I can't make any arguments for atmosphere, nor would I compare this to a J Alexanders or other higher-level chain, but I got a decent lunch here for $7.
I try not to eat salads in public because it is a frightening site; i basically fill a bucket with salad ingredients and stick my face in. Only my closest friends and relatives have seen me eat a real salad. god help them. Anyway, I tried not to be a complete disaster at Souper Salad, but it was hard. The salad bar is pretty extensive with vegetarian friendly garbanzo beans and just about every vegetable i've ever seen. (ooh they didn't have jicama, and they should.)
After I piled up a plate of leafy and non leafy greens I headed to the soup area where Souper Salad very responsibly lists all the ingredients in their soups, especially noting the vegetarian friendly options. I went for the lentil soup and was not disappointed. some lentil soups are no more than lentils floating in warm water, but this was flavorful. There are also hot baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese and other homey food offerings for Souper Salad diners. I made off with a tiny cheese roll.
There are also some dessert options like soft serve ice cream or chocolate pudding and fresh fruit. Nothing wrong with that!