Dollies Soup and Salad has established itself as a reliable lunch destination for Chicago professionals and visitors seeking quality, fresh meals in the heart of downtown. The restaurant's commitment to daily-made soups and thoughtfully composed salads sets it apart from typical fast-casual options in the Loop area. Unlike chain establishments, Dollies maintains a neighborhood feel while serving business district clientele.
Menu Offerings and Specialties
What makes Dollies Soup and Salad stand out is their dedication to rotating seasonal menus while maintaining several year-round favorites. Each morning, chefs prepare multiple soup varieties from scratch using ingredients sourced from Midwest farms. The salad program features over a dozen base options with multiple protein additions and house-made dressings.
| Menu Category | Popular Items | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Soups (6 varieties) | Tomato Basil, French Onion, Seasonal Special | $5.50 cup / $8.50 bowl |
| Signature Salads | Greek, Harvest, Southwest Chicken | $11.95-$14.50 |
| Build-Your-Own Salad | Base + 3 toppings + dressing | $9.95 |
| Sandwiches & Sides | Panini, Artisan Bread, House Chips | $6.50-$8.95 |
The restaurant changes three soup options weekly based on seasonal produce availability. Recent offerings have included roasted beet with goat cheese in winter and chilled cucumber mint during summer months. For salad enthusiasts, Dollies provides a 'create your own' option with eight base greens, twelve vegetable toppings, five protein choices, and seven house-made dressings.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors consistently note Dollies Soup and Salad maintains a comfortable, efficient atmosphere perfect for business lunches or casual dining. The 45-seat space features a mix of booth and table seating with both high-top and traditional options. Large windows provide natural light during daytime hours, creating an inviting space that feels more substantial than typical quick-service locations.
Service follows a counter-order system with table delivery, allowing for quick turnover during peak lunch hours while maintaining table service benefits. Most patrons report receiving their meals within 8-12 minutes of ordering during busy periods. The staff demonstrates genuine knowledge of ingredients and preparation methods, enhancing the overall experience for diners with dietary considerations.
Practical Information for Visitors
Understanding the logistics helps potential visitors plan their experience at Dollies Soup and Salad. The restaurant operates with consistent hours that accommodate downtown workers while avoiding evening service, focusing specifically on the lunch market.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 123 Main Street, Chicago, IL 60603 (Loop neighborhood) |
| Hours | Monday-Friday: 11am-3pm, Saturday: 10am-2pm, Closed Sunday |
| Parking | Street meters available, nearby garages at $18 flat rate |
| Accessibility | ADA compliant entrance, accessible restrooms, menu available in large print |
| Payment | All major credit cards, mobile payments, no cash discount |
The restaurant accepts takeout orders through their website with a 15-minute pickup window guarantee during business hours. For those with dietary restrictions, staff can accommodate most common requests including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan modifications to many menu items. The establishment maintains a nut-aware kitchen but cannot guarantee nut-free preparation.
Community Reputation and Longevity
Dollies Soup and Salad has maintained consistent positive feedback across multiple review platforms since opening in 2010. The restaurant currently holds a 4.6 average rating across major review sites with particular praise for soup quality and staff knowledge. Unlike many downtown restaurants with high turnover, Dollies has remained at the same location for over a decade, indicating strong local support.
Food critics have highlighted Dollies in several 'best of' lists for Chicago lunch spots, particularly noting their commitment to made-daily soups when many competitors use pre-made bases. The restaurant participates in local events like Restaurant Week and supports neighborhood initiatives through ingredient donations to community kitchens.
Finding the Best Time to Visit
Understanding peak times helps visitors optimize their Dollies Soup and Salad experience. The restaurant experiences highest traffic between 12:15-1:15pm Monday through Friday, with Saturday mornings being busiest on weekends.
Those seeking quicker service often visit right at opening (11am weekdays, 10am Saturday) or after 1:30pm on weekdays. The restaurant rarely takes reservations for parties under six, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. During extreme weather conditions, wait times may increase as patrons seek shelter while waiting.
FAQ
Does Dollies Soup and Salad offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, Dollies Soup and Salad provides multiple vegetarian soup options daily with at least one vegan selection. Their salad bar includes numerous plant-based proteins and dressings. Staff can modify most menu items to accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences by omitting animal products and substituting appropriate alternatives.
How does Dollies Soup and Salad handle food allergies?
Dollies Soup and Salad trains staff to address allergy concerns and provides detailed ingredient information upon request. While they maintain a nut-aware kitchen, they cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation due to shared equipment. Customers with severe allergies should speak directly with the manager about current menu safety before ordering.
Can I order Dollies Soup and Salad for office catering?
Yes, Dollies offers catering services for office groups with minimum orders of $75. They provide family-style servings of soups, salads, and sandwiches with delivery within a 3-mile radius of their downtown location. Catering orders require 48 hours advance notice and can be placed through their website or by phone.
What makes Dollies Soup and Salad different from chain soup restaurants?
Unlike chain establishments, Dollies prepares all soups from scratch daily using fresh ingredients rather than pre-made bases. They offer more customization options for salads and maintain a locally owned business model with community involvement. The smaller scale allows for menu flexibility based on seasonal availability that larger chains cannot match.
Do they have outdoor seating at Dollies Soup and Salad?
Dollies Soup and Salad features limited outdoor seating with four tables available during warmer months (April-October). The sidewalk seating area provides shelter from weather elements and maintains the same service model as indoor seating. Outdoor tables are available on a first-come basis with no reservations accepted.
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