-Grubbing in Chicago(land)
The Last Bennigan's in Illinois
I recently got the taste for a Monte Cristo which is weird because it’s not a sandwich I seek out in any sort of way. Except for recently when I used a pickup at O’Hare I had to do as an excuse to leave early and ride further west into Elgin where the only Bennigan’s left in the state Illinois of resides.
Locals Favorite in Elgin
For those too young to remember eating at a Bennigan’s it’s a casual dining chain that peaked in the U.S. in the 1980s and 1990s after being founded in Atlanta Georgia back in 1976. Not coincidentally by the same guy who helped build brands like Chili’s and Steak & Ale. At its peak there were 1000’s of outlets but today there’s just 21 left in the U.S including this one found on the outskirts of Elgin. You walk in and it’s like stepping back into time. The entire place is carpeted and outdated TV’s are pinned into the walls while Billy Joel and Chicago (the band) and other 70’s and 80’s artists play on the speakers. As the sign out front says Bennigan’s serves American fare with Irish hospitality. There’s nothing Irish about the menu unless I guess you count the fish and chips or maybe the fact that potatoes are served in a handful of ways including potato skins which are straight out of 80’s.
Monte Cristo at Bennigan's
Bennigan’s didn’t create the Monte Cristo but it’s a big reason why many Americans know of this sandwich said to be an adaptation of the French croque-monsieur, versions of it appeared in U.S. cookbooks as early as the 1930’s. Bennigan’s popularized a very specific and very over-the-top version that went onto become iconic. It starts with honey wheat bread with ham and turkey plus Swiss and American cheese all stacked in a sandwich that’s battered and deep-fried making it more like a savory pastry than a pan grilled sandwich. It’s finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves for dipping. I recall having this sandwich once when we were on a roadtrip somewhere. I remember it was a real vibe inside and I also liked the baked potato soup. So on this visit some 30 years later I started with exactly that. Pro-tip: you can get half a sandwich (which is really one full sandwich) plus your choice of soup for $16. The baked potato soup which was more like gravy - not what I remembered. That said the sandwich was pretty good. I was impressed by the frying job as it was extra crisp without any trace of oil. I’m not big on mixing sweet with savory but it all works well together. I wouldn't eat this regularly but I would get it again if the opportunity came about.
I'd like to know the whole story behind this place because the food seems pretty good but it’s also in a random location connected to a Holiday Inn which seems fitting. I checked the Google reviews and "fish fry" was one of the most common mentions. I was intrigued considering how well the sandwich had been fried. I asked about it and was told it’s the same thing as their fish and chips but on Fridays it’s all you can eat. I said what the heck and put in an order. Not bad. Far from the best version I’ve tried but the batter was crisp and the cod meat inside was a delicate counter to the crunchy batter. It sounds funny to say but if you find yourself out this way you can do worse as far as far as chain food.
Fish and Chips at Bennigan's
Bennigan's
495 Airport Rd
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 488-9900
Website
