You shouldn’t have to sacrifice a well-deserved night out just because it can wreak havoc on your diet! However, it can be tough to find those delicious AND healthy restaurants when you want to dine out. Have no fear, we’ve compiled a list of some of the hottest hangouts in the area; check out these 5 healthy restaurants in Lincoln Park!
Summer House – 1954 N. Halsted St.
Escape the winter blues and find yourself on the beach! Well, not quite, but this California-style American restaurant is like a beach house transplanted from its sister restaurant in Santa Monica.
The wood-fired grill cooks up menu items spotlighting seasonal, locally-sourced products. Check out the bakery counter on your way out for pastries, muffins and Lettuce Entertain You chef and partner Jeff Mahin’s famous cookies.
Healthy menu items that catch this RD’s eye:
- Roasted Beets with Grapefruit Aioli
- Wood Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos with Guacamole
- Quinoa and Forbidden Black Rice Bowl with Green Curry and Local Veggies
BOKA – 1729 N. Halsted St.
If you have a special occasion coming up, consider this Michelin Star winning gem. Cozy up in a booth and enjoy the eclectic decor while enjoying beautifully executed dishes and craft cocktails.
Healthy menu items that catch this RD’s eye:
- Heirloom Carrots with Pistachio, Amaranth and Smoked Goat Cheese
- Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Pears and Sunflower Seeds
- Coffee and Hazelnut Whole Milk Ice Cream
Blue Door Farm Stand – 2010 N. Halsted St.
This farm-to-table café and artisan’s market, named for Oprah’s former Indiana property, prides itself on featuring fresh, seasonal food and drinks from local farms and farmers’ markets, including Chicago favorites Harvest Juicery and Bow Truss Coffee Roasters.
In addition to offering a catering service, the Blue Door Farm Stand can accommodate private events, offers takeout and local delivery. Lactose intolerant? You can order almond milk in your latte.
Healthy menu items that catch this RD’s eye:
- Sweet Potato Hummus
- Baked Parmesan Kale Chips
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba – 2024 N. Halsted St.
You don’t have to leave your kids at home when you go to “Chicago’s Original Tapas Bar.” They have a children’s menu, as well as a complete gluten-free menu, including dessert. On Tuesdays take advantage of half-off Spanish wines, or half-priced craft cocktails on Mondays.
Menu items that catch this RD’s eye:
- House Marinated Spanish Olives
- Wood Oven Roasted Veggies with Toasted Pine Nuts
- Seared Sea Scallops with Leeks and Torched Oranges
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen – 1625 N. Halsted St.
This inexpensive BYOB place has something for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.
Some health-conscious plates to consider:
- Lentil Soup
- Grilled Veggies with Curry Sauce
- Falafel Plate with Hummus and Tahini Sauce
So look for these items which won’t undo all of your hard, healthy work because social health plays a role in your overall wellness too!
*Note: All menu items subject to change
Post written by FFC contributor.
