In my short time in Chicago, I have had some amazing meals at places like GT Fish and Oyster, Longman & Eagle, and most recently Balena, but I've also had equally great "low-end" meals at the various hot dog and burger stands all over the city. The proliferation of these stands all over the city have inspired me to start a new feature on this blog highlighting some of those better stands and the fare they sling.
First up is Edzo's Burger Shop. A couple of months ago, I randomly decided to spend a day in Evanston just to see what was there. Before a self-guided tour of the Northwestern campus, I visited Edzo's for a hefty lunch. Even on a weekday afternoon, the line was out the door, but the service is fast and efficient. I started with a locally-made Filbert's grape soda.
At Edzo's, you can order a smashed griddle burger or a thicker char burger. For this first visit, I went with a single griddle burger ($3.89 plus $.75 for cheese) topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and American cheese. The burger has been smashed on the grill so it gets crispy edges. It's flavored well and comes with a lightly toasted bun that doesn't overwhelm the thin patty.
I figured that since I was already splurging with a burger, I could indulge further with truffle fries ($5.49). These hand cut fries are flavored with truffle salt and Parmesan cheese in every bite. The portion size is great for sharing.
By a happy accident, I was given garlic fries ($3.99). They were loaded with bits of garlic and full of flavor. Also worthy of sharing.
Edzo's is proof that an inexpensive meal does not have to be low quality. I appreciate their attention to detail and the energy the spend sourcing good ingredients. I'm definitely going to be visiitng again when their Lincoln Park location opens up.
Edzo's Burger Shop
1571 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3396
Website
The burger looks good but the garlic fries look amazing!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a tasty good time!
ReplyDeleteI have read about this place. I need to get my tush to the mid-west - visit you and eat my way through the city!
ReplyDeleteYum! Wish I had one of these near me...those truffle fries look to die for!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't get a shake - you missed out. I live and breathe for their salted caramel shakes ($4 for a "$5 shake"!!!)
ReplyDeleteSometimes "low-end" meals are the best!! I want those garlic fries. Majorly.
ReplyDeleteTruffle fries! That's exactly what I'd love for an afternoon snack right now.
ReplyDeleteHellz yah on all three fronts -- burger, fries, and fries!
ReplyDeleteI'm liking this feature, Esi!
Yeah those garlic fries are screaming to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have good eats woman in chi-town.
if i ever see garlic fries on a menu i'm sure to order it! and i love a good smashed burger, but the only place i've ever seen one is Denver so this is an awesome find!
ReplyDeleteEvanston! Northwestern! Yay! Though, I def don't remember Edzo's when I was in college... is it new?
ReplyDelete