‘Mmmm’ is for Burger. Or is it for Milkshake?

'Mmmm' is for Burger. Or is it for Milkshake?

Posted by Bridget at 9:43 pm

May 192010

The M Burger is the Mag Mile's Big Mac.

I gave into my craving for roast beast tonight and swung by M Burger for a quick bite. A classic burger stand in the “tru-est” sense (not just because it’s located adjacent to Tru on Huron), it’s strictly counter service and the fast food menu couldn’t be simpler. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes. That’s it! Everything is priced under $5, which is refreshingly affordable especially that close to the Mag Mile. I got an M Burger — a single paddy topped with special sauce ala Big Mac, bacon, lettuce and cheese on a fresh bun and a chocolate milkshake all for $7.

The burger was and a step or two above Mickey D’s, but not by much. I was distinctly underwhelmed and would likely enjoy a burger at the Elephant and Castle right across the street much more. Then I took a sip of my chocolate milkshake… and oh my! In a plastic to-go cup, I found rich, creamy, chocolate ice cream bliss. I’ll tell you now, I’m in serious danger of being sucked into M Burger without a trace of regret for a milkshake whenever I happen to be within a six block radius.

I suggest going to M Burger for dinner to avoid long lunch lines, and now that it’s nice outside, there are some spacious picnic tables lining the street where you can grab a seat and observe foot traffic while you eat.

I’m told it’s a good idea to combine the veggie sandwich, the Nurse Betty, with the burger. Maybe I’ll try that and the fries next time. But the milkshakes will top my list because a girl’s got to have priorities!

M Burger
161 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 254-8500
Get directions

Lizzie McNeill's: Irish Fare With a Side of WiFi

Posted by Bridget at 10:38 pm

Feb 082010

Irish stew and a Black Velvet is a great way to fight the February chill.

There’s nothing like some hearty Irish stew and a Poor Man’s Black Velvet for a little fortification against Chicago’s biting February chill, and Lizzie McNeill’s, a pub tucked up along side the river on McClurg Court, does a decent job with both.

Lizzy’s is first and foremost a bar, and one of its greatest attributes is that it doesn’t pretend to be otherwise. Still, friendly bartenders, a good amount of table space, and comfy chairs situated in front of a cozy fireplace make Lizzy’s an appealing place to go and stay awhile.

There’s something on tap anytime the doors are open, but the cook is only there in the evenings starting at 5:30ish, so don’t come looking to snack before then. The food sticks to your bones, and if it’s meat that you’re craving, you’ll find some. The grub isn’t standout, but it hits the spot. The menu is standard, and you can’t go wrong if you get fries.

Everything on the menu comes with a side of wifi, giving Web surfers a nice alternative to coffee shop chains. Simply ask the bartender for the network passcode, and you can happily surf, sip, and sample the evening away. If you are going with laptop in tow, go earlier rather than later. Lizzy’s gets pretty busy at night with locals and tourists alike, and when they arrive you’d be better off at Starbucks if you still want to write in public.

Lizzie McNeill’s
400 North McClurg Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 467-1992
Get directions