Fast Track

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

While working on a recent project for Chicago Magazine (stay tuned) I had the daily urge for a Chicago dog (a clue). Let’s just say they were on my mind quite regularly and when that’s the case I tend to go on binges. Not just that but I’m in a FB group revolving around Chicago food and hot dogs from around town are commonly posted. One of the recent postings over there that caught my eye was Fast Track located in the West Loop. A spot I probably hadn’t visited in more than a decade. 

Locals Favorite in West Loop

Fast Track is a classic Chicago hot dog stand. They got Hall of Fame recognition from Vienna Beef in 2015 which at the time was close to a quarter century that they'd been in business. So they must be coming up on 30 years open. The menu here is a what's what of Chicago style fast food including fried shrimp from Lawrence's down on S. Canal. All that said I was returning for a char dog which was what I saw in the social media picture that got me in. It's a natural casing Vienna Beef wiener and the option to have it steamed is also available. It's a pretty picture perfect example and it tasted like one too. Fries don't come with the hot dogs ($3.99) here but they make a thinner fresh cut variety that get nice and crisp. Plus you have the option to add Merkt's cheddar spread. The atmosphere is top notch too, as are the decorations inside and outside. Glad I returned and could document them on here. 

Chicago Style Char Dog with Fries and Cheese at Fast Track 

Fast Track

629 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 993-9300
Website

The Hat

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

The Hat opened sometime around the end of last Summer. Upon it's opening I'm sure it caught many peoples attention as they were driving down Ashland, they put a large sign up. It's located at it and the intersection of North avenue directly across the street from the Hollywood Grill which is owned by the same people. They're giving folks the option of diner style food or Chicago style fast food throughout the day and late into the early morning (Open until 6a on Fri/Sat and 3a all other days).

Chicago Style Fast Food at North and Ashland

I stopped into here a few times since it's opening. Although I've stuck with just a couple items they offer all the Chicago style classics. I do want to give both the burger and the chicken sandwich a try but for now I've been settled in on the cheese fries, the hot dog and when warm outside I liked their banana shake made with fresh fruit. Come back soon Summer.

The Hat Loaded Fries

On my first visit the loaded fries were pretty great. Taking the flavor profile of a potato skin they enhance standard frozen fries greatly by using Merkt's cheddar spread, sour cream and bacon bits. The first time the bacon was bits of real bacon but since then they've been actual bacon bits from the package. So they went down a notch but remain tasty. The dogs are offered steamed or charred and both are good though I prefer their char. Like me they cut them at the ends making the first and last bite the last. Stoned and sober The Hat works well for everyone in need of a quick Chi-Style eat.

Char Dog

The Hat
1604 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-5000
Website

Crazy Bird

-Grubbing in Chicago  
New to the 'Scene'

I'd gotten recent word over at LTHforum that an old favorite of the board was back at it. Larry Tucker who owned previous BBQ spots in Chicago before disappearing for a while recently got back into the food game. He's jumping into the fried chicken craze with his newest venture located South on California on the city's West Side.

The newly opened Crazy Bird

I stopped in here for lunch this past weekend and was greeted by Larry and his lovely wife who helps run the show. While the inside is pretty minimum they've given it a little bit of life with a nice yellow paint job and a table with a few stools to sit down and eat in front looking out the windows. Despite the bullet-proof glass both husband and wife popped out from behind to have a chat and then hand me my food. Before my chicken was ready Larry asked me to try what's going to be his newest menu item. The Crazy Bird fries are fresh cut spuds that get topped with a white cheddar and chicken gravy as well as bits of real bacon, green onions and truffle oil. House BBQ sauce comes on the side. This is truly an excellent order of fries.

a peak inside + Crazy Bird Fries

As you may have peeped in the picture of the outside they have a unique to Chicago aquarium style smoker and on the weekends they're serving rib tips and jerk chicken. As mentioned the star of the show is the fried chicken which get this, wont set you back an hours worth of wages like so many of the recent trendier spots to open shop. How is it? Pretty good. The pieces are smaller but I actually prefer this, I hate bigger than norm pieces that get too rubbery upon cooking. Its fried to order and comes out with a crisp coating that sticks to the meat upon first bite. Overall this was a nice style of fried. The sides are all homemade in small batches and I could taste that in the sweet potatoes and also the white rice with white gravy which is the same stuff used on the fries. Since I visited on a weekend day I got to try a combo with 1/4 chicken and an 8 oz rib tips that came with bread and fresh cut fries ($8.95). The tips were pretty darn good though some pieces much better than others. It takes a little bit of time to get used to a new rig so I don't have a problem with that happening. Overall I was impressed. Nice to see Larry back at it.

Combo Chicken and Rib Tips

Crazy Bird
1138 S. California
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 801-0451

Edzo's Burger Shop

-Got beef?
The Burgers of Chi

May is National Hamburger Month and to celebrate we're doing all burgers all month long here at S'C'&C. It's only fitting that the first place to be showcased is chibbqking favorite Edzo's in Evanston. Located downtown in the one suburb I could stand living in (at a young age) Edzo's came onto the scene in the fall of '09 and has never looked back. The burger and shake shop became an immediate favorite with everyone from everywhere and is now one of E-Town's best food gems. When people ask me where the spot to go for a burger is, I tell them Edzo's and this report will show you why. Edzo's is owned by Eddie Lakin who's also (or was) a professional chef. I only say 'was' because Edzo's isn't going anywhere. It's simply fantastic.


an instant classic in downtown Evanston

Eddie trained at The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and spent time at fine dining fancy's like Tru and also worked in kitchens overseas in Barcelona and Bologna. Anyone that works the kitchen in a fine dining establishment knows that it's non stop never ending days that can take up your entire time. As any smart man that likes to live life knows, that's not what you want. So when it was time to settle down as he started his family an idea came to mind. Much like me, Eddie is a food junkie, we love to hit up the locals favorite places wherever we are and so said Eddie "I'm going to start my own". When you grow up in Chicagoland you tend to eat at alot of Chicago style fast food places and we all have our favorites and they're usually the ones we grew up on. So he set out to recreate a place that is fun to go to and also great to eat at and the result is a grand slam. Walk off style baby, it's over! Edzo's has got the game on lock.


Edzo's has some of the best milkshakes anywhere

I mentioned how Eddie is a fellow food enthusiast and his idea for burgers was brilliant. When it comes to fast food, Chicagoland has it all, the best it gets, but we all know hot dogs and Italian beefs reign supreme. While theres so many great burgers to be had in the area, most of them are on the southside or in bars/restaurants. So Eddie decided to open his own place in the way of many great Chicagoland Hot Dog stands except the focus here is on the hamburger. He even documented the whole process and did all the right research. He settled on downtown Evanston which has clearly embraced him, his staff and their 'Gourmet' Chicago style fast food. Edzo's has been rewarded for their dedication with constant customers and I would go as far to say there arent but a handful of people who have only eaten there once. It's a winner for everyone.


The view of the inside from the back

Edzo's is a place where you can have your burger, your way and that's no BS unlike some other places who like to claim the same. Eddie used input from the local Chicago based online food community called LTH and checked out famous burger spots around the city and hit them up while on family vaca's in Wisconsin and other spots around the Midwest too. After receiving advice from burger nuts like myself and listening to what the people like he decided that their signature burger would be your choice. You see if I had to say Chicago had it's own style of burger I would tell you that burger is a big juicy char grilled (1/3 to a 1/2 pound) patty, tavern style, with the option of Merkt's cheese spread and grilled onions which are both a must. That burger is an option at Edzo's. Except there's also thinner '30's style' griddled burgers which start off as fresh balls of beef that are then smashed thin and cooked to crispy excellence. Eddie didn't leave everything behind from the fancy fine dining places he once worked at and they grind their own meat in house. It's excellent.

a view of part of the burger preparation station

Eddie took the best of both worlds when it comes to burgers. I love both styles as well as steamed and really anything that has good quality beef between a bun and I cant think of any other burger place around that has not one but two signature styles. Eddie didn't stop there though and also uses hand cut fries that come in a variety of options and they are all fantastic. One of the unique options available is 'old fries' which are the same fresh cut fries made in house except crispy as a cracklin'. Instead of being soft on the inside like the regular fries these are fried again leftovers that didn't get served after initial frying. You gotta love how instead of serving actual old cold fries to customers, he takes them and makes them even better by frying them again. You cant go wrong either way but if you like crunchy chip like french fries then try them this way. I always go with the giardineria or Merkt's cheese as a topping but aside from those two and of course plain they offer them buffalo style with sauce and blue cheese, garlic fries, truffle fries and ten ways total in the end. Shout out to my guy stevez from LTH who combined the old fries with hot peppers (giardineria) and created one of the cities best eats.


Cheese fries made with Merkt's cheddar spread, a Chi Town tradition


'Old Fries' with Chicago style hot peppers from Edzo's

My visits to Edzo's are always what Eddie was envisioning they be when he got the place started and that's fun. You can almost always expect a line but it's not like this isn't a good thing, you know all the legendary spots usually have a line but don't worry because it moves fast. Eddie and his staff treat the customers as if it's a fine dining experience making sure every last second of your visit is a pleasant one. You cant find this kind of hospitality combined with gourmet fast food at may other places and as if all that didn't make it amazing, the price is right too. As you enter you take your place in line and can grab a menu and take a look at the days special milkshakes menu while you wait. Edzo's offers up unique options like a Nutella blended beauty as well as one with cola and a few Mexican influenced winners as well. Tables are come and go but they really got a great flow here and one will pop up before your food is ready. You place your order with Eddie who seems to know everyone which proves what I was saying up above, once you go once, your guaranteed to go back. After your order you walk down to the burger station or wait at your table for your name to be called when ready. The action is at the grill. Check this video below.


Amazing how you can get burgers smashed or charred...and I luv it!

If you ask me which is the way to go at Edzo's, I'd simply say "I don't know" and that's because it's all good baby. When doing his research before opening up Eddie realized how much people love their burgers served the old school smashed way. It's how almost everyone did it back in the day but sadly has now almost gone away completely especially in Chicagoland. You take a fresh 4 oz ball of beef and throw it onto the griddle and let cook it for a few minutes and then take something heavy and flat like a spatula and smash the ball into a patty like that seen in the video above. The result is a simple taste that takes you to heaven. It's a damn shame so many places use shortcuts when it's not all that hard in the first place. You just gotta love what you do and that's the case at Edzo's. I always get my '30's style' smashed burger a double so the meat to bun ratio is perfect. I prefer mine with just pickles, mustard and grilled onions and while the flavor combo may be simple, it's simply succulent.


Double griddled cheeseburger from Edzo's

I think the 8 oz char grilled burgers there are as good of a char burger as your going to get anywhere. The meat is fresh ground and full of flavor and they cook it to your request. If you like pink in the middle like I do, you get it your way if you want that. Burgers arent meant to be too fancy and when they are they usually don't live up to their elegant looks. Edzo's offers the only toppings you need which is the usual assortment of veggies as well as different cheeses including cheddar spread and of course fried eggs and bacon. So you make your style of burger your way and when I'm doing a char burger I need Merkt's on mine. When you combine the char taste from the beef with the cheddar spread and grilled onions you get greatness and Edzo's char burgers are glorious. The only complicated part about eating at Edzo's is choosing what kind of burger your going to go with. Read on.


Edzo's char grilled cheddar burger

Is there anything more mouth watering than a patty melt when you need one? When I get the cravings for a melt I just need to get to one like a crackhead needs crack. I'm happy to say that I now know that Edzo's is the best hook up in town. That's because I finally tried one and I was ecstatic with it. They offer the option of either style patty but you gotta go with the 4 oz griddled one as this is the traditional way of making them. While some may claim a patty melt isn't a burger, I say boo hoo! It's a beef patty in between bread which is related to the bun. It's a burger damnit.


Edzo's All American Patty Melt...Perfection!

Just like the previous two burgers everything in a melt molds together to make something that tastes great. The combo of a griddled greasy burger with sauteed onions and melted cheese in between a couple slices of rye bread is something special. At Edzo's, as is the case with everything else simple yet special, they take the patty melt to another level. I'm getting hungry and cranky as I write this so I have no fancy words to describe this stunner except this is Patty perfection my friends. So if you love burgers as much as I do then let me tell you, Edzo's is where it's at. Check it out.


The insides of Edzo's perfect patty melt

Edzo's Burger Shop
1571 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3396
Website

Byron's Hot Dog Haus

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

Hey, hey what da ya say, it's opening day on the Northside here in Chi. The Cubbies have a new look for 2011 but the local's favorite hot dog stand visited by many Cubs fans were headed too today has always remained the same. Byron's Hot Dog Haus has long been a favorite for a pre or post Cubs game meal and is a quintessential Chicagoland hot stand. Just like the rest of the best, it's all about the dogs at this tiny hot dog stand located just below the Sheridan El train stop on Irving Park road in Lakeview. Byron's is tiny and has no seating inside nor bathrooms but they do have a tent that sits about 30 people located outside next door seen in the pic below. The hope might only be around during May for Cubs fans but they can always rely on Byron's being there for them when they need something good in their summertime life, and this is from a lifelong Cub's fan...


a longtime Chicago Cubs fan's favorite


Byron's is always better at night...


They have always proudly packed aka loaded their hot dogs


The view as you enter

Byron's has been around since 1975 and started out in the little shack on Irving Park seen above. Eventually they became well known for their fully loaded Chicago style hot dogs and before you knew it they had multiple locations and were cementing themselves into Chicago hot dog culture lure. When I was a kid I remember we would go to the Byron's that was located at North and Clybourn. They had a huge structure that was this ball with neon spikes coming out of it. I loved that and the loaded hot dogs and lived for the fresh from the fountain Green River. Like alot of other old school long gone places in the city this location was demolished, for a Crate & Barrel !?!?WTF?!?! As the years passed locations opened up and some closed like the spot that used to share a building with the old Yum Yum Donuts on Clark street right next door to Wrigley Field. They are now so well known that they were chosen to make their famous hot dogs at the White House congressional picnic last June. They are also a member of the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame.


A well known White Sox fan has his photo inside this Cub's fans hot dog stand

Byron's has a pretty extensive menu including all the Chicago hot dog stand regulars. Along with the dogs and sausage they got burgers, gyros, beefs and a whole bunch of other stoner's delights. I've been going to different locations for ages and I'll tell you right now it's all about the hot dogs. It's impossible for someone like me who's been to all of them to name the best but Byron's does have a cult following and that's usually how you figure out which dogs are most beloved by city folk like myself. Once you walk into the tiny inside area you go straight ahead and place your order with the dude manning the grill. The employees here are pros at what they do and will take care you quickly and swiftly. They get alot done in the 12x4 foot workplace they work in.


The grill with dogs and sausages with the fryer to the left

After you've placed your order with the grill man you continue down the aisle a few feet and graze over the condiment stand. This is what elevated Byron's past many of the other 100's of hot dog stands around town. Byron's brought new meaning to the term "drag it thru the garden" as they literally put a small salad on top. Your topping options are mustard, onions, relish, lettuce, tomato, green peppers, pickles, cucumbers, sport peppers and celery salt. Hell I may be forgetting a few but that gives you an idea of just how stacked these dogs there get.


The overtop view for you of the condiment bar

As I was saying about the hot dogs, these are the way to go at Byron's. The only other option I would recommend is their Polish sausage. The other options arent bad but can be hit and miss unless your inebriated in which case it all tastes great. Nonetheless they still give you options when it comes to ordering yourself a hot dog. They come in three sizes and once made they are dressed up your way. Lets take a look at all three.


Byron's regular (small) hot dog

The small hot dog is my least favorite of the three, but it is what I eat when I want to feel healthy. The reason being is because it's more like a salad with a hot dog on top. They use Vienna Beef hot dogs at byron's and for the small dogs they take them out of the steamer so some people like the small ones due to the fact they are steamed. I like the steamed dog dragged thru da garden but just wish theirs was bigger.


Byron's Jumbo sized (medium) hot dog with cheese fries

I would say the jumbo size dog is the way to go at Byron's. This was my standard order as a youth, along with my much missed (It's still avail. but not the same as when I was a kid) Green River Pop. The jumbo dogs are grilled and have a nice crisp exterior that works well with all the veggies. I'm not a big fan of relish so I don't include that on my dog but I do get everything else and have them load it on. As is noted I'm more of a minimalist depression Chicago style hot dog guy but I like me a garden dog from time to time too. The fries at Byron's are alright, similar to McDonald's they are better than most places frozen fries which is what they are. They used to really hook you up when you ordered them (fries don't come with the dogs) but have held back the last few years. I like these fries when I'm really hungry (out of a sober mind) and will order them with the gooey neon orange cheese on the side. For some reason I love that stuff with their fries.


Godzilla Dog (large) from Byron's Hot Dog Haus

Then there is the Dogzilla. This half pound monster is specially made for Byron's by Vienna Beef and is a favorite of the nighttime crowd and all blue collar city employees. I have had a few Dogzilla's in my day and you really do need a knife and fork to eat this thing. Unless your a porn star it's not easy to eat. It's hard to swallow a small piece of this sausage that is cut up let alone the whole thing with the toppings on top. But that's half the fun and I imagine part of its attraction to the drunken customers. I look forward to a Byron's Hot Dog and Cubs game this summer. I wont get too much into the 2011 season here on the site but I have lifted my self imposed Wrigley Field ban. So I will attend a few games this year as I like the new start we Cubs fans are getting. But if you wanna get deep into some baseball talk come find me at one of da bars around town and we'll have a few and talk some Mike Quade and what else the future holds for those of us up north who've been patiently waiting since 1909.


The Dogzilla fully loaded is superfan food

Byron's Hot Dog Haus
1017 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-7474

Del Seoul

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where those in with the trend eat at.

Anyone who reads my site knows that I like to stay away from what everyone else is talking and writing about in the food world. I try and explore the less known joints you wont find in Timeout or Metromix, the places that locals have been eating at long before whoever writes the stories about the trendy spots moved here into the city. However I don't have a problem with new places or spots that are going with the trend, just as long as they do what they're doing right. So when Del Seoul opened up in my (born and raised) neighborhood I was intrigued since it was basically the first Korean taco joint in Chicago, a trend that has swept thru LA and other parts of the country. I was even invited to come in for a special sneak peak but I didn't feel that was fair since no one else ever knows who I am at these places I go too. So even though I declined on the special guest invite, I have been over there to eat on a few occasions since it. They didn't know it was me.


a new on the scene and hot spot in Lincoln Park

Del Seoul is a Korean joint with some fusion added in. Since our people in politics are too stupid to allow street food and trucks etc, Korean tacos were relatively unknown in the area until Del Seoul brought them to it when they opened. Aside from the ever so popular tacos, they also do a traditional Korean bi bim bop as well as grilled Korean bbq plates and a few other things. The menu is actually small but getting bigger as they get settled in. It's been busy from out the gate so I respect what they've been doing the last 8-10 months since they've been open. Lets take a look at some of the menu items offered. All of these are inspired by the popular street foods of Korea and California.


Rockin' kimchi

^Many of the menus items are made using the owners grandmas old recipes. In fact both he mom and grandma can be found in the back kitchen doing up their specialties, I've seen it firsthand. The kimchi was one of the best versions I've had and I have bought some just to have in the fridge and play around with in dishes I make before. I thought it was really good and I hope they get a kimchi burger onto the menu board sometime soon. Also great but not pictured are the market picklz, which are Kirby cucumbers with toasted sesame seeds and chili. God stuff ma'aan.


Seoul Style Street Dumplings

^The dumplings are my favorite menu item at Del Seoul. In fact they are some of my favorite dumplings in the entire city. This is one of those old time family recipes they use and I always get an order when I go to eat here. So they say the recipe is a 100 year old all in the family kept secret. The dumplings are handmade and the skin is thin like I like it. They're perfectly steamed with the just right texture and strong taste of ground pork with seasonings inside.


Kimchi Fries

^These are one of those fusion creations we talked about up above. They take fresh cut fries and fry them to perfection and then they are topped with sauteed kimchi, onions and pork belly, on top of all that goes melted cheddar jack cheese and sour cream. Some people I've talked to and read from did not like these, I thought they were great. I'll get them again.


beef bi bim bop

^This is a traditional Korean dish and one of my favorites dishes out there. I always order bi bim bop if a place that intrigues me has it. Now many spots offer this favorite in a stone bowl which makes the rice crispy at the bottom and I think better. They have the stone bowls at Del Seoul but I have not tried one with the bi bim bop. The only time I ever tried it I took it to go. It was pretty good. I've had better versions but this might of been a just opened still working out the kinks type thing. The beef wasn't that great and not merely as good as the other dishes it had it in and the sauce was just ok. I still ate the whole thing so it wasn't disgusting or anything like that.


Korean Tacos (shrimp, pork and beef)

Now these are what everyone was rushing over there for when they first opened. Business is still busy too because every time I have been in there it was packed, mostly with hip young Asians. Korean tacos are the new trend in food. They're a simple fusion that when done right turns into a chow kings pleasure. They take common Korean grilled meats and throw them into a tortilla and they are topped at Del Seoul with a cilantro and onion relish, chili garlic salsa and a secret slaw. Served on corn tortillas they can come with kalbi aka grilled short rib, spicy bbq pork and chicken as well as sesame chili shrimp which are hand battered panko crusted shrimp. At first they needed to get the recipe down pat but since then these bad boys are a great snack at under $3 each. They also offer bahn mi sandwiches and have BBQ mixed plates. I hate the tredy spots but that because most are just that, this is a trend that will live on and I'm happy to have them in the neighborhood.


Korean tacos are the hot food trend

Del Seoul
2568 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-4227
Website

Poochie's

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

Holiday season is in full swing as is the Chicagoland Hot Dog stand season. When's that you ask? 24/7 365. All the time, every day. Since so many people have to do some serious shopping during the first few weeks of December I thought that it would be a great time to feature one of Chicagoland's best fast food stands- Poochie's. Located in Skokie and not far from the mega shopping center that is Old Orchard Mall it's a great lunch stop any day of the year but especially this time if your headed out that way. Why would you ever waste your calories at the horrific food courts? Poochie's has been a part of the Northshore community since 1969 when they first set up shop. Over the year's it's become what Vienna Beef described as the "Cheer's of Chicagoland hot dog stands" with its regulars and wonderful Chicago style fast food with a great atmosphere and all.


Poochie's in Skokie, IL is a Chicagoland icon

Located on Dempster st. in a plaza, this is one of the best places to dine at in a strip mall anywhere. It's also one of the best hot dog stands in terms of decor and ambiance out there. The walls are flooded with magazine articles, Chicago sports memorabilia and other fun things. When you walk in, the ordering station and grill are in the middle with stool seats at the windows and along the walls leading into the dining room in back. There's also tables outside for the warmer months. The walls show off how much press the hot dog stand has received with articles from magazines like Gourmet and newspapers across the country. It's even got its Roadfood approved article along with it's Vienna Beef Hall of Fame plaque proudly displayed inside.


View as you enter


The walls are filled with press clippings and Chicago sports memorabilia


Proud inductee into the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame

But Poochie's wouldn't be nothing and it wouldn't have all the articles and shout outs it has up on the walls if the food wasn't special. The menu is a classic "got it all" Chicagoland hot dog stand menu. It features the obvious hot dogs available both steamed or charred and Polish sausage. Other options available from the grill are char cheddar burgers and sandwiches like steak and chicken. The fries are fresh cut and some of the very best fries anywhere. Just so you know it's "got it all" they even use the real deal Chicago style cheddar for all charred items, burgers, cheese dogs and fries.


Poochie's cheese fries with melted cheddar spread

One of the things I love about Poochie's is that is takes care of both lovers of the steamed Chicago style hot dog and those that love theirs grilled. I am a big fan of both and any Chicago style since we are the land of hot dogs and have quite a few ways of making them. At Poochie's they will take a Vienna Beef out of the water and throw it right on the poppy seed bun and dress it down Chicago style if that's what you want. They will also take the dog and throw it on their well used grill and char it up along with some grilled onions if that's the way you like it.


Chicago style hot dog from Poochie's (steamed)

The grill is a wonder and I wish I had a picture to share when it's got no real estate on it. The thing flames up from all the burger patty's and other fine meats and onions being made on a busy day, which is most of them at Poochie's. I enjoyed their chicken sandwich which always has a perfect amount of charred taste and is never bad meat according to it's loyal followers. The char burgers at Poochie's are really special for the same reason as the chicken but then they also come with melted cheddar spread if you choose and the potent grilled onions making it a true Chicago style burger. In the picture below I have a single but a double is not a bad idea when chowing down on a char cheddar burger from Poochie's.


Char chicken sandwich (dressed to your liking)


Poochie's char cheddar burger

As good as all this food already featured is, there's a reason I love Poochie's and find myself stopping in there a few times a year. It's the home to one of the best sandwiches in Chicagoland and a big time hangover cure. The charred salami sandwich is true Chicago. They take a thick slice of Vienna Beef salami and char it up on the grill and throw it on a French bread roll and dress it to your liking. I always get mine with grilled onions, mustard, sport peppers and a pickle.


Poochie's charred salami sandwich

Man oh man is this sammy something else. You don't need to be hungover to enjoy this but you sure as hell need not be a vegetarian. This is a thing of beauty to the mouth and terror to the heart. My friend Steve who's father created this sandwich some 20 years ago when he used to work across the street likes to order his with a slab of bbq sauce added on while cooking and hot giardinara with the grilled onions. It doesn't matter how you dress the sandwich just make sure you try it. One of the very best in a city stocked with them. See ya next time on S'C'&C.


Sammy bliss, one of the best around town

Poochie's
3832 W Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 673-0100