Big Star

When Big Star opened up in the former Pontiac Cafe location there was buzz galore about their up-scale tacos, drink selection, and uber-hip crowd. So I did what I always do in situations like this--avoided the place like the plague.

Eventually the buzz simmered down and I felt it was safe to give it a try. I started out timidly, ordering tacos at their walk-up window. It was fun to step out from my usual order of steak tacos and I really liked the tacos al pastor, the tacos de panza, and the tinga de pollo.

image via chicago now

Then, the other night, I dove right into the snakes den and actually had dinner at Big Star with a friend . . . like in side sitting down and everything. And guess what?

image via rock n roll ghost

The space is really nice! I liked the lighting in there. I felt like it made everyone 5% more attractive. Plus, the food was even better eating it right when it was ready instead of bringing it home and I got to try one of their cocktails. I ordered a La Paloma (lunazul blanco, grapefruit, lime, mexican fresca) and it was delicious. ( I've got to be honest - I didn't even know what kind of liquor lunazul blanco was, but the description sounded yummo. I just looked it up and it is tequila.)  I really wanted to end the night with one of their mexican hot-chocolate, but somehow I was able to exert some ounce of self-control and walk away. But, you should get some if you go this winter because it is perfection.

 So, there you have it. My big review of Big Star. What do you think of the place?

J. Wellington's

Like every god-fearing, flag worshiping American I love love love a good hamburger. And in the summer, it is easy to get my fill of hamburgers (and pretty much all other grilled meats). We grill. Friend's grill. Everyone wants to get together and grill.

But, then the cold weather comes and the grilling stops and so we stop eating hamburgers. Yes yes we could make them on the stove, but we've tried that and have never been fully satisfied with the results. And while I'm sure there are some wonderful burger places out there, we haven't found them*!

Well, that is until last night.

J. Wellington's opened up in our neighborhood maybe six months ago. I thought the sign was kind of cheesy and we've pretty much avoided the place (except one day when I had a serious craving for a root beer float. it was delicious). After our dinner plans last night fell through and Neill had a serious case of hunger induced crankiness, we decided to give J. Wellington's a try. We ordered at the counter and then grabbed a seat to wait for our burgers. About ten minutes later someone delivered the meaty goodness to our table.

I did the "build your own" and added lettuce, tomato, a fried egg (because why the fuck not), and siracha may on the side. ooo and a pretzel role, which pretty much makes everything better. All in all, the burger gets two thumbs up. Not over cooked (thank god) and I liked the variety of toppings to choose from. Plus, the fries are delicious.

Did I mention that its also BYOB? Yeah. That's pretty fantastic. (although, this isn't really the place I'd hang out all night. Its more like a Jimmy Johns than a restaurant)

So now we have a burger place to go to all year round. Thank god for that.


*I do like Kuma's corner, but I'm not always up for the wait. Bin Wine Cafe also has a good burger, but for some reason I never think of going there. 

Portillo's Hot Dogs

I love a chicago hot dog just as much as the next girl - but portillos is just okay in my book. IMO they are lacking in flavor and character. My friend's italian beef did look pretty delicious, so maybe I'm just ordering the wrong thing. I suppose they should get extra points for having a drive through, but on the downside I'm pretty sure it encourages driving under the influence. Who doesn't want to satisfy the munchies with fries and a dog?

Chipotle (Rogers Park)

6600 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60661

So who in their right gets excited about going to chipotle at 7 o'clock on a Thursday to have a beer? Graduate students. Sad but true. After a particularly long day of classes, some of my fellow students and I desperately needed to unwind. Enter chipotle. Not only was I craving one of their burrito bols (who isn't?), but we all decided we needed a drink. Now, normal people would have gone to a bar. Or like a bar grill. But, we went to chipotle. And drank in their "beer garden" . . . which is really just a patio on Sheridan Ave. It was pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie.

Bar Louie (Evanston)

Man oh man. I'm one of those lame-ohs that actually likes Bar Louie. Before the one on Damen closed, it was pretty easy to guess where I would be on any given Tuesday Night . . . Dollar Burgers!

Now that our Bar Louie is closed, when we need a fix we venture to the Bar Louie in Evanston. The great thing about chains is that they are all the same! Like most people mentioned, dollar burger night tends to get BUSY. So please, don't come here at peak dinner hour with a big group of people. That just isn't using your head.

The main thing about this Bar Louie is that it is chalk full of college kids. Now, some might find this terribly obnoxious. I, on the other hand, like to look at it as an opportunity to relive my college days. Who doesn't want to travel back in time and be a young coed again? And don't even get me started on those hot young college studs . . .  .  rawr

Potbelly's Sandwich Works (Wicker Park)

Eating Potbelly's is like going home. In fact, if they had televisions that played Law and Order: SVU I would be very tempted to make this place home.

Because, seriously, what more do you need than a wreck, salt and vinegar chips, and one of their delicious (diet) cream sodas. food orgasm in my mouth. I suggest starting with a few bites of the wreck, then move to a swig of cream soda, and top it off with a chip or two. Enjoy and repeat.

If you want to treat yourself, get one of their big soft cookies. And if you *really* want to treat yourself, get one of their luscious ice cream sandwiches made aforementioned cookies.

El Taquito

This place is A-OK in my book. Definitely a good alternative to some of the fast food joints in the area. Like Yuly, I noticed their awesomely cheap lunch specials but never made it there on times.

The tacos are quick
the bear is cold
and the flies are minimal.
SUPER