About Little Yard
Little Yard is a family-favorite salads & bowls spot in Chicago, IL, with a lively feel and open kitchen seating with a view of the line cooks. The kitchen leans into salads & bowls done well, partnering with regional farms whenever possible.
The signature item to try first is the Caesar Wrap, which has earned a loyal following. The rest of the menu rounds it out with options like Harvest Bowl, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Mediterranean Bowl, plus rotating specials that change with the season. Portions are generous for the price point ($$$), and the kitchen is consistent — orders come out fast even when the place is full.
On a typical day you'll find construction crews, tech workers, and grandparents alike, especially around the lunch and dinner rushes. The bar pours old-school fountain drinks, hand-spun shakes, and bottled root beer. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu. The dining room is clean, the music is at a reasonable volume, and the wifi works.
For ordering, catering trays for offices and parties can be ordered with 24 hours notice. Regulars say the staff remembers their order after only two or three visits. Whether you're new to Chicago or a longtime resident hunting for a reliable salads & bowls fix, Little Yard earns a spot in the regular rotation.
Menu highlights
A snapshot of the most-ordered items at Little Yard. Prices and availability change — call ahead to confirm.
Customer reviews
Recent ratings averaged 4.1 out of 5 across 431 reviews.
Great salads & bowls option for the area. The Mediterranean Bowl was the highlight, big portion and well-priced. Seating is limited so if you come at peak hours plan on takeout. I'll be back.
Little Yard has become my regular weekday lunch. Consistent quality, generous portions, and the staff has started to recognize me. I usually grab the Quinoa Power Bowl but I've worked through most of the menu and haven't had a miss yet.
I work nearby and stop in at least twice a week. The Harvest Bowl hits every time. Service is quick, the space is clean, and they take dietary requests seriously which I appreciate. Easy five stars from me.
Solid spot. The Cobb Salad is a standout — bold flavors, well-seasoned, comes out hot. Took off a star only because the wait at the counter was longer than I expected on a weekday. Still, I'd come back without hesitation.
Mixed feelings. The Buffalo Chicken Salad was excellent and the cashier was friendly, but my side came out cold and they were out of two of the things I wanted to order. Probably worth another try, but not the experience I was hoping for.
Honestly impressed. We tried three different items between the table and the Buffalo Chicken Salad stole the show. The staff genuinely seemed to enjoy being there which makes a difference. Cannot recommend enough.
Location & neighborhood
Little Yard is located at 3798 Lincoln Ave in Chicago, IL. Street parking is generally available in the surrounding blocks, and most public-transit routes that serve the downtown core stop within a short walk. The neighborhood around the restaurant has steady foot traffic during lunch and dinner, with a mix of office buildings, apartments and other small businesses on the block.