DMK Burger Bar
2954 North Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
http://www.dmkburgerbar.com/

I believe it was a few months ago when I was just sitting there on a Monday night, watching Triple D. I hear Guy get out of the car, when he starts saying something like “I’m here in Chicago, about …. ” describing his position in the city. Those who watch the show even occasionally know what I’m talking about. This time, he said “about eight blocks away from Wrigley Field,” and I perked up. It just so happened that I was headed to a game in early May with a group — including IndianapolisEater. It also just so happened that DMK Burger Bar was on the way to Wrigley from our hotel, so I was definitely going to hit it up.

First of all, LOL to that YouTube being a person videotaping their TV. I love those. Anyway …

What I Got: The Ron Santo Burger; $10.00. Also, Parmesan and truffle fries; $4.00.

This burger is a special that is only available during baseball season. Plus, it has Italian beef on it. Finally, it’s Ron Santo. So, yeah, having been a born-and-raised Cubs fan, I was certainly going to get this. The description of the burger: “A grass-fed beef patty, Italian beef, fontina cheese, au jus and giardiniera.” It was all there for me, but I felt like I was slightly short-changed on the Italian beef. I could be wrong, but it just didn’t come through in a strong way for me.

I’ve never been to a place that stressed this “grass-fed beef” so much. The walls had “grass-fed beef” written on them and our bartender said it several times while speaking with us. Anyway, the burger patty was an absolute home run. They cooked it to medium and it was outstanding quality — among the best I’ve ever had. Also, the bun was perfectly tasty while not being overwhelming enough to take anything away from the burger.

On to the fries. I wanted the gravy fries, but they were out of gravy. The Parmesan and truffle didn’t overly excite me, but I really wanted to try the fries based upon the reviews I had read — where people just raved about them. And rightfully so, because the flavor of the fries themselves was wonderful. Crunchy outside with a warm potato inside and well-seasoned. The parm and truffle didn’t really do it for me, but it didn’t stop me from eating the fries either. I’m guessing if you enjoy this flavor these fries would be a huge hit.

There’s also an extensive craft beer menu. Being strictly a Bud Light guy, I asked what would be closest and the bartender directed me to Victory Prima Pils, a German Pilsner for $6.50. It was good. I don’t really have much more to say on it, because — as I said — I pretty much only drink Bud Light and the craft beer thing isn’t my scene.

As for the atmosphere, I really liked it. There was a bar with probably 20 seats and probably about 15 four-top tables and that was about it. So it’s kind of a hole in the wall, but really modernized and clean inside. Also, every server there was knowledgeable on the menu, both food and drink, from what I could tell. It would appear ownership and management stress this, along with telling everyone the beef is grass-fed.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes to DMK Burger Bar, no to what I got. Again, I enjoyed my meal and have no regrets. But next time I’m going — and I will be going again — I’m going to get something else. Hopefully they have the gravy for the fries. Burger numbers 1, 4 and 7 from the menu are definitely on my list. The one member of our party who went with me got the guac-aoli burger (which has chorizo crumbles on it) and a side of bleu cheese and bacon fries and was raving about his meal. In all, I’m really looking forward to my next visit and highly recommend this place.

-Show

Scratchtruck
Various Locations
Indianapolis, Indiana
http://scratchtruck.com/

I have been to Scratchtruck a myriad of times over the last six months.  I will post it on Twitter, but a review has never graced the long form blog.  They actually know me on a first name basis.  I usually go when they are at Upland Brewery Tasting Room every Thursday and Saturday night.  It is truly one of the best food and beer combos in the business right now.

What I Ate: 

Visit #1

Scratch Burger (1/3 lb custom ground burger, bacon marmalade, arugula and gorgonzola cheese served on a fresh, toasted soft roll) with fries; $8.00.

I really like this burger.  I am not sure what the grind ratio on it is, but I don’t think that it is 80/20, as it is crazy juicy.  To be honest, they could dial back the grease a little bit, but that it the only flaw.  I like the egg bun that it is on and the arugula gives it a little bit of pepper that I love in a burger.  The gorgonzola adds a level of richness that is a welcomed addition.

Visit #2

Scratch Royal (Pork Shoulder, Tilamook Cheddar, BBQ sauce carmelized onion and Mac and Cheese ) with fries was a special that week; $9.00.

It was amazing and should probably be on the regular menu.  Gotta love Mac on a sandwich.

Visit #3

Scratch Grilled Cheese (Munster & Colby Jack cheese, red wine braised short rib, carmelized onions and arugula, served on toasted honey white bread) with fries; $9.00.

This is my favorite thing on the standard menu.  They have a menu that rotates and one that has new items that change every week.  Check out their website for schedule and menu.  I am not 100% sure this should be called a grilled cheese.  The sandwich does have enough butter on the bread to remind me of my butter loving grandma, but it is really about the braised short rib.  It is a really good sandwich.

Would I Buy It Again?  YES.  Great service and outstanding food.  The fries are some of my favorite in the city.  They have killer poutine fries that are lights out.    I haven’t had a bad meal here and I doubt that I ever will.  My only recommendation would be more towards Upland’s side to where I think that it would be cool if they had suggested beers based on what you ordered on the truck.

Regardless, if it is Thursday night, I am usually trying to find a reason to make it to 49^th and College to partake in this magical combination.  I love the Upland Tasting Room as I think that Upland’s seasonal beers are there best work.  Dragonfly IPA (their most popular beer) is probably my least favorite beer from them, and I am a big IPA fan.

Either way, good honest food the way that it should be.

-wibia

Fat Dan’s Chicago-style Deli
815 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
http://www.fatdansdeli.com/

Fat Dan’s has been around for a while and this was my first trip, although IndianapolisEater has done a prior review and gave the Italian Beef sandwich a great rating. It was a quiet lunch with my pal from Indianapolis Restaurant Scene, who is on a first name basis with Dan. The place is small, but comfortable om the inside. A Chicago Deli, the walls are filled with Cubs memorable. A born White Sox fan, I was a little out of my element.

What’s I Ate:  Chicago Italian Beef and Fries; $7.50 + $2.75

You can customize your order here to have it wet, dipped or the au jus on the side. The standard is dipped. There is really not a lot to say here about this sandwich, as it was pretty straight forward. What I look for in an Italian Beef is good quality beef and a that doesn’t fall apart right away.  This one delivered at the highest level. It needed a touch of salt, but that was my only compliant. There was a ton of beef here, I was stuffed after this and the fries.

The cheeseburger was really good as well. A fattier grind than the standard 80/20, this would be great after a bender in Broadripple. A really good burger and it makes you never want to get a chain burger again. Except for Culvers of course.

The handcut fries were fried in peanut oil. The fries are all different sizes. Fresh fries and beer, hard to beat. My only compliant is that an order of fries are too big. I would like a smaller size in case I am dining alone.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes, big time. To be honest, one of the better Italain Beefs that I have had. The food was top shelf and I barely scratched the surface of the menu. There are a ton of smoked meats on the menu and I am going that direction next time. Local beer is on tap as well. Fat Dan’s is rumored to be moving soon and I will surely follow wherever he is at. Good stuff here.  My only compliant is that it is a bit pricey and would like a cheaper fry option.  $12 for lunch is a lot, but it is a mighty fine treat.

-wibia

Petite Chou
823 Westfield Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana  46220
http://www.cafepatachou.com

Patachou is consistently ranked among the best places for breakfast, but I always forget they serve dinner at Petite Chou in Broad Ripple and in Carmel.  To be quite honest, Patachou is really not my thing.   Mostly because when I want to go out for breakfast, it means that I am hung over.   With that being said, a bowl of fruit and a $13 omelet is not my go to hangover remedy.  Just for the record, a BLT from Zest and a Diet Coke can cure any bender from the night before.   Back to the review.

This is my first time at Petite Chou.  My girlfriend and I wanted a beer and fries, but Brugge was packed, so we walked right in on a Saturday night.

What I Ate #1:  Warmed Mushroom Duxelles; $6.95.  Locally grown mushrooms, shallots, wine cream (picture above).

I was a big fan of this in every way possible.  In fact, I am still craving it.  The mushrooms were served over two slices of their baguette.   What I liked the most was the attention to how the mushrooms were cooked.  Not too hard, not too soft.   The dish needed a little salt, but otherwise no complaints.   This was excellent and quickly one of my favorite dishes in Indy.

What I Ate #2:  Petite Chou Burger with Frites; $12.95.  Indiana chuck, brioche bun, aioli, leeks, mushrooms and brie.

For dinner, I went with the burger.  Mostly, because I still really wanted fries.   The burger was cooked to a perfect medium.  I really enjoyed the burger, but it was really rich.   Maybe the combination of a rich appetizer and the burger was too much, but I couldn’t even finish it.  I would’ve liked some additional leeks on it, but just my preference.

The fries were excellent as well.  The aioli is one of the best in the city and they were cooked perfectly.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes, easily.   A $13 burger has to be top shelf for that price and it delivered.   The mushroom duxelles were excellent and service was great.  No complaints and one of the better meals I have had in Indy.  They have fried chicken on Wednesday nights.   I am going to give that a try and report back.

-wibia

Nickel Plate Bar & Grill
8654 East 116th Street
Fishers, Indiana 46038
http://www.nickelplatebarandgrill.com/

When people talk about the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill, they usually mention the breaded tenderloin sandwich because that is what they are known for.  I’ve personally had it several times in the pre-blog and have enjoyed it each time that I’ve had it, but I’ve talked to and read posts by several people that did not enjoy their experience with the sandwich.  Based on the fact that the breaded tenderloin was in the Super 46 Sandwich Contest, I ventured to the restaurant with my mom and her husband recently with every intention of having one and reviewing it for the blog. Sometimes our best intentions get foiled though and that was the case in this visit.  My mom, as per usual since she thinks she’s figured out the restaurant “game”, immediately asked the server what menu items were best.  The server recommended the several things, including the Buffalo Chicken wrap, and while I had every intention of getting a tenderloin, my eyes kept gravitating toward the wrap on the menu and I finally pulled the trigger.  I know I’m a weak-minded dope for doing that, but it’s my problem, I suppose.

What I Got:  Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Fries; $7.99 + $2.99 = $10.98

If I had any sort of intelligence (my waffling on menu choices has already proven that I don’t), I would have done the smart thing and gotten a picture that shows the interior ingredients of the wrap.  Since I lack several brain cells, I’ll just use Nickel Plate’s description from their menu:  “Breaded strips of chicken dipped in buffalo sauce and diced with salad greens, cheese, red onion and tomato, wrapped in a flour tortilla shell.”  I can confirm all of that was in there and it was in good size proportions and I didn’t feel shorted on anything.

In terms of the taste, this one was actually pretty good.  There was nothing surprising and the vegetation was fairly fresh, especially for February, so all in all, this was a good combination.  The buffalo chicken tenders were moist and perfectly cooked and the heat level was spicy, but not particularly overwhelming.  If you ate this alone with out any sort of dipping sauce, the heat might affect you a bit, but if you use some Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing (I used Blue Cheese), the coolness of those dressings is going to perfectly offset that spice that the Buffalo sauce brings to the table.  The whole wrap was a fairly large size as well, so you certainly are getting an ample meal with this, especially when you add the serving of fries (they were standard, salty stuff like you’d expect fries to be).  All in all, I have to credit our server because her recommendation was fairly dead on.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes, I would get this wrap again, although next time I go to the Nickel Plate, I hope I am mentally strong enough to get the breaded tenderloin and do a review for the site, because it seems like one of the real gaping review holes that we have on this site.  Of course, if I’m mentally weak again, as I often am, I wouldn’t feel one bit bad about drifting back to this wrap because it was a thoroughly enjoyable meal.

-IndianapolisEater

Burger King
http://www.bk.com/

French Fries come in many forms and everyone has their personal preference. For instance, the worst fries in my opinion belong to Steak ‘n Shake. They are nothing more than thin skins that get cold quickly. In the 1990s, Burger King changed their fries and the coating has long been hated by the majority of people who eat their fries. Listening to customer complaints over a long period of time, BK finally decided to improve their French Fries.

What I Got: New Thick Cut Small Fries; $1.00.

BK claims that their new fries are thicker and have more flavor. My wife and I shared the 240 calorie value menu version as seen in the picture. My wife is a loyal McDonald’s French fry eater. The fries I received were hot and fresh and had more salt than what I typically get at McDonald’s. The new thicker cut adds more potato to the inside of the fry and there is more flavor to the exterior coating.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes. The change in fries at Burger King is a big improvement and combined with that flame broiled taste, I now prefer BK over McDonald’s and so did my wife. Of the Big three, her favorite is now BK while BK moves to second behind Wendy’s on my list. For both of us, McDonald’s has fallen to last on the chart. If you did not like BK’s change in the 90s and like more potato in your fries, then I think you will enjoy the change.

-EatHSE

Fox and Hound English Pub and Grille
4901 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis,  Indiana 46250
http://www.foxandhound.com/

I will be the first to admit that I am pre-disposed to a negative bias to Fox and Hound.  Those biases mostly have to deal with the beer and the temperature it is served at, but since I was there recently for a birthday party, I decided to grab my dinner there as well.  In the past, I don’t know that I’ve ever had anything other than your typical bar appetizers, so on this visit, I was willing to give some of their actual food a chance.  After my review of the Mile High Club Sandwich, I’ve been on a big Club-ish sandwich kick, so I decided to go with something similar to that that is marked on the Fox and Hound menu as a “Fox Fave.”  Well, we’ll see about that.

What I Got:  The Black Forest; $8.49.

According to the menu:  “A giant Bavarian pretzel roll topped with grilled turkey, applewood bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and honey mustard dressing. Served with crispy fries.”  I can confirm that all of that was on the sandwich, although the side of crispy fries was a PATHETIC serving size.  It was as if I ordered a Happy Meal size fries order from McDonald’s…it was that freaking small.  Probably better for my health in that respect, but it was annoying.  What was also funny about this is that on the back page of the menu, there is a glamour shot of this sandwich and let’s just say that the glamour shot is not anything close to what you see above.  In fact, when this arrived, I was just about ready to add one more thing to my list of stuff that I dislike about this place, but I decided to at least give the sandwich a shot.

I’m glad I did decide to give it a shot too, because this baby was pretty good.  I think this might be the first time in my life that I’ve ever had a pretzel roll (weird, because I’ve eaten a hell of a lot of sandwiches in my life) and I can honestly say that I liked it a lot.  It was a bit harder than your typical roll and it also had a slightly salty taste.  When you mix that with the relative freshness of the veggies on the sandwich, it makes for a nice mix.  What I also appreciated was that the turkey was warmed on the grill, along with the soft and chewy bacon, and all in all this made a nice mix. It was incredibly juicy and when  you added the gooey-ness of the melted cheese to the equation, this made for a perfectly juicy and greasy delight.  When you mix this with beer, you’ve got a winner and I can see why they mark this sandwich as a favorite on the menu.

As for the fries, well, they were fine and pretty much standard stuff.  They were thick cut and despite the comical/insulting portion size, they were still decent and I have no complaints about their taste.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes, I would.  I still have issues with Fox and Hounds’ handling of their bottled beer temperatures (tip:  order them by the bucket and have them ice the beers down so that when you need one, it will actually be cold), but I have no issues with this sandwich.  I would recommend it to anyone as a unique take on a Club-ish sandwich.

-IndianapolisEater

Rock Cola 50s Cafe
5730 Brookville Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
http://www.rockcolacafe.com

We’ve certainly spent a fair amount of time maligning the Super 46 Sandwich competition that was put on this year by the state visitor’s bureau.  As you may have read in a magazine or on this blog, a bratwurst won the “sandwich” competition and frankly, we all know that is absurd.  I/we have had a lot of the sandwiches that were in the contest, but I wanted to do a review of a sandwich that I had never had, so that led me to a part of town where I have literally never been and to the Rock Cola 50s Cafe for the second place finisher of the Super 46 contest.  In my mind, this was technically the winner of the contest since it was an actual sandwich.

This is a small joint with a 50s design motif and everything is made on a flat top grill right in front of everyone.  There’s probably only about 8-10 tables along with a counter to sit at and this place could accommodate at most 35 people on a good day.  To continue the 50s design motif, they walls are filled with 50s trinkets and signs everywhere.  My favorites were the nuclear fallout shelter sign, the old Coke machine and the Bic pen distribution machine.  All in all, this was a 50s diner to a “T” (think the Happy Days diner).  My friend and I sat at the counter, so we got to see everything made right in front of us.

What I Got:  Mile High Club Sandwich with fries/drink combo; $5.99 + $2.99 = $8.98.

I hope my superior iPhone photography skills can do this sandwich justice, because it was huge.  I didn’t have my measuring tape out, but from top to bottom, this thing was every bit of at least five inches tall.  The menu says that you need to unhinge your jaw to eat this one and they certainly were not lying.  It was piled high with turkey, honey-baked ham, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, American cheese and hickory smoked bacon.  All of this was stacked on three healthy sized pieces of Texas toast.  Basically, this was everything a Club Sandwich is supposed to be with the added bonus of the fact that it was HUGE.  The funniest/most amusing part about it is that this sandwich, along with all others at Rock Cola, is stabbed through the heart with a huge steak knife in order to hold them together and/or allow you to slice them.

I’ll be the first to admit that when eating a typical Club Sandwich, I’m not really expecting a lot because it’s a hard sandwich to screw up.  It’s meat, veggies, bread and cheese and that’s it.  It’s pretty simple…except that some places screw simple things up.  Happily, Rock Cola 50s Cafe did not do that and this was honestly one of, if not the best, Club Sandwiches that I’ve ever had.  There’s nothing overtly special about the ingredients and they taste as you’d expect them to, but they all mesh together perfectly (keep in mind, I ate this in the middle of February, yet the veggies were still “fresh”) and create what I would classify as a hell of a sandwich.  The best part about this is that while it is huge, I didn’t really feel weighed down or bloated after eating it.  Not sure if that says I have a ridiculous appetite (I do) or that this sandwich is made so perfectly that it takes you to some sort of utopia where you don’t feel sick after eating a monster amount of food, but it’s a utopia that I’d like to visit often.

The fries were just standard, good tasting crinkle cut fries that were deep fried in oil that is probably older than I am.  I’m not making fun of that because that’s how you get “flavor” into oil and it adds even more nostalgic feel to this place.

Would I Buy It Again?  Absolutely, no question about it.  This was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.  To say something like that about something as simple as a Club Sandwich just proves how good it was.   I just wish this place was closer to my house and more convenient for me to get to because as I sat at the counter watching everything get cooked, I saw about five to six different menu items that looked so good that I wanted to eat my hand.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place and it’s going on the recommended list because it’s all I’ve been able to think about for the last 24 hours.  It’s a dive and it’s got simple ingredients with a fairly simple menu, but they do it so unbelievably well.  Hopefully with the publicity they have gotten from the contest, this place will be around for a long time to come because this is the kind of small diner that every city should be proud to have and obviously is since it has (at the time of this writing) a 100% approval rating on Urbanspoon.

-IndianapolisEater