Hakka Bakka

-Grubbing in Chicago 
Indian Street Food

I was weary of this new Indian Fast Food concept that recently opened in Lincoln Park underneath a Depaul dorm. Basically it was the looks, that of a fast food franchise, as well as the location that made me hesitant to care about it's opening. But its also right across the street from my gym and I had heard good things on Instagram which may or may not have been sponsored. Either way my hesitancy turned into a willingness to try the place out which I did so recently.

Newly Opened in Lincoln Park

To be the next Chipotle is something many food spots are trying to complete. You can basically find a Chipotle like concept in every mall across America these days. Hakka Bakka is no different. In fact it's basically an Indian version of Chipotle with Kati rolls replacing burritos.

The Menu on the Wall Inside 

So what exactly is a Kati Roll? Well it's a popular form of street food in Kolkata, India. It consists of diced meat, many places use kabob, thats heavily spiced and wrapped in flatbread made on site and then pan seared. The filling options consist of a few differently spiced lamb and chicken meats as well as paneer for vegetarians. In classic Chipotle like concept they also offer bowls. On my visit in I went for the Lamb Hariyali which is diced leg of lamb seasoned heavily in a cilantro and mint paste. Other options include Tikka (red) and also Reshmi (white). Standard fillings are onion and cucumber and it's rec'd that you try all three sauces inside which is what I did.

Lamb Kati Roll with Masala Fries

I must admit to being very surprised as to how much I liked this quick treat. I don't eat tons of Indian food so I dont know if it's vanilla compared to the good stuff but it did bring a patch of sweat to my forehead which I very much enjoyed. This was much better than Chipotle in my mind. Is it the best Indian food you'll ever have? Doubtful but it did have lots of different flavors and was indeed satisfying on my stop in. As far as the frozen masala fries go, the spicing is one way to make them a little less boring. All in all this is a much better option for Depaul students than Jimmy John's, Chipotle etc and I can see myself stopping in here and there as it's quick and near.

The Insides

Hakka Bakka
1251 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(872) 802-3968
Website

Harold's Bar & Grill

 -Grubbing in Chicago
Where the locals eat.

I'd driven by for a couple months awaiting the arrival of Harold's Bar & Grill #41 on Clybourn just south of Fullerton on the outskirts of Lincoln Park. For those not in the know, Harold's is the fried chicken king of Chicago with locations throughout. Most Harold's Fried Chicken Shacks are on the Southside but now they've moved into one of the more well known Northside neighborhoods.


Fullerton/Clybourn

I forget what was last occupying this space but it's never been kind to any of its tenants although maybe the unofficial fried chicken of Chicago and its name can switch that. They opened up shop last month so we headed over to watch the end of MNF while having a beer and some fried chicken. Something that's going to get easier and easier to do in Chicago as the trend moves in.

As you enter

It has two separate rooms with tables in each and an ordering station in one room and the bar in the other. Each rooms have flat screens for your viewing pleasure. This isn't your typical southside Harold's Chicken Shack it's more like a bar that serves fried chicken. But that fried chicken is indeed Harold's. The owners of this location also own the other #41 which is in Greektown and another one I cant remember. The menu has all the chicken options including livers and gizzards as well as the fish options and some other sides not seen at all others like homemade sweet potato fries.

The Bar inside

The fact they're open 'til Midnight on the Weekdays and 2am on Weekends and serve alcoholic beverages might make this a popular place for some. My wings were fried right and they brought that hot and mild tingle to my tongue. So I'm sure I'll be back sooner than later. Harold's continues it's push into Northerners territory. This once dead area for food also has Polka Deli kiddie corner now too. Great Polish Sausage. More on them later.


Harold's Hot & Mild Wings

Harold's Bar & Grill #41
2360 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-9495

Devil Dawgs

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

School is back in session all around the country. So today we head over to a hot dog stand in Lincoln Park located in the Depaul University part of the neighborhood. Devil Dawgs opened up a few years back with the idea of bringing the students of Depaul a hot dog stand. It's a small little spot that sits in what I believe used to be a florist shop or maybe a cleaners. Nonetheless it's done well since it's opening and I can concur its worth a stop, even if your not going back to your dorm sloppy drunk at 2a on a Friday.


a favorite stop of Lincoln Park partygoers and students alike

I was at first very interested when I saw Devil Dawgs set to open up in the old neighborhood. As a kid we lived off the now gone Demon Dogs, I was hoping they were going to either be people who were at once associated with the former all time great hot dog stand that used to sit under the Fullerton el stop or trying to bring back what Demon Dogs once was. It's not exactly Demon Dogs but this doesnt matter because Devil Dawgs is dope too.

My old favorite from my youth, RIP (Pic by halo969 flickr acct.)

The menu is fairly small and to the point. You got hot dogs that come in both Chicago styles, that's pickle and all as well as the minimalist with just mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers. They also feature a few other hot dog toppings as well as fresh cut fried and burgers. I think on my first trip I went with their version of a Coney dog and came away impressed to the point where I've had quite a few since. One of the better Coney's in Chicago I like their sauce a whole lot and also am a fan on melted shreds of real cheddar on top. One of the best dogs around with a Chili/Coney topping is what I would consider them to be.


Coney Dog from Devil Dawgs

They also do up some world class fries over there. Fresh hand cut and always fried to a perfect crisp I think Devil Dawgs could hold their own with anybody around when it comes to their fried spuds. Fries dont come with dogs but orders do come with a whole bunch of them in it. A few people could easily split a bag amongst each other. They use Red Hot Chicago brand for their dogs which are very tasty but I still like the other dog options better than the Chicago from here anyway.

Fresh Cut Fries from Devil Dawgs


Chicago Style

Another real treat worth checking out is something I "created" on a visit. I use the quotes because I didn't create the West Virginia slaw dog but I did first ask for it to be made. They offer cole slaw as a topping which is a popular pick in the south. Since they also have the Coney sauce I said why not, I've always wanted to try one. Hot dog with chili sauce, mustard, onions and cole slaw is the closest thing your going to get to a slaw dog in Chicago.


West Virginia Slaw Dog in Chicago

But the real star of the show at Dawgs are the burgers. I wasn't expecting this when I first tried but was told so by a bartender at a bar I frequent down the street. HE said they reminded him a little bit of In and out and while I wouldn't say that I would say they are great, best in LP for this style for sure. They take fresh ground sirloin steak patties which are trimmed to order. They'll throw the ball of beef onto the flattop and smash it, my preferred way, and then top throw them on fresh egg buns. They're small and come in single, double and triple form and I love a couple doubles after a night out in LP. If I was a student at Depaul I would of been here daily for one or two of these. Lucky for me, I'm in the neighborhood. Check 'em out and follow me @chibbqking.


Double Cheeseburger from Devil Dawgs

Devil Dawgs
2147 North Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-4300
Website

Chicago's Dog House

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

School is back in session around Chicago college campuses and with it comes hungry students and an increase in business for their neighborhood eateries. It was a year or two back when Lincoln Park saw three different hot dog stands pop up outta nowhere. I've been to all of them a few times now and am going to feature Chicago's Dog House in today's Hot dog Stand tour. Its on Fullerton right across from Depaul University at the Lincoln, Halsted and Fullerton intersection. In a little over a year they have developed quite a fanbase of which includes myself.


In the heart of Lincoln Park/Depaul

The Dog House was started by a a few friends from the neighborhood who wanted to bring the Depaul students as well as neighborhood residents a hot dog stand for when the cravings for 'em came. The duo decided to hell with the desk life when they graduated college and came up with Chicago's Dog House which features a great selection of specialty hot dogs, Chicago style, Polish sausage as well as different gourmet sausages and a few sandwiches and burgers. Inside this place is your average Chicago Hot Dog Stand taken up another notch. Its got some funk to it and fits in well with the college feel of the area. There are a few tables as well as some stools along the window for people to dine in and take out is popular and a quick quality option if in the area.


The menu for Hot Dogs and Sandwiches


Gourmet sausages are ordered from local butchers and can switch

I've been to the Dog House countless times since it opened and when I didn't have a car for a few months it really satisfied my chow cravings. So I've been going here for a while now and have come to try many different items but am still working my way thru the entire menu. The first thing I had to try from here was going to be the "Chicago style" dog and of course that would be with fries. I think this was a good way to see whats up with the place and what they were offering. Chicago's uses Vienna Beef hot dogs and they grill them before topping them with your standard Chicago style toppings. I was quite impressed with theirs because I prefer my dog grilled when I'm getting it Chicago style with the whole nine yards of tomato's, pickles, peppers etc...I've had quite a few Chicago styles since but am always trying to explore the menu. One dog I wont be trying is the Blagojevich which comes with ketchup (opening bid is a $1000). Notice the chip's? or as they're called at Chicago's Dog House, frips.


Chicago Style with Frips

You ever order those fresh made chips at your local state fair or carnival? You know the ones where they take a potato and put it thru a drill and it comes out as one big piece which is then throw into a deep fryer and cooked for a couple minutes then served to you? Basically fresh as it gets potato chips so they have a fry like taste to them hence the name frips. Well that's what they got instead of fries and I think that's pretty damn cool and creative. You can watch them drill the potato and throw it in the fryer just like at the state fair and they're also pretty damn good and helluvaddicting.


Frips are a cross between fries and chips

You'll see on the menu pictured up above their are a selection of specialty hot dogs which are grilled Vienna Beef wieners topped with non traditional Chicago style condiments. I've been thru a good portion of them and have a few that I have gotten on multiple visits. One of those is the Snoop Dog which comes with chili, cheese and onions and is a fine example of a chili cheese dog and the grilled wiener goes great with them. Another standout is their corn dog which is freshly battered. I also like the Mayor Daley which can be seen below. Let me take you thru a few that I have tried and recommend that you get over there and do the same. Its a nice addition to the old neighborhood and a worthy late nite option on weekends if drinking in the area.


Chili cheese dog


Chihuahua dog (hot sauce, gauc, chihuahua cheese, onion, tomato)


T-Frank (bacon, cream cheese, avocado, hot sauce)


Obama (sauteed pineapple)


Mayor Daley (Irish cheddar, caramelized onions, smokey dijon)


fresh dipped corn dog

Chicago's Dog House
816 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-3647
Website

Hip Asian in LP

-Oh Yeah, I've been there too
Little Brothers

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park/Depaul
Cuisine: Korean/Pan Asian
Price Range: $8-$10
Would I go again? Ya I'll get back there again, I enjoyed my first visit


a popular stop for students in Lincoln Park

Little Brothers has been open for a few years now, maybe even just a couple and it seems to be doing pretty well. Its on Fullerton right off Lincoln about a block down from the Fullerton Red Line stop and right near the Depaul campus. Its menu is pretty simple and it can best be described as Hip Asian with a feature on Korean menu items. What is hip Asian you ask? Its basically a spot that was made to attract the young aged crowd that it rests around. The main menu item ordered from here are plates and they come with two sides. You can build your plate with steak, chicken or tofu and have your meat one of three ways-Korean Spicy, Thai Sweet Chili or teriyaki. For those that cant decide you can also go with a two meat plate or just get all three. On my first visit I got a steak Korean Spicy style and got some dumplings and edamame to go with it along with a big side of white rice. I was very pleased with my plate and am eager to try it again and have my eye on another favorite of mine they have on the menu bibimbap. The steak was really tender and had some great flavor. I like how they keep the menu small yet still give you a nice selection that everyone can find something they like from it.


Korean Spicy Steak Plate

Little Brothers
818 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 661-6482

Branko's

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where the Depaul students eat.

If you have lived in the Depaul section of Lincoln Park at anytime since 1977 then today's post is going to be very familiar. When I think of a true mom and pop, all in the family run type joint, Branko's is the best example that I know of. Its been like this since Mama and Papa Branko first opened their doors to the Depaul students and neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Its a spot I've been going to since I was 7, 8 years old and nothing has changed. While the neighborhood has seen drastic change Branko's has remained the same. Upon your entry you are greeted by the same photo's of Papa Branko and the 20 foot submarines along with plenty of pics of Coach Ray Meyer and Vienna Beef posters and other photos from thru the years too.

When I was growing up it was mainly run by the older couple and their two daughters would often help. While the couple is still there most of the time, one of the two daughters (the other doesn't work there anymore) has taken over the random acts of kindness and she is as sweet as she ever was. You'll know its her when you get a "hiya honey, what can I get for a you today" She's basically watched me grow, although some would argue that's just in height, weight and age-not maturity.

a Depaul university/Lincoln Park staple

Its too bad the Depaul basketball program and idiot school president don't know anything about consistency and dedication like Branko's does. I suggest to the fools who hire coaches at the school to do everything they can to bring in a home town Chicago born and rasied coach Craig Robinson. I think getting him and doing whatever you can to get him here would be the best thing the program did since Ray Mayer recruited George Mikan. It would be instant exposure and get the schools name back in the news and create a buzz in the sports world. How are you going to have the best high school basketball talent in the country, right in your own backyard, play in the Big East conference and not be able to make something of it? They need to look into opening a stadium near campus, How about where the A. Finkl & Sons metal plant is right now after they move out? Now back to the food. Is there anything more blue collar Chicago than the original Pizza Puff? You can expect a story on this signature Chicago fast food and its history at a later date.


Are your pizza puffs Iltaco? You bet they are at Branko's

The menu at Branko's is your usual Chicago fast food fare. Popular items include the Hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros and Italian beefs. However everyone has something they like at Branko's and since I use to go there up to 5 times a week as a kid I've been through it all. During my youth I used to order a beef 8 out of 1o times when I was there to eat. If I was stopping in for a snack after school I always got a gravy bread and a cheese fries. In fact the reason that Gravy Bread is on the menu is because of me. I ordered it so much back in the day they eventually put it on the menu. I also want to congratulate the whole family on the shops recent induction into the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame. The HOF plaque now rests on the wall with the other photos that have been there forever.


Double Cheese with fries is a great deal for $5 and change and way better than McD's


Branko's famous chicken sandwich is the Depaulia's favorite


Grilled Chix Sub-same great marinated chix breast patty on a French Bun

What makes a place like Branko's so good is the wonderful warm hearted service. When you put that with quality fast food at a reasonable price you can see why they are the newest inductee into the Vienna Beef HOF. In a city where burger and dog joints are abundant you wont find any that will cut you some slack if your a little short on cash. "Oh don't worry about honey, I know you, next time you get me back" Its been thirty two years of this type of service and good quality fast food fare at reasonable price. Its easy to see why its a neighborhood favorite of locals, students, construction and just about anyone who's ever been to Branko's has most likely been back. Now there's a reason for that.


Gyros Sub (gyro meat with lettuce, tomato, onions, tsatsiki sauce and seasoning)


Branko's has something for everyone

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Branko's Sandwich Shop
1118 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-4873

Gyro's from Athenian Room

--Got Beef? (and lamb)
KingT's gyro-tron

The Athenian Room is an old Lincoln Park favorite. Its been here much longer than 95% of the 'hood's yuppie and young family populations and is as much a part of the Depaul Neighborhood as the University itself. Its also a place that I've been eating at for 20+ years and I can honestly say I have never had a meal that didn't hit the spot. Normally I would post about a place and its food all in one article but the AR has some special items that need to be highlighted in their own spot-much like the amazing char-grilled feta burger got. While there isn't a bad item to be had on the menu which is small but also just right, the gyros have to be the restaurants most popular ordered item. On those day's I just cant decide between a burger, steak or Kalamata chicken Ill just get a gyros knowing that its always going to be a good choice.


Since 1973 for a reason

I have already pointed out in previous articles that there are very few places these days that make a homemade gyros here in Chicago. Its not that were not a gyro town its because we are the gyro town. If you live somewhere else in the country and eat gyros' then odds are the meat came from Chicago. Just last month there was a spectacular article in the New York Times telling the story of the gyro and its history here in Chicago. I would highly recommend reading the story, but great story short-Chicago has five major Gyro cone making companies and gyros were introduced to the US in Chicago in 1965. These companies each have their own secret recipe which they use to make the meat cones that are then distributed across the world to restaurants and food shacks who have gyros on the menu. The reason that there are five factories here in Chicago is the demand for a cheap meal has always been there especially in today's economy. Maybe that's why all five companies (which are private) have reported sales way up this year.

Its easy to see why since a gyros dinner from the AR has always been one of the best meals that will fill you up for under $10. The restaurant uses Devenco who makes eight different gyro recipes alone so its pretty serious over there. Since all the spots basically get the same cones just maybe from different companies-its all about how the place prepares them. I like my gyro's well browned from the spit and sliced extra thin. I'm not big on gyros when they are cut thick, it gives them different texture. I need mine thin and crispy and the AR has been doing that forever combine that with their amazing Greek fries (more on them here) and its just a real satisfying meal. Its easy to see why they always have different groups of people enjoying the food on a daily basis. Whats even better than all this? well since there combined with Glascott's next door its also the best gyro you can find to have a drink and watch the game while eating.


Gyros dinner from Athenian Room

Rating Scale: 5/5

Gyro meat: 4
tzatziki: 3
fries: 5
freshness of pita and toppings: 4

Score: 16/20

Athenian Room
807 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614-3628
(773) 348-5155