Skip navigation
Lettuce Entertain You Home page
Gus Sip and Dip crab rangoon dip

All-Star ‘Starters’ at Lettuce Restaurants

These appetizers are number one on our bracket

Our roster of all-star “starters” will keep you fueled for game day – no matter what team you root for. From a standout starting lineup to new-to-the-menu “rookies” and long-time “veterans,” here’s a look at some of our best appetizers from Lettuce Entertain You restaurants across the U.S.

The Starting Lineup

Plate of L Woods cheese curdsOne of the most popular appetizers at Lincolnwood supper club, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, is the Wisconsin Cheese Curds served with buttermilk ranch dressing for dunking.

Make a reservation at L. Woods. Order carryout or delivery from L. Woods

Looking for more app inspo from L. Woods? Try this recipe for the Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower at home.

Osteria MeatballsSlagel Farms Meatballs “Polpettini” in a simple tomato sauce at Osteria Via Stato in Chicago’s River North are the real menu MVPs!

Make a reservation at Osteria Via Stato. Order carryout or delivery from Osteria Via Stato. 

Meatballs are always the way to go when it comes to starters. Here are some of our favorite meatball recipes:

Click here for il Porcellino’s Prime Beef Meatball recipe.
Click here for Antico Posto’s Chicken Meatball recipe.

Bub City fried pickles

The perfect game day appetizer are the Fried Pickles from Bub City. 

Make a reservation at the Bub City location nearest you. Order carryout and delivery from the Bub City location nearest you.

Make Bub City’s Fried Pickles at home, click here for the recipe. 

For more of our favorite Game Day grub, click here.

big Bowl PotstickersA staple since day-one, Big Bowl’s Potstickers are perfect to share with the whole squad.

Find a Big Bowl location near you and make a reservation, or order carryout and delivery.

Crab de Jonghe from RPM Seafood

Riverfront restaurant RPM Seafood is serving a fresh take on a Chicago classic with the Peekytoe Crab de Jonghe with garlic butter and espelette.

Make a reservation at RPM Seafood. Order carryout or delivery from RPM Seafood.

il porcellino tuscan cheese bread

il Porcellino’s Tuscan Cheese Bread is the perfect cozy starter, just pair with a glass of Chianti and you are all set! Trust us, bread is always worth the order!

Make a reservation at il Porcellino. Order carryout and delivery from il Porcellino.

Make RPM Italian’s Truffled Garlic Bread at home.

Smoky Garlic HummusAt Aba, enjoy the Smoky Garlic Hummus with charred avocado and chili oil.

Make a reservation at the Aba location nearest you.  Order carryout or delivery from the Aba location nearest you.

Cornbread from Summer HouseSpice up your game day with the Jalapeño Cornbread from Summer House. This sweet and spicy twist on a classic is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any lineup.

Make a reservation at the Summer House location nearest you. Order carryout or delivery from the Summer House location nearest you.

Deviled Eggs at The OakvilleFor a unique take on a beloved classic, don’t miss the Potato Salad Deviled Eggs from The Oakville Grill & Cellar. These creamy, tangy bites with a hint of crunch are a sophisticated addition to your appetizer spread.

Make a reservation at The Oakville Grill & Cellar. Order carryout or delivery from The Oakville Grill & Cellar.

Miru Tuna Shiso dishDive into the Tuna Shiso from Miru for a refreshing and light start. The delicate balance of tuna with shiso leaf brings a touch of elegance to your game day eats.

Make a reservation at Miru.

Toasted Ravioli at Saranello's

Saranello’s Toasted Cheese Ravioli are perfectly crispy on the outside and oozing with rich, melted cheese inside. Served with a side of zesty marinara, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is the perfect way to kick off any meal.

Make a reservation at Saranello’s. Order carryout and delivery from Saranello’s.

Happy Camper Mozzarella Bread StixElevate your appetizer game with the Happy-Tizers from Happy Camper Pizza. Whether you go for the Mozzarella Bread Stix or another tempting option, these playful bites are sure to bring joy to your table.

Make a reservation at Happy Camper in Las Vegas.

Edamame HummusLastly, don’t overlook the Edamame Hummus from Ramen-san. This creamy, flavorful spread with a hint of edamame is a unique and healthy option that will keep you coming back for more.

Make a reservation at Ramen-san location nearest you

Get Ramen-san’s recipe for Edamame Hummus.

The Rookies

Scallop DIY handroll

At Sushi-san – Lincoln Park the Dynamite Scallop D.I.Y. Handroll is not only a good time, but it is delicous. Guests are invited to build their own handroll using the creamy chopped scallop mix served with nori sheets.

Make a reservation at Sushi-san – Lincoln Park. Order carryout and delivery from Sushi-san – Lincoln Park

Gus Sip and Dip crab rangoon dip

It’s  literally in the name at Gus’ Sip & Dip which is why the Crab Rangoon Dip is a can’t miss app. Made with blue crab, and topped with fontina and parmesan cheese the dip is baked in a skillet until grolden brown, garnished with green onions and served warm with fried wontons and mae ploy on the side. Gus’ Sip & Dip is first come, first served. 

Antico Posto Whipped Ricotta

Antico Posto’s new antipasti are perfect for sharing, including the Whipped Ricotta with black truffle honey served with parmesan flatbread.

Make a reservation at Antico Posto. Order carryout or delivery from Antico Posto.

Prawns from tre Dita

After you’re done taking in the stunning dining room at Tre Dita, order up Chef Evan Funke’s signature Gamberi in Salsa Verde. Pro tip: Once you finish the prawns, hang onto the extra sauce for dipping!

Make a reservation at Tre Dita

Sweet Potato Latkes at Ema

The Sweet Potato Latkes at Ema- Glenview are made with parmesan and shallot and served with a side of avocado and jalapeño crema.

Make a reservation at Ema – Glenview

The Veterans

Shaws Oysters RockefellerShaw’s Crab House Oysters Rockefeller with spinach and Jarlsberg cream has been a key member of the appetizer roster since day one!

 Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago. Order Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago for carryout or delivery.

Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House – Schaumburg. Order Shaw’s Crab House – Schaumburg for carryout or delivery.

Mon Ami Gabi EscargotThe Wild Escargots de Bourgogne at Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas, Chicago, Reston and Bethesda is a classic take on the quintessential bistro starter.

Find a Mon Ami Gabi location near you and make a reservation or order carryout or delivery. 

Beatrix's Kennebec Fries

The Kennebec Fries at Beatrix have been a day one staple on the menu, topped with crispy lemon and chilis you can’t go wrong with this order.

Make a reservation or order carryout and delivery from the Beatrix location nearest you 

Check out the top fries at Lettuce restaurants near you. 

Buffalo Nachos at RJ GruntsLettuce’s OG restaurant, R.J. Grunts, presents a mash-up of two of the greatest game-day dishes of all time – buffalo wings and nachos – with their Buffalo Nachos with melted pepper jack and cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, chopped fried buffalo chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing.

Make a reservation at R.J. Grunts. Order carryout or delivery at R.J. Grunts.

El Segundo Sol Guacamole presented in a traditional molcajeteEl Segundo Sol has been dishing out some of the best fresh-made Guacamole on the Las Vegas strip! Pair it with one of their signature margaritas and you’ve got yourself a party!

Make a reservation at El Segundo Sol. Order El Segundo Sol for carryout or delivery. 

Click here for El Segundo Sol’s Guacamole recipe. 

Di Pescara Tuna TartarLong-time North Shore favorite, Di Pescara, scores with Tuna Tartare with wonton chips, soy-ginger vinaigrette and avocado.

Make a reservation at Di Pescara. Order carryout or delivery from Di Pescara.

Wildfire Baked Goat cheeseWildfire has a lot of signature dishes, but one that we always love is the Baked Goat Cheese.

Make a reservation or order carryout and delivery from the Wildfire location nearest you. 

Joes Shrimp De JongheJoe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab offers this classic Chicago dish at all locations including Chicago, Las Vegas and D.C. Order up the Shrimp De Jonghe to start, it is the perfect prelude to a delicious filet.

Make a reservation at the Joe’s Seafood location nearest you.  Order carryout and delivery from the Joe’s Seafood location nearest you.

Toasted Almond Garlic spread at EmaYou know you are off to a good start when you order any of Ema’s dips and spreads, like the Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread.

Make a reservation at the Ema location neareast you

Bacon Warpped Dates at Lil Ba Ba ReebaLil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! is the little sister restaurant to tapas icon Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and in true Ba-Ba-Reeba! fashion, the Roasted Dates Wrapped in Bacon with apple cider vinaigrette are a must-order.

Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! Order carryout or delivery from Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Click here for the recipe for Lil Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s Roasted Dates in Bacon.

tallboy taco

To complete your taco spread from Tallboy Taco, be sure to start with the Corn Fundido served with housemade tortilla chips.

Order carryout or delivery from Tallboy Taco.

Make the Corn Fundido at home, click here for the recipe.

Keep Reading