Burger Crew Meeting called to order on Saturday, July 8 at 11am (6th location – Burger Crew Does Chicago)
Members in attendance: Angela d., Trevor Y., Sumana S., Wayne T., Dennis K., and Innie C.
Slider members in attendance: Marty, Lucy
Guests: Chris Y., Marissa G.
I. Ordering
The menu at The Region is in desperate need of a Trader Joe’s chalkboard artist. You’d never guess that this small, arguably-hole-in-the-wall type establishment would serve some of the best burgers in Chicago, and perhaps one of the better smash burgers in the country… side. Almost got carried away there.
Here’s what we ate:
– Trev and Angela ordered the Single Cheese ($10.50) with bacon (+$2.50) and grilled onions (+$0.50) with a side of fried pickles ($8.50)
– Sumana ordered the Diggity Dos ($15.75) with bacon (+$2.50) and insanity (+$1.00)
– Wayne ordered the Diggity Dos ($15.75)
– Innie ordered the Single Cheese ($10.50) with a side of fries ($6.95)
– I ordered the Single Cheese ($10.50) with jalapenos (+$1.00)
II. The Burgers
These burgers stole our hearts. Cooked to order, just like back in our homeland. The patties were stretched to their limits and the resulting meat skirt, lace, whatever you want to call it, was crispy, caramelized, beef candy.
We asked our dear friend Ron Swason (not ChatGPT!) to write a review of their burgers and here’s what he said on the voicemail that we, in our shortsightedness, have since deleted:
"Son, I recently tackled a burger that was nothing short of a meaty rebellion. The patty, wide as a barn door, threatened to overshadow the buns entirely. It was so crispy you could hear the crunch echo through the wilderness, and hotter than a campfire on a chilly night. But here's where the burger gods failed us – the cheese. It was scarcer than a vegetarian at a butcher shop. If you want a burger with a side of adventure and don't mind taking matters into your own cheese-loving hands, give it a shot. Just remember, real men bring their own cheese to the party."
It’s true. The burger does need more cheese.
III. The Sides
Innie ordered the fries and said they were just okay. Obviously, in Chicago we were nowhere close to France, so expectations were low going in.
As for the fried pickles, well we asked a pickle expert:
Eh, what's up, doc? So, I tried these fried pickle spears, and, you know, they're a real hoot! Crispy on the outside, like a carrot after a workout, and inside, it's pickle pandemonium! But here's the trick, folks, you gotta be as patient as a tortoise racing a hare, or else you'll end up with a mouthful of pickle juice hotter than Yosemite Sam's temper. So, be vewy, vewy careful, and enjoy your pickle adventure, pal!
IV. Miscellaneous
There are like maybe ten seats inside. There’s a patio too which I’ve heard is great when the AQI is 100 or above. The higher the number, the better… always. The staff was very patient with us; the guy taking our orders answered the same questions over and over because we didn’t game plan enough amongst ourselves. And there are a couple of cold spots inside — look for the vents if you want to avoid the arctic winds.
V. Value
I asked the members how much they would pay for their burgers. The responses ranged anywhere from $9.00 to $16, slightly below their prices. Gotta love inflation and corporate greed. Oh wait, we’re supposed to leave on a positive note!
VI. The Verdict
If you’re looking for a pretty little thing wearing an oversized meat skirt, look no further. The ratings: 3.8, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8
Next stop: The Loyalist