Sammie's

Sammie's
799 Belvidere Road (Route 120), Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 223-4663

Sammie's is one of the ubiquitous "Chicago-Style" restaurants cum greasy spoon type of places that dot the countryside up this way. It's probably the closest one to our house (though I could be wrong...when I say these types of places are "ubiquitous" I really mean it).

There are actually a few locations (another in Lake Villa and a third in Round Lake Beach). According to their take out menu, they've been around since 1964 serving their Chicago Style Sandwiches.

So, what exactly does that mean for people who don't live up this way? Well, it means that the following things will be on the menu:

• Chicago Style Hot Dogs (mustard, relish, onions, tomato [as in real slices of], pickle [as in a spear], cucumber & celery salt and don't you DARE to put ketchup on it)
• Italian Beefs (kind of similar to a Philly Cheesesteak, but not exactly...and it comes topped with giardinera, usually spicy. You can get these while watching a Bear's game at the stadium.)
• Tamales (I have yet to figure out why this is a Chicago thing, honestly)
• Gyros (Again, not sure why this is a Chicago thing. Though there are a fair amount of Greeks in the area, so maybe that's why)

There are also bound to be burgers, char dogs (essentially, charred hot dogs), and perhaps some things like pizza puffs. Basically, greasy spoon food. Stuff you'd eat while watching football and drinking beer.

I went to Sammie's for lunch today and got (for the 2nd time) their Gyro sandwich. It's really pretty good, though honestly, how would you ruin one? Tony's had their Chicago dog before. The fries are always hot and crisp. At some point I'll have to try some other items on the menu, but it just seems like I want a gyro every time I step foot in there. Who knows, maybe the baby's got a gyro-craving going on.

They've also got shakes and malts, but it has been a bit too chilly to order one, so I'll have to report back on that. They do catering as well. All in all, a good stop off for a Chicago Style lunch experience.