You’ll Love The Reinvented Chopped Salad Bar At This Yummy Illinois Restaurant

There once was a time when salad bars reigned supreme. Growing up, these were some of my favorite food memories. I mean, Sizzler? The number of options you could combine to create a delicious meal was seemingly infinite. And while salad bars and food buffets in general are few and far between these days, one Illinois restaurant is taking a different approach entirely. R.J. Grunts is a beloved local restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood that used to have a humongous salad bar that people would go crazy for. But after Covid, the restaurant had to pivot its approach to salad, and it's added a little bit of creativity and humor into the mix, too.

R.J. Grunts is a beloved neighborhood restaurant nestled in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Renowned for its casual ambiance and delicious comfort food offerings, this restaurant has been bringing together locals with good food and cold drinks since 1971.

R.J. Grunts has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike seeking a laid-back dining experience with a touch of nostalgia. The restaurant, part of the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises group, was known for its innovative salad bar.

That salad bar went through various iterations over the years, but still was a staple aspect of R.J. Grunts and everybody knew it.

Patrons used to be able to create their own salads from a HUGE variety of fresh ingredients. I mean, looking at this how could you even make up your mind?!

But when Covid hit, the rules of the salad bar had to change. And while R.J. Grunts could’ve shuttered it completely, instead, it pivoted.

Introducing the Digital Chopped Salad Bar - a reinvented modern approach to the salad bar with a seemingly infinite possibility of combinations.

Guests can pick 8-10 ingredients, not including dressing, and the chefs in the back prepare it exactly to your liking.

You still get all of your favorite ingredients - garbanzos, avocado, ancient grains, crispy chicken tenders, and so much more, just without all the legwork.

Obviously nothing pairs better with the salad bar from R.J. Grunts than a deliciously classic cheeseburger.

Enjoy a juicy chopped sirloin burger, char-broiled, and served with a heaping portion of cottage fries. It doesn’t get much better than this.

R.J. Grunts holds a special place in Chicago's culinary scene, not only for its delicious food but also for its enduring appeal and sense of community.

Whether you're craving a classic cheeseburger, a fresh salad creation, or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind with friends, R.J. Grunts offers a memorable dining experience in the Windy City.

What do you think about R.J. Grunt's in Chicago, Illinois? Have you eaten their salad bar or digital chopped salad bar before? Sound off in the comments section! You can also find more menu items and current hours of operation by visiting the R.J. Grunt's Facebook Page.

Wanna keep exploring the Chicago food scene? Check out Viator for some walking food tours and other fun adventures!