Howard Quintero, HQ

This beautiful little place is always empty when Mr. Pie and I come by, so I wanted to give it a shout-out. We've only been there for drinks (delightful little cocktail menu) but yesterday I was too lazy to cook, so we had dinner too.
I had the pot roast sandwich on garlic bread with some truly fantastic fries. He had the buffalo chicken wrap; both of us were pleased as punch. For a photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz/hq-howard-quintero-chicago-2
I didn't have the truffle mac & cheese, but by the looks of things that's delicious too. If you're in the area, tell 'em Pie Lady sent you. That won't mean anything to them since I never gave them my name, but I'm sure they'd appreciate the biz.


This place is just south of the Kedzie brown line.

4114 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 654-1629

Pie Lady's description was enough to send Cabbagehead and me to HQ tonight. We agree about the excellence of the pot roast sandwich. Tender, rich meat nicely contrasted with the onion jam and good crusty bread make this a very fine sandwich. The fries were very good as well. The side caesar salads were quite canonical with some actual taste of anchovy, hallelujah. The pan-seared chicken with pasilla sauce was on special, so I ordered it. The sauce was good, but the chicken turned out to be a boneless breast, so rather dull. The grilled chayote squash was delicious and the best thing on the plate. We also had a "deconstructed" cheesecake with strawberries and a few blueberries, which was fine.



Pot roast sandwich


Pan seared chicken

(Apologies for the bad cell phone pics.)

This is a seriously nice space, thoughtfully and attractively decorated: beautiful dark hardwood floors, brick wall, big bar and a mix of tables, hightops and a booth or two with comfortable chairs and stools. HQ (named for the last names of the partners, Mr. Howard, FOH and bar, told us) has a very reasonable and interesting wine, beer, and cocktail list, although I'm no expert. Cabbagehead had a draft Daisy Cutter, and I had a gin cocktail that was slightly sour but tasty.

The place could, as Pie Lady suggests, do with some more business. Apparently they do a decent brunch business on Saturdays and Sundays. It's a bit far out of our neighborhood, but we were glad to try it. If it were closer, it would be a regular stop. They do a trivia contest on Thursdays at 8 p.m., if that's your thing.

HQ
4114 N. Kedzie
Chicago IL 60618
http://hqchicago.com/

Mr. Pie and I were in this weekend for drinks, but we were hungry enough for an appetizer too. Although the kitchen closed an hour before, they were kind enough to put together a plate of seasoned cracker, salad and lox (delicious) along with some dinner rolls. This place needs more love!

On the recommendations here, we met some friends for brunch today, and everyone enjoyed their meals. $4 mimosas and bellinis, menu items all under $12 or so. Not great coffee but nice omelets, chilaquiles, etc. we will return. Thanks for the mentions!

Yay! We were there for Easter brunch with good results as well. I had shrimp bread pudding...delightful!
They reduced their hours, which worries me. Get there soon, people! More love!

yea I hope this place sticks around. Been here a few times as I live in the neighborhood and its always been really good. Pot roast sandwich is really good.

Pie Lady, thanks for the tip about HQ. We had a very nice meal there last night. We tried the pot roast sandwich and eggplant tagine. Enjoyed both very much. Also had a terrific Horchata salad. Big portions all around. Saw the pork chop go by and it looked amazing - immediately regretted my order. Next time, I guess.

The staff could not have been nicer. The prices were maybe a little high for a very casual night out but in line with many other places. Well designed interior. It was slightly less than half full at 8:00 on a Friday night. Hope more people discover it.

The staff...what a bunch of dolls. <3

Psst, cleanplateclub (and er'body else)...want to come to our dinner exchange there next month?
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=43689

Sadly I cannot make it that day but thank you so much for the invite!