fastfoodsnob wrote:

JP1121 wrote:I am sorry but I have to disagree about the quantity and quality value, I don't want to mention places I do like for burgers because I don't want to turn this into an argument but I have to say that within a few miles there is a cheddar burger that in my opinion blows the Wieners away, although it is may be a tad more expensive.[/color]

Are you talking about Poochie's on Dempster? I feel that both char cheddar burgers are comparable in overall appeal, though Poochie's goes for a wetter (greasier?) presentation than the WaSC does. Depends on which you're up for in my opinion (or maybe how far you're willing to drive), but thanks for sharin' anyway.
--Dan

I agree... but please share more

Dont worry, it wont turn into an argument at all - its only cheeseburgers that we're discussing after all, not diner-service

Ive had the Poochie's, and I like it fine.. but I personally prefer normal-cheese on my burger to cheddar's usually, and I find the overall cheeseburger-plus-fries at WASC to be marginally better than Poochie's myself (and also a touch cheaper). There isnt *that* much in it, though - YMMV- and I stop in at Poochie's too.

However, if there is *another* char-burger within a few miles that blows WASC away... please do tell - I promise not to argue, Id just like to try it Iam a burger-fan in general, and like to try em everywhere (my fave is probably Paradise Pup, actually, but its further away, more inconvenient in terms of timing, and doesnt have fries as good as WASC... OTOH my fave fries are at Top-Notch in Beverly, but theyre even more inconvenient in terms of location, and dont have burgers quite as good as WASC... why cant anyone have my fave burgers and my fave fries at the same location, I dont know

Apropos of nothing, BTW, my fave burger in general is probably Todd's Grille in Oconomowoc, WI.. just had another one there last week - if anyone is ever in the vicinity you really oughta try it. Half-pound of fresh (never frozen) meat, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, fresh WI cheese, fresh WI bacon... all sounds simple, but is really quite awesome in combination. I only wish *that* place was closer!

c8w

Hi,

If you want Peking Duck without waiting 24-hours, then consider a visit to Sun Wah BBQ on Argyle. They are one of the few restaurants I have on my cellphone. If I get the taste for Peking Duck, I call to see their status and usually it is ready by the time I arrive. One caveat, they are closing and moving to a new location beginning sometime in July.

Sun Wah BBQ
1134 W. Argyle
773-769-1254
Chicago, Illinois 60640
Closed Thursdays

Regards,

c8w wrote:However, if there is *another* char-burger within a few miles that blows WASC away... please do tell - I promise not to argue, Id just like to try it

Sorry but I was thinking about Poochies, it is my favorite go to hot dog joint in the area for sure. The previous poster is right, their cheddar burger is greaser, but for a crowd that scarfs down fried bacon and pickles I would think that is a good thing (On a side note I noticed the other day on Grub Hub that they deliver, although I am not sure how that would turn out or what the minimum order needs to be.

Otherwise for a "drier" style burger I love the CrossRhodes feta burger. Although it is more expensive, I think the beef is far superior and it is well worth the price. For a dinner semi splurge I like the burger and fries at Pete Millers, it's just fun sometimes to have a martini and a burger together.

For an off the beaten track place, I work near the Morse Ave red line stop, not exactly a great food area unless you walk east to Clark St. But there is a place called the Grill Inn on Morse which is a pretty generic Greek style Gyros Burger joint that actually has a great american cheese burger and terrific fresh made fries and they also serve a real patty melt on marble rye bread with grilled onions which I really like. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there but if you are in the are you might want to give it a try.

c8w wrote:If you want Peking Duck without waiting 24-hours, then consider a visit to Sun Wah BBQ on Argyle.

Thank you for that, I have read about the duck service there and I know I have to try it.

JP1121 wrote:The previous poster is right, their cheddar burger is greaser, but for a crowd that scarfs down fried bacon and pickles I would think that is a good thing

Just thought it worth mentioning that I've never found the country-fried bacon to be greasy. It's actually less-greasy than most of the bacon I eat.

Also, I'm glad I'm not the only one who eats it cold for breakfast the next day.

JP1121 wrote:Sorry but I was thinking about Poochies, it is my favorite go to hot dog joint in the area for sure. The previous poster is right, their cheddar burger is greaser, but for a crowd that scarfs down fried bacon and pickles I would think that is a good thing

FWIW, you are not compelled to order a cheddar burger at Poochie's (or WASC, for that matter). You can get a standard american or swiss burger on request. I think the buns at WASC are better than what Poochie's serves, and the grilled onions are far superior at Poochie's; but the quality of the meat and the execution is very good at both places.

I had an exceptional two-by-two at WaSC today -- the meat was cooked a beautiful medium, and it was juicy and messy and utterly delicious.

I've been pleased with what I've been served at WASC - and it takes a special effort for me to get there - but I was disappointed with the cheeseburger and fries I had there a couple of weekends ago. Firstly, the bun hadn't been warmed or placed on the griddle/grill beforehand, the sandwich was served with cheese that never melted (something I detest), the shredded lettuce topping annoyed me (something I'd expect at Byron's) and the fries seemed not to have been fresh cut on-site. Either I, or the restaurant had an off-day.

Bill wrote:the fries seemed not to have been fresh cut on-site.

I wonder what all those bags of Idaho potatoes are for then.

A few shots from our Saturday visit:

Ed,

What is the sauce in the second pic?

Blown Z wrote:Ed,

What is the sauce in the second pic?

The new BLT sauce. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato. I believe you need to request it specially.

gleam wrote:The new BLT sauce. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato. I believe you need to request it specially.

Genius! One more week till Roz is in town and we are making the drive to WASC!

My friend and I rode our bikes past WASC on Saturday afternoon. We had already eaten lunch in Willmette (had a great burger at CJ Arthur's Pub) so we were not hungry. It was really aggrivating to be standing in front of WASC and not be hungry! But we hadn't planned on riding to Evanston that day. I'll be back soon, so no worries.

Took over WaSC 4 years ago today. Thanks to all what have stopped in and those who have helped me out during that time.

Looking forward to the next 4

gp60004 wrote:Took over WaSC 4 years ago today. Thanks to all what have stopped in and those who have helped me out during that time.

Looking forward to the next 4

Congratulations! And thanks for all the great food.

gp60004 wrote:Took over WaSC 4 years ago today. Thanks to all what have stopped in and those who have helped me out during that time.

Looking forward to the next 4

Stopped by with friends 'n' family after a long hiatus last week. The char cheddar burger's still goopy good and the fries consistently hit the (blazing-hot) spot. Thanks for providing some great local eats!

--Dan

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon yesterday, I rode my bike down to Evanston and stopped by WASC for lunch. I had a hot dog, dipping dog, and fries. Everything was excellent, as usual. I had a nice time talking to Gus and met fellow LTHer Heather22 who was in there (hi guys). This place truly is a GNR, and it makes such a difference when the owner of restaurant truly cares about his product and customers. It's always a pleasure to eat there.

Has anyone ever finished a triple undisputed?

pigOut wrote:Has anyone ever finished a triple undisputed?

Yes. someone has.

Here he is. His name is Juan.

You say his name IS Juan, so I take it he survived the experience

Since I was in Evanston today, I paid our pal Gus a visit and brought my friend Steven who just moved around the corner from WASC. (Lucky... but deadly!)

I finally tried a double char burger and it was easily one of the best I've ever had. Cooked perfectly medium as I like served on a wonderful toasted egg (?) bun, it was amazing. The fries were great as always. My friend had two hot dogs and a big order of Merkt's cheddar fries. Then he got an order of country fried bacon. He loved all of it, but is having a battle in his mind about the health ramifications of deep fried bacon. He's got his eye on the country fried gyros for next time. He's also determined to eat a triple undisputed!

It's always nice to talk to Gus too. On our way out we talked a skeptical lady into getting a char burger before she was about to split without ordering. Have to spread the love.

Had a craving last Saturday for a Cheddar Burger and headed off to Wiener and Still Champion with my wife. I had the double cheddar burger and my wife had a regular. Both were odered medium rare and both were delivered hot and exactly as ordered. My wife proclaimed this was one of the best burgers she had ever had. Gus was terrific - very friendly and very accommodating. I have diverticulis and can't have any seeds, which means eating out at hot dog and hamburger places is a real challenge. Gus offered to give me the bottom half of two buns - which really was quite nice. I must say that those buns with the sesame seeds looked terrific, but what can you do! Bun manipulation notwithstanding it was a very enjoyable afternoon. Oh, and did I mention those fries --- !

For being the 100th fan on his Facebook page, Gus offered me a free combo meal, which I happily claimed today. Dipping dogs and fries were impressive, as always, and I enjoyed the new muffaletta dipping sauce.

Prices have gone up marginally with the new menu (generally 50-75 cents for the combo meals), but they are still very reasonable, especially considering that tax is included. Biggest jump is for the two dipping dog combo, which was absurdly cheap on the old menu.

Great interview with Gus in a feature on tonight's WGN Ch. 9 Evening News - featuring the Triple Undisputed. Should be repeated on the news at 9 pm.

Finally, Gus speaks on camera!

Confirmed! The piece will rerun in the second half of the 9:00pm WGN News, right after Skilling's 7 day forecast.

Buddy

EDIT: It looks like the story will now run as an abbreviated version of the full story which ran at 5:00pm. The full piece should eventually be available at Marcus LeShock's blog:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/leshock-value/2009/11/wiener-and-still-champions-triple-undisputed-burger-biggest-in-chicago.html

nr706 wrote:Great interview with Gus in a feature on tonight's WGN Ch. 9 Evening News - featuring the Triple Undisputed. Should be repeated on the news at 9 pm.
Finally, Gus speaks on camera!

Way to go, Gus! Saw both the long version on the 5:00 news and the abbreviated version on the 9:00 news tonight. Seems the Triple Undisputed is now being touted as the 911.... 9 beef patties and 11 slices of cheese, plus you may have to call 911 after consuming it. Do I detect the fine hand of a marketing professional?

I was left with one question, though: Did Marcus LeShock ever eat more than a few bites of said 911? It seemed that he spent much of his time walking around Gus's place, showing the creation to others....

tarte tatin wrote:Did Marcus LeShock ever eat more than a few bites of said 911? It seemed that he spent much of his time walking around Gus's place, showing the creation to others....

He had, maybe, four or five bites. One bite of the gyros, one bite of bacon, maybe half a chili bomb ... I don't think he tried any of the Big Dipper. The minute he was out the door, Jen, Georgie, Sharon and I were all over his leftovers ...

http://www.cltv.com/videobeta/watch/?wa ... b2556a5d21

tarte tatin wrote: Seems the Triple Undisputed is now being touted as the 911.... 9 beef patties and 11 slices of cheese, plus you may have to call 911 after consuming it. Do I detect the fine hand of a marketing professional?

Actually...the original Triple had 9 patties and 9 slices of cheese....then it was mentioned to me that you'd need to call 911 after eating it. Slap on 2 more pieces of cheese and the 911 is reborn. Plus..it's much easier to say.