The Chicago Hamburger Company

Reviews 8

TE

Terri S

Not Worth the Drive for a Chicago Style Dog... I had a craving for a serious Chicago Style Vienna Beef Hotdog. I searched for options on the internet, and read reviews for various places around town. Places way out in Mesa and Gilbert were an awful long haul for me, especially since one can never be sure how the reviews will actually stack up against the reality once you arrive and try the food. So I decided to make the relatively short drive over to the Chicago Hamburger Company. I had my first Chicago Style Vienna Beef Hotdog in Chicago, back in about 1986. I love the "pop" when you bite into the hotdog, and the flavors of the relish, peppers, and other ingredients that make a Chicago Style Hotdog what it is - especially with Vienna Beef inside. I have repeated the experience in Chicago over the years, and when living in the Minnesota, I found great places to go to relive those experiences. Fast forward to Arizona. Ive had experiences that were close, but not quite there. I arrived at Chicago Hamburger Company hoping for the real deal. Even as indicated in the ratings, this is not a place to go for pleasant ambiance. It is strictly you order food at the window, they make food, you take it with you, or sit at a fairly clean table to eat it. No frills, just hopefully, the taste you came to enjoy. The menu was straightforward. There was no line, so I ordered my Chicago Style dog, and because they might be interesting, garlic fries. My food was brought to me pretty quickly at the table I had chosen by the front windows. I was glad I had gotten there when I did, because a line had formed, and was getting longer by the second. The fries were loaded with garlic, which is a good thing, but the fries were so heavy and greasy that after eating two, I had to toss them. Good idea, but way too heavy. My Chicago Style Dog had all of the right ingredients, including the poppy seed bun. The hot dog, however, lacked flavor and there was no "pop" biting into it. Im guessing that the hot dog sat in hot water for too long, and that the flavors were leached out and the texture compromised. For all the great toppings, that Chicago Style Dog was a bust. I ate it, but the experience was disappointing. They had a sign up proclaiming their home made milkshakes, so I decided to try one to overcome my disappointment. I ordered banana, and only had to wait a couple of moments for it. As I drank it on my way home, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it didnt quite fill the void left by the disappointing Chicago Style Dog, Im going to guess they are called" the Chicago Hamburger Company", and not "The Chicago Style Hotdog Company" for a reason... Maybe one day Ill go try a burger - but not another hot dog.

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BR

Brandon Seal

This place, I feel, has gone downhill since I started going here, about 15 years ago (maybe more). It used to be *the* place to go to for awesome sliders, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and arcade games. But now, just like the pittance of games left here, the quality and therefore desirability of the food has fallen. It makes me truly sad, because I have fond memories of this place. I live on the west side of town, but the drive over was totally worth it (even as a broke teenager, driving a European car that was not shy about its thirst at the pump - and for a time at well over $4 a gallon for premium, it cost more in fuel than a meal for two... And it was still worth it. Let that sink in). The food is still acceptable, and that decor still makes me feel like Im in Chicago... But its not what it used to be. I understand now what those older than me are on about... I just wish itd happened to someplace else.

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JE

Jen Nicholson

Reminds me of one of my familys favorites back in LA! Theres a charbroiled burger place on every other corner back home, somewhere to grab a hot juicy burger & a big bunch of french fries, hang out with the fam on Friday night & spend a few minutes enjoying something that isnt mass produced brand name...Chicago Burgers brings that back to me every time we grab a bag of sliders & 3 orders of fries-1 for each! Tasty menu has all kinds of awesome items including hot dogs, sandwiches, chili fries, & of course the sliders & fries. The staff is always friendly & hustling, the atmosphere is fun & relaxed even during lunch or dinner rush! The walls are covered in all kinds of terrific memorabilia as well as photos of customers wearing Chicago Burgers t-shirts while on vacation all kinds of places all over the world! Keep up the good work guys, Ill be in soon for my large chocolate shake & large fries!

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A

A Private User

A great find. Famous for their sliders and hotdogs. A few favorites of mine are the frito pie. Basically a bag of fritos opened up with chili, cheese, and onions poured on top. Their banana milk shake is devine. The fish sandwich is pretty good too. Its nothing fancy just plain old delicious fattening food. The owner is always there and is one of the coolest guys around. The place is decked out in Chicago sports posters, pictures, banners, etc. Anytime I can support a cool local restranteur and get good food EVERYtime I am down for it.

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MI

Millan Singh

Excellent place, sliders and wings are my favorites, and you cant go wrong with the fries, onion rings, or fried zucchini. I try to go when Im in the area. If you come in for lunch, park on the neighborhood street right next to the place if you dont mind a minute walk and save the hassle of the parking lot (this place is REALLY popular). Owner opened this place up decades ago, and many of the staff have been there for over 10 years; this is a Phoenix cultural institution, and I would highly recommend anyone visiting Phoenix to stop by.

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SH

Shari Schroeder

We got 1/3 pound burgers based on other reviews. While their bun is outstanding, its too much bread for the 1/3 pound; its probably perfect for the double burgers. The meat was also a bit tough, and the bacon wasnt as crispy as I would like. Having said that, it was a gem of a place and I would go back. Service was good, staff was friendly, .moderately priced ($18 for two 1/3 pound cheeseburgers with 2 drinks). Parking is a bit challenging, but workable.

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MA

Matthew Allen

I participated once in their slider eating contest. This was the first contest I have ever done and THEY did it well and treated us nicely. NO I didnt win but I felt like a winner. The sliders were so good I ate as fast as I could but I had to slow down and enjoy them. Other food that is to die for there is the cole claw I had to ask for the receipe .. You must eat there at least once in your life.

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GI

Gina Tizio

I went in right before an important appointment I had. The owner of the company was the one who greeted me as soon as I walked in the door. He took my order right away and made a suggestion based on my need to get to an appointment. He got me some lunch and got me out of there and on my way to my appointment on time. Food was good. I cant wait till I can go back and try Big Bobs sandwich.

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