If you stop in Chicago, one the many "must stop" places is Protein Bar. Most of the locations are downtown, but some like this one, are out in the burbs. If you notice from attached menu, it's a hybrid concept the ties casual dining with food that is both fast and HEALTHY. Obviously protein is the focus but it's impossible to order something unhealthy here. I had the buffalo bar-rito...its packed with chicken, quinoa, blue cheese, spinach and a secret salad mix. It's awesome. All for $11.84. read more

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I'm confused and slightly disappointed after all the hype and excitement from my friends... experiencing it for myself was blah. The food was good- actually quite good, I got the chili with quinoa. Small-ish portion for the price, ok I actually felt the prices were quite high after seeing the portions. Place was empty then I realized as I was leaving that perhaps part of the reason the staff seems kinda blah and like they had better places to be was because of the odd hours and that they were actually about to close. Weird weird hours. Not a fan. Good food, mediocre staff, healthy alternative to nearly everything else around that area. read more

The shakes here are perfect for after a workout, and theservice was super fast. I also recommend the pesto bowl.

First time coming here and I Will most definitely be back. The gentleman at the register name is Laverious and he was extremely helpful and polite. He gave me the perfect recommendation for a post workout meal. I'm very picky about my earth food but this was a perfect 10! Cheers!! read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Southwest salad and south aside shake. Boom! - New American Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

First time ever visiting one of these chains. The menu seemed promising. I only tried the protein shake, their summer special called Basic Beach. Ingredients were listed to include pineapple, mango, banana and strawberry with coconut milk, collagen and a "turmeric spice blend". It's pictured to look bright orange yellow in color as one might expect with those ingredients, however mine was a muted pastel orange color. I only mention the color distinction because the flavor was as bland as its color. For supposedly containing such lively tropical fruits, I could barely distinguish any of them. I mostly could taste the coconut milk and the collagen. Disappointing for an $8 smoothie. read more

Great healthy on-the-go options Came here before setting off on a 3 hour drive and was very glad I did. The menu is full of healthy options, had a seasonal breakfast special bowl with eggs, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus and it was hands down delicious! Also the perfect quantity, not too much to make you feel sluggish. Also had a kale smoothie which was just below sweet. The location is airy with colorful cheerful decor. Rating it 4.5 stars, holding off on a full 5 stars because the prices are slightly high (though reasonable for the quality) and the wait staff seem slightly unenthusiastic. Overall a nice experience, would frequent this place. read more

I need to eat here at least one more time to be able to give 5 stars. I like eating healthy, and this place is very close to my work. I met a friend at lunch time and thankfully it was not super packed. I think it's more of a to-go lunch spot, but the environment is clean and nice and comfortable to stay in to eat. There are tons of great sounding options on the menu. I opted for the guac & roll bar-rito. They were quite generous with the guacamole, which was a nice surprise. I asked for the dressing on the side, but they forgot that part, so I just dealt with it inside. Luckily, the dressing was really good and had a really nice flavor, though it does get a little messy towards the bottom. My friend ordered the spinach and pesto quinoa bowl, which looked amazing. She said it was really good. I will probably order this one next time. I will say, the portions seem a little small, but we both left full enough. I don't think my husband would be full enough off of one menu item though, so that could be a deterrent. They're not very over-priced, but they definitely are not the cheapest lunch option. Having to order 2 dishes for him and 1 for me would be an overly expensive lunch. If you like eating healthy this is a fantastic new addition to the suburbs! I definitely recommend it. read more

So happy something like this open in the area. I like the buffalo bowl and I really like their P&J smoothie.

So happy to have found this place while exploring Chicago! I got the black bean bowl made vegan and an avo-matcha shake and both were incredible, but the shake blew me away! I've never had those two flavors combined and it was incredible. I'd say it's priced reasonably and he flavors rock. read more

Delicious! I'll be the first to say that I'm VERY skeptical of trying new "health food" places. However, I'm so glad that I tried this place! I've never had a Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, so I decided to try the Kale Caesar Wrap (minus the tomatoes). It was amazing! It tasted like a mixture of cheese, guac and lettuce. It was SO filling. I was only able to eat half. If you're skeptical of trying new things, just give this a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

I only gave it 4 stars but I love do actually love this place - let me explain. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because it's a little pricey, there's a min. delivery order of $15, sodium content is high, and the delivery options don't seem to apply to the whole menu. Yes it seems like a lot but otherwise I'm in love. FINALLY A HEALTHY PLACE THAT DELIVERS! I'm so sick of having to order Jimmy John's when I want to order out at work. It's super delicious, healthy, they deliver, you can order online, and the food came fairly quick. I'm a huge health nut and this type of place has been seriously in need in our area. I will be here as often as my pocketbook will allow. Yum yum yum. read more

Ok I can't lie, I have only started going to the gym because I know I can get a protein drink or tasty food to eat afterwards from Protein Bar! I'm attempting to get a different item each time I come in, but I've already found my favorites and there's no turning back now! The RED LINE with almond milk and whey protein is amazing for after a workout when you're not super hungry. If you're looking for a full meal, the VEGAN CHILI is awesome (even for those who are big fans of meat)! The breakfast burritos can be messy, especially if you're trying to eat on your way to work in the morning so I usually opt for the Santa Fe bowl with a good heaping of Cholula hot sauce!! Best part is that there is a punch card, so if you come in enough you'll eventually get a free meal out of it! read more

This place is your classical trendy health food restaurant. Futuristic, IKEA looking furniture, orange and white themed. Very refreshing. The menu is fully equipped with the nutritional info, so you know. There's always at least 20g of protein in all their dishes. And their dishes are amazing. They even have vegan options, and the employees are all incredibly knowledgeable of the product. My first visit was mildly disappointing due to cold chili, but it was quickly and efficiently corrected by an on-duty manager. He encouraged us to return, and I'm glad I did. The veggie chili and superfood wrap are refreshing, satisfying and filling. Bonus: it doesn't "taste healthy"- it tastes like a wrap you'd want to just indulge on. Next I'll be returning for their protein shakes. Can't wait! read more

I have to say I really liked the concept of the protein bar: fast food or food on the go but totally revamped so that you can't go wrong here when it comes to nutrition: reasonable calorie count, high protein, high fiber. The key ingredient that makes it happen: quinoa. Choices are good: "bar-rito", quinoa bowls, salads and fresh juices. All appear fresh and organic. The let down for me was the high sodium content of what I ordered. Let me rephrase that, it's not higher than other fast foods but there doesn't seem to be low sodium offering. Flavor was the other factor in my 3 stars rating: blend food and just a so so eating experience. Yet on the bright side, absolutely a healthy meal and packed with protein and fiber you won't feel hungry for hours. That was definitely a plus. I may stop by on occasion when I need a quick meal but won't go out of my way. read more

Very nice staff, even better food. It was my first time there and the staff explained how I am able to make anything vegetarian and to my taste. They were very informative and nice. I ended up with the guac and roll Barr-Rito and black bean bowl substituting the chicken for tofu. I ate the Barr-Rito for lunch before my shift. Absolutely delicious. The flavors molded together well and it gave me so much energy until I ate the bowl for dinner 8 hours later. The bowl did not seem as involved or interesting, but it did its job. I was full after having half of the bowl! Initially I thought the prices were very high for the amount received. However, I do believe it is my typical American way of thinking. We judge value based on the amount received. This is definitely not the case at Protein Bar. They give you an appropriate proportion so that you remain full and have an adequate amount of energy. I will definitely be back. read more

Acceptable option for a post-workout meal. The portion size of the wraps are not that big, so it is more of a snack. There are a lot of smoothies and shakes to choose from; shout out to Christopher for recommending me a smoothie that was delicious. Overall, good place to go for some nice, clean food. read more

I was in training in Oak Brook, IL & we had to grab a quick lunch. I wanted something fast & light & this place really hit the spot! I wish they would open these in Alabama! I highly recommend. Very tasty! read more

This is right next to my gym, and I barely ever see anyone come or go. However, I was starving on my first visit, and I was surprised by how good the food was! My husband felt the same way too! We enjoyed the buffalo bowl and black bean bowl. The buffalo bowl packed enough heat to please my hubby. I enjoyed the vegan black bean bowl. The tofu absorbed the flavors beautifully. Today was my second visit to pick up a meal to share with my mom. As I was waiting, the staff offered me a free protein shake to try: Comiskey Cocoa. This was delicious! It has a hint of banana that is thankfully not overwhelming, and the chocolate is not overly sweet. I can't wait to try the vegan backyard bbq! read more

Visited Protein Bar from out of town and I cannot stop thinking about how perfect of customer service I received. Vince is top notch and definitely knows how to take care of a customer! I will definitely be back soon. Looking for healthy food with perfect customer service? This is the place for you..!! read more

Love this place. You know exactly what is in everything and how many grams of protein! Millennium perk is awesome. Todd had quinoabowl with parmesan, chicken and marinara. Everyone is super nice and place is comfortable and clean. read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Quinoa with chicken, parmesan and marinara - New American Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

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So some marketing/real estate genius decided to put this place right outside my health club. If I have a choice between a Muscle Milk or other nasty protein shake from a bottle, or this place, I'm going to take this place every time. Their smoothies are amazing. No other word for it... just the best. Period. They also have other very healthy food, but the smoothies are my go-to. They usually have enough calories (if you get the large) to substitute for a meal. My favorites are the Millenium Perk, the Pier-Nut Butter and Jelly, and the Wrigley Peeled. (All drinks are plays on famous Chicago landmarks). Service has always been quick and pleasant. I am usually in and out in 5 minutes, perfect during a lunchtime workout. People are nice, and they have a pretty decent loyalty program in place. 4 stars, if only because the prices are tad high for the portion sizes, but still worth it. read more

I really like this place. The chicken/pesto/spinach bowl is Delish. The Hi-5 drink contents are very interesting (kale, cilantro, pineapple, etc) but don't be intimidated - it is very tasty!!!! My ONLY reason for not Giving this place 5 stars is because it closes too early. This would certainly be my go-to place for take-home dinner if they stayed open until 6. Please reconsider your hours! :-) read more

Always a great place to stop for a quick and healthy bite. Everything on their menu is delicious- from smoothies and oatmeal, to burritos, salad wraps, and quinoa bowls. My favorite is the classic buffalo salad and the avo matcha smoothie. I always feel energized and perfectly satisfied after eating here.. unlike a lot of restaurants where I feel overly stuffed and indulged with guilt read more

First time I tried this place. I like it because of the extensive health foods they offer. They are good for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's convenient to grab something in there after a work out at la fitness which is right next door. They have different wraps, salads, bowls, and drinks. I got the southwest salad which had quinoa, chicken, spinach, and beans in a siracha sauce. Large portion and fairly flavorful. The bowls are on the small size. I want to try the organic steal cut oats for breakfast. read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Spinach and pesto bowl - New American Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

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Love this place. Healthy and tasty food prepared fast. Friendly people too. One of the more healthy fast food places around. read more

I absolutely love this place I would eat here twice a day if I could. After a workout, casual lunch or a quick dinner. I would recommend the Buffalo bowl or Original chicken bowl. The food is always good, the place is always clean and It's really busy around lunchtime I would say the best time to go is after lunch around 2 or later read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Original chicken with avocado - New American Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

Dear Protein Bar, I am breaking up with you. After many years of a great relationship and many incredible meals, I am so greatly disappointed in the change in quality, quantity of protein, and lack of flavor that I can no longer justify spending time or money on you. My recent order of the Spinach and Pesto Bowl was bland with no hint of pesto, chicken that was VASTLY different than in past orders and more closely resembled canned tuna with zero seasoning. 90% of the bowl was quinoa and I had to hunt for any protein but then was extremely disappointed with what there was. I appreciated the 9 spinach leaves. This used to be so full of flavor. So thanks for the memories but it's over. Jo read more

Hit this place after going to the gym. LA Fitness is right next door. Prices are reasonable and the shakes are good.

We finally made it out to Protein Bar for lunch today. We are always looking for new vegan friendly options in the suburbs and super appreciate the variety of options here. At least half of the dishes can be made vegan by subbing tofu and vegan cheese shreds, and at least one entree from each category is vegan outright. We tried the southwest salad, vegan chili, and buffalo tofu bar-rito. The salad was excellent, huge portions and great flavors. We liked the flavors of the two hot dishes as well, but they weren't actually hot, just barely warm. If the hot food were hotter I would upgrade the stars to 4. We will be back to give it another chance. read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - Southwest salad, vegan chili, tofu buffalo bar-rito - New American Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

was in town for work at the gym next door and decided to give protein bar a go. i've recently been intrigued by the cleanliness of vegan food and an employee chris was kind enough to explain to me how a lot of their dishes can be made vegan and gluten free. Aside from the food being great & healthy, the service was amazing. will be back sooner than later! read more

I like stopping in this place as it's on the way to my parent's house in the city after I leave my gym in Lombard to get me a protein shake! Another thing I really like is they ALWAYS get my name right... I've never had food here, but one of these days I will. With the other stores and gym nearby I always score parking right out front. Their drinks are great so I can only speak for those... it's definitely worth a visit if you're leaving the gym, or just passing by! read more

Great food but horrible service. I recommend that phones should not be aloud at the counter while taking a customers order. Especially when the employee is barely listening and too distracted by facebook to get the order right. read more

This place is fantastic! Great food, exactly the foods I'm looking for. Somebody gotta open one of these in LA!! MCT Coffee w butter is incredible. Prices are really reasonable too. read more

Delicious and healthy! If you need a quick spot to grab lunch this place may not be for you during peak lunch hours. There's often a line, especially in summer, and since food is made to order, takes an additional 10 minutes or so. This place is pretty darn expensive, and the portion sizes for the bowls are pretty small. This place has a tendency to be really, really cold at times, so make sure you have a jacket if you tend to get cold. read more

I had their chicken avocado burrito, which was pretty good. Plenty of avocado, great mix of flavors. Place isn't cheap - their average salad is $10 - but you can tell they use quality ingredients. Worth it in my opinion read more

I like this place! Good, healthy options. Quick and friendly staff. If you love a smoothie you should go here.

I feel like this place is just ok. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. It's a convenient stop on the way home when we don't feel like making dinner and want some thing reasonably healthy. They have several vegetarian options, which I appreciate, but I've never had the thought "Oh, I'm really craving something from Protein Bar!" They also never seem to have any other customers, which is pretty odd, considering they're on a busy corner next to an LA Fitness. read more

Five stars are for the staff not the food. The entire staff is for the past three years I have worked in the area is completely and utterly customer focused all the time. I commend them for their patience, hard work, and service oriented attitude. I come here on occasion for lunch for the protein shakes with confidence that my special shake requests will always be accommodated in a way that doesn't make me feel like a pest! Thanks Oak Brook staff for always being great! read more

Wow what a great spot. I stopped in before the gym and had the Guac & Roll "barrito". It was phenomenal. What a great explosion of flavor. Chicken, their salad mix, salsa, the cilantro lime dressing and avocado. This thing was amazing. It wasn't extremely stuffing either like most burritos are. These things are packed with protein and fiber though. I think mine had like 36g of protein and over 10 grams of fiber. I also came back later and ordered the Cominski shake. It was also great. I wish there was a Protein Bar in Indy where I live. This would be my go-to spot. read more

No consistency in food. This location is all over the place. The same dish doesn't look the same two days in a row. Disappointed!!