Cobbs Across the Country: My Quest for the Best
Updated: March 30, 2023
I love a classic Cobb salad. Crunchy, refreshing romaine, bright egg, salty bacon, buttery avocado, sweet tomatoes, pungent bleu cheese, and savory chicken…the compilation of flavors on a plate is simple yet satisfying.
Let’s start with quick a history lesson. If you aren’t here for that, you can just skip this part, I get it. I just am curious as to the Cobb’s origin and feel like if I am on the quest for the best, then it is a disservice to not know how it came to be.
According to The Kitchen Project and other resources (here, too), the Cobb salad was created at The Brown Derby Restaurant in California. There were a few locations in Hollywood and Los Angeles where iconic actors of the 1920s frequented. Lucille Ball even filmed a scene in her “LA at Last,” episode of I Love Lucy. So back to the salad…
One late night in 1937, Bob Cobb, then owner of The Brown Derby, found himself in the restaurant's kitchen for a snack. In the massive fridge, he pulled out a menagerie of items: a head of lettuce, an avocado, some romaine, watercress, tomatoes, some cold breast of chicken, a hard-boiled egg, chives, cheese and some old-fashioned French dressing. He started chopping and then snuck some crisp bacon from one of his busy chefs.
And the Cobb salad was born. It was so good, Sid Grauman, an American showman who created two of Hollywood’s most prized theatres, was with Cobb that midnight, came in the next night, and asked for a 'Cobb Salad.' It became a part of the menu.
It was an overnight wonder that since 1937, more than 4 million Cobb salads were served. While the two original Hollywood locations no longer exist, the Brown Derby Restaurant Group, which is what the company calls itself, licenses the restaurant name for merchandise (including bottled Cobb salad dressing), to Disney, which opened a reproduction of the original Brown Derby in Orlando, Florida. If you’d like to see what the original Brown Derby restaurant looked like, check out the architecture here.
Turns out, y’all love Cobb salads just as much as I, and are interested in following along as I find the best Cobbs in the country. Now, seeing as I am a wellness coach, I would be remiss skip the nutrition facts. While many Cobb salads that you find in today’s restaurants are different than Bob’s original creation, they still include veggies, good fats, and plenty of protein. Let’s break it down.
VEGGIES
Romaine lettuce*
Typically the base, but other lettuces may be substituted – you know those fancy restaurants who think they can make a classic better? Romaine is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.
Tomatoes
Boasting beautiful nutrients like the antioxidant lycopene, as well as vitamin C and potassium.
*Note: The original claims to have had potentially two lettuces, perhaps watercress, and chives.
PROTEIN
Chicken
Need I say more? Sometimes, however, you get the option of another protein … sometimes the chicken is included. While chicken was mentioned as the OG protein source I’ve seen shrimp and salmon to name a few as other options.
Bacon
While bacon is not the leanest of proteins, it’s delicious, and I honestly think that there’s about 2 slices per salad diced up which is a nominal 8g of fat and 5g of protein … and 100 calories.
Egg
A hardboiled egg is fantastic addition to this salad, adding 5g of fat and 6g of protein.
FAT
Avocado
A lovely source of brain boosting nutritious fat, and 10g of fiber!
Cheese
Typically bleu, this is definitely a fat bomb, but it’s like so good – so for me, it stays. If you are watching your fat intake, ideas to help gauge cheese are to omit it completely, or order it on the side and add as much or as little as you would like.
Dressing
Between the cheese and dressing the Cobb salad can go from nutritious to less nutritious, real quick. The original Cobb salad called for a vinaigrette (something I learned from the history lesson above!), which is also my pick. I actually despise ranch dressing, which is often the dressing served with Cobb salads (even though it’s not the original!). Regardless, I always order my dressing on the side and use what I want of it. Kitchens tend to overdress a lot of salads out there and besides lettuce becoming extremely soggy IMO, the additional dressing can be a huge waste of calories – again, IMO. I’d rather have a great glass of wine on the side instead (unless I am on the road for work, as I don’t typically imbibe during those trips).
Long story short, if you find yourself in a restaurant with the option, it is a fantastic entrée that boasts plenty of veggies, enough protein, good fat, and sometimes…a carb.
So, without further ado, I figured I’d set a couple of ground rules (and expectations) for evaluation of the Cobbs:
1. The salad ordered MUST be listed as a Cobb salad, even if it is not ‘traditional,’ no excuses (please don’t hold me to any menu changes if such occur and the salad is no longer available).
2. The Cobb salad will be rated using two measurements: authenticity to the original recipe and taste. They will be scored on a scale of 1-5 where 1 is the least and 5 is the most.
3. The Cobb ordered can be ordered at anytime, not just whilst traveling.
4. The Cobb will be ordered without ranch dressing and an alternative will be included in score.
5. The list will be updated frequently with a fresh date at the top of this post, and will be alphabetical by state.
Now let’s get to the lettuce…
FLORIDA
Deerfield Beach: Patio Bar & Grill
Authenticity: 4
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4.5
I get it, a beachfront place, in the BOTTOM OF A WYNDHAM HOTEL is the last place you’d be like, “wow, can’t wait to go get a salad,” but TRUST. The lettuce was fresh and crisp, and it was pretty close to authentic here. My chicken was flavorful, and I opted for the Greek dressing on the side which had feta in it and I LOVED it.
Tampa: Wine Exchange
Authenticity: 4.75
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4.875
To be honest, this might have been one of the Cobbs that for me started it all. I spent a ton of time in Tampa in the first two months of 2020 and this salad sustained me. I can’t knock the addition of shrimp unauthentic because that’s what I CHOOSE, and they *still* include turkey meat pieces which very few places do. Wine Exchange is located in Hyde Park Village which has wonderful shopping and dining – you could spend all day there!
Key West: Two Friends
Authenticity: 3
Taste: 3.5
Average Score: 3.25
Visited here with my colleagues and ordered this salad. I struggggggleee with cheddar cheese on a salad, which is weird because I think it tastes great on other stuff, or even by itself, but not on a salad; at least it had some bleu there! This one did the trick in a bar atmosphere, it is one of the better ‘bar salads’ I’ve had.
GEORGIA
Atlanta/Buckhead: Blue Moon Pizza
Authenticity: 2
Taste: 4
Average Score: 3
Whenever a salad is served in a legit metal mixing bowl, I am giddy – because that’s how a salad should be eaten, and how I make them at home. And well, lo and behold, this one was. So I was pumped. This salad was really good, though I didn’t love the addition of the very not authentic onions – I wasn’t expecting them, and I was meeting people later and felt like I couldn’t brush my teeth enough! The olives were a nice touch, but not needed, but y’all there was NO EGG! And it could have used a bit more cheese, but all in all, a nice salad.
Atlanta/Buckhead: Le Bilboquet
Authenticity: 5
Taste: 5
Average Score: 5
LEAVE IT TO THE FRENCH TO HAVE A PERFECT SCORE. Oomph this salad, and Le Bib is a whole VIBE. Absolutely loved this salad. There really isn’t much more to say than that. #perfection
ILLINOIS
Chicago: Parlor Chicago (Wicker Park)
Authenticity: 2
Taste: 4
Average Score: 3
Well you all already know how I feel about when a salad is served in a mixing bowl, so I won’t repeat that, but like Y’ALL, wow, this one was so good. Docked stars for kale, because, like that is the furthest from authenticity, but this salad probably has been a fave, because it kept getting better and better as I ate it. Look at those cute little sea salt flakes on the avocado! Whoever prepared this took serious care, and I appreciate it.
Evanston: Bluestone
Authenticity: 2.5
Taste: 3
Average Score: 2.75
I swear there was spinach in my salad, which is like the least favorite of lettuces that are cold, even though the website says romaine. This was fine! Chicago does decent salads in a bar setting and this was was just…fine. I did substitute their call for honey mustard dressing…another no thanks that doesn’t belong on lettuce moment for me.
KENTUCKY
Lexington: The Thirsty Fox/Zim’s Café
Authenticity: 2
Taste: 4
Average Score: 3
The Kentucky Cobb here was fabulous. I did opt for grilled chicken (gluten allergy) and had the sassy sorghum vinaigrette on the side. I loved the pimiento cheese addition here instead of bleu, and while I don’t typically like ranch, I bet that the smoked tomato ranch (and the fried chicken that it comes with) would be a favorite if you get to visit. The lettuce was mixed greens versus romaine and I did like it with this salad. My biggest qualm was the size, it was kind of a small plate…Cobbs are usually a nice large dish and if this was my only lunch I would probably still be hungry.
MASSACHUSETTS
Sandwich: Café Chew
Authenticity: 4.5
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4.75
Almost. A. Perfect. Score. -.5 for the onions but this salad was absolute PERFECTION. If you are driving to Cape Cod, this is a MUST STOP in addition to the gluten free goodies from this quaint bakery. This salad was so good—the lemon shallot vinaigrette was amazing and loved the little cranberry added surprise with the blue cheese. Highly, highly recommend.
NEW YORK
Hell’s Kitchen, 450 10th Ave, NYC: Friedmans
Authenticity: 4.5
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4.75
UGH THIS SALAD WAS SO GOOD. In addition to tons of gluten free items on the menu, Friedmans delivered. A must do for a casual dining spot in New York City. Def had to substitute that buttermilk ranch dressing, though!
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte: Cantina 1511
Authenticity: 2
Taste: 4
Average Score: 3
We ate Cantina 1511 often over the course of last summer and I always ordered their chopped salad which I loved but when I noticed they have a Cobb on the menu, I decided to go for it and switch up my order. It’s almost identical to the chopped except without garbanzo beans. I was disappointed that they didn’t have bleu cheese on this salad and the avocado could have been more plentiful. I took some of this salad home – it’s quite large so great as an addition to a next day lunch. Worth noting: the avocado salad dressing is awesome, highly recommend. I’ll probably continue to order the chopped salad here, I just like it better. Also worth noting: order the side of plantains.
Charlotte: The Cowfish
Authenticity: 3
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4
Wow, this salad rocked. As a sushi-burger joint, I had the option of a ginger dressing which I thought was an excellent vinaigrette for this already flavorful salad. Mixed greens, two cheeses, crunchy cucumbers, and olives were non-traditional components but I thought balanced the bacon, avocado, tomatoes, egg, and chicken well. Would definitely order again.
Charlotte: Pasta & Provisions (Park Road)
Authenticity: 4.5
Taste: 4
Average Score: 4.25
I absolutely LOVE this unique cafeteria-style presentation. This Cobb was pretty authentic, minus their choice of bacon BUT I did enjoy it. Instead of traditional bacon bits, they used bacon ends, so thicker chunks of pork. I thought it was tasty and I really liked that this salad automatically came with the vinaigrette vs. a mayo-based dressing. It probably could have been a tad larger, but overall this was a great weekend lunch option. Note: This was at the Park Road location on the weekend. Call before visiting other locations as kitchen times may vary.
Charlotte: Table & Twine
Authenticity: 4
Taste: 4
Average Score: 4
Table & Twine is a local company housed within a catering business – and the result is that the food you get to take home is, well, pretty stellar because they know how to cook everything and make it taste great after it’s traveled. Case in point, this Cobb had the best chicken breast out of most of the Cobb’s I’ve had to date (February 2022). Authenticity-wise, it didn’t have avocado which I think was a massive miss. I skipped out on the ranch that it came with and subbed for a lemon poppyseed dressing I had at home. All-in-all, I would absolutely order again for a quick at-home lunch…and hopefully remember to have some avocado on hand.
Charlotte: The Trolley Barn
Authenticity: 2.5
Taste: 5
Average Score: 3.5
I LOVED this salad – and if I wasn’t rating on a scale of authenticity, then this salad would be a winner winner 5 out of 5, but alas, the herbed goat cheese (not bleu) and steak (not chicken) and regardless of my stance on ranch (which would have bumped up authenticity), this salad came with green goddess (which was great). I loved the steak and thought it was cooked perfectly. I really did like the herbed goat cheese but I wish the pungent bleu was here to go along with the steak! I would, however, order again.
RHODE ISLAND
TF Green Airport (Providence): Providence Provisions
Authenticity: 1.5
Taste: 2
Average Score: 1.75
For an airport salad, this did the trick. I don’t always love mixed greens because I feel like they can get a bit wilty. Minus points for guacamole instead of avocado (I get it, right, airport life, but still). Minus points for NO EGG. Service was very good—at least that’s something?
WASHINGTON, DC
Chinatown: Matchbox
Authenticity: 2
Taste: 2
Average Score: 2
Welp, I am going to admit that the bleu cheese is what, IMO, makes a Cobb salad. And this one was void of it. It had avocado, CORN, bacon, tomatoes, and egg. You could choose protein and I added chicken and the mango vinaigrette (it came with buttermilk dressing). While the corn added a little sweetness to the salad, it was kind of boring and definitely not my favorite.
14th Street: Ted’s Bulletin
Authenticity: 3.75
Taste: 5
Average Score: 4.375
I have now had this Cobb not once, but twice. Y’ALL THIS COMES WITH TWO DEVILED EGG HALVES. This salad has saved me in DC. It’s super filing but also light enough – it typically comes with fried chicken but I order grilled. Love the bacon lardons instead of crumbled bacon and the nice serving of avocado as well. Highly recommend. There are a lot of locations throughout DC and Virginia but also note that the bar service on 14th Street is always friendly and fast.
WASHINGTON STATE
Seattle Airport: Skillet (N Gates)
Authenticity: 3
Taste: 2.75
Average Score: 2.875
Y’all only a matter of time before I found a Cobb at an airport. This particular trip was a journey back from Alaska, and let me tell you what…it was a JOURNEY. I’ll spare you the details. +.75 for the originality with the egg-in-avocado, but this salad, although I was starving, was fine…hate to say it, but the fries were better. Albeit, its there. Not pictured in addition to the fries: a 9oz wine pour.
NATIONAL CHAINS
Celebrity Cruises
Authenticity: 4
Taste: 4
Average Score: 4
Full disclosure—I work for Celebrity Cruises. So when I was onboard recently and saw a Cobb Salad on the menu for lunch, I had to have it. If I’m being even more honest, I *probably* could have finished two servings of this salad, and had I known I could have ordered two of them. But this one was good! The cucumber is not traditional, and you’ll notice this was missing bleu cheese but not because it didn’t come with it but because some varieties of bleu are not GF so the chef left it off. The chicken was cubed which I appreciated because this was like a chopped-Cobb-salad so it was much easier to eat than having a large chicken breast. This ensured there was chicken in almost every bite 😊.
The Cheesecake Factory
Authenticity: 4
Taste: 3
Average Score: 3.5
I can’t believe I’m admitting that I ate at the Cheesecake Factory – but desperate times, and y’all they had a Cobb and that’s ALL I WANTED I WAS STARVING AND I KNEW I NEEDED FOOD. Well, my experience at this particular location was so horrendous I got a cheesecake because my experience was so bad – and I ate it (the Godiva is gluten free in case you are wondering). Not sure if it was the fact that I waited an hour for this SALAD, or the fact that I was tired and started to almost not get hungry, but all you need to know is that Cheesecake Factory has a Cobb Salad. The original dressing that it comes with is supposedly NOT GLUTEN FREE – very important to mention.
ZAXBY’S
Authenticity: 2.5
Taste: 2.5
Average Score: 2.5
I mean it is a salad at a fast-food fried chicken joint. I didn’t hold the highest of hopes, but when I saw that there was a Cobb on the Zaxby’s menu I thought why not…because also what else was on the menu that I could eat (unless there is some ‘secret menu’ they don’t do grilled nuggets like they do at Chick-fil-A). This salad was fine but it got old really quick; probably because I didn’t use any salad dressing. I kind of picked at the lettuce and ate all of the toppings which was decent for a road trip lunch.
