Alright, so here's the deal – Chicago has got you covered when it comes to healthy post-workout meals that'll make your taste buds dance.
Seriously, this city has a little bit of everything for everyone, no matter what you're into.
We've been out and about, scoping out the food scene in Chi-town to bring you our top picks for the ultimate post-workout eats across different neighborhoods.
These dishes are not just mouth-watering, but they're also packed with all the good stuff your body craves after pushing it to the limit.
So, let's not waste any more time – come along as we take a tasty tour of Windy City's best post-workout bites!
South Loop
This place is a fantastic mix of old and new, with historic buildings alongside sleek modern high-rises.
Since it's home to tons of fitness studios, gyms, and parks, it's no surprise that the South Loop has plenty of eateries serving up healthy and delicious post-workout meals.
Here are some great places to fuel up after a workout.
South Loop Market
- Address: 1720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
- Price ranking: $$
- Recommended by: Bryant
- Favorite dish: Premade Salads
For a quick and healthy post-workout option in the South Loop, Bryant suggests stopping by the South Loop Market.
This neighborhood grocery store offers a variety of fresh, premade salads that are perfect for refueling after a workout.
Each salad provides an excellent balance of nutrients, with a mix of leafy greens, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats:
Serving size: 1 Salad (varies by type)
- Calories: 300-500
- Fat: 10-25g
- Net Carbs: 20-40g
- Total Carbs: 25-45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15-35g
The South Loop Market is an ideal choice for those looking for a convenient, healthy meal option that's easy to grab and go.
Umai
- Address: 730 S Clark St Chicago, IL 60605
- Price ranking: $$
- Recommended by: Lou
- Favorite dish: Sushi - Mexicana Roll
Lou's go-to post-workout meal in the South Loop is the Mexicana Roll at Umai, a contemporary Japanese restaurant known for its inventive sushi rolls and top-quality ingredients.
The Mexicana Roll is a unique fusion of Japanese and Mexican flavors, featuring spicy tuna, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, and a zesty lime sauce. Here's the nutritional breakdown for the Mexicana Roll:
Serving size: 1 Roll (8 pieces)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 12g
- Net Carbs: 42g
- Total Carbs: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Umai's sushi rolls offer a delicious and nutritious way to replenish your body after a workout, with the Mexicana Roll providing a particularly refreshing and flavorful option.
Half Sour
- Address: 755 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price ranking: $$
- Recommended by: Marina
- Favorite dish: Specials or Chicken Wrap
Marina loves Half Sour, a modern deli and bar that serves up mouthwatering sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
For a post-workout meal, she recommends trying their daily specials or going for the Chicken Wrap, which is filled with juicy grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy honey mustard sauce:
Serving size: 1 Wrap
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 20g
- Net Carbs: 50g
- Total Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious menu options, Half Sour is a perfect spot to unwind and refuel after a workout in the South Loop.
Chick-fil-A
- Address: 1146 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price ranking: $
- Recommended by: Des
- Favorite dish: Chicken Nuggets
Des loves the Chicken Nuggets from Chick-fil-A as a convenient and protein-packed post-workout snack.
These bite-sized morsels are made from all-white meat chicken, seasoned and breaded to perfection, offering a delicious way to refuel:
Serving size: 8 Nuggets
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 12g
- Net Carbs: 8g
- Total Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
Chick-fil-A's numerous locations across the city make it an easily accessible option for a quick, tasty, and protein-rich post-workout snack.
Panda Express
- Address: 1250 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Price ranking: $
- Recommended by: Kai
- Favorite dish: Super Greens & Teriyaki Chicken (No Sauce)
Kai's go-to post-workout meal at Panda Express is the Super Greens & Teriyaki Chicken (No Sauce).
The Super Greens is a nutritious side dish made with a mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, while the Teriyaki Chicken features tender, grilled chicken marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce.
By opting for no sauce, you can cut down on unnecessary calories and sugar while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the dish.
Panda Express is a well-known fast-food chain that offers a variety of Chinese-inspired dishes in a casual setting.
Serving size: 3.5 oz serving Super Greens & 6 oz Teriyaki Chicken (No Sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Net Carbs: 16g
- Total Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
Bonus Picks:
- Flacos Tacos: Al Pastor Tacos (Recommended by Kai)
- Address: 725 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price ranking: $
Flacos Tacos is a local favorite, offering a wide variety of delicious, authentic Mexican dishes in a casual atmosphere.
Kai recommends the Al Pastor Tacos, which are made with marinated pork, pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, all served on warm corn tortillas.
- Osaka Sushi & Fresh Fruit Veggies: Salmon Don (Recommended by Lou)
- Address: 1301 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
- Price ranking: $$
For sushi lovers, Osaka Sushi & Fresh Fruit Veggies is another great option in the South Loop area.
Lou recommends the Salmon Don, a rice bowl topped with fresh, sliced salmon sashimi, avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Logan Square
With its mix of trendy bars, hip cafes, and family-owned restaurants, this lively area offers a range of healthy post-workout meals to cater to the needs of fitness enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Take a look at what this neighborhood has to offer.
Fruit Paradise
- Address: 2355 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Price ranking: $
- Recommended by: Bryant
- Favorite dish: Catira Chicken Arepa and a Mangoberry Smoothie with Whey Protein
Located in the heart of Logan Square, Fruit Paradise is a colorful and lively eatery that specializes in fresh fruit smoothies and scrumptious Venezuelan arepas.
If you're looking for a post-workout meal that's both delicious and nutritious, Bryant suggests trying the Catira Chicken Arepa, which offers a well-balanced combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats:
Serving size: 1 Arepa
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Net Carbs: 28g
- Total Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Bryant also recommends pairing the arepa with a refreshing Mangoberry Smoothie.
Made with fresh mangoes, strawberries, coconut, and orange juice, the smoothie also includes a generous scoop of whey protein to aid muscle recovery:
Serving size: 1 Smoothie
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 5g
- Net Carbs: 55g
- Total Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
With its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and a mouthwatering menu, Fruit Paradise is an excellent spot to refuel after a workout in Logan Square.
Chiya Chai
- Address: 2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Price ranking: $$
- Recommended by: Megan
- Favorite dish: Chicken Chai Masala Pot Pie
Chiya Chai is a cozy and inviting cafe known for its extensive selection of aromatic chai teas and delicious Nepalese-inspired dishes.
Megan's top pick for a post-workout meal is the Chicken Chai Masala Pot Pie, which artfully combines Eastern and Western flavors in a unique and scrumptious fusion dish.
This satisfying meal offers a well-rounded mix of macronutrients for post-workout recovery:
Serving size: 1 Pot Pie
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Net Carbs: 43g (45g total carbs - 2g fiber)
- Total Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
In addition to its delightful food offerings, Chiya Chai also boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind after an intense workout session.
Dunkin' Donuts
- Address: 3310 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618
- Price ranking: $
- Recommended by: Anastasia
- Favorite dish: Omelette Bites
While Dunkin' Donuts may be best known for its coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, it also offers a surprisingly healthy and convenient post-workout snack: Omelette Bites.
These bite-sized delights are packed with protein, making them an excellent choice for refueling after hitting the gym.
The nutritional information for each Omelette Bite is as follows:
Serving size: 2 Omelette Bites
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 19g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Total Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
With multiple locations across the city, Dunkin' Donuts is a convenient and budget-friendly option for grabbing a quick, protein-packed snack after your workout.
Spicy Taco
- Address: 2825 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60618
- Price ranking: $
- Recommended by: Lou
- Favorite dish: Grilled Chicken Platter
Lou's favorite post-workout meal can be found at Spicy Taco, a casual Mexican fast-food joint offering a wide variety of delicious and filling dishes.
The Grilled Chicken Platter is an excellent choice for refueling after a workout, as it provides an ample serving of protein along with complex carbohydrates and fiber:
Serving size: 1 Platter
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 15g
- Net Carbs: 60g
- Total Carbs: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
Featuring 6-8 oz of tender, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, rice, and beans, Spicy Taco's Grilled Chicken Platter is both satisfying and nutritious.
Plus, the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to catch up with friends after a group workout session.
Penumbra
- Address: 3309 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Price ranking: $$ (from Yelp)
- Recommended by: Isabel
- Favorite dish: New York G
Isabel's top post-workout meal pick is the New York G from Penumbra, a trendy restaurant with a modern, industrial-chic atmosphere.
Penumbra's New York G features a beautifully cooked New York strip steak, accompanied by sautéed vegetables and a choice of a side dish, such as sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad.
This dish provides a well-balanced and nutritious meal for post-workout recovery:
Serving size: 1 Platter
- Calories: 750
- Fat: 35g
- Net Carbs: 40g (45g total carbs - 5g fiber)
- Total Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 60g
The New York G offers a substantial amount of protein from the strip steak to support muscle growth and repair.
The sautéed vegetables and side options provide essential vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients to round out a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Penumbra's attentive service, creative menu offerings, and stylish ambiance make it an excellent choice for a post-workout meal, whether you're dining solo or with friends.
Bonus Picks:
- Chiqueolatte: Lattes or Pastry (Recommended by Lou)
- Address: 2625 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Price ranking: $ (from Yelp)
Lou enjoys the lattes and pastries at Chaquilatte, a quaint, locally-owned cafe with a welcoming atmosphere.
For those looking to indulge in some post-workout carbs, their freshly-baked pastries hit the spot, while their lattes offer a delicious and comforting pick-me-up.
- Fittingly Delicious (Recommended by Megan)
- Address: 3939 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
- Price ranking: $
Megan recommends Fittingly Delicious, a meal prep service that offers healthy, customizable meals for those with busy lifestyles.
Their nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals cater to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring that your post-workout nutrition is on point, even when you're short on time.
**Just a heads up, the nutritional information provided in this article is based on estimations, and actual values may vary.
It's always a good idea to check the restaurants' updated menus or reach out to them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information.
Conclusion
From the super cool vibes at Fruit Paradise to the awesome Pot Pie at Chiya Chai, our top 10 picks show just how committed Chi-town is to keep you fueled up with delicious and nutritious meals after you've been pumping iron or hitting the pavement.
So whether you're craving a quick protein hit or looking to sit down to a well-rounded meal, you can bet there's a spot in Chicago that'll hit the spot.
Go ahead, dive into the city's healthy food scene, and treat yourself to something amazing after your next sweat session. You've earned it!
