Beef Shack - Gene & Jude's of the Far Western Suburbs

I made my first visit to this tiny shack (literally) tonight. While beef in the name implies that the signature item of this shack is an italian beef, I personally think that is burying the lead. The hot dogs are the real headline of this place in my opinion. When I first saw the menu for this place the hot dog description took me immediately to thoughts of Gene and Jude's. Hot dog topped with mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers wrapped up with fresh cut fries. So naturally that is what I had to order.

Steamed bun, natural casing dog with great snap and double fried fresh cut fries.
Not great photos, next time I go back I'll bring my real camera.



The beefs were good. Nicely flavored, a little bit over cheesed. They run them through a conveyor belt toaster oven to melt the cheese. If you order a garlic beef, they spread garlic butter on the bread prior to putting the beef on it.

I talked to the owner, Spiro, for a few minutes. He told me that he's been making italian beefs for 30 years. Recently, one of his sons worked at Gene and Jude's for a while and they decided to emulate their method for the dogs. I have to say that after eating at Gene & Jude's a couple of weeks ago, these dogs & fries were right there on that level.

In addition, to beefs and hot dogs, Beef Shack sells gyros and 1/3 lb cheeseburgers.

Excellent food at a great value and super friendly service. I will be back soon.

Seating for about 15-20 people max, a couple of picnic tables outside. Credit cards accepted.

Beef Shack
2115 W. Main St. (Rt. 64)
St. Charles IL 60174
630 443-9797
http://www.beefshack.com/

the wimperoo wrote:When I first saw the menu for this place the hot dog description took me immediately to thoughts of Gene and Jude's. Hot dog topped with mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers wrapped up with fresh cut fries. So naturally that is what I had to order.
The beefs were good. Nicely flavored, a little bit over cheesed. They run them through a conveyor belt toaster oven to melt the cheese. If you order a garlic beef, they spread garlic butter on the bread prior to putting the beef on it.

Recently, one of his sons worked at Gene and Jude's for a while and they decided to emulate their method for the dogs. I have to say that after eating at Gene & Jude's a couple of weeks ago, these dogs & fries were right there on that level.

Coincidentally, they have a half-off deal today!

https://www.buywithme.com/ref/3RBDZYUH? ... urce=RAFLI

Gene-and-Jude's is high praise! If theyre at that level for dogs-n-fries, I'll definitely stop by when next in the NW burbs! (Though, honestly, their beefs dont sound like much - too *cheesy*?? The only "correct" topping on a beef, as we all know, is sausage

c8w

c8w wrote: The only "correct" topping on a beef, as we all know, is sausage

c8w

Don't forget peppers (hot and/or sweet). I agree on the cheese, though. Where is this place? Philly?

I stopped here for lunch today and had the hot dog and fries. While the hot dog was good, I thought the fries were great. They had that great blend of crunchy exteriror and creamy interior. That along with some stuck together in clumps of french fry goodness made them my favorite part of the meal. I will stop by next time I'm in the area to try the beef, and definately get more fries.

Why would his son work for Gene and Jude's? I can only think of one good reason and I think that's cheating.

TooHot wrote:Why would his son work for Gene and Jude's? I can only think of one good reason and I think that's cheating.

Maybe he needed a job? I think Gene and Jude's has been profiled enough that it's not very difficult to duplicate their methods.

I'm still really enjoying the dogs and fries here. Consistently delicious.



When I'm not in the mood for a hot dog, I go with the burger. A 1/3 pound patty griddled on the flat top it gets a crispy outer shell and a slight pink middle. Not mind blowing, but a solid rendition.



I'm not a huge fan of the beefs, but adding the garlic butter to the bread does give it a nice kick.

There was a few mentions in the Italian Beef thread, so I figured I'd top this thread. Hot Dogs and Fries are still my go-to order at the St. Charles location. The burger still also works in a pinch if I'm not in the mood for a hot dog.

I haven't gone to either of other locations.

Despite a seemingly perfect location and Chicago's favorite sandwich on its menu, Beef Shack couldn't cut it in Lakeview and has closed for good.

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2017072 ... -franchise

I've been a number of times to the Hoffman Estates Beef Shack, not a fan of the beef or burgers here. Beef is served on a very mediocre roll and the gravy doesn't have much flavor.

Burgers are meh.

The hot dog pictured above looks like it has a good snap casing on it, I might have to give the fries and dog a try.

I've going to this place a lot recently. The first few times I ordered an IB it was decent. The last 2 times it wasn't really that good. Maybe it's the time of day, but the last two times the beef has had that tough dried out quality that tells you it was in the juice too long.

I might have to try some of the other stuff because the fries are great.

Yeah, the beef definitely had the overcooked in the juice the last couple times I had it from the Belmont location. But you are right, the fries were killer.

Sweet Willie wrote:The hot dog pictured above looks like it has a good snap casing on it, I might have to give the fries and dog a try.

Had a dog and fries today. Fries are indeed good.

Hot dog is a tiny 10:1 dog and while my dog had a casing on it, it must have been sitting in that water for a long time as there was no snap to it.

Fries are easy for me to pass up, so unless Beef Shack releases other items, I'll drive by.

Huh
I stopped in there at the Beef Shack on W. Belmont a few times. {When I get back to the abode, I'll refer in an image of the italian beef sandwich I had there.} It was on the chart. Nothing Top 10 or anything like that, but a hit nonetheless. [Hey, not everything is that good; but that does not mean it won't be good, or at least good enough for you to try.
I could be wrong, you know. ]