that is up there. I have noticed that some places don't offer up a combo meal.

I live in Highland Park but rarely go to Michael's. I think the food is OK, but pricey for what it is.

I've never tried the burger, so I can't comment on that. Last Spring I did a hot dog tasting comparison in Highland Park and found the hot dogs at Michael's and at Stash's were virtually identical, but Stash's had the edge on French fries. My favorite hot dog was at Best's Kosher Outlet, regretably since closed.

The thread is at: http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=664&highlight=hot+dog+highland+park

I have not had hot dogs at either place but like the fries at both, though different...they're very potatoey at Stash's, right? The Italian beef is better at Stash's than Michael's last I tried.

Also, George, I wondered if you couldn't get your dearly departed Best's somewhere else and came up with this info, another Best's Kosher Outlet (you likely know but in case):

Address: 1000 W. Pershing Rd.
Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: (773) 650-6338
Fax: (773) 650-9046
Web Site: http://www.bestkosherfoods.com
Rabbi M. Small and Rabbi H. Kaufman supervision. Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 7 a.m.-before Shabbat. Closed Shabbat.

Jan wrote:Also, George, I wondered if you couldn't get your dearly departed Best's somewhere else and came up with this info, another Best's Kosher Outlet (you likely know but in case):

Address: 1000 W. Pershing Rd.
Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: (773) 650-6338
Fax: (773) 650-9046
Web Site: http://www.bestkosherfoods.com
Rabbi M. Small and Rabbi H. Kaufman supervision. Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 7 a.m.-before Shabbat. Closed Shabbat.

I haven't been here in years but it used to be a wonderful stop when it was still Sinai 48. In fact, I don't think I've been in more than a few times since Best's Kosher bought them out and that was some years ago.

Anyway, the guy who used to run this shop, Alex, was my dad's first boss at a Jewish south-side deli when dad was growing up. Whenever I'd stop in, he'd load me up with all sorts stuff (usually just past their expiration dates) and also make sure to throw a few CB or Salami sandwiches in the box as well.

Definitely not the same feel as the HP store -- or the exact same offerings -- but a much more interesting one. I doubt it's worth the trip all the way down from HP but if you're already nearby, it's probably worth a check. In fact, I'm going to make a point of stopping in next time I'm in the area.

Thanks, Jan, for the reminder and for stirring up a few pleasant memories.

=R=

Thanks for the info about the Pershing Road location. I knew about it, but haven't been there as I'm not normally near that area. If I am , I'll certainly stop in.

Jan, your comment about Michael's burgers inspired me to try them over the weekend, especially as a $1.00 off coupon for Michael's arrived in the mail. I'm not usually a hamburger person, but this seemed worth trying.

It is indeed a good burger. I woudn't put it quite in the Hackney's / Beinlich category, though it is less expensive. I ordered it with my usual accompaniments, but didn't tell them how done I wanted it. Instead I let them do it their normal way. It came out nicely charred on the outside and pink inside. A good, flavorful, meaty burger.

At $3.79 or $3.99 (I can't remember which it was) it's the value leader at Michaels. I ordered a small drink (it was small) which cost about $2.00 and the "heart-healthy" gribenes, which is just onions (no chicken skins) fried in the same oil as the French fries. Total cost with tax less coupon was about $8.60.

Some of the gribenes was blackened and left an after taste. Despite efforts at draining it a good part of the grease stayed on. I ate less than half as at that point I knew I wouldn't need a lube/oil change for more than 3000 miles.

A general comment about Michael's. It's a pretty good place, but having grown up in Chicago I can't adapt to the North Shore pricing so I rarely go there. Also, I'm happier with a grubbier atmosphere when eating hot dogs. For those who did grow up with Michael's there is a big nostalgia factor.

What you think of it depends on your perception of the place. It can be considered as:

1) A glamourized hot dog stand with great PR in which case it's expensive. Or 2) a limited menu restaurant in which case prices are reasonable. Or 3) a cafeteria in which case prices are sort of in the ball park.

Thanks for reporting in, George. I'm glad you enjoyed your burger, partly because I prompted the vist. I recently went to Hackney's twice after many years not. I was sorely disappointed in the burger and it sort of made me feel a little funky both times. My constitution, I'm sure. Just goes to show something about individual tastes.

I like your Michael's analysis. I'm used to the scene there from taking the kids, but don't much enjoy it either way. I'd like a little more grubby in HP in general.

Jan

It's been a while since I had a Hackney's burger and was operating on memory. Hope they haven't declined.

Grubby won't happen in HP, not the way the real estate market has moved. I think your best bet in the area is Cooker's on Deerfield Road (it's in the shopping center west of the one with the Jewel.

Cooker's is my son's favorite place for hot dogs. We've never tried burgers there so we can't comment on them. The Italian Beef is OK, but nothing special. Definitely cheaper than Michaels.

We tried Dear Frank's on Waukegan Road a few months ago and it doesn't compare to Cookers.

Cooker's
469 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL
847-272-7222 or 847-897-5880

Granted, I have only been going to places that have been suggested by lth members...

Kuma's
Rosebud
Grafton
Atlantic Bar
Top Notch
RJ Grunts
Gaslight

But honestly, I have made far better burgers on my Foreman Grill using meat from Jewel that hasn't been seasoned...

The burger is small, thin, and it melts in your mouth but not in a good way. The meat is way too finely grounded to the point where teeth are not required to eat the burger and after 2 chews, swallowing almost seems like an automatic response to having an oatmeal-like consistency burger in your mouth.
Seasoning? Barely tasted any...
If it weren't for the sweetness of the grilled onions and the snap of the cheese, the burger would have been literally one step above any typical fast food burger, minus the grease.
I ordered medium-rare and there was only 1 small spot of grease that made its way to my plate...
Though it was pink in the middle and seemed cooked to my specs, it was oddly dry based on the lack of juiciness.

I drove 20 miles out of my way for this burger?

Never again,
Bsmooth

bsmooth7 wrote:
The burger is small, thin, and it melts in your mouth but not in a good way.

Are you sure you went to the right place? I wouldn't classify a Charlie Beinlich's burger as either small or thin by any stretch of the imagination. They are typically generous 1/2 pounders.

stevez wrote:

bsmooth7 wrote:
The burger is small, thin, and it melts in your mouth but not in a good way.

Are you sure you went to the right place? I wouldn't classify a Charlie Beinlich's burger as either small or thin by any stretch of the imagination. They are typically generous 1/2 pounders.

I agree. As I posted above, I'm no great fan of CB's but this seems inaccurate.

=R=

stevez wrote:

bsmooth7 wrote:
The burger is small, thin, and it melts in your mouth but not in a good way.

Are you sure you went to the right place? I wouldn't classify a Charlie Beinlich's burger as either small or thin by any stretch of the imagination. They are typically generous 1/2 pounders.

It was more like a 1/3 pound burger, much smaller than Kuma's...

I went to the right place, it was Charlie Beinlich's, there was a Subway right next door...

Are there 2 different sizes of cheeseburgers there?

I had lunch at Charlie Beinlich's today. Growing up in HP, I'd always heard they were the best on the North Shore. I went once probably a decade ago, and was disappointed. But over the years, I've continued to hear raves and decided to give it another try since I was in the area.

Am I missing something?!?! These are not only not among the best burgers, they are in fact below average.

The burger was undercooked -- closer to raw than the medium I ordered (incidentally, the same problem I remember from 10 years ago). The meat was also very bland in flavor. A slice of Swiss cheese, some raw and grilled onions but nothing to really improve a subpar burger. It didn't seem to be that big, maybe 6 oz. Yet it cost $9.50.

I just had dinner at Kuma's Corner on Thursday, which was countless times better, more interesting and only 50 cents more expensive. That was a good burger.

So is Hackney's, Select Cut, Paradise Pup, RJ Grunts, off the top of my head. But Beinlich's most certainly not is not on the list.

blipsman wrote: Am I missing something?!?! These are not only not among the best burgers, they are in fact below average.

Maybe? As an HP native, my clan frequented the Michael's/Poochie's/Little Louie archetype; I didn't experience Bienlich's until about five years ago, so I know where you're coming from. And while I went there once and have not been back, I do have vivid memories of that burger: it was, as you describe it, raw and thin and a little bland--but rather endearing. The thing that stands out to me was its picnic-like quality, like what you'd eat if someone was grilling at neighborhood cookout. What you'd want to eat after you marched down Central in the Fourth of July parade.

I suppose you can't eat metaphors--or go home again--but I tasted the 1980s in that burger, man.

Yeah, I have no idea why CB's has a legacy. I've tried Kuma's twice and I find it overrated. So there.

The thing that stands out to me was its picnic-like quality, like what you'd eat if someone was grilling at neighborhood cookout.

Yes! It's like the burgers at camp on cookout nights, when the counselors couldn't get the fire going quick enough but our cabin had to be back for evening activities so we were forced to eat undercooked burgers that had come frozen in a box w/ wax paper between them. But why would anybody want to eat that? Or pay almost $10 for the honor?

Any sports bar, hot dog stand, national family-style chain, etc. can put out a pretty decent burger for less than $10. So what's the attraction to eating one that tastes like a campfire mistake?

blipsman wrote:

So is Hackney's, Select Cut, Paradise Pup, RJ Grunts, off the top of my head. But Beinlich's most certainly not is not on the list.

If you are in the mood for spending 10.00 on a Hackney's burger at the one up north on Milwaukee, I would suggest trying a burger from Market Square on Dundee & Mchenry rd. If I had a choice of Mkt Sq., Hackney's, and Beinlich's, it would be Mkt Sq every time. Especially on Tuesdays when they have Split Pea soup. The place is a standard diner, and the soups are nothing to write home about (except for the split pea on Tuesdays) but they do a good 1/2 lb hand formed burger that always seems to be cooked correctly for like 5.99, or 6.99 which includes soup, and fries. And if you wanna talk patty melts, then you gotta try theirs. Another favorite over there for me is the turkey rueben. MASSIVE. Real turkey, too. Don't mean to derail the thread, but I work out this way, and like to try a lot of places for lunch. I've found that most places are completely overpriced for what they are. If you haven't tried a mkt sq burger, then you might be missing out. One point that needs to be stressed tho, they have standard food service diner soups. don't expect much with their soups, but I can vouch for the split pea on Tuesday being decent.

I've never been a big fan of Beinlich's either. I grew up in HP and now live in Northbrook, so I've been hearing how wonderful it is for years. My only experience there was fine. The burgers were fine, the fries were eh.

We had some really good burgers at Blackie's last week. And the ones at RAM are pretty consistent. Both places serve chips instead of fries, and I really like them.

Maybe I need to try CB's again, but I'm not rushing.

blipsman wrote:I had lunch at Charlie Beinlich's today. Growing up in HP, I'd always heard they were the best on the North Shore. I went once probably a decade ago, and was disappointed. But over the years, I've continued to hear raves and decided to give it another try since I was in the area.

Am I missing something?!?! These are not only not among the best burgers, they are in fact below average.

The burger was undercooked -- closer to raw than the medium I ordered (incidentally, the same problem I remember from 10 years ago). The meat was also very bland in flavor. A slice of Swiss cheese, some raw and grilled onions but nothing to really improve a subpar burger. It didn't seem to be that big, maybe 6 oz. Yet it cost $9.50.

I just had dinner at Kuma's Corner on Thursday, which was countless times better, more interesting and only 50 cents more expensive. That was a good burger.

So is Hackney's, Select Cut, Paradise Pup, RJ Grunts, off the top of my head. But Beinlich's most certainly not is not on the list.

Thank you, I knew I wasn't going crazy.

I like Beinlich's a lot, and it's definitely one of the better burgers that I've had, and the whole meal with the fries, excellent cole slaw and cold shrimp and crabmeat cocktail is almost unbeatable.

I would definitely put it above Select Cut and on a par with Paradise Pup, although the Pup burger definitely has a beefier flavor. It's much better than RJ Grunt's, and Hackney's, which I thought had one of the best burgers (and fries) years ago, is pretty much phoning it in these days.

I had a late lunch at CB's today. Tuesday is my half day at work so I'm making a concious effort to try all the different places in the Glenview/Northbrook area that are mentioned here, and others. I wasn't overly impressed. The atmosphere is phenomenal. I love the northwoods of Wisconsin atmosphere and feel. Happily felt like I was at the bowling alley in Door County. Service was real gruff though. At least the old time bartender at Hackney's on Lake will give me a "how you doing today young man" (i'm not that young). These guys made me feel like I walked into the wrong place. I was scared to mention that they forgot my grilled onions. I quickly ate and left. Burger was good. Definitely not a 1/2 lb. I think it's a 1/3 prior to cooking. He dropped the check off with the delivery of my burger, I guess they weren't interested in getting a second Michelob off me (they do get points for Michelob on tap). He would of noticed said beer was close to empty half way through my meal if the Sun-Times wouldn't of been so enthralling. I guess this Eliot Spitzer sex scandal is a page turner.

I probably should of explained my north shore membership card is still in the application process. I run a business in Glenview, I know the owner of Hole-in-the-wall, my bartender is a full blooded local who is backing me in the membership process. I guess I'll try and get back when I'm fully accepted in the area.

While I remember always "liking" the burger here, the shrimp cocktail was always the reason for going out of the way to Beinlchs. Big shrimp and crabmeat with a stir your own combo of horseradish and ketchup. I have no idea if the shrimp cocktail is still great, but it used to be really great.

BTW if you ever want to be truly dissappointed by a burger that has been living off of decades of undeserved rave reviews try a burger at Meiers Tavern on Lake St. in Glenview. The burger has not held up over the years. Reading this thread made me think of Meiers as the later posts seem to describe the meiers burger perfectly.

Meiers Tavern
235 E Lake Ave
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 724-0477

Count me among those who grew up in HP and never quite saw what was the big deal about Charlie Beinlich's. In a word association game, if you'd said "burger," the people I knew then would have said "Hackney's." (Hackney's on Harm's, that is.)

(And if you said "fries," they'd say "Stash's." )

The last few years my dad was around, when I tried to take him out on some field trips, we stopped a couple of times at Beinlich's but it was always closed. I didn't know that Charlied Beinlich had passed away. I just got into the habit of thinking Beinlich's was closed either permanently or frequently. So now I think, if you're going by and it's open, it can be a good lunch option. But I'm not up for driving from 20 miles away to see if they're open or not.

Francesco's Hole in the Wall is "eh" for me, but I've only been there a couple of times, a long time ago, so that opinion shouldn't count for much.

(And if you said "fries," they'd say "Stash's."

I meant the old Stash's, by the way, in case that wasn't obvious.

LTH,

Recent lunch at Charlie Beinlich reinforced my solid appreciation of the burgers, fries and North Shore meets Wisconsin atmosphere. Rare as requested good sized burger with sweet perfectly caramelized onions, crisp crinkle cut fries and cup of Midwestern style chili that would have a Texan reaching for his six-shooter before the first taste.

While I always enjoy lunch at Charlie Beinlich's, it's not the style I crave, burger meat is a little too finely ground, as was pointed out upthread, and the flat top grill simply does not impart the textural point counterpoint I so dearly love. Solid appreciation sums it up well.

Enjoy,
Gary

Katie wrote:The last few years my dad was around, when I tried to take him out on some field trips, we stopped a couple of times at Beinlich's but it was always closed. I didn't know that Charlied Beinlich had passed away. I just got into the habit of thinking Beinlich's was closed either permanently or frequently. So now I think, if you're going by and it's open, it can be a good lunch option. But I'm not up for driving from 20 miles away to see if they're open or not.

I live close enough that I pass Beinlich's several times a week. I do not have a sense of it being mostly closed. If your field trips were on Sunday and Monday, then they are always closed. They do go on shutdown vacations once or twice a year, otherwise it is open if you come during their working hours of Tues-Sat: 11:30 am-10:45 pm ...

http://www.charliebeinlichs.com/

Regards,

While I realize it's an ultra-simplistic one page design, you know times have really changed when Beinlich's has a website!

Tony_Spilotro wrote:While I realize it's an ultra-simplistic one page design, you know times have really changed when Beinlich's has a website!

But they still don't have the phone number listed.

(847-714-9375)

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to throw in my $.02.

I have had a lot of luck trying restaurants mentioned on these forums, but Beinlich's was pretty much a swing and a miss. Don't get me wrong, I will happily concur that the shrimp and crab cocktail was very tasty. But there was a lot of phrases being thrown around these pages about their incredible burgers, such as 'best in the north burbs' and whatnot.

I work in Northbrook, so I was very excited to try these amazing burgers. These aren't the best burgers in the north burbs. These are not the best burgers in Northbrook. I doubt these are even the best burgers in a three mile radius. They were so thin that I don't even see why they bother asking you your preferred temperature, and the meat itself was mighty weak on flavor. I love me some raw onion, but I get a little bummed when it overpowers the meat.

I agree some people are blinded by their nostalgia, or perhaps I just missed the place in it's heyday. Perhaps I am being a bit too hard here, I imagine the burger would be a nice surprise if you were just stopping there for a drink, I will concede it is better than most bars' burgers. But as a destination just for burgers? No.

This Saturday I will be making my first trip to Kuma's, and I imagine all will be well.

roninhobbit wrote:They were so thin that I don't even see why they bother asking you your preferred temperature, and the meat itself was mighty weak on flavor.

Opinions are decidedly mixed on Beinlich's (either you love it or you hate it), but I've never seen them accused of serving thin burgers before.

I go to Beinlich's a few times a year. With so many other burger options out there, it has lost it's old luster. But a few tweaks make it a lot more enjoyable for me. First off, I usually like my burger around medium or medium well. I want it pink, but not red (except at Hackney's for some reason, then I turn into a vampire and want to see that red in my bun!). Since it seems that Beinlich's tends to undercook the burgers, I order medium well and that solves that problem. Number two, I get the fries well done and they become crispier and tastier than usual. The atmosphere is cool (northern Wisconsin vibe) and it hits the spot. No, it's not the holy grail as it may used to have been, but it's good.

In the near-Highland Park area, some of the burgers I also like are at Di Pescara, Hackey's (on Lake - Harms is WAY overrated, and I've given up on them after repeated chances), C.J. Arthur's (Wilmette), Michael's/Stash's (toss up), Steak N' Shake (Glenview), Meatheads (Northbrook), J. Alexander's, and Cheesecake Factory (Skokie/Lincolnshire - Kobe Burger sooo tender!) to name a few. I also had the burger at Rosebud in Highland Park a couple of times. It seemed to be similar to the one served at Rosebud Steakhouse downtown that had been mentioned as the best around. But I found it to be a letdown. It had the pretzel bun too, but it might have been just too thick (12oz) for it's own good.

I want to check out Abigal's Bistro and Prairie Grass for their burgers too.