Tag: Chicago Hamburger

Happ Inn Bar and Grill Review, Northfield, IL

The dictionary defines “hospitality” as “generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests.” Restaurants are certainly part of the hospitality segment of business, yet many fail to remember putting the word into practice. Not so at the Happ Inn, a casual but remarkable eatery in the northern Chicago suburb of Northfield, IL. From the moment of… Continue reading Happ Inn Bar and Grill Review, Northfield, IL

Fatsos Last Stand Review – Chicago, IL

Fatsos Last Stand, in Chicago west of the Loop, is retro and haute cuisine at the same time. Conceived as a neighborhood hot dog stand, the original owner committed to delivering the best of class food possible. And he achieved it, with damned tasty burgers, Chicago style hot dogs, and fried shrimp (another Chicago staple).… Continue reading Fatsos Last Stand Review – Chicago, IL

Kojaks Review – Cary, IL

One of hundreds (thousands) of independent “hot dog” (for lack of a better description) stands, Kojaks, in the Chicago NW suburb of Cary, serves satisfying Chicago staples, cooked to order, at value pricing.  Dogs, sausage, burgers, gyros with the proper side dishes, and an expanded menu that includes items beyond what most of its competitors… Continue reading Kojaks Review – Cary, IL

Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL

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

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

Fuddruckers Review

Spoiler alert.  I really enjoyed this visit.   Can’t remember when the last time was that I stopped in a Fuddruckers, but it was certainly prior to their menu expansion, including “exotic” burgers, like elk, boar, turkey, kobe, and others (depending on location). I went with the elk ($9.99) and it was cooked to order,… Continue reading Fuddruckers Review

Chicago, IL – Superdawg Drive In Review

For over sixty years, Superdawg has been serving up their special menu of hot dogs, burgers, fries and shakes in Northwest Chicago.  It’s still run by the family of the founder, and I always appreciate that type of business and try to patronize them more often than not. In virtually any list of the top… Continue reading Chicago, IL – Superdawg Drive In Review

Regional Chain – Meatheads Burgers and Fries Review

I went to try Meatheads for a second time, and had a great experience.  Their newest location, in the posh Chicago suburb of Barrington, Illinois, fits right in, adjacent to the fabulous Heinen’s grocery.  It’s fitting that such an upscale town gets an upscale burger place like Meatheads. The first thing I noticed on this… Continue reading Regional Chain – Meatheads Burgers and Fries Review

Regional Chain – Meatheads Burgers and Fries Reviews

Started by a former exec of Potbelly and Einstein Bagels (according to Wikipedia) , Meatheads sprang to life in Bloomington, IL, in 2007 where the local college population took a shine to it.  Now with a dozen company-owned stores, this ‘fast-casual’ concept is trying to differentiate itself from competitors like Five Guys and Smashburger with… Continue reading Regional Chain – Meatheads Burgers and Fries Reviews