Question on Lou Manalti's

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Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

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Originally posted by ChiTownDiner

Buddy - Never been to Burt's Place but it sounds like a great place to try. As you're in the know, are Satrudays impossible to get in? How about Friday's? Family orientated or more adult? Any other interesting menu choices?

ChiTown, I cannot believe we've never discussed Burt's! Answers to all your questions in order:

Saturday's are busy but not insane. Plus if you show up on Saturday, I'll wait on your table!

Buddy - Thanks! We'll definitely make the trip one of these days...and on a Saturday night! Got to Scooters last night for early season frozen custard and it was fantastic!

Friday's are the insane night lately. Burt has gotten a lot of play lately at the LTHforum and a write up in Time Out magazine, bringing a lot of new customers in. Friday seems to be their favorite night to visit. Regardless of which night you decide to come in, calling ahead with your order is always advisable. The phone number is above and if you don't have a menu, you can expect to find the usual pizza topping choices (just don't ask for pineapple and ham-ugh-none of that newfangled stuff at Burt's)

Very family friendly. Almost a step back in time; from the real wood panelling to Burt's extensive collection of antique radios, televisions, telephones (he even takes phone orders on an old rotary dial phone-like I said, none of that newfangled push button stuff around here), and eclectic knick-knacks, this place is a wonderment for both kids and adults.

Burt does list some other entrees; mostaciolli, ravioli, lasagna, and even a very good pub burger. All are passable but he is known for his pizza and there's a good reason for that. Those items are on the menu as a courtesy for the occasional group of folks who have that one person who doesn't like pizza. If you must order something else, try the salads and the outstanding house made garlic bread.

I think that covers it. I'm usually there most Saturdays unless I'm travelling on Barbecue Business. When I'm not in, Burt's wife Sharon takes over. She is also there the other nights of the week.

That's the story, ChiTown. Maybe I'll see you some Saturday night for a pizza.

Buddy

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Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

Trying very hard not to say, "Told ya so."

Nope, not working, here it comes...

Told ya so.

Buddy

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Originally posted by ChiTownDiner

And the winner is...Burt's Place!

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Originally posted by BTB

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Originally posted by ChiTownDiner

And the winner is...Burt's Place!

. . . as opposed to? What were the other place(s) that were in contention yesterday?

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Originally posted by ChiTownDiner
. . . It really wasn't election day in Chicago . . .

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Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

Jack Barry,

You have answered my question and here is my response:

If you are willing to drive to Lincolnwood or Buffalo Grove for a second or even third helping of Lou Malnati's second rate pizza (IMHO), then you should skip all of them and drive to Morton Grove to visit Burt's Place.

Burt Katz is a largely unsung Chicago Pizza hero travelling under the radar for more than 40 years. After Ike Sewell, founder of Pizzerias Uno's and Due's, Burt has had more to do with Chicago Style Pizza history and development than almost anybody else in the business.

He opened his first pizza place, The Inferno, with a couple of partners in the early 60s. He opted out of that after a year or so and started Gulliver's Pizza over on Howard Street. Its famed and recently deceased owner Jerry was merely a silent partner when Burt opened the place and built it into the Chicago Pizza icon it is today. Like so many other businesses, after achieving success, there was a falling out and Burt left the restaurant business for a few years. Unlike The Inferno, Gulliver's has stayed in business long after Burt's departure.

In 1971 Burt started Pequod's, another well known Chicago pizza icon, which he owned and operated until 1986 when he sold it and mistakenly believed he had retired. In 1989 he got bored and reopened as "Burt's Place" two blocks away from the original Pequod's location, going into head to head competition with his old store. He has been there ever since attaracting his old customers and new folks alike.

The pizza is outstanding. Custom blended and ground sausage served in silver dollar sized patties atop the pie. Not only are all the veggie toppings fresh; depending on market availability, you will frequently get shiitake and portabello mushrooms in addition to the standard white butons; red, yellow, and orange bell peppers mixed in with the usual greens; even fresh, full spinach leaves instead of the chopped and frozen mush you get at most places.

Now, in the name of full disclosure I must admit that I worked for Burt during the Pequod's glory days and continue to work for him on most Saturday nights (unless I'm out of town on my own business). Although I am fully employed in other pursuits, I stay with him out of friendship, loyalty, and the need for a free pizza once a week (although I would definitely pay for it if necessary; let's hope it doesn't come to that).

Jack, if you wise up and decide to make the trek out of the city here is the info:

Burt's Place
8541 N. Ferris
Morton Grove, IL
(847) 965-7997
Open Wednesday,Thursday and Sunday, 4:30-9:00pm
Friday and Saturday 4:30-10:00pm

From Downtown Chicago, get on I-94 going north all the way to the Dempster Street westbound exit (about 15 minutes). Take Dempster Street west to the fifth stoplight which will be Ferris. Make a left on Ferris (south) and go about 1 3/4 blocks. Burt's is on the left side of the street.

After that, if you still think you need to try Lou Malnati's, they can give you directions to the original Lincolnwood location which is on your way back into the city.

Enjoy your time here in Chicago.

Buddy

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Originally posted by Jack Barry

Just got back from Chicago last night - had a great time. Unfortunately, we ended up going to the Lou Malnati's on N. Wells and I have to say I was not impressed. I'm sure the original location in Lincolnwood is better and will definitely give it a try (along with some other pizza places) next time I get out to Chicago.

We ordered a medium sausage/onion and a small sausage/onion/spinach. Being from Connecticut, I thought if I had any qualms about the pizza it would be because of its thickness, which I'm not used to. The structure of the pizza didn't really bother me much - the main problem was that the pizza was just too bland (especially the sausage/onion). The cheese, the sauce, and the sausage all lacked flavor. The cheese was also too stringy and worst of all, the interior of the crust was waterlogged – I’d imagine this was a result of the chunky tomato sauce used.

On the positive side, I will say the pizza with the spinach was better as the spinach was mixed with basil, garlic, and more onion which gave it an added flavor. Also, the exterior crust and end crust did hold up well despite the watery inside, and had a nice crispy texture to it.

My deep-dish experience at Malnati’s was really the only meal I left feeling under whelmed. Not a bad pizza, just an average pizza overall. Everything else I ate in Chicago was very good or great. I should be posting a few reviews or logbooks later this week.

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Originally posted by Jack Barry

Just got back from Chicago last night - had a great time. Unfortunately, we ended up going to the Lou Malnati's on N. Wells and I have to say I was not impressed. I'm sure the original location in Lincolnwood is better and will definitely give it a try (along with some other pizza places) next time I get out to Chicago.

We ordered a medium sausage/onion and a small sausage/onion/spinach. Being from Connecticut, I thought if I had any qualms about the pizza it would be because of its thickness, which I'm not used to. The structure of the pizza didn't really bother me much - the main problem was that the pizza was just too bland (especially the sausage/onion). The cheese, the sauce, and the sausage all lacked flavor. The cheese was also too stringy and worst of all, the interior of the crust was waterlogged – I’d imagine this was a result of the chunky tomato sauce used.

On the positive side, I will say the pizza with the spinach was better as the spinach was mixed with basil, garlic, and more onion which gave it an added flavor. Also, the exterior crust and end crust did hold up well despite the watery inside, and had a nice crispy texture to it.

My deep-dish experience at Malnati’s was really the only meal I left feeling under whelmed. Not a bad pizza, just an average pizza overall. Everything else I ate in Chicago was very good or great. I should be posting a few reviews or logbooks later this week.

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Originally posted by Jack Barry

danimal,

First of, I loved Chicago - can't wait to get back (hopefully this summer). Other than the Lou's on N. Wells St., I was impressed with everything else I ate. I visited Superdawg (posted my review on Roadfood last night), Billy Goat Tavern (it was right by our hotel - burgers were OK, but mainly went for the atmosphere), Harry Carey's, The Weiner's Circle, Garrett's Popcorn Shop, Gene & Georgetti's, Portillo's for a hot dog (the one in River North - on Ontario, I believe), Ann Sather, Mr. Beef, and Al's #1 Italian Beef (original location on W. Taylor).

All-in-all, I liked Superdawg best for dogs, Mr. Beef (just slightly) over Al's for Beef, and really enjoyed the caramel/cashew and caramel/pecan popcorn I had while sipping on a few Goose Island Honker Ales atop the John Hancock Tower.

Jack

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Originally posted by Jack Barry

danimal,

First of, I loved Chicago - can't wait to get back (hopefully this summer). Other than the Lou's on N. Wells St., I was impressed with everything else I ate. I visited Superdawg (posted my review on Roadfood last night), Billy Goat Tavern (it was right by our hotel - burgers were OK, but mainly went for the atmosphere), Harry Carey's, The Weiner's Circle, Garrett's Popcorn Shop, Gene & Georgetti's, Portillo's for a hot dog (the one in River North - on Ontario, I believe), Ann Sather, Mr. Beef, and Al's #1 Italian Beef (original location on W. Taylor).

All-in-all, I liked Superdawg best for dogs, Mr. Beef (just slightly) over Al's for Beef, and really enjoyed the caramel/cashew and caramel/pecan popcorn I had while sipping on a few Goose Island Honker Ales atop the John Hancock Tower.

Jack

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Originally posted by danimal15
I work around the corner from the Wells street location and agree it usually disappoints. It's a shame you couldn't make it to Lincolnwood, because the pizza there on a good night is some of the best in the city. Kind of reminds me how Uno and Due used to taste (well, maybe not that good).

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Originally posted by BTB

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Originally posted by danimal15
I work around the corner from the Wells street location and agree it usually disappoints. It's a shame you couldn't make it to Lincolnwood, because the pizza there on a good night is some of the best in the city. Kind of reminds me how Uno and Due used to taste (well, maybe not that good).

danimal15, I too have had a bad experience at Malnati's Well Street location on too many occasions, unfortunately, although I generally always have a great one at Lincolnwood, Buffalo Grove, or even Elk Grove Village. I would encourage you (or anyone else similarly inclined) to report your less than satisfactory experience about that location to Marc Malnati. He's got to know what that location is doing to the reputation of his father's great pizza business, especially with out of town visitors who frequent River North area eateries. One can write to him at Marc Malnati, c/o Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, 6649 North Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60712 or contact through their website at http://www.loumalnatis.com/contact/ . Through the website you should put the notation "Attention Marc Malnati" in the Comments section.

quote:

Originally posted by Jack Barry

quote:

Originally posted by Jack Barry

danimal,

First of, I loved Chicago - can't wait to get back (hopefully this summer). Other than the Lou's on N. Wells St., I was impressed with everything else I ate. I visited Superdawg (posted my review on Roadfood last night), Billy Goat Tavern (it was right by our hotel - burgers were OK, but mainly went for the atmosphere), Harry Carey's, The Weiner's Circle, Garrett's Popcorn Shop, Gene & Georgetti's, Portillo's for a hot dog (the one in River North - on Ontario, I believe), Ann Sather, Mr. Beef, and Al's #1 Italian Beef (original location on W. Taylor).

All-in-all, I liked Superdawg best for dogs, Mr. Beef (just slightly) over Al's for Beef, and really enjoyed the caramel/cashew and caramel/pecan popcorn I had while sipping on a few Goose Island Honker Ales atop the John Hancock Tower.

Jack

Can't believe I forgot to add Pegasus in Greektown - tried their appetizer gyro (came with huge mound of excellent gyro meat mixed with onions and warmed pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side) and Mousakas (first-time I've had this dish - similar to a Greek shepard's pie - very good)