Don't let the long line scare you. The line is always long and moves pretty fast. If you want a healthy lunch, this is the place to go. I come here at least once a week and have had the healthy parm, quinoa chili, memphis salad and original bar-rito. All are great. The quinoa chili is probably my favorite. The clientele is kind of obnoxious (young women looking for engagement rings, pretty boys watching their weight). But just grab your food and go. read more

The name pretty much explains itself. If you want to fill up on protein is a good place to go. Their menu shows how many grams of protein each dish have. I love their spinach pesto quinoa, it's very good. Even though the portion seems small but it's very filling. Not the cheapest place for you to spend money everyday, but when I do is good. I would say try to avoid going during lunch hour 11:50-12:30 ish. The line goes out the door. read more

Since I discovered this place I have gone through multiple of those punch cards that gets you points towards a free meal. And yes every time I fill up one I go for the most expensive item on the menu for that day. So know you know I buy the basics and test the other menu items every other week. Therefore I am not complaining about this place that saves me roughly $32/m on lunch. a Couple of my favorite Bar-ritos is the BBQ(grilled) and the Greek Town (chilled) both runs for $7.29 and the cool thing I discovered about Quinoa, well for me anyway, it is almost as if it turns my lunch into an extended lunch because I only get hungry for dinner that day around 8:30 or 9p.m. that was a weirdness since I discovered quinoa. Why not 5 stars, I am glad you asked. For one they lost a star since their prices has gone up drastically in the last year and another star because the portion sizes has reduced. They have very friendly clean staff and I will always recommend them to everyone. read more

God help me, I love this place. I stopped in for breakfast to-go before and I still dream about their Comiskey Cocoa. I ordered the cocoa with almond milk and the vegan whey. I probably didn't really need the protein but the shake was so good. It was frothy and chocolatey. Typically, I don't like things with banana in them, but this was the exception. Truly a treat. I also ordered a denver scramble wrap. This was very filling and tasted very fresh. It does get a little bit juicy from all the veggies, so you do have to eat it with a bit of caution. I was so full from eating it and drinking the cocoa. The only downside is that this stuff does get expensive that I couldn't imagine myself coming here on a regular basis. Love Protein Bar. I wish they had these in Atlanta. read more

I'm writing this after my second visit, second in less than a week! My review so far is only based on the Pier-fit Peanut butter and Jelly smoothie because it's all I've had, but it is ABSOLUTELY DEVINE! I'm a complete fiend for peanut butter; I hoard jars at home and work, so when I saw that this smoothie had pb I had to go for it. Then I find out that they use Maranatha (score!), the peanut butter of the gods, the only brand I will eat. The service is very fast, when you have a line of about 15-20 people at half past 1pm and your wait is maybe 10mins at most, this is pretty damn great! Note: I only gave it 4 stars because I've not had anything other than the one type of smoothie and not because of service or quality...because it's sublime so far! read more

Protein Bar is one of the few things I will miss about moving in the Loop when I leave my job in a couple of weeks. I absolutely love the fact that they have mastered healthy, tasty food. And they're honest about the nutrition facts. I feel like a lot of foods claim to be "low fat" when they're really extremely high in sugar or low in protein. Protein Bar is extremely transparent and lets you know right off the bat the calorie count, fat, sugar, and protein amounts so you can make an informed decision. Their breakfasts and lunch items are both great. I love that they use steel-cut oats and quinoa. I really hope they can expand throughout the city. We non-cookers (who also work out) need more healthy options for eating out. read more

Quinoa baby! How awesome is it, that a place in the loop (not far from my office) serves healthy alternatives for lunch such as quinoa instead of boring rice?! I got sold onto quinoa last year, and it has so much more nutritional value - high protein, fiber... and tasty! So far I have enjoyed the Ivy Bar-rtio, which was flavorful but a little dry. The Cub salad - VERY tasty, but too much dressing on mine, so next time I'll get it on the side. Today, I am enjoying the chicken asian stir fry, and it is really hitting the spot! They also have Kombucha tea drinks, which pairs perfectly to round out a healthy feel-good meal. Only disappointment for me is that their vegetarian options are kind of limited. I was hoping to get just veggie stir fry today, but it is already mixed in with the chicken. But heck, tofu would be good :) Otherwise, you have a fiesta bowl with black beans, or a veggie chili. There are salads of course that you can get without meat. But, maybe I am just being silly - it is a PROTEIN bar! read more

GRRRRR! The service here is soooo slow!! It's 8am on a Friday and there are about 5-6 people behind the counter but only 1 or 2 are taking orders, the rest of the people are doing prep work it seems. It would be fine but the 2 people taking orders are as slow as a tortoise. I ordered oatmeal, fat free milk, whey protein and blueberries. The girl disappears in the back room. She's gone for a few minutes, okay, she must be whipping up my oatmeal back there. Nope, she strolls out at and starts mixing stuff in a bowl. "What kind of milk do you want?" Um, fat free, I told you that already. Another minute goes by, she's still putzing around. "What kind of fruit?" Blueberries. The woman at the register says I can pay while I wait. The girl making my oatmeal walks over to the register and says, "What kind of fruit?" Blueberries, blueberries, blueberries, for the 100th time, blueberries! After about 10 minutes I got my oatmeal. It was really good but not make me late for work good. If this was an isolated incident I would let is slide but every time I am in there everyone works at such a leisurely pace it takes forever. read more

I think I need an intervention. I eat at PB nearly every day and I love it! I started coming to Protein Bar in July of this year as I made the switch to vegan and needed something quick and close. Since then I go on a nearly daily basis (they know me by name there). One of my staples: the vegan original bar-rito is excellent, healthy and crazy filling. They use quinoa instead of rice which is a plus and their wraps are whole wheat. They then add in their seasoned black beans (fat free, I think) and top it off with Daiya cheese...once this is done they move that bar-rito in all its glory to the grill where it's perfected into warm, melty goodness. They also have online ordering which saves time as the line is usually around 20 people deep (minumum) if you go anytime between 11:30 and 1:30pm. read more

Yummy and healthy! I love Protein Bar. Within two weeks of stumbling upon this place I've already gone twice. And I will definitely be back plenty of times, especially because its around the corner from the pastry school I attend. So far I've had the uber delicious quinoa chili and the tasty greektown wrap. I think tomorrow I'm going to try the BGT (bucktown green tea) smoothie. The food is quite filling without bogging you down for the rest of the day. During lunch hour this place get pretty packed, but trust me, its worth the wait! read more

People are really nice, food is great. I recommend the Crackberry Bowl (although today they made it without the shaved ice, which I think was an error--I'm not picky, though) They're supposed to be remodeling this weekend to include a made-to-order salad/wrap bar. It's a little cramped as it is, so I don't know how it will all fit. I wish they had more seating, but I've never not had a place to sit there, interestingly. It will be nice ot have more food items, since I come in usually just for breakfast or lunch. read more

If you're on a health kick, this is the perfect place to go! Protein bar has a great menu with a bunch of delicious smoothies, salads, burritos, and quinoa bowls. The prices are generally decent and not too expensive. Minus the salad... I still think paying $12 for a salad to go is a bit ridic, but II will say that the salad comes in a very large portion! I could barely finish the whole thing! The food is great and you can be rest assured that what you're eating is "healthy." No more worrying about counting calories when you come to Protein Bar, which is a plus if you're always on the go like me. The nutritious values are listed out for you. A quinoa bowl can be anywhere from 350-450 calories, and that's awesome for a meal. It's also pretty filling, so you won't have to worry about starving after eating something "healthy" which is always what tends to happen. I'd highly recommend the quinoa chili bowl! Low calories, extremely filling! And a great subsititute for your regular chili. It's also topped off with a dollop of greek yogurt, and you'd honestly never be able to tell the difference between that and regular sour cream. YUM. read more

I had a great experience with PB and its owner Matt from start to finish! Googled them up searching for "fun healthy breakfast Chicago", placed a catering order pm for an early delivery next am; Matt was extremely helpful and accomodating my needs; considering that I never tasted their offering I had to trust him in helping me select for 25 hungry faces at Kraff Eye Institute! :) Food that was delivered this morning was great, everyone loved the assortment, Matt provided a short introduction of what he delivered. What a great spin on breakfast and what a genuine person as owner! Way to go. We are raving fans! read more

I love this place. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, and I'm always on the lookout for healthy and convenient food optioins. This place is spot-on. Whole-wheat tortillas, fresh-made juices, and they put quinoa in everything. Quinoa is amazing. All the good carbs your body needs, and it contains protein as a little added bonus. All of their chicken is organic; none of that hormone-injected stuff. They list the nutrition information for each food item below on the menu. Most of their lunch items contain at least 30 grams of protein and 40-50 grams of carbs. It's the ideal post-workout meal. If you're looking for a place that sells legitimately healthy (and tasty) food on the go that will leave you feeling full and energetic, look no further. read more

When my coworker invited me along to this spot, I was curious and figured it would at least be a healthy meal so I opted in. I have been here a couple of times, and there's always a long line. You have to come pretty early to beat the lunch time rush. I go the buffalo bowl the first time minus the quinoa to eliminate the carb in take, but it was still very tasty and filling. The second time I got the buffalo salad, and really liked the super 6 salad mix. The salad portion is bigger and little more pricier but worth it. I think I will do it again and try another salad as well. I don't feel guilty indulging at this place because it just feels like it's healthy. The service is pretty quick, and I love that they have punch cards! read more

Healthy. Check. Reasonable. Check. Fast and friendly. Check and check. I can't find anything wrong with this place. Seriously, they have the healthiest menu chock full of quinoa, fresh veggies, blended drinks, AND they serve breakfast all day. *fist pump!* I can even order online and receive a discount on my first order. I love that Protein Bar is just a hop, skip, and a jump from my work, and I'm not spending more than 8 bucks on a wholesome and filling lunch. I heart you P.B.! read more

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

This place is fantastic! The food is really great, and super healthy. As a vegan, it's so great to find somewhere that offers so many different kinds of protein. And quinoa!! Plenty of non-vegan options as well to cater to all types. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful and offer samples of some of the different ingredients. The guy that rang me up was so nice, and when I mentioned that I was vegan, not only did he list off a few of the other vegan items they have, he also said that if I had any ideas for more vegan items to add to the menu, I should let them know. He then proceeded to tell me that if I didn't like my bowl to let him know and he'd make me something new. Also, *very* reasonably priced for the Loop. It's really difficult to find a good healthy place for breakfast in the Loop. This place is such a haven for health concious people or people just looking for something a little lighter than a bagel or egg sandwich. I hope the business flourishes and they're able to open more storefronts all over the city! read more

I just went to try out the new protein bar today. Its a one of a kind new protein shake/bowl eatery in the loop of Chicago right across from the Sears Tower. Its a convenient location from my office so I went with my co-worker and boyfriend. The place is very modern when you walk in and has the kind of feel of a Jamba Juice. I had a hard time deciding what exactly I was going to get because well I'm totally new to protein shakes and I wasn't sure what I was going to like. I chose a drink called the Oak Street Beach which is a peach protein smoothy, low in fat and high in protein. With each smoothie you have the choice of milk and free boost. My smoothie was nice and filling and I found the staff to be informative and friendly. I liked it and will probably be back every so often. read more

Although the salad was slightly better than some other places nearby I was highly disappointed when I ordered (and paid extra) to have avocado added to my buffalo chicken salad only to receive a scoop of spicy guacamole instead of the sliced avocados pictured on the menu. Which certainly did not go well with my buffalo chicken salad and which I would not have added it if I had known that's what I would get. read more

Food is ok. Very healthy but towards bland side though they have many hot sauces that can spice things up. Service is ok as well. My friend and I, we reached this place at 11:15 and were waiting on two more friends. At 11:25 one of the people working there came and asked us if we will be ordering and if not we cannot sit there. Hmmm... that felt a little weird as at that time the place was absolutely empty! So, I don't think I would want to go there again! But ya we did have lunch and like I said filling, healthy but bland! read more

I couldn't even finish my buffalo chicken burrito yet without writing a review. This is amazing, fresh, full of quinoa, spinach, chicken in a whole wheat wrap. Perfect for lunch. Wishing they would open one in Lakeview ASAP! Can't wait to try the High 5 Juice that I ordered later. Exactly what I've been looking for, great, healthy and satisfying lunch options that don't make you want to sleep after eating! read more

I normally stay away from healthy-sounding foods, because - let's be honest - that usually means it doesn't taste very good. Not so with Protein Bar! Had I ever eaten quinoa before? (Better question: did I even know how to pronounce quinoa? ... my colleagues certainly didn't - "KEE-NO-AHH?") Nope, but that didn't stop me from loving it! Here's what I've gotten: Spinach & Pesto Bowl: THE go-to dish. If it's your first time (and you like pesto, or spinach), or looking to find a dish that'll nearly universally please, this is your answer! It comes in this small bowl and you expect that it's too small .. but it's heaven in every bite and also surprisingly filling (did not leave hungry!). Quinoa Chili: Good for the times that you want to take a break from the spinach & pesto. Also good if you want lots of cheesy goodness (... though that's probably not that healthy, huh) Ivy Barrito: This is basically the spinach and pesto bowl, except in burrito form. Good if you're on the go (and can't eat a bowl?) or if you want the extra carbs, I guess ... Capone Barrito: My most disappointing dish here - not as flavorful as the other things (would not get again) Millennium Perk: delicious - and it gave me energy! :) The Red Line: not as great as the millennium perk ... I think chocolate flavoring goes a long way in covering up the protein powder taste (which I don't like), in a way that vanilla and fruit (the basis of this drink) does not. All in all, Protein Bar is a more than solid choice for lunch near the office, and I'd highly recommend to anyone who's health conscious or just looking for a lighter, "cleaner" tasting option :) read more

Always a good lunch spot! Lines are long, so arrive before/around 11:30am to beat the rush. I love the quinoa chile, chicken and spinach bowl, and the veagn superfood salad. read more

This is the place to go to for a light, healthy, and appetizing lunch. I was a bit skeptic, but pleasantly surprised to find the food here very well executed. -South Acai'd: delightful. Comes with vanilla protein, your choice of yogurt, banana, and berry. You can definitely taste the banana, but it was not too overpowering. I got the Greek yogurt. the 20oz is supposedly only 380 calories. -BBQ (grilled) burrito packed a flavorful punch without being too heavy. It comes with quinoa, which is such a different taste and from rice but adds something special to the dish. From California, I like my burrito a particular way, but I can get used to this one very quickly. Best part: it's only 570 calories. read more

I was in love the first time I stepped foot in Protein Bar. I had looked it up on yelp before going here. Go Figure!! I have been in this one three times now. I tried The Red Line smoothie which was tasty and I love that they use agave nectar. This last time I had went in (which was today) and ordered a Michigan-avalanche (bananas, choice of protien, choice of milk, almonds, granola, agave nectar). I can safely say it was delish! =) I also ordered the Black Bean Fiesta Bowl, it felt like Cinco De Mayo in my mouth... It has quinoa, black bean mixture, and cheddar cheese. It was fresh and kept me full for hours. I want to thank Protein Bar for making food that is fresh and healthy and that you dont feel horrible after eating it. Hm, I feel a smoothie attack coming on.. Hey, Protein Bar can you open up a 24-hour spot? hehe XD read more

I wish it didn't take me nearly 2.5 years to discover this place. Now that I have I will def be back often. The name is misleading (I thought it was a granola bar store) but in reality they have a huge variety of healthy lunch options with lots of protein. Apparently they have a hangover cure smoothie as well. I tried the buffalo chicken salad with quinoa for lunch and it was AMAZING. Not only was it delicious, I wasn't even hungry until 8 pm. A friend got the pesto chicken bowl which also looked delicious. Next time I'm planning to try a "bar-rito." Downsides include the long line and paying $12 for a salad and drink but it was worth it. read more

Was thoroughly disappointed by my lunch at Protein Bar. I had heard such great things about it from my friends who lived in Chicago + who had visited Chicago. Claimed to be the "health joint" in Chicago, Protein Bar's menu featured smoothies, salads, burritos, and bowls. I opted for the spinach + pesto chicken bowl, which was presented to me in an unappetizing way. Long strings of parmesan cheese atop of bed of spinach greens (which also did not look so fresh) covered small pieces of grilled chicken beneath. The bowl was small (I immediately felt like there was no value in the meal) and the ingredients did not taste fresh or healthy. For around $8, this was a poor lunch meal and I felt extremely unsatisfied + unfulfilled. Don't know why there is so much hype around Protein Bar in Chicago - I think it signals that Chicago is really in desperate need for a more innovative, health foods concept to come in and take the market by storm. read more

Four words: Decent, but healthy food. I'm not going to pretend that this place won't get old for many people, who aren't health nuts. But I am amazed at the combination of good and healthy this place pulls off. Too many people eat high-carb breakfasts and then sit on their ass all day, pretty much allowing that 'healthy' bagel to turn into fat anyway. This place is better option to the breakfast sandwiches or even just grabbing a muffin. The food can actually sustain you and it doesn't taste like cardboard. So if you want healthy food that will actually fill you up, taste decent, and not tip the scales, here is the place to go. You might be craving a little sugar when you leave, but if my large ass can feel full and content after a meal there, anyone can eat there. read more

I'm not usually into "healthy" places. The thought of it all! This place was good. I had the Chicken Parmesan dish which was tasty and just the right size portion. I love that they tell you the calories in all their dishes which helps silly calorie counters like myself. Pleasantly surprised! read more

Food 5/5 - "twisted" burritos (they add small and unusual ingredients wich you would not add in your burrito) and interesting shakes! Filling for big person! Service 4/5 - line up for order, pay, wait for 5 min and go. Its more take out place rather than stay in (but you can)! Helpful staff. Price 3/5 - $4.50+ for 12oz Drink! Not for regular lunch! Will be back for fun and new food! read more

Protein Bar & Kitchen - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A great lunch spot for health-conscious loop'ers that is beyond just salads. Likes: Basic nutrition info is provided for all the menu items. Quinoa is the default grain (tasty, filling and healthy!) Fast service Fun drinks like coconut water and kombucha Well-priced- most lunch items around $5 but more if you start adding/customizing Greek yogurt on your chilli instead of sour cream Dislikes: The spices/seasoning smells kind of funny when you first walk in (but goes away after a min). Those aforementioned fun beverages are not cheap! read more

You think protein bar and images of organic, tasteless, wheaty, grass flavors come to mind. However if I covered the sign and you walked in you'd have no idea this place was healthy. Everything is good. The chili is great. The burritos are flavorful. Also if you love Fresca, and who doesn't, this is the place. They have a LOT of Fresca. They close at 7 so make sure to get here before they close. It's worth the trip. read more

For people trying to eat clean, this place is a godsend. Try their chicken chili over the quinoa. Delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful and the prices are really reasonable for being across the street from one of Chicago's most popular tourist spots. The wraps are delicious, too. Haven't tried a smoothie yet, or any of their breakfast offerings, but any place that serves not just oatmeal but steel cut oats has to get it right. It's so nice to have an option besides the usual calorie and fat-laden garbage. For someone like myself trying to eat clean and trim down, this place is reassuring - now, when I leave lunch at home I know I can go some place and get a healthy AND tasty meal. Thanks Protein Bar! read more

I agree with everyone else's opinion on the quinoa chili! It's really delicious and very filling! I got a cup of it and ate it in line 3 min! Also the Hi 5 green juice was pretty tasty too. I went at noon and it was packed with the midday lunch rush, but the line moves pretty fast! The service was good. read more

What a yummy spot!!! Went with my daughter while visiting family in the Chicago area. LOVED IT!!! Could hit the Sears- er- Willis Tower and then grab a nourishing smoothie to recharge for more sightseeing! If you are in town and hit the Sears- er- Willis Tower (which is so cool with that clear bottom view) definitely cross the street and grab a pick me up. There is a convenient cab stand nearby too! My 6-year-old is somewhat choosy food-wise but she downed the RedLine (strawberries and bananas with soy milk- YUM!) and I had the BGT (Bucktown Green Tea) which, three weeks after our visit, I am still craving! We also split a salad (strawberry, goat cheese and chicken- tasty!) and we left feeling full up and revved up and it was super inexpensive, considering we didn't feel the need to snack the rest of the day! The staff predicted that would happen, because of the protein in the food. Well, Matt and Marvin, you both were RIGHT! If you are in Chicago and going by the Tower, do stop in- it is sooooooo worth it!! Can't wait for them to come out to California so I can get me another BGT! read more

This place uses Dymatize elite whey as their main protein powder. Very good quality protein from a trusted company. I usually order the Wrigley Peeled or Millen Perk. Very tasty and healthy! There service can be bad to terrible at times. Some of the people that work here do have an attitude. read more

Good place with lots of vegetarian options! Tried 2 smoothies with almond butter and both really good

LOOOOOVE THIS PLACE!!! A Weight Watchers dream.... I could eat here every single day for lunch and be in heaven. Not the cheapest salad but hey, it's in the loop after all. Healthy choices, ALL nutritional values noted and the food tastes great. BUT my favorite thing is the "mixed" salad. You can have your salad regular (they call it layered) or blended. I don't know what they do to the blended salad but if you like to taste all of the parts of your salad in one bite the mixed salad is the way to go and it is wonderful. The chicken on one of the salads is shredded so it is mixed throughout, it's like having a perfect portion of the whole salad in every bite. AMAZING... thank you Protein Bar! read more

I can't believe I didn't know about this place. My coworkers were talking about it nonstop so I headed down to Franklin to see what all the hype was about. My intention was to order one thing on the menu, but I gave in and ordered the "Millennium Perk" with Whey and Almond Milk and the "Quinoa Chili Bowl" (Vegetarian) . The chili bowl definitely hit the spot. And the Chocolate protein shake was delicious (and so was the guy that made it for me). Although all the options are a little overwhelming, the staff really is very very friendly. Which is something you don't always see at fast food joints. In the future I'll make sure to order one thing only. Otherwise, I'll burn a whole in my pocket. read more