I went to Chicago this past weekend for a quick family vacation.
It was the first time since Lily was born where we didn’t travel to see family, work related, or go to some kind of event. It was our first ever FAMILY VACATION, and man…it was glorious and well needed.
Naturally when you head to Chicago, the first question you ask is…’Where do we eat?’ Chicago is LOADED with food choices, and one place I was suggested cause I wanted to venture out a bit was Wildberry Cafe…a known breakfast joint that specializes in crazy pancakes covered in stuff…take a guess how much breakfast for 3 people was? $98!!!!!!! AFTER TIP!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!
Later that day, we went to the legendary Billy Goat Tavern…basically a dive with history made famous by Saturday Night Live. What did they serve? Cheezborgers, Chips, and a Coke…and that’s when it really hit me.
A good dive is the best food.
Nothing special, nothing crazy, nothing hip….just food, made good. My favorite food joints here in Iowa aren’t the special places where the burger is $17 and has bacon jam or whatever bullshit….no….it’s the place where it’s a simple paddy, bun, melted cheese, and maybe some fries on the side. Also the atmosphere has to be a place that’s been there for a bit, like something out of the 70’s or 80’s.
Shout out to Morg’s (Waterloo) or Maid Rite (Cedar Falls) and Oscar’s (Hiawatha)…that’s my type of place.
