Regional Talk > Chicago > Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A

I wouldn't say it was a big deal, but it's pretty good. McDonald's has that "Southern Fried Chicken" sandwich that was basically a copy of Chick-Fil-A. I like the spicy one they have at Chick-Fil-A.

reply to andyross

reply to andyross
I hated 5 guys, won't go back. Dry patty. Looked and tasted like something from aldi's. Chick-fil-a is alright, i very much rather have had waffle house, jack in the box, or hardees open up here instead.
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The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan

reply to andyross
I think we have enough of these places. Lets see:

5 Guys - Meachem
Smash Burger -Golf
Meatheads - StreetsOfWoodfield

Not had Meatheads but my guess is this will be the first to close.

I will say Wildberries is great for breakfast.

reply to djdanska

Ironically, the Quizno's by me in the city gets their stuff from "jack in the box distributing" so I keep my hope up!.the only hardees I knew of in the west Burbs was in Plano. Anybody remember Rocky racoco (spelling)
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The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult. The day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.
Alden Nowlan

There is, or was a hardees on 83 in elk grove. Haven't been out that way in years so I don't know if it's still there. They opened a jersey mikes about 3 blocks away from me a few months ago. Their subs are awesome. I like Quizno's too but they kind of skimp in the fillings. jersey mikes doesn't. I can't finish their regular sub. Though I'm not a big eater.

reply to andyross
They all suck! Except Arby's (just kidding - they suck even worse)!

5 Guys: totally over-rated. Chick-a-fil: Blech. Jack-in-box: swill. Hardee's: reconstituted stuff. Mickey D's: yikes!

I'll take the one-off Ma and Pa dog stands and greasy spoons. Suchaknight is the local expert.
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Illegitimati non carborundum

reply to my2005gto

reply to jsinaiko

reply to andyross
I agree with the Ma and Pa places.

I am in the Huntley are often and can't go without stopping at the Parkside Pub

reply to jsinaiko

Portillo's is getting a bit franchise-ish but at least they are local. Al's would be the same - local, but not what they used to be.
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Illegitimati non carborundum

reply to andyross
I guess I'm a fast food chain lover. Five Guys is good (but I have had them not be impressive as well). Chic-fil-A is very good too. Something about those chicken sandwiches that just seems like better quality than the McD's stuff (not that it's a high bar to hit).

I love Meatheads.

I like Portillos as well, but they are limited on all the fancy stuff...just a straight up cheeseburger with all the staple trimmings like lettuce and tomato. They are very good though.

Tom and Eddie's is the most consistent in my book. Every time I go in there I am impressed with it. The issue with them is most of the burgers they sell are a little out there on the add ins. Apples on a burger does not appeal to me. Thankfully they have a build your own type which is great.

Finally, Smashburger (in Batavia) is pretty good. They started out of the gate awesome....but they have not been consistent. Honestly with a choice between them, T&E, Meatheads, Portillos, or Five Guys...I'm going to rank them as follows:

1. Meatheads
2. Tom and Eddies
3. Portillos
4. Smashburger
5. Five Guys (when on top of the game...they could move to #3 pretty easy)

I'm sure there are much better local places in Chicago...but for chains, you almost have to rank them on their own.

Never been to a Meatheads or Smashburger. I do like portillos though. Their Italian Beefs are very good IMO. Don't really have the mom & pop shops here. The food is the only thing I miss about living in the city.

Yeah I like Portillos. I like Buona Beef out in the Burbs as well. They do a better Italian Beef IMO than Portillos too...but it is real close.

reply to andyross
I've never gone to Buona Beef. I drive by two every day so I should try it.
A Jersey Mikes opened a couple a blocks from me though and their subs are awesome.

edit: damn spelling!