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 the most popular dogs is the “Windy City.” In it sits a plump Vienna beef hot dog in a pillowy potato bun and is 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 sweet and spicy are a revelation. “Pig & Fig” brings an Italian sweet sausage link atop mission fig jam, gorgonzola dolce, and arugula. Sweet, savory, and bitter flavors meld with each simple and unassuming bite.
From gourmet sausages to creative-and, yes, even outlandish-toppings, Bar & Grill strives to make a hot dog as unforgettable as the city it calls home. Come for your own culinary escapade and discover for yourself just how creative Chicago’s most beloved food can get. The hot dogs are elevated, but chowing down on one during a summer day is quintessentially Chicago.
A Windy City Classic With a Twist
Known for putting creative twists on old Chicago favorites, this restaurant never disappoints. However, their Italian beef sandwich truly shines. They elevate the classic Italian beef by soaking it in garlicky jus and even top it with giardiniera peppers.
Classico
Classico Classico goes old-school with thin-sliced roast beef on an Italian roll. But HMD amps it up with in-house roasted beef, housemade jus, and from-scratch giardiniera loaded with chili peppers, cauliflower, carrots, and celery. Tender beef meets spicy veggies-Chicago heaven, people.
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. A beef sandwich for thrill seekers only: The Torpedo.
Olive Branch
But for something completely out of left field, there’s The Olive Branch. Thinly sliced beef with rosemary-infused jus gets topped with kalamata olives, fresh basil and roasted red peppers, all held together with melted provolone cheese. Mediterranean-inspired flavors result in a beef sandwich unlike anything else around town.
From classic
Chicago-style Italian beef to innovative creations that will take you on a gastronomical journey, the restaurant has a sandwich to hit the spot. Its creative Italian beef dishes showcase vibrant seasonal flavors and international inspiration that make it a gastronomic destination.
Pizza Bites
Pizza Bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on Chicago deep dish pizza. The signature tomato sauce and melted cheese are enveloped by fresh housemade dough. Topped with creative ingredients ranging from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to sausage and giardiniera or pepperoni and roasted red peppers. Baked to a golden crust with bubbly cheese, served with your choice of dipping sauces. Great for sharing and sampling the flavors of each option.
Duck Fat Fries
Thick-cut, hand-battered Russet potatoes, fried to crispy golden brown in duck fat and tossed in sea salt. The richness in that savory duck fat just makes it impossible to stop eating these fries. For added indulgence, drizzle them with cheese, bacon and fresh herbs.
Brussels Sprout Chips
The Brussels Sprout Chips are a healthier version of nachos. These chips are made from Brussels sprouts which are thinly sliced and fried till they are crunchy. The Brussels sprout chips are then garnished with cotija cheese, pepitas, and a lime flavored sauce. The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro which balances the dish’s other flavors. These sprout chips are crunchy and creamy full of flavors which lets you indulge in your nacho cravings but in a healthier and lighter manner.
Now you might wonder what all the fuzz is about these Brussels sprout chips, how they managed to spin on everything from duck fat fries to pizza-bites to these more finger-foods bear small plates in HMD Bar & Grill if not for the Chef Michael’s surprises and plays with the usual fare. You’ll be looking for some pals to come along because you’ll want to try every single one.
To Sweeten the Deal: Lavish Desserts & Digestive Add-Ons
Sweet endings of lavish desserts and inventive drinks bring the best conclusion to your culinary expedition.
You will also be able to experience… Chocolate Lava Cake – a warm chocolate cake with a gooey liquid chocolate filling in the middle- served with port or bourbon cocktails for the ultimate dessert experience. A Mixed Berry Crumble, which consists of seasonal mixed berries and an oat crumb topping for people who love berries encased in the sweet crumble, will be offered to them as well.
Eaten with olive oil icing, the Lemon Olive Oil Cake gets an injection of lightness by being baked with less sugar and more lemon, albeit the icing is quite rich in calories. As one bites into this unique swear amalgamation of flavors, one is instantly refreshed.
In addition to these tamer versions, there are also some inventive modifications and some wholly new ones on the drink list. For an instant energy boost, the Espresso Martini blends vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of hot espresso into a cup. A gin cocktail is the Pomegranate Gin Fizz, which has added pomegranate juice.
If you are a fan of whiskey or bourbon, you will need to try a flight of barrel-aged cocktails. Spirits aged for months in charred oak barrels go into the composition of such complicated cocktails, which literally burst with warm oaky flavors and soft hints of vanilla and spice.
Let’s end the evening with a nice note by sipping an artisanal digestif such as Amaro Nonino or Fernet Branca Menta. Both are herbaceous Italian liqueurs that help digest after dinner.
Conclusion
Creative takes on classic Chicago fare that will send your taste buds into surprise and delight, HMD Bar & Grill simply earned its spot among must-visits for locals and visitors alike. Next time you are feeling like tasting the flavors of Chicago with a twist, head down to Bar & Grill. With any taste of their signature deep dishes or gourmet hot dogs, you’ll gain an understanding in no time as to why this restaurant is redefining what it means to taste Chicago.
Read also
Everything you need to know about plastic restaurant chairs
