Melissa Elsmo
Who knew there even was a National Greasy Food Day? I sure didn't, but I's bet more than a few folks might be looking for a an excuse to dabble on the culinary dark side toward the end of a hectic work week.
In my world the best "greasy food" really doesn't taste greasy at all, but celebrates the cheesy, melty, porky, and crunchy hallmarks of foods that taste so darn amazing they can't possibly be that good for you.
So set aside the salmon and spinach for a single day and snag a local burger, pizza, grilled cheese, fish fry, or pork belly breakfast hash on August 25th to honor the day! We've got NINE local options to get you started!
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Melissa Elsmo
Order up a sandwich worthy of a Big Easy inspired binge. Surf's Up version of the fried shrimp po' boy ($9.99) does not disappoint. The bread is lovingly toasted, the piping hot cornmeal crusted shrimp is perfectly cooked, and the homemade remoulade sauce complements the traditional tomato, lettuce, and pickle garnishes perfectly.
- Surf's Up
- 6427 W North Ave
- Oak Park
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Melissa Elsmo
Order a Ruben sandwich from Brasas Pancake House on Roosevelt Road to bring some cheesy ooey-gooey goodness to National Greasy Food Day. Their fries are pretty fab, too!
- Brasas Pancake House
- 6033 Roosevelt Rd
- Cicero
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Melissa Elsmo
Greasy does not mean clumsy and this fried chicken sandwich from Firecakes in Oak Park is a sophisticated way to indulge. A seeded brioche bun filled with crispy, all-natural chicken breast and topped with house-made pickles, tomato aioli, and lettuce. Offered during lunch hours, this fried chicken sandwich is pretty darn dreamy and offered exclusively (at least for now) at Firecakes' Oak Park location.
- Firecakes Donuts
- 104 N. Maple
- Oak Park
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Melissa Elsmo
Keep it classic at Burger Moovement! Patties at Elmwood Park's environmentally conscious, Burger Moovement, are cooked on the spot and feature 100% Midwest Angus beef; you are free to select one, two or three beef patties to build your perfect burger. Their Classic Moovement features American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a brioche bun.
- Burger Moovement
- 7512 W. North Ave
- Elmwood Park
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Melissa Elsmo
Yes, please! Brewhouse Hash from Exit Strategy in Forest Park featuring shredded pork belly, beets, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, shallots, two sunny side up eggs, black pepper maple sour cream and a buttermilk biscuit. Breakfast fare is an ideal choice for National Greasy Foods Day!
- Exit Strategy Brewing Company
- 7700 Madison Street
- Forest Park
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Melissa Elsmo
A celebration of greasy food isn't complete without a legit fish fry on the list! Delay your celebration for a day and head to Rose's Fish Fry at the Riverside VFW. Their 3 piece perch dinner with fries will set you back less than $8! Fridays only.
- Rose's Fish Fry
- 2622 S Des Plaines Ave
- Riverside
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Melissa Elsmo
Greasy food day means bacon is totally okay! Oak Park Eats enjoys a fancy-pants version of Starship's grilled cheese; this sandwich brims with Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, fresh tomato and bacon on multigrain bread. It is a decadent version of a diner classic and a perfect way to mark the day!
- Starship Subs
- 7618 Madison St,
- Forest Park
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Melissa Elsmo
Snag a slice of wood fired pizza at District Kitchen and Tap on Harrison Street in Oak Park. Try a spicy Diavala loaded with pepperoni, a 5-cheese 'za, or even a Bianca with proscuitto, burrata, and balsamic drizzle. Any way you slice it a DTK pizza makes any day a little better.
- District Kitchen and Tap
- 200 Harrison Street
- Oak Park
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Melissa Elsmo
The award winning, hand-packed, big guy burger comes topped with 1000 Island, shoestring onion straws, and American cheese. The tiny stand is know for their housemade sausages, but managed to carve out a niche in the burger world, as well. Big Guys also has build your own burger options. And don't skip the fries at Big Guys!
- Big Guys Sausage Stand
- 7021 W. Roosevelt Road
- Berwyn