We’re On A Roll…..er, Bun.

Seems like burgers have taken over for BBQ lately on B&C, so i’ll go ahead and continue that trend with Chicago Hamburger Company. I promise though, after this no more burgers for a while. Not that we won’t be eating them, we just won’t be writing about them. Chicago Hamburger Co in the desert of Phoenix? Makes no sense you say, yet it’s been a fixture in Phoenix since 1975. In Phoenix terms, that’s bordering on ancient. One look at the building, and it’s immediately obvious it probably hasn’t changed much since it opened up over 3 decades ago. Wood paneling. Horrible lighting. The flat screens on the wall tuned to nothing but sports were the only clue as to what decade we’re currently living in. The place definitely has some character. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia and everything Chicago. Then all that stuff is covered with a 35 year old layer of grease. I’m kidding, it’s not THAT bad. The place is however a little rough around the edges to say the least. It’s down and dirty. The menu is as expected, dogs, sandwiches, charbroiled burgers and all the usual accompaniments. Just as the decor hasn’t changed much since 1975, the prices haven’t changed much either staying on the low side making Chicago Hamburger Co recession-friendly.

We started with a cup of chili which was just ok. Decent taste, decent thickness. Too much onion for my tastes though. There’s only so much raw onion i can take before that’s the ONLY thing i can taste. The burgers were better than the chili, though not the easiest things to eat. Cooking them over an open flame gave the burgers those signature grill marks while also giving them a nice smokey flavor. The burgers were good, not great. Same applies to the fries. Good, not great pretty much sums up the entire experience at Chicago Hamburger Co. Maybe i should have tried one of the Chicago hot dogs.

Would i go back? Don’t think so. I think Chicago Hamburger Co is a one-and-done place. Tried it, wasn’t very memorable. If you’ve been reading B&C you know there’s many other GOOD burger places in town worth going to.

Cup o’ chili

Charbroiled burger

Charbroiled burger with all sorts of toppings and condiments

Fries