uncommon ground operates 2 independently owned restaurants located in Chicago. The first, located in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville neighborhood, opened in 1991.  The second uncommon ground location opened in the historic Edgewater neighborhood in 2007.  Both uncommon ground locations are open for brunch, lunch and dinner daily and feature contemporary comfort cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal, regional, organic ingredients. 

​The bars feature famous house-infused organic cocktails, a selection of local craft beers and an eclectic, sustainable American wine list. Enjoy tree-lined outdoor cafes in the summer & 2 warm, cozy fireplace in the winter.  uncommon ground operates the "1st Certified Organic Roof Top Farm in the US" as well as our own brewery, GREENSTAR BREWING, "The 1st Certified Organic Brewery in Illinois" - M.O.S.A.

​“First Certified Organic Roof Top Farm in the Country” – M.O.S.A. 2008
 
“Winner of the prestigious USGBC Environmotion Award” - March, 2009
 
Recipient of the Governor’s Sustainability Award – 2010, 2011
 
“Innovative Operator of the Year” – Category Sustainability
runner up - 2012
National Restaurant Association
 
“Best new restaurants 2008” – Chicago Magazine
 
“Best New Breakfast Spot 2008” – Time Out Chicago
 
Winner of the Mayor’s Landscape Award, City of Chicago 2009, 2010, 2011
 
“Uncommon Ground is now the Greenest Restaurant in the World”
Green Restaurant Association – 2011 & 2012
 
#1 & #2 Ranked Green Restaurants in Chicago – GRA 2010, 2011
Ranked 1st in the Nation – GRA 2012
 
 
More info…..
 
Uncommon ground donates the restaurants used fryer oil to the Loyola University Bio-Diesel program & runs our Jeep Liberty diesel on that fuel.
 
100% of all wood products in the restaurant were produced using timber from fallen trees in Jackson Park.
 
5 Solar-Thermal panels heat the restaurants hot water.

​As the first shop of its kind in America, Wow Bao redefines breakfast, lunch and dinner with their signature steamed buns, known as “bao.”  Our pan-Asian menu features 8 flavors of bao, in addition to pan-seared potstickers, fresh soups and salads, rice, noodle and quinoa bowls, lettuce wraps, and homemade ginger ale.  In five prime locations within the city, customers can enjoy flavorful and energy packed Asian fare in a casual setting.

Locations: 
1 W. Wacker (corner of State & Lake)
175 W. Jackson (corner of Van Buren & Financial)
Water Tower Mall (Main Entrance – Ground Floor)
225 N. Michigan Ave (Michigan Plaza, at Michigan & Lake street)
2806 N Clark St (corner of Clark & Diversey)

After moving to the United States, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to work together and came up with the brand Saigon Sisters. And it all started at the Chicago French Market in 2009 where you can still find Mama Suu standing by her Pho station helping and serving banh mis, spring rolls, Pho and baos to workers and commuters.
Their delicious food became so popular with the lunch crowd that they decided to open a restaurant close by offering dinner as well as lunch. The dinner menu combines traditional home cooked Vietnamese food with some innovative touches from Executive Chef Matt Riordan and the excellent kitchen staff.

Now on their third location at Northwestern Memorial Hospital near the Magnificent Mile, you can have the same consistent and quality food as their other two locations. Everything is made from scratch fresh daily with premium ingredients while staying true to the bold and tasty flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Always Fresh & Healthy
Fresh is not only in our name, it's our promise to you. We bring you the freshest and healthiest food, with a dash of fun, a sprinkle of learning, and a dollop of deliciousness, all for a great price.

Always Experienced Chefs
We create delicious recipes from a variety of cuisines. Each one is reviewed by our in-house dietician to ensure it's balanced and nutritious. Our signature step-by-step recipes make cooking easy and quick, so you can get delicious meals on the table every day.

Always Trusted Suppliers
Seasonal, fresh, and the highest quality. We build close relationships with our small farmers, butchers, fish mongers and fellow culinary enthusiasts to ensure that only the best ingredients make it to your dinner table.