The Best Juice Bars & Smoothies in Chicago

Meli Cafe & Juice Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (1034)

"A really good breakfast cafe. It has many common breakfast favorites. Meli often gets a big crowd especially on weekends. Certainly it gets annoying having to sit and wait but that's a good sign this place is ass kicking. The menu contains some surprisingly healthy choices including plant based stuff. I came with the girl at breakfast. Lunch time they're also open but the breakfast menu is the way to go. This has most of their best options. Pancakes are many peoples' favorite. They really pile then load these up. It can be hard for a vegan at breakfast. Most places have nothing for you. Awesomely this does. This is also beyond just the avocado toast. Prices are okay. They're average to kind of high but you get big portions. I was able to snag us a table at breakfast. We got the Vegan Pancakes. It's $15 for a few. These are topped with bananas and strawberries. Good and fluffy. They didn't skimp. Good for anything you can get at breakfast. It gets crowded so make a reservation. There may not be much trouble for a couple people but larger parties should call ahead for a table."

Yummy Yummy Asian Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.9 (758)

"If you are a Jewish American that grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland like me chances are you've had your fair share of Americanized Chinese food growing up. Even after living in China and being exposed to "real Chinese food" (and LOVING it) sometimes I get nostalgic for the fake stuff. Yummy yummy Asian cuisine hits the spot of all the greatest hits -- egg foo young, pork fried rice, eggrolls are all solid and full of that msg flavor. I've never been here in person, only ordered carry out. The bubble tea smoothie is solid too. I'm a bit skeptical of the food from other Asian countries on the menu haha."

Jubilee Juice & Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (570) • $$

"Damn. This is the spot. I know what's a block or two north. I came here anyway. Damn. Week long business trip. Long FUN first day on-site. Worked a solid day, was walking to the hotel and slid in. (I used to live north side, I know what to look for in a "classic Chicago knock you in the dirt delicious corner spots") Came in. Read the full, wide variety of items they serve. Holy crap. This place was for real. Philly Steak. Philly Chicken...but my man behind the counter said "nah bro. Not tonight. Tonight you're eating an All-American". He let me add bacon. Hit the grill after the order. He recommended the straight up waffle fries. He fried them fresh, single order just for me. Damn. That burger was a half pound easy after cooked! The fries would make Chick-fil-A fans flock here...because however they fry these fries (wait for it...)DAMN!!! so I dragged a friend here again tonight. He had the cheddar bacon burger, I tried like hell to eat half my Philly Steak. Same quality...except tonight my man behind the counter hooked my friend and I up with badass smoothies. Off the menu badass smoothies. Nothing crazy... traded something for apple juice and let us try a sample...Damn. We both bought one. If he had had a large, I would have bought it. If you're in this part of Chicago, eat here. If you live up to about 15-20 minutes away, it's worth the trip. I know there are a lot of spots like this in this town...but this one is one step up. I've eaten in dives like this in Philly, NY, Boston, Houston, Austin, LA, Bozeman...this is in my top 5 anywhere spots. #dropsmic"

Osaka Sushi Express & Fresh Fruit Smoothies

★★★★☆ 4.1 (535) • $$

"Stopped in here to get some smoothies after a long walk around the loop and it didn't disappoint. For the very reasonable price for $5.50 for up to a mix of two different fruits, I was pleasantly surprised to see them use full fruit for the whole smoothie (instead of powders or other mix-ins and fillers). The taste of the drink reflected the amount of fruit they used the the lemon syrup was light and provided a nice way to make the drink a little more refreshing without adding too much sweetness. The boba in the drink was fairly chewy and there was a good amount provided, though maybe too much in the drink. Even with the extra boba, since the smoothie was 20 oz, there was still plenty of drink to enjoy."

Annette's Italian Ice

★★★★☆ 4.3 (392) • $

"Cozy counter-serve italian ice place that also has some other offerings as well. I went here twice in the same week because it was that good. The first time i got the blood orange and the texture of the ice was perfect. The flavoring is fresh and taste like actual fruit. The second time I got strawberry with chocolate fro yo. This combo was bomb and the strawberry flavor is very authentic. The service was quick and the women at the counter both times was so sweet. This will most definitely be an essential for me going forward."

Left Coast Food + Juice

★★★★☆ 3.8 (406)

"Price is good considering they put a lot of ingredients in the dishes! I ordered the chronic wrap and roasted tomato soup -- love the hard boiled eggs and steaks in the wrap, and how creamy the soup is! Service is good - you order at the counter and they give you a number stand for them to bring the food to your table. Interior is simple and bright. Atmosphere is friendly and kind of loud. Perfect for lunch!"

Bru Chicago

★★★★☆ 3.9 (365) • $$

"Omg, can I rate a place 10 stars?? I'd say it's one of the best coffee shop, beverages and definitely the best crepe shop I've ever been to. I had the goat cheese crepe, and immediately went back and tried the teriyaki crepe. I really loved how they were able to make everything so vegan-friendly really quickly. They served the crepes perfectly - huge, and while it's on the pricey side, the quality makes it definitely worth the money. I thought the staff were also super sweet and attentive.I feel like what makes Bru special is that they literally thought of everything. Even the mismatched antique chairs and couches work with the chandeliers. I loved the atmosphere and I come to do light work/studying as it never seems to get too loud inside. Some people also meet up for crepes - honestly, it's also the best place to go after a workout also. Seriously try it, you won't regret it!!"

JuiceRx

★★★★★ 4.5 (249) • $$

"Stopped into this location of JuiceRx for a post-workout pick-me-up on a weekday afternoon. After taking my time looking at the selections in the cooler, I opted for the Liquid Lunchbox. The ingredients listed cucumber, pear, romaine, ginger, and cinnamon, but I could also detect turmeric - a bonus for its anti-inflammatory properties. The juice was not overly sweet, and I appreciated that it was balanced, not tasting like a wheatgrass shot or a lawn. I can't wait to return to try some of the bowls and coffee drinks on offer!"

Golden Apple Grille & Breakfast House

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (414)

"Why to come here: - good breakfast food with big portions - fair prices- outdoor seating that allows dogs - pretty easy to get a table, especially if you go around dinner - easy street parking Most recently, I had the corned beef hash which was very good. It came with eggs and pancakes."

Chicago Raw

★★★★☆ 4.3 (248) • $$

"I love raw vegan restaurants for their creativity in creating dishes that requires little to no cooking, which is more challenging than one thinks.The small shop is a womxn owned business and is a cozy, grab and go environment. There were a few seats by the window but I anticipate most people will swing by for something and be on their way.For breakfast, I ordered their Acai Bowl ($15) with fresh fruit, protein powder, and granola. It was a decent sized portion and everything was blended nicely, although their granola felt a bit hard. But you really can't go wrong with acai and other freshness in the morning.They sell a variety of takeout meals including wraps, sushi, lasagna, etc., and yes, all of it is raw so you're really benefiting from all the natural vitamins and minerals in whole foods. It's definitely on the steeper end but I appreciate that it's available to the masses."

Veggie House

★★★★★ 4.6 (198) • $$

"VEGGIE HOUSE: A HAIKUNot a meat in sight,Praise! A savory delight!Conference respite found"

BBQ King House

★★★★☆ 3.7 (304)

"This is a branch of Chinatown's renowned BBQ King House that is located in the food court of 88 Marketplace. It looks like no one ever put up a Yelp page for this particular food stand, though it's been present from the beginning, but here it is. Wife and I were shopping and ended up having a food court lunch at 88 Marketplace. I had their two meats on rice ($12) and picked BBQ duck and roast pork. It was tip-top delicious and hit the spot. It's also a great deal anymore at $12 compared to other meal values out there. Although old timers may remember that a BBQ King lunch like this would have only been $6 not too long ago, but whatever lol. This food court is great in that despite being a busy Saturday lunch time, there was still a table to be found. There's also free parking outside, which is also a big bonus for Chicagoland anymore."

Original Pancake House

★★★★☆ 3.7 (280) • $$

"I'm here just before thanksgiving, meaning indoors. I'm here for the food because the decor as I said before banal. Summer outdoor seating is much preferred. Food is excellent. See previous review.P.S the strawberry compote with the Dutch Baby was out of this world!"

My Place

★★★★☆ 3.5 (262) • $$

"Great setup indoor and outdoor with great deals on unique cantonese food! Price $12 including meal, tip, and drink. | Rating 9/10 Pros: Unique dishes, Low price, good drinks.Cons: None.Girlfriend brought me here for "Tea Time" and we decided to sit outside. The whole places feels lovingly designed with a modern feeling but also quaint things like lazy susan and plants on the rails. Service is basic and that is perfect for me. Staff will take your order, refill your drinks, and leave you in peace until you want a bill.The food and its price was the true winner! For $9 you get a large rice or noodle meal with a drink! The dishes are not basic Ameri-Chinese food either. The Portuguese Chicken baked rice was one most different and delicious things I have tried with a mild spiced curry on top, plenty of protein, and a side of toast and egg! Incredible deal under $10.Highly recommend this place on any of their special dining meals and I bet their standard meals are worthwhile too!"

Eggs Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (206) • $$

"Eggs, Inc. is on the first floor of my obstetrician's office, and I hadn't heard of it before. When I've gone to an appointment I haven't stopped in but yesterday I had an appointment and headed to work after so decided to get something for lunch. The restaurant is large, and whenever I've passed by on the way to the doctor they've never been very busy. I ordered mine to go so I could get to work and it took about 10 minutes.They have an extensive menu, lunch and breakfast, and though I love an omelet I decided to go with the reuben of the classic variety (they have a turkey reuben as well, and I have to admit it was hard to decide between the two). The sandwich was really quite good. Unfortunately I totally forgot about the thousand island, which I found later in a bag that had the side of soup that comes with the sandwich. But even without the dressing it was excellent and I'd happily order it again. It's making me hungry for one right now, actually.The soup was less good. They had chicken noodle and split pea, so chicken noodle it is! But unfortunately the chicken noodle tasted like something that came out of a can, with pressed cubed chicken and all. It went in the trash after a couple bites but luckily the sandwich was huge and filling."

Sundrip

★★★★★ 4.8 (115) • $$

"This place is awesome!! I was recently in the area and I stopped through here 3 or so times for a smoothie. Unfortunately, I never got to try their food but if it's anything like the smoothies it is both flavorful and healthy. My go to smoothie quickly became 'That Powerhouse'; it was very tasty and nutritional. In addition to the smoothies, I did have one of their cold-pressed juice combos and it was a very tasty blend of greens.The staff that I encountered on my visits were amazing!!! From the moment I entered I could feel the positive energy and it started with the staff and flowed into the smoothies, food, cold pressed juices, etc. all the to the customers. Everyone that entered was greeted the same way. The space is compact but well utilized. There are a few tables inside for seating and similar outside. As for parking, there is street parking available throughout the area. If you are in the area and looking for healthy, I highly recommend Uncooked. I look forward to future visits when I am back in the area."

Whispers Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (125) • $

"Love this cafe but its isn't open winter. You can sit in the best park in the Gold Coast having gelato and coffee."

Thai 55 Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (306) • $

"Thai 55 is one of my go to spots to order from. I always get the chicken pad Thai, and today I also got the chicken egg rolls. The chicken egg rolls were a lot heavier than I expected, deep fried and stuffed with chicken and veggies. The chicken pad Thai is always a MASSIVE portion, plenty for 2-3 meals. I would definitely order again!"

Cafe Press Chicago

★★★★☆ 3.5 (137) • $$

"Cafe Press is a pretty good cafe for coffee and bagels. It has a pretty simple menu of typical breakfast offerings. Lunch stuff too. Fun relaxing environment. The prices are better than many places around here. I have come here mainly at breakfast. It's just a small cafe. There's a few seats with outlets on the walls. Lots of coffee. They have the classics and some newer ones. I like getting a Letterpress. It's about $3 for a medium. This is made with Colombian, Rwandan, and Sumatran. Non dairy milk is available. Oat milk and some other less common ones. Bagels are the best thing at breakfast. There's also things like breakfast paninis. I usually get a bagel. It's $3.95 with a Beyond sausage patty. This is good topped with cheese for those not a vegan. An alternative that works is marmalade. There's a good combination of spicy and sweet. Also they have a lunch menu. It has things like paninis. There's salads too."

Deep Purpl

★★★★☆ 3.9 (89)

"I really wanted to love this spot! Let's start with things I did love: the staff. They were amazing, so patient while I asked what the recommend because I had never been there, attentiveness, friendliness, A+ all around. I love having a plant based option right in the mix of it all downtown. Their menu is intriguing and I had really high hopes. I ordered a deep purple smoothie and one of the dessert empanadas. This was not a particularly quick experience, which was fine for me but if I was in a rush, I probably wouldn't stop here. I actually loved the flavor of the smoothie, however the texture was really a struggle for me. It was chunky in multiple differently textured chunks, and it was off-putting. The empanada was dry and I really wish it had been sweeter. Also of course to consider in this area that parking will be mostly expensive garages, so great option if you'll already be downtown or live close. Not a quick in and out parking-wise. Unfortunately I will probably not try again here, but I do think they have potential and hope others have a better experience!"

Cellars Market

★★★★☆ 3.9 (82) • $

"In the cellar on the north side of the CBOT building. Take the stairs, although someone will get you up/down the elevator if there's a physical need. Speaking of needs, the cashiers have keys for the bathrooms, which are near the vault. This is really really good for a cafeteria. Salad bar, sandwich station, sandwiches, baked goods, a Tex-Mex station, and a "grill" that's had stuff as wide ranging as rigatoni, pot pie, burgers, rice bowls, eggplant and chicken parm, fried fish sandwiches, and reubens. The rice bowl with skirt steak was excellent -- I've been to high end steak joints that didnt have skirt steak as good as this. The tacos are solid, too. In the various work groups that have been here, no one has ever had a complaint or criticism."

Taste Of The Middle East

★★★★☆ 3.9 (75)

"Food delicious, people wonderful. Customer service awesome. Prices great, very clean. Will elaborate later! I am so hungry and it smells so wonderful. I about to bust my neck! Lol. I have been waiting to come while it was open for the longest!!! Mmmm. There's soon much to choose from. Yaaaas!"

The Cafeteria

★★★★☆ 4.3 (61)

"Love having a healthy new spot in my neighborhood and the prices are so reasonable for the quality. I tried a plethora of things from the Mediterranean bowl, to the açaí bowl, and the juices. All were very good and fresh. It's good to know being healthy can taste good too!"

Te'amo Boba Bar - Chicago

★★★★★ 4.6 (49)

"Overall, a decent spot to grab boba near Millenium Park! They have a big variety on the menu, and it seems their dalgona drinks or volcano milk tea are most popular.I got the Rose Green Tea this visit, which was VERY STRONG tea. Refreshing and lightlt had the aftertaste of rose. Not bad! I also tried the Coconut Double Pudding, which was okay. The flavor was good, but the texture was too goopy for me. I wish it was a little more firm or jello-like."

Yep Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.8 (54)

"This newish casual restaurant has been open for a year and it's just great, like 5 stars great! They have a huge menu, very reasonable prices, big and delicious serving sizes, and a clean, airy, modern, and spacious dining room. They also have an easy to use e-pad for ordering a wide variety of dishes and with helpful and enticing photos of all of these dishes. The e-pad ordering is also handy for being able to specify no or less salt, no MSG, less sugar, less oil, etc, which is really a nice touch. Flagging down one of the rotating servers was easy and after ordering, the piping hot food came out without much of a wait. For this lunch outing, our party of 4 ordered 3 different bowls of congee (each $7.49), a Mongolian beef which was mine and $8.49, and an order of pork liver rice noodles ($5.49). All of the servings were very generous and great values. The congee is a simple dish, but when it's done right as it is here, the flavor is deep and rich and it's a very homey comfort food, and that's what they have here. The big dining room was busy and that's another confirmation of the value here given all the competition in Chinatown Square. I can't wait to return and try something else."

Te'amo Boba Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (30)

"Very cute little stand with a kiosk for you to order your favorites. My son loved the Oreo mochi donut. My sister loved adding lychee jelly and crystal boba to her green tea! Definitely a sweet treat!"

Le Café Station

★★★★★ 4.7 (29) • $$

"Ambience - cute, unique decor, intimate w upbeat music (at the right volume!) Food - great! I appreciate a breakfast that I can't make myself at home. I recommend Carnitas skillet, horchata latte, avocado toast, fruit plate is not your lazy fruit plate - fresh w variety. My kid loves the coconut chicken and waffles Service - very friendly. Depending how crowded you might wait a little for your food but it comes out hot.Right off the western blue line."

Queen Sheba

★★★★★ 4.9 (26)

"I couldn't find the place at first. It's right across from the post office with the entrance facing the street rather than the parking lot. It's the most quaint tiny little store front.Very tasty and clean food. The bread loafs were huuuge and I ate the entire piece given how light and fluffy it was. The owner/ chef was warm and welcoming.My only complain was that some of the ingredients (onion?) were sharp and filled the small space, which was a bit uncomfortable for my sinuses."

Delicious PHO

★★★★☆ 3.7 (40)

"This large restaurant is hidden inside a shopping plaza next to Seafood City. It may look dark from the outside due to vacant storefronts, but once you step in, you will spot the bright, clean, spacious pho restaurant on the left. The pho is truly delicious, with beefy flavor, great umami, and assertive notes of cinnamon. I recommend (P8) pho with sliced beef, melt in your mouth tendon, and soft homemade meatballs. The generous bowl of noodle soup is accompanied with all the herbs and vegetables expected (bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, sliced jalapeños). While the soup is perfect as is, there are plenty of condiments on the table for you to create your own version of perfection.If your appetite is large, go ahead and order the egg rolls. These thin, crispy egg rolls are full of pork and carrots. Very nice flavor. Service here can be a little slow and easy paced. Luckily the restaurant is not crowded nor busy, so you will be served in an acceptable time. If you are in a hurry, use polite signals and body language."

Cultura Ccafe

★★★★★ 4.8 (18)

"About a 2-2.5: Cultura Ccafe is a cafe located in the Avondale 'hood, offering coffee, espresso, tea, tea lattes, frappes, smoothies, breakfast burritos, crepes, waffles, acai bowls, paninis, and various baked items.We came here in the morning, and ordered:+the Horchata Latte - prepared with 2 espresso shots, horchata, and milk of choice; this could have had more of a stronger horchata taste+Biscoff Latte - prepared with Biscoff spread, 2 shots of espresso, and steamed milk; served with a Biscoff cookie; the cookie was a nice treat, but the latte was a bit weaka Strawberry Nutella crepe +a Black Bean Breakfast Burrito - filled with black beans, eggs, cheese, potatoes, and green chile+a Turkey Panini - turkey, mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach, and sriracha mayo in between a rustic-like bread+Beef and Potato empanadas - lots of crust and not much of a filling+Poblano Pepper and Cheese empanadas - lot of crust and not much of a fillingThe cafe itself is small and cozy with a handful of seating; staff were friendly.Plenty of street parking available in the area.+weak drinks+avoid the empanadas+friendly service+ample street parking available"

Che Thai

★★★★☆ 4 (25)

"I travel to Thailand frequently and this restaurant reminds of trips to Bangkok for the great street food. I had Pad Thai with extra spice, my bride got the vegetarian and gluten-free option of the same. We both really liked the food. They even gave us a small free spring roll appetizer. Again very good food. But it was the happy helpful workers that really made our day. Both were native to Thailand and had the famous ever pleasant attitude and smiles. Since they have lived in. Chicago for years, no language barriers exist. But it was fun using my limited Thai to speak with them both. We plan to go back often, for the great food, great prices, and great service/smiles."

Smoothie RX

★★★★☆ 3.8 (22)

"I happen to come across this place when I was visiting a spa next door. This place offers non-GMO, organic, no added sugar, and preservative free smoothies, juices, and bowls. I purchased the kids Acai bowl and Dr. Citrus to go. Fyi, there portions are huge! For me the kids bowl was more than enough. The Dr. Citrus was surprisingly good. I will definitely be back to try some more cold pressed juices. The only drawback they do not offer caloric or nutritional information fr ay of their food items."

FARE

★★★★★ 4.5 (12)

"First of all amazing location FARE is located within the old post office building which has been beautifully remodeled into a food hall. This was my first time eating at FARE and I really enjoyed it. The menu is very simple but healthy and I liked crafting my own FARE bowl. For the base I picked the house lemony greens and added curry chickpeas and harissa sweet potatoes. All this tossed in house creamy tahini sauce. Everything was delicious and very filling. Service was very quick and helpful with the visuals behind the counter. I think I found a new favorite place to get a quick bite downtown."

Lemme Get Ummm

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (14)

"First off, let me say I ordered off Uber Eats for delivery, so I didn't have waiting issues like others who left reviews. I ordered the salmon Philly and I really enjoyed it. The sauce was sweet and savory. I do think they put too much sauce on the sandwich and it takes away from the other toppings on it. The sauce is supposed to have Dusse in it, but I cannot say I tasted a cognac flavor in the sauce, so if you're looking for that flavor, don't order, because it doesn't add too much uniqueness to the sauce/dish. The sandwich was a bit small, but had a ton of salmon, which I appreciated. I think a bit of tweaking to the sandwich would make it a home run. Overall, I did really enjoy the sandwich and would order again from this place (obviously not in person though)."

FARE -Northwestern Memorial Hospital

★★★★★ 5 (6)

"This is my favorite spot in the area! I enjoyed their salmon and BBQ tofu bowls. The seedy cookies are REALLY good, definitely recommend getting one. I have also gone to a lunch event that was catered by them and loved it. I believe I met one of the founders, and she was very kind. Service is always fast, and it's super convenient to be able to order ahead online."