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Protein Bar & Kitchen

4.0 (442 reviews)
Closed • Closed
Updated 2 months ago

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PROTEIN BAR & KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Protein Bar & Kitchen

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Reviews With Photos

Berry Banana
Maya J.

Quick stop for a smoothie, got the berry banana with oat milk and honey almond butter. Ready fast&good portion size. It was a little icier than I'd like but the almond and berry flavor came through nicely. Extensive menu and quick service. Good spot if you need something fast and on the healthier side.

Mexicali Bowl
Shreena P.

This was my first time trying Protein Bar & Kitchen, and I was pleasantly surprised. As a vegetarian, I appreciated the variety of options. I ordered the Mexicali bowl with a quinoa base and added cabbage for extra crunch--it was flavorful and not dry at all. There are a ton of options for protein and i added the tofu. I took my meal to the river instead of dining in, but the inside looked clean and the staff always seemed friendly.

Misty S.

Triple Berry Acai Bowl $12 - Great flavor and loaded with berries and granola. I would definitely come back here for an acai bowl if I was in the area. I need to try The Elvis that has the peanut butter on top next time. When I came during a weekday morning, there was no line. I used the self order kiosk at the counter and got my acai bowl in minutes. Located right across from the Sears tower. .|\---/| | @_@ | ..\_^_/..2025

Tofu wrap
Pauline L.

Ordered pickup while at a conference. I got the tofu wrap and my colleague got the tofu bowl. I quite enjoyed mine. Thought it was delicious, fresh, and healthy. Lightly and bright seasoned. Tofu was firm and plentiful. This kept me full until dinner.

Mexicali Bowl
Alejandro S.

Decent Spot with Room for Improvement I visited the Protein Bar & Kitchen near Willis Tower and ordered the Mexicali Bowl along with the PB&J protein smoothie. Overall, the experience was just okay and didn't quite meet expectations for a health-focused fast-casual spot. The smoothie, made with peanut butter, berries, almond milk, and agave, tasted more like a dessert--very sweet and lacking the balanced flavor I hoped for in a protein drink. The Mexicali Bowl was hearty but leaned too heavily on cheese, beans, and carbs, which made it feel overly dense and less nutritious than advertised. It seemed more focused on bulk than freshness or healthy balance. The self-serve ordering kiosk was convenient, but not very intuitive; I had some difficulty navigating the options and understanding how to customize my order. While the staff was present, they weren't particularly welcoming or helpful, even though the restaurant wasn't busy. The interior was clean but had a bland, underwhelming atmosphere. I still left a 20% tip out of habit, but given the limited staff interaction and self-service model, it didn't feel particularly warranted. If you're in a rush and need something filling with a decent amount of protein, this location might work--but don't expect standout flavors or an especially engaging dining experience.

Cobb Wrap
Jason S.

I absolutely loved my first experience at Protein Bar and Kitchen! This is definitely going to be my new go-to lunch spot when I'm at the office. As someone who tracks their protein intake, I really appreciate that they include all the macros on their app and menu. That's one of the main reasons I wanted to try this place, and I wish more spots would do the same! I ordered the Cobb wrap with a side cup of the chicken chili and both were delicious! Also really easy to order pick up via the app. I'll 100% be back and can't wait to try more items from their menu. Highly recommend!

PB&J
Remi W.

This place was very bad. We ordered through Uber eats with a group of us. I had the smoothie and southwest salad. Both were pretty bad and didn't finish either. The chicken is the salad was notably gross. Would not go back would not recommend.

Do you even understand how good you have it?!
Audrey W.

Today was a late breakfast day, and these guys were so good to still make us a couple of Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Bar-itos, even though it was past 11 am. Sooooo grateful! The diner is small, and made for more grab n'go orders. There's are stools along the windows and one table. it's bright and airy here, so the feel is wakThe staff is super friendly upon entering and the entire time we sat. We don't have anything comparable in south Florida, so I LOVE the turkey bacon and egg whites here! The açaí and parfait bowls are a little smaller than we are used to, but I think they're actually perfect single serve portions. They were delicious regardless! The smoothie and Keto coffee were equally as tasty! Thanks you PB Kitchen! You're a lifesaver!

a person holding a drink in front of a fountain
Loann H.

There are limited healthy food and drink options in Chicago but I was able to find this protein bar that gives you so many healthy juice options! It was located pretty central and I stopped by for a much needed refresher. Then, I went over to see Millennium Park and they had a few summer things happening that day like make your own lunchable?! yes. Thanks for giving me a little healthy boost that day.

Mexicali Bowl and Wrigley Peeled

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10 years ago

Great place for a quick, healthy lunch. Close to many of the hotels that are occupied for conferences at the conference center nearby

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Page 4 of 12

Protein Bar & Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Protein Bar & Kitchen

Boka

Boka

4.3(1.9k reviews)
2.5 mi•Lincoln Park
•$$$$

Boka was a special dining experience. The restaurant offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere, and the…read morestaff were wonderful. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful with their recommendations. We opted in for the vegetarian tasting menu. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Nothing felt like an afterthought, and the menu offered an impressive variety of flavors and textures. We were super full at the end. The restaurant also prepared a special birthday menu with all the great dishes the chef made for us that day. Some of our favorites included the Cherry Tomato Tart, Smoked Turnip, Chestnut Ravioli, and Roasted Maitake Mushroom with Meyer lemon and black truffle. The Chocolate Tart and Elderflower Panna Cotta were the perfect finishing touches along with the birthday ice cream popsicle. Overall, Boka felt intimate, elevated, and impeccably executed. It was clear that tremendous thought went into every dish. This was a truly memorable meal, and we will be back :).

I got a bar seat reservation for the missus and I (two) at 7:15pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026. The…read morefront desk was courteous - they give you a key for your bags (looks like an ancient key) as part of bag check, and led us to our table at the leftmost side of the bar. The bar seating itself wasn't super crowded - but every booth and table looked like it was taken, so that was interesting. On my way to the bathroom I saw their numerous michelin years of guide and stars. It's noticeably missing 2026 - and after having dined here, I kind of get why. For a drink I got the local Eris Pedestrian cider. We debated getting the chef menu ($195/each) , but we ended up ordering a la carte: chicken liver mousse ($9/each, we ordered two), roasted veal sweetbreads ($30), black truffle chicken ($43), and roasted dry aged pork loin ($51). We later ordered a financiers for dessert (forgot the price). We were full after eating everything that we ordered, but given the lack of quality of the cuts of meat, the small portion sizes, and the extremely high cost, it's hard for me to recommend this place. If this is what Michelin star-quality food tastes like (at least in Chicago), the Michelin evaluators here have either no actual taste buds, or are awarding stars for "vibes" only. The vibes are fine - don't get me wrong - but the food here isn't anything worth writing home about. Dish by dish: mousse was decent, the veal was kinda dry, the chicken was very dry, and the pork loin, while decent, wasn't as special as we thought it'd be. Financiers was kinda sweet but it was actually the only part of the meal I truly enjoyed the bites of. The post-meal truffle thing was too sweet for the missus so I ate both. The cider was... Pedestrian, as the name implies. Definitely the most fitting name for the drink. The bathrooms are down the stairs - so it's terrible for those in wheelchairs or that are mobility challenged. The bathrooms themselves are high-quality - which is part of the experience, but idk if it's "worthy" of adding stars to a mediocre food experience.

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Boka
Boka
Boka - Chocolate Angel Food Cake

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Chocolate Angel Food Cake

Au Cheval

Au Cheval

4.4(9.6k reviews)
0.8 mi•West Loop, Near West Side
•$$

This was my second visit to Au Cheval, and it had been a while since the first. Somehow it was even…read morebetter than I remembered. They're known for having one of the best burgers in the world, and it absolutely delivered. Juicy, rich, perfectly cooked, and completely satisfying. But here's the surprise: the side of bread and butter pickles might have stolen the show. Sliced super thin with an amazing, tangy-sweet flavor, they were so good I'd happily order a second round. Don't skip them. This is a must-stop for any Chicago trip, and it lives up to its legendary reputation. Pro tips: Make a reservation. And as much as I love sitting at the bar, the griddle sits right behind it, so you'll leave smelling like grease. Grab a table instead and your clothes will thank you. Already looking forward to visit number three!

With over 9.6k reviews and dubbed as the best burger in Chicago was a must try…read more Reservations are easily made via Resy. I had reservations at 5:30 pm but they were able to fit my party in for 4:45. The single cheeseburger comes with 2 Pattie's and double cheeseburger comes with 3 Patties. The burger may be the best in chi-town but i haven't had many to compare. The Pattie's were seasoned nicely and had crisp edges. Cooked nicely and toasted bun is nice touch. I feel like the egg is good add on but don't have to get it. I tried the bacon and it gives it a good added texture and taste. For $17.99 solid burger. Add bacon and egg and will run you closer to $28. The chilaquiles were good too. Nice portion and came out in a piping hot skille Service was good throughout and everyone was so nice. The inside is chill and laid back vibe. The whole team working seemed to be having fun. Indoor and outdoor seating.

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Au Cheval - Beers

Beers

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger

Single Cheeseburger

Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

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Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf - Dry Aged Bone In Ribeye

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

4.6(3.6k reviews)
0.7 mi•River North, Near North Side
•$$$$

I decided to check out this place for a weekday dinner WITHOUT reservations. I knew that having…read morereservations would make dining easier but I didn't plan in advance. I arrived around 6PM for a table, I was told I could go to the bar for bar seating or get my name on the list and wait. So I went to the bar but surprisingly, there were couple other parties waiting at the bar for a seating too. We actually waited about 45 minutes at the bar for seating, and then I received a text an hour later that a table would be ready. Since I was already seated at the bar, I kept my bar seating and forgo the table. So you might be able to get a table seating if you get your name on the list for a weekday dinner. I have to admit this place felt very dim, it feels darker - I supposed that tis the ambiance of a nicer, upscale restaurant. However, I have to admit they are laxed on the dress code. I don't actually know if there's a dress code although a lot of people are in more business casual/dressy attire. I wasn't in anything dressy though and no one said anything. As for the food, I think it is delicious. So we ordered 2 different steak dishes - the bone in aged rib eye and the steak & frites. I love the pairing salt that comes with it, it really tops it off for the steaks. We also ordered sides -- sides do not come with the steaks, they are purchased separately. However, the creamed spinach and the truffle mac and cheese were amazingly delicious. I still remembered the deliciousness as I am writing this review. The sides definitely tops it off. I think they do an excellent job cooking the steak, I love that they already cut it perfectly for me. This is an excellent steak place, great sides. It can get a little busy/crowded, but service is also pretty good. I think the staff does a good job overall given the craziness of this place. It seems like it is always packed. I see people in their "work attire" come here for drinks too and possibly for a bite to eat. I would definitely recommend this place to others -- if you don't want to wait for a table, plan ahead and book a reservation ahead of time. But this place is "casual" enough for you to stop in to grab some food if you're willing to wait.

Came here for a weekend in Chicago, heard so many good things about it including my chicago local…read morefriends. It's a dark chicago pub looking place with dim lighting and mood lighting, making it look exactly like you'd imagine. We came for walk in at 4 and were told we could sit at the bar immediately or wait for a table. We chose to wait for a table because we weren't fully hungry yet, and got a callback at 5, perfect for us. We ordered the sourdough, crab avocado salad, dry aged ribeye, fried chicken, and mac and cheese. Sourdough: 10/10- ate the entire loaf before we even got the appetizers. Salad: 10/10- amazing flavor and unique. We usually never order salad but this sounded so unique and didn't disappoint - creamy, acidic, perfect appetizer. Fried Chicken: 8/10- above average fried chicken on mashed potatoes. Well spiced but nothing to write home about. Ribeye: 10/10- great steak and honestly not bad pricing. Great crust and flavor, would definitely recommend to split for 2 since it's big. Mac and Cheese: 4/10- pasta was not hot and was undercooked. I usually like al dente but this pasta was hard. It was barely cheesy and was like a alfredo sauce more than cheesy, and the crust on top was lukewarm and stagnant like it had been sitting there. Overall great experience but avoid the mac and cheese.

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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf - Inside Upstairs

Inside Upstairs

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf - Bone Marrow

Bone Marrow

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf - Waiting area and first floor dining

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Waiting area and first floor dining

No Vacancy

No Vacancy

4.5(182 reviews)
0.8 mi•River North, Near North Side
•$$

Went in on a bears/packers game day as a packers fan. This is a bears friendly establishment…read more Had a great time. The staff and patrons were all very good sports. I'll definitely come back because the food and drinks matched the energy.

If you're coming here for drinks, it's probably a great vibe, but if you're coming for food, I…read morewould recommend elsewhere. I want to preface my review with the positives, Londyn was our server & was truly so kind, thorough, and friendly. The restaurant itself is clean & all tables have clear views of the TVs on game days. Now for the room for improvement- the food was very underwhelming. Being from the Chicago area previously, I regularly advocate for the Chicago food scene, and this unfortunately did not meet those standards. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, buffalo cauliflower, wings, and sesame ginger salad: -Brussel sprouts: tasted like they weren't seasoned just air fried and drenched in balsamic dressing -Buffalo cauliflower: soggy, unseasoned, runny buffalo sauce -Wings: PERFECTLY CRISPY, but no flavor (we ordered lemon pepper & buffalo) -Sesame ginger salad: sloppy mix of vegetables tossed in an overly sweet sauce with no sesame or ginger flavor in sight If you're not going to eat, this is probably a great spot, but from a food standpoint, there is room for improvement.

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No Vacancy
No Vacancy - Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

No Vacancy - Pigs in a Blanket

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Pigs in a Blanket

Ema - Salmon bab.

Ema

4.3(2k reviews)
0.8 mi•Near North Side
•$$

Ema is special…read more It's Mediterranean with a California twist. Everything is very flavorful and each bite is memorable The pumpkin hummus was really good. It tasted almost like a pumpkin pie filling The bhel hummus was great too. With a ton of toppings. It has a citrusy flavor which was really pleasant The baba ghanoush was also incredible. Super smoky and flavorful. The pita that comes with the dips are also incredible. They've got zatar sprinkled on top The Greek salad was great. Tomatoes feta and olives with cucumber The halloumi kebab was really good. I was so full at this point I couldn't eat much but it comes with a really spicy sauce that is outstanding and also perfectly cooked basmati rice

I first tried Ema back in 2022 when I visited Chicago for the first time to attend the Northcoast…read morefestival. For some reason, I overlooked reviewing it then, but I never forgot it, so I was ecstatic when I found out my company's annual offsite team dinner would be hosted at Ema. Our group of 35 was pretty large, so we were split up amongst several tables, but it was nice getting to chat in smaller groups. Our drink orders were taken not long after we were seated, and the food and bevvies started to arrive in short order. I got to try way more during my business trip than I did 4 years ago, but regardless, I noted the quality of food that was served remained consistent over the years. Highlights for me included the salmon, Greek village spread, pita bread, chocolate torte, and honey cake. The salmon was so mild and tender, the Greek village spread taster local and refreshing, and the pita bread was seasoned to perfection and hands down the best I've ever had. The desserts were a surprisingly delicious end to the meal. I didn't think I could stomach more food, but somehow I rallied. I don't even like chocolate that well, but the chocolate torte really hit the spot, and the honey cake was a new-to-me decadent dessert. It reminded me of the flavor of honey grahams but in cake form. I've never had anything quite like it and am really glad I got to try it. Coming back to Ema after 4 years was better than I expected. I love Mediterranean food, and after 5 total trips to Chicago, I must say Ema is so far my favorite restaurant here. I'm not easy to please, but Ema serves up some of the best this city has to offer.

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Ema - Ema tables and bar

Ema tables and bar

Ema - Tuna & Watermelon*  june 2026.

Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

Ema - Inside

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Inside

Protein Bar & Kitchen - newamerican - Updated November 2026

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