Anything in or near Markham?

About once a month I journey to the Markham courthouse to represent a client accused of alleged naughtiness. As I drive the journey from Evanston, and after the court call, towards the loop, my tummy rumbles. I pass donut shops and fast food joints, wishing I knew my way around the area and that there were good eats nearby. I was thinking about Katy's Dumplings, but it's not as close as I thought - it would take me way too far south on a day of alleged business. Anyone have any recommendations in this neck of the woods? Thanks...

Mike,

No one has risen to the challenge yet? My wife is from the south suburbs, and has taken me to lots of spots in that large swath of real estate, but there isn't anything I am aware of hard by Markham. How far afield are you willing to go, is it for lunch or dinner, is it a quick meal or longer degustation?

I can actually offer a suggestion on this! I live (somewhat) in the area, but had to go to the Markham courthouse for some business. I had some time for lunch, so I drove around the area looking for a place, and came across Burgundy Bistro, a nice little restaurant in Olympia Fields. They serve lunch daily, and it's a pretty nice place if you're looking to sit down somewhere.

If you're looking for something a bit more pedestrian (and probably one of the best pork chop sandwiches you'll get on the south side), I'd suggest going to Hog Wild.

If you're willing to take a little detour on your way back up to Evanston, I can't recommend Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank enough! I think my co-workers and I go there at least twice a week for lunch. If you're going to order anything there, check out their specials (which are usually unbelievable and are posted online daily), and the Chuck's Red, one of the best bowls of chili I've had, aside from my own.

Burgundy Bistro
3462 Vollmer Road, Olympia Fields, IL
708-747-5399

Hog Wild
14933 Pulaski Road, Midlothian, IL
708-371-9005
(there's a post of their pulled pork BBQ sandwich on this post, just scroll down)

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
5557 W 79th Street, Burbank, IL
708-229-8700

No need to travel that far!

Try Hog Wild for the pork chop sandwich (although it may be a wee bit messy if you are wearing a suit).

If you are looking for a more upscale ambiance, try Bamboo Blue in Homewood (across the street from the original Aurelio's Pizza) or Flavor in Olympia Fields (in the strip mall across the street from Burgundy Bistro -- although Burgundy Bistro is also quite good).

The Flossmoor Brewery has nice sandwiches and salads at lunchtime, not to mention their award-winning beers. It's only a 10 minute drive further south from the courthouse. Directly across the street is Fresh Starts, also an upscale place with excellent food. I've included links to all of the above except Hog Wild, which doesn't have one.

Here are the addresses:

Hog Wild
14933 Pulaski
Midlothian, IL
60445
(708) 371-9005

Bamboo Blue
18147 Harwood Ave.
Homewood, IL 60430
(708) 799-4700
www.bambooblue.biz

Flavor
3315 Vollmer Rd
Flossmoor, IL
(708) 798-3220
www.flavorestaurant.com

Flossmoor Brewing Station
1035 Sterling Ave
Flossmoor, IL
(708) 957-8646
www.flossmoorstation.com

Fresh Starts
1040 Sterling Ave
Flossmoor, IL
(708) 957-7900
www.freshstartsrestaurant.com

Enjoy!

Suzy

Lovely. I was in Markham yesterday but didn't see the replies until it was too late. Thankfully, I get to go back in a few weeks. Perhaps there will be a messy pork chop sandwich in my future. And I'll remember to bring one of my kids' bibs along - I wouldn't want to mess up my searsucker suit and rainbow paisley tie.

I used to live down that way (well, a lot farther south, but if I wanted to eat out. . .) I did love Fresh Starts, but haven't been in several years. I thought the Flossmoor Train station over-rated, but they did have some good brews on occasion. Burgundy Bistro was always excellent when I went for lunch.

Not too far from the courthouse is Ex-Senator's ribs (on 159th, close to the entrance to I-57). I haven't eaten there (they couldn't tell me the spices on them and we have some food allergy issues), but they did look good and there were a heck of a lot of people coming in and out for carryout - no seating, just takeout. Hog Wild has a pork chop sandwich my sister would drive miles out of her way to get. It's HUGE. There was a Mexican place - no different than in the city - on maybe 147th, close to Cicero - kitty corner from the Krispy Kreme and across from the disco - that used to have great food - just everyday stuff, but always good - I loved the tamales - large, lots of pork, and very flavorful (and dirt-cheap). Again, I haven't been to any of these in years, but since others have written about several of them, I'm sure at least the ones previously mentioned are still good.

Hog Wild has a variety of sides that come with the sandwiches -- the fries are just o.k. and I can't for the life of me remember what we tried the last time, but it was much better. Perhaps red potatoes?

I think I may need to go there for lunch to refresh my memory!!

Suzy

Perhaps I am ignorant of the entire community of Markham, but in my recollection its a slum. My friend who is an undercover cop got carjacked in that town. Sounds like a place only a pie in the sky suburbanite would venture for a relaxing nibble.

i ate friday at dj's jerk in a strip mall on dolton road in either burnham or dolton at that point.very good.not far from markham.i never ate there but wasn't there a recommended bbq place in markham called evanescence or something like that 159th in markham?

Son of Souvlaki wrote:Perhaps I am ignorant of the entire community of Markham, but in my recollection its a slum. My friend who is an undercover cop got carjacked in that town. Sounds like a place only a pie in the sky suburbanite would venture for a relaxing nibble.

I'm a prosecutor at the Markham courthouse. You're right, the town's a slum. BUT, you can see why this thread might be useful

I grew up right next door to Markham, if you just drive east on 159th a mile or two you'll head directly into South Holland and Lansing. There are several restaurants on 159th in South Holland and several more if you head south on Torrence Ave. in Lansing.