After 35 years Mr. D's finally gets some love
After 35 years Mr. D's finally gets some love
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post #61 - February 13th, 2015, 8:40 pmI hope this isn't out of line and I'm sure it is a great beef but why does the bread in VI's photo look like, well, bubble wrap?
-
-
-
Post #62 - February 14th, 2015, 10:31 amBrendanR wrote:I hope this isn't out of line and I'm sure it is a great beef but why does the bread in VI's photo look like, well, bubble wrap?
I belief it would be an imprint from the perforated pan the bread was proofed it.There are some secrets which do not permit themselves to be told. (Poe)
-
-
-
Post #63 - August 2nd, 2019, 12:51 pmAfter a time-out, shoe-leather steak sandwich, I went back and am glad I did. Tender juicy charred, simply terrific steak sandwich and tip-top fries. About 90% of my going again was due to Mr. Sandwich Jim Behymer and his wonderful web site https://www.sandwichtribunal.com
Mr. D's Steak Sandwich
-
-
Post #64 - August 17th, 2019, 12:15 pmMr. D's Shish Kabobs hitting on all 8-cylinders. rib-eye steak sandwich top tier tasty. Fries wonderfully crispy and flavorful. Mr. D's steak sandwich is starting to do a Peter from Family Guy "bird is the word on my brain"
Mr. D's
Mr. D's
Mr. D's
Mr. D's steak sandwich, count me a Fan!
-
-
Post #65 - August 18th, 2019, 8:33 pmLooks great! How busy was it? From what I've read, when there's a line he tends to rush the cooking a bit, leading to sub-optimal results...
-
-
Post #66 - August 18th, 2019, 9:15 pm
Interesting. I've also heard that if it snows hard on Christmas Eve Santa does not have time to eat the milk and cookies laid out for him.Uther wrote:From what I've read, when there's a line he tends to rush the cooking a bit, leading to sub-optimal results...
As I mention above, I've been going for years, all different times, had one off experience. My track record at Mr. D's is stellar.
Uther, have you been? I suggest trying Mr. D's yourself and seeing how you like the food. If you are worried about what you read, or your friends hairdresser's mom's sister heard about peak times, go on an off hour.
-
-
Post #67 - August 22nd, 2019, 12:15 pmMy visits to Mr. D's have been solid.
Although there was one time when I stopped by and it was closed.
I previously posted its italian beef sandwich. Here are more images of it, with the foodstuff being its steak sandwich.
I typically go here for a dinner (so in its last hour) before taking the #76 Diversey bus back east to Delilah's. 
Valuable links you can use, without the sales pitch: http://208.84.112.25/~pudgym29/bookmark4.html
-
-
Post #68 - August 26th, 2019, 5:14 pmMr. D's with a friend from Houston. She was flabbergasted at the quality quantity and deliciousness. Rib-eye steak sandwich and mound of terrific fries for $8.50 blew her away.
Our lunch was a bustling straight-up noon, everything tip-top. Seems Santa gets to eat his cookies.Mr. D's rib-eye steak sand and fries
Mr. D's count me a Fan!
-
-
Post #69 - August 31st, 2019, 10:00 amNo, not your mom's sister's hairdresser's friend, just this post from the 2nd page. It looks like Mr. D works both the fryer and grill, which is impressive multi-tasking when busy but I could see how the results are less than ideal when one person is trying to do the work of 2.
I'm still looking to try it out when I get a chance, but typically I'm downtown when I'm in the city so it's a bit of a hike to get there and the people I'm with don't want to travel so far for a meal. Plus he's not open late.turkob wrote:I took my first trip out to Mr. D's yesterday. We arrived in the middle of the lunch rush and the place was filled with customers happily chowing down on shish kabob and steak sandwiches. As has been mentioned, there's no question the neighborhood has embraced Mr. D's. Most of the customers were obviously regulars since they didn't need to look at the menu to order and they were greeted with questions about their spouses/children etc. If this isn't a neighborhood place, I don't know what is.
We ordered a shish kabob sandwich that comes with an order of fries. You can see the fries are fresh cut, and they're definitely twice fried, once in the fryer on the right then in the fryer on the left. Mr. D worked quickly to man the grill and the fryers while his wife took the orders and assembled the sandwiches. Mr. D was working like crazy to keep up with the line of customers that was almost out the door by the time we left.
I'm a little sad to say it because I really did like the vibe of the place, but this frantic pace was a detriment to the food. The kabob went on the grill along with a couple orders of steak sandwiches. The steak is cut thin so it cooks pretty fast while the kabobs are thicker so they take longer. Mr. D kept turning my kabob, but it sat on the grill far too long. It developed a great smokey flavor, but it was pretty overcooked. Not dry, but definitely tough and kind of chewy. It's a shame because the sandwich, with the gravy at the bottom and the rich caramelized onions, was pretty tasty overall, but the toughness of the meat kept it from reaching greatness. Similarly, I saw him pump out order after order of fresh cut fries. No question the fry time for each batch varied wildly. For the order before ours I saw him drop a couple fries in the fry oil as he was transferring them, then take them straight from the oil to the top of the pile. Ours weren't quite swimming in oil, but they were limp and somewhat greasy. Once again, the fries were a good 80% of the way to greatness, but not all the way there.
Mr. D's is serving its neighborhood admirably. The couple running the place seem to love their customers and they have a nice product. I wanted to love the place, but the food fell a little short for me.
-
-
Post #70 - September 1st, 2019, 7:10 amUther wrote:No, not your mom's sister's hairdresser's friend, just this post from the 2nd page. It looks like Mr. D works both the fryer and grill, which is impressive multi-tasking when busy but I could see how the results are less than ideal when one person is trying to do the work of 2.
I'm still looking to try it out when I get a chance, but typically I'm downtown when I'm in the city so it's a bit of a hike to get there and the people I'm with don't want to travel so far for a meal. Plus he's not open late.
omg. so many words. it's paralysis by analysis by now. just go already. or don't. good god, man!
-
-
-
Post #71 - September 2nd, 2019, 5:56 pmMy new wife (6 months) was perplexed about my constant complaints about bad fries. She finally asked me what I considered good fries. I took her to Mr. D's. Now she understands.
I wish I still lived in the area.
-
-
-
Post #72 - September 2nd, 2019, 7:16 pmClarence Beeks wrote:Uther wrote:No, not your mom's sister's hairdresser's friend, just this post from the 2nd page. It looks like Mr. D works both the fryer and grill, which is impressive multi-tasking when busy but I could see how the results are less than ideal when one person is trying to do the work of 2.
I'm still looking to try it out when I get a chance, but typically I'm downtown when I'm in the city so it's a bit of a hike to get there and the people I'm with don't want to travel so far for a meal. Plus he's not open late.
omg. so many words. it's paralysis by analysis by now. just go already. or don't. good god, man!
Yes!
-
-
Post #73 - September 2nd, 2019, 7:54 pmHappened to be in the area on Saturday morning so I stopped in. All the praise of this place is well deserved. The fries were perfect and the steak sandwich was damn good too! Its definitely worth seeking out.
I know it's only based on one visit, but any criticism of this place is a prime example of picking nits
-
-
Post #74 - September 10th, 2019, 1:12 pmTook the bride to Mr. D's Shish Kabobs for her maiden steak sandwich, count her a fan! My first Mr. D's Italian Beef, was terrific, original Al's #1 Italian Beef and Johnnie's Beef territory.
Mr. D's
Mr. D's
Mr. D's, count me a Fan!
-
-
-
Post #75 - September 10th, 2019, 5:27 pmI don't get to Mr. D's as often as I would like so I always go for the Steak or Shish Kabob. I have totally forgotten how really good their beef sandwich is."I drink to make other people more interesting."
Ernest Hemingway
-
-
-
Post #76 - September 11th, 2019, 3:55 pmThat beef sandwich looks amazing. Is the beef made in house?
-
-
Post #77 - September 11th, 2019, 4:00 pmRam4 wrote:That beef sandwich looks amazing. Is the beef made in house?
No idea. All I know is I gobbled it up like a penguin on an ice flow drifting out to sea. (makes no sense, I know)
-
-
Post #78 - September 11th, 2019, 7:56 pmI had the IB today and was very impressed. Really liked the beefy flavor. The roll held up to the dip admirably as well.
-
-
Post #79 - September 12th, 2019, 3:32 pmCount me a fan of Mr. D's. My hubby likes the shish ka bob sandwich more than the steak. I think it has grilled onions on it. True old school joint and a depiction of the American dream where an immigrant family can make a living out of really nothing much but some talent and hard work. They do a few things well and do it reliably everyday. People like what they have to sell. Winner!!!Toria
"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" - As You Like It,
W. Shakespeare
-
-
-
Post #80 - September 28th, 2019, 1:21 pmStopped for a date night dinner last night with My Bride. I know, I take her to all the best dives.
Steak Sandwich - Delicious! Fresh raw onions and tomatoes. Bread less fresh but still good. Meat juicy with an awesome char flavor. A little more tooth pull than I was dreaming about but that is probably that I got spoiled by the outer skirt steak I used for tacos this week. Like butter.
Matter of a fact I’m going to make my own steak sandwich (Mr D’s Style) using the outer skirt early next week.Couldn’t get the file to load. Cropped one side. :(
Shish-kabob Sandwich - The signature item and rightfully so. Very tender, nice flavor from the marinade, onions layered in still had a bit of crunch and a complementary bite. Takes twice as long to cook as anything else so be prepared.
Fries - Comes with every sandwich. Fresh cut and fried with every order. A nice external crunch, some crispy bits, soft interior. Very good!
As many know he was awarded best fries in Chicago this year after losing out to Five Guys the last. They were quite proud of this award to the point of pointing out the mounted article on the wall. Mentioned many people have stopped in just for the fries.Entire menu. Keeping it simple
My Bride had initially ordered the Vienna polish sandwich, not Maxwell Style but rather Chicago Hotdog Style but wanted to change after we ordered. Rather than cancel we just added her desire. Haven’t eaten it yet.
The owner, Mike (?), and his wife were in attendance accompanied by their son who actually took over the grill later in our meal. Looks like he might be in training to take over the helm? The owner relaxed in a booth with a regular, read the newspaper, chatted.
His wife, usually quiet, did have a little conversation with My Bride which was nicely entertaining.
Moderately busy, steady at 5:00 on a Friday.
As always, a gem not to be missed.Last edited by Panther in the Den on September 28th, 2019, 1:35 pm, edited 3 times in total."Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
-
-
-
-
Post #81 - September 28th, 2019, 1:30 pmtoria wrote:Count me a fan of Mr. D's. My hubby likes the shish ka bob sandwich more than the steak. I think it has grilled onions on it.
Winner!!!
Actually not grilled onions but the shish-kabob has onion interleaved."Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
-
-
-
-
Post #82 - September 28th, 2019, 2:39 pmIn another group someone posted a pic of Mike from back in the day...
Last night someone mentioned it was his birthday today. Maybe they were just joking around though..."Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
-
-
-
-
Post #83 - September 28th, 2019, 2:49 pmTheir son works the grill quite often. But he doesn't have the chops yet to handle when it's really busy. Mike is fun to watch when it's busy. The kid will get there, I'm sure.
-
-
-
Post #84 - October 24th, 2019, 11:06 amFinally made it to Mr. D's after seeing Gary's photo of his beef sandwich last month. Unless I was dreaming, it immediately was a top ten beef for me and probably in the starting five. The beef was melt in your mouth tender, no dry at all with great flavor. The bun was unusual - it was a really soft roll which was different and I liked it. And then there were the fries. While they could be crispier, they were great. I felt like they were cooked in animal fat. Like others have said, it's a hole in the wall dive. What do they have for seats? Three 4-tops and a 2-top? Best to go when not too busy if you want to sit. I want to get back to have another one soon.
Thanks for your photo and thumbs up Gary! Count me a fan too!
-
-
Post #85 - October 25th, 2019, 3:08 amRam4 wrote:And then there were the fries. While they could be crispier, they were great.
Seven magic words "please make my fries crisp"Ram4 wrote:Thanks for your photo and thumbs up Gary! Count me a fan too!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the Italian beef, its a stunner.
-
-
Post #86 - October 25th, 2019, 9:34 am
I tend to let a first visit do things their normal way and if I need to tweak it, I do. So yeah, fries crisp forever more at Mr. D's.G Wiv wrote:Ram4 wrote:And then there were the fries. While they could be crispier, they were great.
Seven magic words "please make my fries crisp"Ram4 wrote:Thanks for your photo and thumbs up Gary! Count me a fan too!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the Italian beef, its a stunner.
-
-
Post #87 - October 29th, 2019, 2:48 pmRam4 wrote:That beef sandwich looks amazing. Is the beef made in house?
Yes, Mr. D's Italian beef is made in-house, as is the giardiniera. Fries are fried in a 50/50 mix of beef tallow and veg oil.Mr. D's fries, crisp. Perfection
Mr. D's Italian Beef. Wet, giardiniera and raw onion.
Mr. D's steak sandwich.
Mr. D's count me a Fan!
-
-
Post #88 - October 29th, 2019, 4:02 pmI must admit to some skepticism on the whole Mr. D's Italian Beef thing. Sure, I'd enjoyed the Ka-Bob samich - perfectly cooked, the Steak Samich, same thing....and those fries are quite good. Italian Beef though? In that dinky place? Well that just seemed to be a bridge to far. Last Friday, upon entry to Mr. D's curiosity reigned, so despite that inner voice imploring me to stick with the tried and true, I ventured a bet and ordered the beef. Gotta say, it was a venture that hit pay dirt! Uniquely flavored, moist and juicy, that is one heck of a samich. Its now in the Mr. D's order rotation!"Living well is the best revenge"
-
-
Post #89 - October 30th, 2019, 11:10 am
Thanks for the info Gary. I need to get back here soon.G Wiv wrote:Fries are fried in a 50/50 mix of beef tallow and veg oil.
-
-
Post #90 - October 30th, 2019, 2:23 pmAnyone else notice Mrs. D always wears a light green shirt?
