-matcha shake is a must - so good. The redline smoothie is also very good! They have hard boiled eggs and a ton of other healthy to-go options. Definitely worth the visit!!!!! read more

I have been so excited to try this place since I love wraps and love protein. I got the Original Protein Bar-rito and the only thing I could taste was the organic quinoa. This stuff masked all other flavors and I felt like this was the only ingredient in my wrap. The milkshake reminded me of a protein shake, which was alright but not something I really want to drink at lunchtime. I do want to give this place another try, but nexttime it will definitely be something without quinoa. read more

Love the buffalo chicken wrap! Always a huge wait for lunch during the week, but they are quick, and never have that salty fast food attitude. The shakes are pretty good as well for being healthy. Didn't care for the Green Tea one, but the PB&J is solid. Heads up, its just a purple colored peanut butter shake.. read more

I had heard a lot of hype about the Protein Bar. I have been really wanting to try it since I have gotten more into quinoa lately and I am trying to eat more protein...enter Protein Bar! So, I had the Original Bar-ito, but everything sounded really good to be honest. I want to try the Buffalo Chicken next time. Everything was super quick and the employees were all really nice. The burrito was really big and delicious! It didn't taste super healthy at all ;) I will definitely be back!! read more

Sure the name says it all but I'll keep my review to a couple of comparisons below. Today was my first trip to any Protein Bar, since there seem to now be everywhere in Chicago. I was greeted by a helpful cashier and upon learning it was my first trip, he made a couple of recommendations. I ended up getting the Red Line smoothie with Vanilla protein, banana, strawberries and almond milk. It was a solid protein smoothie and tasted pretty good too. I also got a salad with Chicken, Avocado, pipito seeds and it was amazing. I say amazing since I recently got a salad at LYFE Kitchen and that was a small portion that wasn't satisfying or filling. I also got a discount for being a first time customer. Thank you Mr Nice Cashier. I will certainly be back to try more of their salads and smoothies but also their breakfast oatmeal and egg dishes. read more

What a little gem! Got a delicious $10 salad in under 4 minutes with really friendly service. Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

It's nice to have a protein bar outside of the loop near my home. The location is great for weekends when I want to pick up something healthier before running errands. The food is consistent and service is super fast at this location. Every staff member I've encountered here has been efficient and knowledgeable. Venue wise this is one of the more spacious protein bar locations. There's enough room for most customers to find a seat. I recommend trying the Millennium Perk or BGT with chocolate protein. read more

I love Protein bar. I usually go to the one by the Mart but today I was on Clark and Kinzie, so I decided to stop by for lunch. I got the Mexicali Bowl - my favorite but I was so disappointed on how little was inside my bowl! I paid $10 dollars for a half eaten bowl!!!! I've never experienced that in any of the other Protein Bars. This is my first and last time going there. read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Vegan Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Their menu changes once in awhile - but in a good way. The best menu items sometimes get re-purposed into a new dish, which gets me to try new things. Their ingredients are delicious. I would order 2 lunch entrees and take 1 home. The Mexicali Bowl is the real deal. The Clark St location is loud during lunch rush so I would take it to-go. read more

Protein Bar has become my newest ally in the War on Fat. My biggest problems with trying to eat low-calorie meals are 1) I rarely feel full when I'm done, and 2) the flavors are bland. I am happy to report that these problems do not exist at Protein Bar. My favorite, the Healthy Parm bowl, clocks in at about 400 calories and leaves me feeling full for hours. The chili is just over 300 calories, and I get the same full feeling. More importantly, the food is delicious. I don't feel like I'm on a diet when I stuff my face with chicken covered in marinara and cheese. In addition to being healthy, filling, and yummy, the food is also reasonably priced. I don't think anything on the menu costs more than $7. They also have a punch card that gets you one free meal after buying 10. This place is always packed at lunch time with a line extending down the sidewalk on most days. Yet somehow, the service is quick, efficient, and friendly. I cannot think of a single change that I would make to Protein Bar. I think that everything is very well-executed, and I'm always happy with my meals there. Thanks, Protein Bar, for helping this food-loving lady stay slim! read more

Love love love Protein Bar. I've only been to the Clark location. Parking (if ur lucky) can be found right in front of restaurant. Food is always fresh and fast! A must lunch spot read more

After trying out all of the vegan barritos, I have to say that while I'm still happy this place is here, I was hoping for more. Perhaps I was overly optimistic but I think there is room for improvement. I thought I would find at least one item that had a wow factor and kept me coming back for more but for me the barritos range from blah to pretty good. To take it to the next level, I think there needs to be a lot more flavor and a lot more of the sauces they use. There is no sauce bar so you don't really have an opportunity to add more unfortunately. A lot of the barritos taste dry to me. I still love that there are vegan options, everything is under $10, the staff is quick and friendly, and they have reasonably priced beer and wine. The atmosphere is also pretty cool and comfortable. Between all of that and the fact that it is right across the street from my work - I'll be a frequent customer. read more

Their food may occasionally run a little bland, but at least you know it's very healthy and filling. I kick it up with Sriracha and add the flavor myself. Compliments to their order fulfilling team. They're incredibly fast. Something has changed recently, and the process improvement is noticeable from the outside. read more

I've walked by this place a lot on my way to work but finally tried it for lunch, and have gone back quite a few times since. The ingredients are so fresh and I truly do feel better eating something from here than some of the other lunch options around. I've had the Chicken Guac n Roll wrap - delicious! I've also really enjoyed some of the shrimp salads and chicken salads. It is a little pricey, but it's good. read more

Delicious fast, healthy, and versatile for vegans and vegetarians! Superfood wrap, mexicali burrito, wrigley peeled shake, or hi-v drink are . read more

This is my new favorite lunch spot. I just got done with my Quinoa Chili Bowl in the middle of an 80 degree day-- and my god, I can't wait to go back when it's the middle of winter and try that delight! The extra dollop of Greek yogurt really topped it off nicely, and for only 330 calories? I'm officially a lifetime customer. The prices truly aren't bad for what they offer - a delicious and healthy lunch (it really is hard to find)! You will easily spend just as much at any other burger joint, sandwich shop, and hole-in-the-wall but easily stuff your face with heart-attack-inducing fried food. Not that I don't get down like that--- but I like to get a good balance. It is definitely worth a try if you're curious -- and worth the wait at lunch (lines move fast)!! read more

The protein bar needs to be EVERYWHERE. Simple, clean, flavorful food - they could kill in airports! I discovered this place while traveling in Chicago and it is my new regular when I visit there. They'll happily substitute quinoa for the flour tortilla on the bar - ritos! I want to eat everything here... read more

OBSESSED!!! First time there and I was hooked. Totally love Chipotle so I ordered a protein burrito. It was so good and under 500 calories. Chipotle is around 1200 I think. Been back again and again and again. I've already gone through two punch cards there. Everything on the menu healthy and tasty. Have yet to try the smoothies and such. I'm starting my way food options but its taking a while since I order a lot of what I've already had. Its great healthy lunch food! HUGE fan! read more

Was visiting the Windy City and found this place on Yelp when looking for healthy eats. This place is DEFINITELY the spot!!! Pepita Spice breakfast bowl is EXTREMELY tasty. Loved the spices they used with the crunch of the pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Quinoa has such an awesome texture. Never thought of having quinoa for breakfast, but this place made me a believer. Ivy-Barrito was full of a LOT of flavor. Loved the pesto in it. Quinoa (again, seems like a staple here) was a great addition, texture wise. The drinks are great... can't remember the names of the juices I got but the two of them were GREEN and GREAT!!! A bit pricey, but definitely tasty and healthy. Get a punch card!!! Wish they had this in L.A. read more

Protein Bar is a solid, healthy midweek breakfast/lunch option that you can always feel good about. For breakfast I'm a fan of the Southwest Scramble (eggs, cheddar cheese, spinach, diced tomatoes, and Cholula sauce - clocking in at 146 calories, 4 g fat and 24g protein) and in the drink department I'm a fan of the Millennium Perk which has chocolate protein, espresso protein, milk, and house-made cocoa malt (12 oz: 172 calories, 2 g fat, 20 g protein). You'll find nutrition information on everything here, as health is their main focus. For some of the options, the "good for you" may get in the way of taste a bit, but in my book that's a-ok. At this location the wait can be a little long during prime lunch hours so either go before 12 or after 1 or order in advance online. read more

During a week of indulgent eating (read: having to roll myself out of restaurants 3 meals a day) Protein Bar was a welcome respite of clean, healthy goodness. I got one of their fresh-pressed juices, which apparently they don't offer at all of the locations. Man, it was good! One of my favorite juices I have ever paid ridiculous $$ for. I was really hoping to come back to try one of their protein smoothies or other breakfast/lunch items, but I ate pizza and cake shakes instead. Oops. Next time! read more