Backyard Grill

For a while now, I have been passing Backyard Grill at Devon and Pulaski. From the outside, it appears to be yet another ubiquitous Chicago dog/burger/gyros/beef/ribs place. Today I passed by while contemplating where to get lunch, and found myself pulling into the parking lot. Inside, it is yet another ubiquitous Chicago dog/burger/gyros/beef/ribs place, but they seem to have raised the bar a notch or two in terms of the decor and presentation of the food. Salads are served on real plates and the decor and furnishings are nicer than you would typically find in a burger joint.

Backyard Grill Counter


I ordered a cheeseburger basket, which included frozen, tasteless fries and a drink for $6.25. A little pricy, considering the cost of a similar meal in most places, but worth a little premium considering that they serve it in a nice basket and they clear the table for you when you are done (although probably not worth that much of a premium).

Cheddar Cheese Burger Basket


When I went to the counter to pick up my order, I noticed a sign that said "homemade gyros". I asked the counter guy (who turned out to be the manager) if they really make their own gyros from scratch. He told me that not only do they do that, but they make their own tzatziki sauce as well. When I got back to my table, he brought me out a sample to try.

Backyard Home-made Gyros


They were pretty good, as gyros go. They weren't as overwhelmingly spiced as most Kronos versions are (a good thing AFAIC) but the tzatziki was fairly bland (needed more garlic). On the way out, I made it a point to try to get a look at the gyros cone. I couldn't get a good picture, but it was shaped much wider at the top than most, making it more of a triangle shape than a cone shape.

I can't really say that this place is anything special, but if you're in the area and want a decent fast food meal in nicer than normal surroundings. Backyard Grill is worth a visit. I'll be going back at least once more to try a gyros sandwich.

Backyard Grill
6355 N. Pulaski
Chicago, IL 60646
773-478-8802

stevez wrote:I can't really say that this place is anything special,

Steve,

I've been twice and I agree, nothing special, though the gyros are pretty good. FastFoodSnob recommended Backyard Grill's gyros, though he was neutral on their other offerings, and they are made in-house, unless you, me and FFS are being fibbed to on a consistent basis.

Frankly, when I'm in the mood for fast food of the gyro/hot dog/burger nature, in that neighborhood, I drive a few blocks southwest to Eden's Fast Food for a consistently good hot dog, grilled burger and one of the best ham sandwiches in Chicago.

I had a funny Evil Ronnie/Carbonara experience at Backyard Grill. I was driving by one morning, felt like a coffee and fried egg sandwich. When I asked for a fried egg sandwich, the fellow pointed to the menu, said No, it's not on the menu, I had not even looked, simply assumed any place worth their salt could/would make a fried egg sandwich.

After a bit of back and forth chatter, and discussion with the cook/owner/psychic advisor, the fellow came back and said they did not have any eggs, therefor no fried egg sandwich. I politely thanked them, got in my car, drove a few blocks southwest to Eden's fast food, not to be confused with East of Eden's fast food, and had three eggs, hash browns, toast and best ham in the city all for the breakfast special price of $3.95.

My G Wiv Backyard Grill rating. ~shrug~

Enjoy,
Gary

Edens Fast Food
6045 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
773-736-3385

I've had the Italian beef sandwich twice at Backyard Grill and it's excellent - one of the best. And while prices are average, they don't stick on an extra charge for sweet or hot peppers. I agree with others that the fries are probably about the worst I've had. The breaded mushrooms are average. The "Angus" burger is a bit of a puzzle. While it tastes ok, if you cut it in half, it's a little hard to tell what kind of beef you really get, and it wasn't cooked anywhere close to medium rare. But it's a pleasant, and busy sandwich joint and I'll be back for the Italian beef.

I used to really like this place when it was Nick's II (Nick's I is at Nagle and Higgins). Whenever I found myself at the intersection of Devon and Pulaski, I would almost instinctively pull into the parking lot and get a Gyros plate and a whole rotisserie chicken dinner ($7.50 IIRC) to bring home. I was not happy when I saw it transform itself into the Backyard Grill. It completely lost its seedy charm (It is still seedy, but not in a charming way). I have not been back since the change. Is it still owned by the same family? From the pictures, it looks like the same place with a facelift and higher prices. Do they still have rotisserie chicken?

Nick's Gyros
5238 N Nagle Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 631-0233

Yesterday I stopped by for the ham-on-the-bone sandwich. Very tasty and messy. It made my day.

Looks like a second location is coming to Highland Park in the old Stash's spot (1825 2nd St.). Anyone been in the last eight years? Looks like a huge menu, but given that Michael's, Panera (coming soon), Potbellys, and NY Slices are on the same block, I'll be curious to see how BYG can separate itself.

AlexG wrote:Looks like a second location is coming to Highland Park in the old Stash's spot (1825 2nd St.). Anyone been in the last eight years? Looks like a huge menu, but given that Michael's, Panera (coming soon), Potbellys, and NY Slices are on the same block, I'll be curious to see how BYG can separate itself.

The Highland Park location opened today in time for the downtown trick or treating. Got a carry out order of gyros, souvlaki, and some spaghetti and meatballs (the 5-year-olds go-to meal). I have to say I enjoyed it. Earth-shattering? No. A welcome addition to our tired slate of choices? Yes.

Ate at the new HP location tonight. My daughter has the mushroom swiss burger which was cooked a perfect medium-rare as requested. My son had the pasta marinara, and well that's hard to mess up. I had the half chicken, which for 10 bucks came with soup or salad, a side veg of carrots, potatoes, and rice pilaf. Wow. Chicken was moist and flavorful. Really impressed. Quite frankly I expected a typical mediocre family-friendly type place, and while it was very family oriented, the food was a step above my expectations. Will definitely return. (have a pic of the chicken, but upload isn't working for it, for some reason)

Tried the Gyros and am happy to have this place in HP as it has always been a ride to get a gyro of any kind. Satisfies a local itch and imho the gyro was pretty good. Anyone know if they serve Vienna products? The online menu only says all beef hotdogs, which makes me a little suspicious, and i forgot to ask. If they do, this is good news in light of the dreck that Michael's has been passing off as a hot dog for the past several years.