What must have happened is when I entered Chicago airspace, my Lose It! iPhone calorie counter was scrambled. Oh, well. I gained a few pounds during my week in the windy city as I managed to visit three cheeseburger joints. My buddy Kurt told me about the Billy Goat Tavern, which inspired the classic SNL sketch “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger.” Kurt warned me, “you don’t go there for the cheeseburgers.” He was right, but it was a blast to dine in the icon.
I always check in with Hamburger America author/filmmaker George Motz when I’m traveling for advice on joints I shouldn’t miss. (Thanks Sean Amore for the intro). He noted three, including M Burger, next to the hospital, which is frequented by doctors — mostly cardiologists. I’m not sure, but the guy hiding next to me behind a dyed beard may have well been Dr. Richard Kimble.
Finally, I visited Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse and grabbed a burger in the bar. Holy Cow.
But hands-down, the best meal I’ve had in recent memory was at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. No cheeseburger here, I went for the fish. Outstanding, and almost justifies a trip back to Chicago, for the goat cheese appetizer. Don’t miss this if you’re in town!
About the Cheeseburger & Comedy blog series.
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