Protein Bar is a healthy restaurant chain in Chicago, Colorado, and Washington, DC, that serves up protein around the following core beliefs:
- Good protein is a daily essential for health – Protein enhances muscle mass, mood, and brain function, while keeping you full all day.
- Superfoods are powerhouse ingredients – Nutrients and antioxidants improve everything from immunity to skin.
- You don’t have to sacrifice great taste to save calories and carbs – Healthy ingredient substitutes include quinoa, flaxseed tortillas, Greek yogurt, and house-made sauces.
The menu choices are different in each state. Each location shares the same core beliefs and also customizes menus to serve vegan and gluten-free needs. The menu is divided into the following categories: drinks, breakfast scrambles, oatmeal plus, bowls, and bar-ritos, soups and chilis, and salads and wraps.
Menu Favorites
Drinks
For drinks, there is a wide assortment of choices to choose from. A popular drink that they serve is called The Health Nut. It is made up of Kale, spinach, green apple, banana, organic peanut butter, organic agavenectar, and almond milk. Another top seller is called Ski-Nut Butter and Jelly, made from a combination of Vanilla protein, almond milk, organic peanut butter, blueberries, strawberrie,s and organic agave nectar.
Breakfast Scrambles
Breakfast scrambles are a popular choice that are served up Mondays through Fridays until 10:30 AM. I’ll cover the 4 top sellers below. The Chilaquiles is made up of eggs scrambled with organic ghee, black beans, kale, salsa, spicy tomatillo lime sauce, and tortilla chips. The Morning Mexicali is made from whole eggs scrambled with organic ghee, black beans, cheddar, kale, salsa, spicy tomatillo lime sauce, avocado, and chipotle yogurt. Another popular favorite is the Denver made from whole eggs scrambled with organic ghee, broccoli, onion, cheddar, and salsa. To top off the favorites, is the Sunrise Spinach & Pesto which combines a combination of whole eggs scrambled with organic ghee, spinach, nut-free pesto, and parmesan.
Oatmeal Plus
Protein Bar has taken a simple food item and made it specialized with selected proteins. The oatmeal plus bowls are very popular anytime of the day at this restaurant. The Matcha is made from finely ground matcha powder with acai puree, hemp seed blend, organic agave nectar, and almond milk topped with yogurt. Almost Naked is simply Banana, organic raw honey, and almond milk. Peanut Butter and Acai is a mixture of organic peanut butter, acai puree, banana, and hemp seed blend.
Bowls and Bar-ritos
The most talked about items are the bowls and bar-ritos. The menu states that the bowls and bar-ritos are made from “warm, hearty, and loaded upon our organic quinoa blend, served in your choice of a bowl or grilled low-carb flaxseed tortilla.” Choices include the Steakhouse Ranch, Mexicali, Basic Black Bean, Spicy Korean, Spinach & Pesto, and Classic Buffalo.
Soups and Chilis
Another popular category at Protein Bar is Soups and Chilis. One popular choice is Chicken Chili made from classic chili packed with all-natural chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices topped with cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. Vegetable Chili is another choice that includes zucchini, quinoa, carrot, cauliflower, corn, onion, celery, tomato, soy protein, and a zesty blend of seasonings.
Salads and Wraps
For salads and wraps, there is a wide selection of choices. The menu lists this category as having “Fresh, filling, and piled high upon our signature blend of greens, served in your choice of a salad or a low-carb flaxseed tortilla.” You will get to choose from Steakhouse Ranch, Kale Caesar, Healthy Club, Southwest, Baja Guac, Superfood, and Classic Buffalo.
Pros
- Many healthy protein choices to choose from
- Good service reports
Cons
- Not in many locations. Presently only in Chicago, Colorado, and Washington DC.
What Other People Are Saying
I found the reviews for Protein Bar to be very positive. Many wrote about the individual servers and how wonderful they were. Others wrote about their favorite food choices.
People Share Their Favorite Menu Selections
“This is probably my most favorite place to grab a good drink and salad. The Avo-Matcha drink is my all time favorite especially when adding peanut butter and nectar. The super vegan salad is sooooo delicious makes me want to come back for more, for everytime I pass by the store. Great employees, smiling, and giving good customer service,” as shared by a customer.
A different customer shared, “Today’s selection was the Southwest Salad. Their super 6 salad mix is the bomb! Also loaded with warm chicken, quinoa, black beans, avocado, cheddar cheese, salsa, and cholula sauce. If you do not like any spiciness, you will think this salad is too spicy. I think it hits the spot and contains the perfect amount of spice. Plus, the salad is HUGE HUGE HUGE. You are paying around $9.50 for it, but the quantity and quality are totally worth it.”
What You’ll Pay
For what you are getting, the prices are good at Protein Bar. They aren’t low priced, yet they are not high priced either.
Customer Service
The majority of the feedback left for the service at Protein Bar were very positive. In addition to ordering in person, you can also order online so that your food is waiting when you arrive. At Protein Bar, you can dine in or dine out.
My Conclusion
Protein Bar is a healthy choice restaurant for health conscious people. They specialize in foods that are high in healthy proteins. Customers can choose from a wide variety of drinks, breakfast scrambles, oatmeal plus, bowls and bar-ritos, soups and chilis, and salads and wraps. The prices are good for what you get. Nothing is high priced, but it’s also not going to be as low priced as McDonalds. Unfortunately, Protein Bar is currently only in Chicago, Colorado, and Washington, DC. I hope that my review has helped you to discover a new healthy restaurant to keep your eyes peeled for!
For more reviews and information, check out our list of the Top 10 Healthiest Restaurant Chains of 2018.
