Have you been craving a taste of quintessential Chicago cuisine but want to experience it in a whole new way? Then pull up a seat at HMD Bar & Grill, an unassuming yet gastronomically adventurous spot in the heart of the city that’s putting its own spin on Windy City staples. You’re in for a treat – and maybe a surprise or two. From their deep-dish pizza topped with ingredients you never knew you needed in your life to hot dogs so mouthwatering you’ll be daydreaming about them for days, Bar & Grill is a culinary playground redefining what it means to eat like a local. Join us as we dive into the delicious secrets of this neighborhood gem. Your taste buds will thank you.
The Hot Dog, Elevated: Gourmet Takes on a Chicago Classic
The Chicago hot dog is an institution, but the restaurant takes this classic to exciting new heights. Their gourmet hot dogs showcase high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings that elevate this staple into a culinary work of art.
One of their most popular dogs is the “Windy City.” It features a plump Vienna beef hot dog nestled in a pillowy potato bun and topped with neon relish, chopped white onions, tomato wedges, a kosher dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. The familiar flavors of the classic Chicago dog are all there but taste fresher than ever.
For the more adventurous, try the “Duck Duck Goose” – a savory duck and goose sausage topped with braised cabbage, whole grain mustard, and crispy fried shallots. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors is a revelation. The “Pig & Fig” features an Italian sweet sausage link topped with mission fig jam, gorgonzola dolce, and arugula. Sweet, savory and slightly bitter flavors mingle with each bite.
With gourmet sausages and toppings ranging from innovative to outrageous, Bar & Grill aims to craft hot dogs as memorable as the city itself. Stop by to embark on your own culinary exploration and discover just how creative Chicago’s favorite food can be. The hot dogs may be elevated, but the experience of enjoying one on a summer day remains utterly Chicago.
Chicago Cuisine: A Windy City Classic With a Twist
Renowned for its imaginative twists on Chicago classics, this eatery never fails to impress, especially when it comes to its exceptional Italian beef sandwiches.. They take the iconic Italian beef, soaked in garlicky jus and topped with giardiniera peppers, to new heights.
The Classico
The Classico stays true to tradition with thin-sliced roast beef on an Italian roll. But HMD kicks it up a notch with beef roasted in-house, homemade jus, and giardiniera made from scratch with chili peppers, cauliflower, carrots, and celery. The tender beef and spicy veggies are a match made in Chicago heaven.
The Torpedo
If you like it hot, The Torpedo will make you sweat. Spicy sport peppers and pepperoncini take the place of giardiniera, bringing the heat. Provolone cheese helps balance the spice, while the roll soaks up the flavorful juices. The Torpedo is a beef sandwich for thrill-seekers only!
The Olive Branch
For something completely unexpected, try The Olive Branch. Kalamata olives, fresh basil, roasted red peppers, and melted provolone cheese top slices of beef with rosemary-infused jus. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors create a beef sandwich unlike anything else in the city.
Whether you’re craving a classic Chicago-style Italian beef or something more adventurous, the restaurant has a sandwich to satisfy your appetite. Their innovative takes on Italian beef highlight the vibrant flavors of seasonal ingredients and global influences that make a culinary destination.
Unexpected & Delicious: Creative Small Plates, Shareables & Sides
Pizza Bites
Their Pizza Bites are a fun, bite-sized take on Chicago deep dish pizza. Housemade dough is filled with signature tomato sauce and melted cheese, then topped with creative ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, sausage and giardiniera, or pepperoni and roasted red peppers. The bites are baked until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, then served with your choice of dipping sauces. They’re perfect for sharing and sampling the variety of flavors.
Duck Fat Fries
Hand-cut russet potatoes are fried in duck fat until crispy and golden, then tossed in sea salt. The duck fat gives the fries an irresistibly rich and savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more. For extra decadence, top them with cheese, bacon and fresh herbs.
Brussels Sprout Chips
Their Brussels Sprout Chips put a healthy spin on nachos. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts are fried until crisp, then topped with cotija cheese, pepitas, and a lime crema. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Crunchy, creamy and packed with flavor, these sprout chips satisfy your nacho craving in a lighter, more nutritious way.
From duck fat fries to pizza bites and Brussels sprout chips, the small plates at HMD Bar & Grill showcase Chef Michael’s knack for crafting familiar flavors in surprising and whimsical ways. With so many tasty options for sharing, you’ll want to come with friends so you can sample them all!
Sweet Endings: Decadent Desserts & After-Dinner Drinks
Sweet-ending decadent desserts and creative cocktails are the perfect way to wrap up your culinary adventure.
Indulge in their Chocolate Lava Cake, a warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center that oozes out as you dig in. Pair it with a glass of port or a bourbon-based cocktail for an elegant finish. If you prefer fruit flavors, the Mixed Berry Crumble is bursting with seasonal berries and topped with an oat streusel crumble.
For a lighter option, the Lemon Olive Oil Cake is a citrusy treat drizzled with olive oil icing. This unique combination of sweet and savory is a refreshing palate cleanser.
On the cocktail menu, you’ll find innovative takes on classics as well as original creations. The Espresso Martini combines vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso for a pick-me-up. The Pomegranate Gin Fizz is a bubbly gin-based drink infused with pomegranate juice.
If you’re a whiskey or bourbon fan, sample a flight of barrel-aged cocktails. Made from spirits aged for months in charred oak barrels, these complex cocktails are full of warm, oaky flavors with subtle hints of vanilla and spice.
End the evening on a high note by sipping an artisanal digestif like Amaro Nonino or Fernet Branca Menta. These herbaceous Italian liqueurs are meant to be enjoyed after dinner as an aid to digestion.
Conclusion
With creative takes on classic Chicago Cuisine fare that will surprise and delight your taste buds, it’s no wonder HMD Bar & Grill has become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Next time you’re in the mood to experience the vibrant flavors of Chicago with an innovative twist, head to Bar & Grill. One bite of their signature deep dish or gourmet hot dog and you’ll instantly understand why this restaurant is redefining what it means to taste Chicago.
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