RJ Grunts is a classic Lincoln Park spot renowned for its sprawling salad bar and hearty comfort food, all wrapped in a cozy, nostalgic vibe perfect for families.
"The first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, frequented by Fred Rosen and his high school teammate, Neal 'Mookie' Miller." - Ashok Selvam
"When: Thurs-Sat 8pm-10pm The Deal: $5 Cocktails, Wine, and Beer In an economy where $5 can’t even get you a bottle of water at a sports stadium, RJ Grunts shows that a piece of paper with Abraham Lincoln’s face is still worth something. At this long-standing American restaurant in Lincoln Park, you can get classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds or martinis, a glass of wine, or a draft of beer, all for $5. The food might not blow you away, but a solid burger and a massive salad bar with over 50 ingredients (no, we’re not joking), all taste better when you’re saving some money." - john ringor
"This O'Hare Airport food stall is an offshoot of a longstanding Lincoln Park spot known for a massive salad bar. You won't find that salad bar here. Instead, the “Burgers and Fries” in the name (and the smell of grilled meat) make it clear what this place is all about. But if you’re already feeling nostalgic about leaving the greatest city ever, you can also savor what's left of your Chicago experience in the form of a Chicago-style hot dog. Located in Terminal 5, near Gate M16" - John Ringor
"The original Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant doesn’t have the same glitz and glamor as some of the company’s newer spots, but it’s a reliable standby that claims to have been one of the first in the country to offer a salad bar. Just like when Rich Melman opened the doors back in 1971, diners today create their own hearty salads. There are 35 total ingredients to choose from but as a result of the pandemic, ordering is currently done via paper cards, and the assembly of the dish is left to the kitchen." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
"R.J. Grunts, the Lincoln Park restaurant that launched mammoth Chicago restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises 50 years ago, has long touted its salad bar — even claiming to have brought the concept to the U.S. COVID-19 brought buffets and self-serve options to a halt. And even though some are returning across the country, LEYE is tweaking its offerings at RJ Grunts with a reimagined pandemic-era version they’re calling the “Digital Chopped Salad Bar.” Instead of sauntering up to a physical bar to assemble a personalized salad, patrons can choose eight to 10 out of 35 total ingredient options, checking off items with an analog paper card at the table or venturing online. Grunts’ salad bar had been shut down since March 2020. Options include more than 20 vegetables, including basil-marinated tomatoes, avocado, and spicy giardiniera; proteins such as grilled chicken, tuna salad, and bacon; grains and legumes like quinoa and garbanzo beans; crunchy toppers like tortilla strips and croutons; and a choice of dressing — all atop a bed of greens." - Naomi Waxman
