At Mendocino Farms, happiness is not just a recommendation; it’s in their motto and way of life. Founded in Los Angeles in 2005, Mendocino Farms opened its doors as a family business with a clear vision: to serve great food and build a welcoming gathering space where happiness flourishes. Built as a fast-casual restaurant, it combines culinary adventure with fresh ingredients and fun flavor combinations. 

With over 70 locations in California and over 90 different locations across the U.S., it currently features three restaurants in Illinois. Mendocino Farms first came to the Chicago area in late August of 2025 when it opened a location in River North before opening a second restaurant inside Willis Tower in that winter. Mendocino Farms aims to continue its happiness mission at Vernon Hills, its most recent Illinois location, located at 913 N. Milwaukee Ave., in the Mellody Farm shopping center. 

After its official Vernon Hills location opening on April 21, I was excited to check out the restaurant that week. 

Food

The casual restaurant chain focuses on sandwiches, salads and seasonal specials, each fulfilling their purpose of making hearts and stomachs happy. The chain works with local farmers and food artisans who share the same standards for quality. They ensure no added hormones, artificial sweeteners, food dyes or artificial flavors are in any of their food. 

The first part of the menu is the Chef’s Specials, consisting of two salads, including The Seasonal GOAT with Sweet Citrus salad and The Farmhouse Ranch Salad. The Chef’s Specials also consisted of the Smoky BBQ Brioche Sandwich, which included smoked pork, BBQ sauce and carrot-apple slaw, all on a cornmeal brioche, which my dad ended up trying.

“I thought it was a very good sandwich with the barbecue and the coleslaw and pickles and the soft bread,” he said. 

For the sandwiches part of the menu, Mendocino Farms aims to bring a twist on the classics. Chicken, turkey and steak are offered, served with melted parmesan cheese, pesto or chimichurri, as some examples. 

The menu also offers two vegetarian sandwich options, such as The Happy Hippie with avocado, hummus and vegan mayo, among other toppings. The Vegan Banh Mi, the sandwich I ordered, included tofu, Thai basil and sweet chili. The tofu was soft and the balance of the Thai basil with the sweet chili and crunchy carrots worked well in the sandwich. 

The sandwich menu prides itself on its selection of bread, including ciabatta, honey whole wheat and sourdough, depending on the sandwich. 

The salads also bring a fun spin to the classics, including a twist on Cobb and Caesar salads, as well as more modern salads, including the Thai Mango Salad or the Baja Green Goddess. 

Sides and soups are also offered, from a traditional Tomato Basil Soup, Southern Potato Salad, and a Spicy Curried Couscous. The sides and soups can also be paired with a sandwich for the combo. 

Overall, the approach of bringing unexpected culinary adventures works as the ingredients are fresh, the combinations are thought-out and dietary restrictions are accounted for on the menu. 

Atmosphere

When you walk straight into Mendocino Farms, you’re greeted with their mission statement and values beside their menu, setting the tone. The space is bright and open, built to accommodate many groups of people, but it’s set up in small tables at different levels to encourage coziness. 

Staff interactions are friendly from the moment you walk up to the counter to order to the second they bring your food over, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on positivity. 

An outside patio area is also set up, perfect as the weather warms up. It’s right next to the Mellody Farm play area, so families have easy access to watching their kids play while waiting for the food to be ready.

Verdict

Mendocino Farms delivers exactly what they promise: great food within a welcoming atmosphere that values happiness as an ingredient. In its over 90 locations and in its Vernon Hills location, the ingredients are fresh, and the atmosphere is inviting. Therefore, it makes it easy to keep returning to, whether to try a classic or see what new special the cooks have created. 

Mendocino Farms in Vernon Hills is a place that everyone should check out – whether you’re looking for a classic with a twist or something a little more adventurous — as it offers a fresh, feel-good experience.