Disappointment on the SW Side at Superdawg-Midway & Chickies

Semi-annual visit from SoCal and I usually get my fill of pizza and italian beef (or combos to be more precise). Today we had an early dinner at 4:30 for 13 at a newer Portillo's (Route 83 near I-55) before I had to take my daughter to Midaway and sneak away for some extra treats.

First, I will say it again...VERY few places do it better that Portillo's. Ages 5- 77, carnivores to vegetarians...everyone leaves well fed, happy, comfortable, reasonably priced. My combo was very good, and buying a whole chocolate cake for everyone afterwards was, well, icing on the cake.

So my intent upon leaving Midway is a chocolate shake at Superdawg-Midway and then a stop at Chickie's before heading back to the 'burbs. 6:45pm...sorry sir, we're out of chocolate tonight. ARGH, but oh well...save the $5. 7:05pm at Chickie's...sorry sir, no sausage is ready. Got a 4" beef meal with fries and soda...$5.25 good deal and the beef was good. Gotta say, though, I can't help but compare Johnnie's and Chickie's...Chickie's is pretty darn depressing...it's dark, dirty, run-down, I'm the only customer in there, and the employees don't exactly look thrilled to see/serve me. I don't hit the MIdway area too often, but I'm wondering if there are some other places I should hit next time (V&N for pizza is my other favorite in the area).

If you're going as far south as Vito and Nick's, might as well hit Top Notch Beefburger or Chuck's.

Closer to Midway, I like Tio Luis (the original, near Archer and Western), and Szalas.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll be back again this summer for another go 'round and hope to mix in some new with the old.

There is a La Quebrada on 63rd, a couple blocks east of Pulaski.

Best,
Michael