Theory – American
Theory pulses with a modern, eclectic energy, where the comforting aroma of griddled challah French toast mingles with the zesty, bold spices of house-made chilaquiles. This vibrant social hub transforms casual dining into a sensory celebration, offering everything from crispy breakfast empanadas to inventive Cacio e Pepe chips that invite lingering over shared plates in a spirited, welcoming atmosphere.
9 West Hubbard Street, Chicago IL 60654 https://theorychicago.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Theory
Dairy-Free at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Toast, Bacon (3) and Southwest Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Traditional Wings (8) and Bacon (3). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 18 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Toast, Side Salad and Crab Rangoon (7). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 1 high-protein-tagged dish on its current menu, including The Steakhouse. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Bacon (3) and Cold Brew 'Inside Voices'. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Bacon (3) and Cold Brew 'Inside Voices'. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Bacon (3). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Theory
Theory in Chicago has 8 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Toast, Southwest Salad and Sweet Potato Tots. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Theory
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada Sandwich | 39.1 g | 90.2 g |
| Buffalo Chicken Sliders (3) | 0 g | 61.6 g |
| Classic Breakfast | 37.8 g | 53.9 g |
| Chicken Parmesan Egg Rolls (3) | 55.3 g | 46.1 g |
| Theory Burger | 115.2 g | 44.4 g |
| The Steakhouse | 19.1 g | 40.2 g |
| The Tuscan Turkey | 87.3 g | 34.5 g |
| Sangria on Tap (Glass) | 107.2 g | 31.9 g |
| Southwest Salad | 67.3 g | 31 g |
| Quesadillas (3) | 43.5 g | 23.9 g |
| Mediterranean Salad | 75.1 g | 23.8 g |
| Buffalo Chicken Wrap | 30.5 g | 22 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Wednesday
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
- Thursday - Friday
- 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its welcoming feel and professional service, guests consistently praise the seamless experience from reservation to the final course. Standout dishes include the highly-regarded main courses and flavorful appetizers that reviewers highlight as being consistently appetizing and well-prepared. Praised for its polite staff and inviting ambiance, the experience leaves diners eager to return and recommend the spot to friends for a reliable and high-quality meal.
Menu
Brunch Mains
- Classic Breakfast - $17: two eggs your way, bacon, potato hash, toast Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Alex’s Chilaquiles - $15: scrambled eggs, salsa verde, chihuahua cheese, onion, over corn tortilla chips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Blake’s Egg Sandwich - $17: scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado, cheddar, chipotle aioli, brioche bun, served with potato hash Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Breakfast Empanadas (3) - $16: scrambled egg, ground beef, cheddar, salsa verde, pico de gallo Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Challah French Toast - $15: thick-sliced challah, homemade batter, cinnamon sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
Bar Snacks
- Chips & Guacamole - $17 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cacio e Pepe Chips - $15: house made chips, parmesan, black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesadillas (3) - $14: chihuahua, grilled flour tortilla, served with side of sour cream and pico Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Holy Loaded - $16: choice of seasoned waffle fries or tots, topped with smoked chicken, queso, bacon, ranch Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nacho Bites - $13: individual homemade tortilla chips, refried beans, homemade guacamole, chihuahua, sour cream Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crab Rangoon (7) - $18: made fresh daily, fresh lump crab, sweet thai chili sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Parmesan Egg Rolls (3) - $18: crispy chicken, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, marinara sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pretzel Sticks - $18: served with queso & grain mustard Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheeseburger Sliders (3) - $16 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders (3) - $18 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vodka Parm Sliders (3) - $18: breaded chicken, vodka sauce, parm, banana pepper Available at: dinner, lunch
- Traditional Wings (8) - $18: choice of wing sauce Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, High-Fiber, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Boneless Wings (12) - $18: choice of wing sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- The Tuscan Turkey - $22: in house smoked turkey, prosciutto, harvati, sliced apple, arugula, basil pesto, wheat wrap Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cali Wrap - $18: grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, red onion, shredded lettuce, chipotle aioli, honey wheat wrap Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Steakhouse - $25: skirt steak, garlic aioli, arugula, tomato, tuscan sammy roll Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Theory Burger - $17: two flat top patties, american cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, brioche Available at: dinner, lunch
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap - $19: crispy chicken, buffalo, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar, tomato, side of ranch, honey wheat wrap Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada Sandwich - $21: carne asada, guacamole, pepperjack, chipotle aioli, pico, shredded lettuce, brioche Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta
- Rigatoni alla Vodka - $22: in house made vodka sauce, chili flakes, fresh basil, mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne alla Vodka - $24: in house made vodka sauce, chili flakes, fresh basil, mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Southwest Salad - $15: mixed greens, romaine, roasted corn, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips, pico Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $14: romaine hearts, croutons, parmesan cheese Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mediterranean Salad - $17: mixed greens, romaine, kalamata olives, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Potato Hash - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Bacon (3) - $7 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Toast - $4: white, multi-grain, sourdough, or challah Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Waffle Fries - $7 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mac + Cheese - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Side Salad - $8 Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Potato Tots - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Cookie Skillet - $14: served with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Fried Oreos - $14: served with vanilla ice cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Drip Coffee - $4.5: Coffee by Hexe
- Cold Brew 'Inside Voices' - $7: Coffee by Hexe Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Sangria on Tap (Glass) - $9: red blend, brandy, pineapple, orange, peach liqueur, grapefruit, fresh fruit Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Moscato Sangria on Tap (Glass) - $11: sparkling moscato, don julio blanco, mango, pineapple, lime, orange liqueur, fresh fruit Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cool as a Cucumber - $14: Ch gin, cucumber, elderflower liqueur, fresh squeezed lemon, lemon twist
- Spicy Strawberry Margarita - $18: casa noble crystal tequila, strawberry simple syrup, fresh squeezed lime, triple sec, jalapeño
Frequently Asked Questions about Theory
- Is Theory dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Theory has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Toast, Bacon (3) and Southwest Salad.
- What can I eat at Theory on a dairy-free diet?
- Toast, Bacon (3) and Southwest Salad carry the dairy-free tag, out of 6 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Theory have vegan options?
- Yes. 8 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Toast and Southwest Salad.
- Is Theory gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Theory?
- Carne Asada Sandwich, at roughly 90.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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