While certainly not a “Midwest thing,” independent burger shops seem to have a better record of longevity in the Midwest than other parts of the country I have traveled through. The “Dairy Mart” in Huntley, IL, about 50 miles west of Chicago, is one such local institution. Serving all the Chicago favorites, hot dogs,… Continue reading Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL
Category: Hamburgers
Fresh Grill Beaverton Reviews
There’s another new burger in town, and you say, so? The latest entry in the new segment of “not fast food – good food fast” are the burgers, chicken, and salads at Fresh Grill, in the out lot by Best Buy and Burlington Coat Factory, across 217 from Washington Square Mall. When you start with… Continue reading Fresh Grill Beaverton Reviews
Vans Frozen Custard – East Dundee, IL
I can probably count on one hand the number of times in my life some place or experience has exceeded my expectations. I can now add Van’s Frozen Custard and Burgers to that list. Housed in a remodeled Standard Oil gas station that dates back to 1927, Van’s is the creation of Tulane graduate Chad… Continue reading Vans Frozen Custard – East Dundee, IL
Tavern on the Hill Follow Up – Duluth, MN
This is a follow up visit, six months after opening, of the Tavern on the Hill, in a new development near the University in Duluth, MN. It’s the weekend of the annual world-famous “Grandma’s Marathon,” the foot race course that hugs the shore of Lake Superior. Runners from all over the world (and locally)… Continue reading Tavern on the Hill Follow Up – Duluth, MN
Jucy Lucy Recipe
The Jucy Lucy (sic) is a burger patty with molten cheese inside. It originated in Minnesota, but the actual birthsite is in dispute, with both Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club in Minneapolis claiming the naming rights. Matt’s uses the spelling of “Jucy,” while the 5-8 adds the “i.” You’ll pay $6.75 at Matt’s, and… Continue reading Jucy Lucy Recipe
Advance Pierre Pretzel Cheeseburger Review
Every time I think I have covered every single availability in the ‘heat and eat’ burger category, I run across a new one. This week it’s the “Pretzel Cheeseburger” from Advance Pierre, arguably the largest manufacturer of heat and eat burgers, and I’ve tried a gaggle of them. While the Ohio company puts out a… Continue reading Advance Pierre Pretzel Cheeseburger Review
Around the Clock Review – Crystal Lake, IL
Despite there being an awfully lot of diners in the US that were founded by, or are run by persons of Greek descent, it’s uncommon that you run into places serving a “Greek burger,” which happens to be a combination I really enjoy. The recipe doesn’t vary much, and usually includes lettuce, tomato, cuke slices,… Continue reading Around the Clock Review – Crystal Lake, IL
Casa Rio Review – Anoka, MN
In order to have an appreciation for the “TexMex” cuisine that Casa Rio serves, one must first have a clear understanding of the difference between “Mexican” food and “TexMex.” The latter is simply Americanized Mexican cuisine that was popularized in Texas during early settler days, and took advantage of local ingredients not commonly available in… Continue reading Casa Rio Review – Anoka, MN
Landshire Double Charbroil Review
And the quest for the perfect gas station sandwich goes on; as you know, I’ve tried a lot of these over the years, as a search of the site will reveal. There have been profiles of industry giant AdvancePierre, (who also makes the frozen Steak N Shake burgers), and regional companies like “Mom’s” out of… Continue reading Landshire Double Charbroil Review
Big Daddys Review, Duluth, MN
Stopped in here before, yakked about it then. May be one of Duluth’s best. Kawika, head of the Minnesota burger posse was back today for the third pound, American cheese, medium rare, and a gajillion fresh cut fries. Most excellent. Full menu online. Find ’em at the top of Piedmont Avenue. Fresh ground daily, hand… Continue reading Big Daddys Review, Duluth, MN