Belmont Snack Shop

-Grubbing in Chicago

24 Hour Eats in Avondale

I've been enjoying the greasy diners of Chicago my entire life. Sometimes you just want some well made plates of classic Americana. One of the best spots for this is the always open Belmont Snack Shop located on Belmont just west of Kimball. It's a small little space with a wide U shaped counter that hosts seats for about 12 people total. I don't know the history of this place bc it's the type of spot that has little online presence. Aside from google and yelp reviews, most of which are positive, there's little info on this old favorite. Being a 24 hour establishment it draws people from all walks of life.

Locals Favorite in Avondale

One of the things I like to do at these old school greasy diners is study the menu. I'm looking for things you might not find elsewhere. You can get eggs and bacon anywhere. But you don't see chili mac on many menus anymore. They still have it at Belmont Snack Shop though. Normally this is a dish I'll make at home when the hankering comes but Belmont Snack Shop makes a good one for when that hankering comes late at night or when you don't feel like rounding up the ingredients from the store. Other not seen everywhere options from here include a Springfield (IL) style Horseshoe.

Chili Mac (with an egg added on) at Belmont Snack Shop

With this being a diner they make all the classics that come with one. Burgers are fresh 1/2 lb patties of meat that get a real nice sear on the hot flattop. Fries are fresh cut and come with all sandwiches. Every now and then the taste for a classically made club sandwich hits me and it's good to know Belmont Snack Shop will always have a well made (triple decker) ready for me. It's not the best I've tried but the turkey is roasted fresh as they also offer a turkey dinner plate on certain days. The tuna melt isn't necessarily the best I've tried but add bacon and find me a better one after 10pm. Also of note are the hash browns. They're the thicker cut and they crisp them up real nicely around the clock.

 Club Sandwich (w/ fries)  and Tuna Melt (w/ cheesy hash browns) at Belmont Snack Shop

But the item I find myself ordering more times than not is the "Jail Bird special." That's what the longtime night cook calls the fried baloney sandwich. You don't see this Midwest classic at many spots in Chicago or even Illinois for that matter. It seems to be more of an Ohio thing but Belmont Snack Shop makes a great baloney breakfast sandwich. They take a big chunk of sliced baloney and sear it up on the flattop. I like mine with a fried egg and melted American cheese on toasted white.

Baloney Sandwich at Belmont Snack Shop

Belmont Snack Shop
3407 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 293-6100