RESTAURANT REVIEW – BRGRBELLY

Prepare yourself for a local hidden gem. This past weekend we stopped in at BRGRBELLY located at 5739 W. Irving Park Road in Portage Park. And let me tell you, it’s a little easy to miss if you’re not looking for it which is part of its charm.

We were there on a Sunday and the crowd was mixed with families and groups of friends. They are a rocker’s location through and through with a full screen playing rock music. The indoor space is like walking into a local venue built for music. I would describe the music as vintage rock.

The best part of BRGRBELLY is the food. They make their own buns on site, grind their own meat daily, hand cut their fries and the sauces are made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. If that isn’t enough, they offer a wide array of milkshakes with or without alcohol. We lucked out because they made a mistake on a very berry milkshake and gave it to us to try. All I can say is amazing!

The ordering is deli-style. Once you place your order, you pick your own seat leaving your number where a server can find you. Even the seating is pretty cool. The outdoor patio is open through mid-October depending on weather. The bar in the front window allows you to people watch while enjoying your meal.

The only thing I can say about the fries is that you absolutely must try them with friends so you get to experience more than one flavor. We had the garlic, parm fries and the belly fries. The garlic was not too heavy which had us pretty excited. The belly fries can only be described as a Southern flavor you’ve never had in Chicago.

To go along with your burger and fries, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beer and sauces selection. They have an incredible list of over 50 craft beers including bottles, cans and cider (honorable mention to the Ciderboys Pineapple Hula). This is also not your typical condiment bar with choices from French dressing to fish sauce. And to top it all off, you get a little bite-sized cookie for dessert.

The price is affordable at approximately $25 per person for food and one drink. Street parking was fairly easy on Sunday.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO