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    Budacki's Drive In

    4.3 (315 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Budacki's Drive In Photos

    Business Info

    BUDACKI'S DRIVE IN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Budacki's Drive In

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    Inside
    Michelle E.

    You can't get a deal like this! I thought I'd try this place since I've walked by it many times and there seems to always be people here. I got the 1/4 cheeseburger with bacon and fries with a soda for under $15.00. The hamburger was big and you get a ton of fries. Service was fast even with a line. Not much inside seating, but there are picnic tables outside. Lots of items on the menu, with some surprises like Korean style beef.

    Eric W.

    Shame on me for living in Lincoln Square for 3 years and only just going to Budacki's . This might be my go to lunch place just because it's good food at a reasonable price . It's definitely popular with both adults and students because it has burgers and fries, hot dogs, corn dogs . I just tried the Seoul Steak Bowl, which is marinated sliced beef over rice and with something called Atomic Sauce (spicy !) loved it . It was really hearty and delish. Service here is always great , fast and friendly . Will say they pick up around noon so you can save yourself some time by going before or after lunch rush . This is a no frills place that gets food right.

    Chicago Dog!! Yum
    Just F.

    A solid spot for Chicago Dog and fries on the cheap. The staff is friendly, outside picnic table seating with umbrellas & you can feed the little sparrows...

    James R.

    For 5 bucks you can get a char dog with fries from a charming hotdog stand. What's not to love. Service was fast and friendly. Hot dog was fully loaded and delicious.

    Cheeseburger
    Nette B.

    My hubby want to go back and try this since this was his regular go to place whn he lived nearby. Compared to other places, the food is still cheaper. Cheeseburger is good and the italian beef tastes good. Service is fast. A lot still goes here. The place is clean and they have outdoor seating. It's somethibg we can cone back to whenever we are in the city.

    Burger, fries, and a can of Coke meal for $10.50
    Brie G.

    I really like that they have their own parking lot, offer a quick service meal, and that they have shaded picnic tables to eat at. My burger was loaded with toppings and bigger than I expected. The portion of fries was perfect, too. Coke was ice cold! Be mindful of the $11 minimum if you want to use a card. I'll be back for the Korean Philly Cheesesteak!

    Mint Chocolate Chip Shake
    Alex Anne M.

    Mint chocolate chip lovers look no further. Budacki's Drive In has perfected the mint chocolate chip shake. It is plentiful in mint chocolate chips and is the most pleasing green color. The default comes with whipped cream, so if that ain't you you got to tell them! I started a new job nearby and the office informed me Budaki's is a staple lunch spot. When I learned Budaki's is a sister company of Crisp, I wanted to thank the heavens for my luck. Crisp is one of my favorite places to get Korean Fried Chicken wings: https://www.crisponline.com/. WHICH THEY ALSO SERVE HERE! Besides the chicken wings, a lot of people in my office, including myself, get their Korean Steak Bowl. They jam-pack the container with white rice, marinated beef, chives, and a side sauce to add some spice if you desire. The service is always friendly and has a quick, less than 5-minutes turnaround. They also have seating outside for when Chicago decides to play nice and have warm weather.

    Vegan dog with fries.
    Precious B.

    I drove in yesterday and bought two regular hot dogs, 1 vegan dog, and two chilli cheese dogs, all came with fries. This is a cute little spot with a nice menu! I'll definitely come back to try their wings and Korean bowl.

    April 2024 Menu
    Machu A.

    Had to stop by at a neighborhood gem. This place is serving up good eats with some familiarity to those who've been to crisp. Same owners, same great wings.

    Vienna Beef award

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    4 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Best wings in the city. Same recipe as Crisp but it has its own parking lot and picnic tables.

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    1 year ago

    Beef Korean bowl is awesome! We also love the fries - just make sure to add the celery salt on them before you leave with your food!!

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    3 years ago

    very average at best dog and overpriced. 11$ min for cc fyi. I'll stick with gene n judes and superdawg

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    Page 1 of 8

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    Monti's - Italian Hoagie

    Monti's

    4.3(851 reviews)
    0.8 miLincoln Square, Ravenswood
    $$

    I asked yelp about this place and let me tell you they were 100% correct…read moreI ordered the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich So tasty, loved how the beef was cooked and chopped up and just the right amount of cheese Monti's is about 20 minutes from my house, but it's well worth the ride Truly tasty sandwich

    I haven't been to Monti's since it had that big, rich uncle's basement energy. The uncle in the…read morefamily whose house everybody crammed into for Friday fish fry, and the smoky card games, with the liquor bottles on the walls. Yesterday I walked in and, oh. oh WOW. Now you only get that basement vibe when you head to the bathroom. lol Monti's is a legit cool kid now, and I'm not mad at it at all. The cheesesteak? Still doing what it's supposed to do. I ordered one to go and demolished it later that night, like usual. I did sit in and have a few beers and bites. Somehow I've been sleeping on the onion rings and wings this whole time. Listen, listen, listen, Linda, the onion rings; Do Not Change Them!!! Don't you dare switch to those battered, frozen, chain-restaurant rings of bull-s. These are the good rings. Now, the wangzzzz. I'm not going to pretend these are the absolute best wings in the entire city, but they are absolutely in the "I will randomly crave these on a Tuesday" category. The meat could use a little marinade situation to bring more flavor inside, but that crispy coating holds up to the sauce like a champ. I like it, I like it, I like it. Extra points for a buffalo sauce that actually has some thickness to it and isn't just "here's some hot sauce, on a wing being called buffalo sauce. Now, I am going to need to try some of the other wing sauces, but if they hold up too. I would rather come here than go to some other well known wing spots. Honestly, I can see myself rolling through just for wings, rings, and vibes. And that Golden Monkey beer? Yeah, go ahead and keep that on tap forever. Please and thank you. haha

    Photos
    Monti's - Dining area

    Dining area

    Monti's - Cheesesteak Hoagie Onion Rings

    Cheesesteak Hoagie Onion Rings

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    Time for sandwiches

    The Warbler - Chicken, mushroom, and polenta

    The Warbler

    4.4(571 reviews)
    0.4 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square
    $$

    We had reservations for 4:30. We didn't know about the supper club but it was on the menu sp we…read moreasked our server about it. This is from their page : For only $35 a person, your table can choose a selection of five dishes from our regular dinner offering including one salad, any two appetizers, vegetable dishes or house made pastas and your favorite flatbread. Finish with any one of our decadent desserts - choose your favorite! It was incredible! The Tuscan kale salad had me skeptical but we all were blown away by it. We had the kalbi egg rolls, salami and fig flat bread amd the pesto pasta. They were very good. It was plenty of food for us. We will definitely be back.

    I was in Chicago over the holidays and what a whirlwind - I'm STILL reviewing places I went…read more So, recall. I did a girls day with my mom and SIL. Afterwards we were hungo so SIL took us to a spot she and my brother love for dinner (and the ribs specifically). Turns out, it's one of those where the lunch menu is very different from dinner so it was like we all got to experience it for the first time. The lunch menu was small but mighty. Me and my Mom were trying to decide between the chicken salad sandwich and the burger and Lo! The table of 4 next to us ordered both and gave rave reviews. Can confirm - both were delicious. I also got a bevy because after a long day of manicures and window shopping (it was literally an hour lmao) I needed something to take the edge off. Deets: Service - fantastic Fat seating - affirming with plenty of options Food - tasty, sophisticated, yet accessible Ambience - a whole vibe I'm a NY girlie thru and thru but as Benedict said to Sophie in Episode 4: Chicago, be my mistress.

    Photos
    The Warbler
    The Warbler - Veggie flatbread

    Veggie flatbread

    The Warbler - Mezcal cocktail

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    Mezcal cocktail

    Cluck'N Wings - Cluck'N Fries

    Cluck'N Wings

    4.6(19 reviews)
    0.2 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square

    The maple wings with gold. Absolutely complex fantastic flavor. Highly recommend. Run don't walk.read more

    This was my second time trying Cluck'n Wings, a newer spot in Ravenswood/Lincoln Square. I love…read morewings, and since they serve halal food, I wanted to check them out. I'm not halal myself, but I appreciate supporting diverse dining options. Ordering online was easy though pricy--my four buffalo wings with ranch were ready in 15 minutes and were just over $12 (before tip). Pickup was simple, the staff were friendly, and I even got a bonus fifth wing. There were a few tables inside, but I chose takeout. The wings were jumbo and meaty, but the heavy breading and sauciness made them soggy rather than crispy--just not my preference. If you like thick, saucy breading, you might enjoy them. The first time I placed a takeout order, I unfortunately got sick afterward. The owner reached out and genuinely wanted to make things right, which I appreciated. That's why I decided to give them another chance on my own time and dime and order the same exact meal--I believe a business should be judged by how it handles situations, not just by one-off issues, which can happen anywhere. This time, I didn't get sick! While the wings weren't my style, Cluck'n Wings has friendly service, easy ordering, and fills a niche. If you're looking for halal wings with a saucier, breaded style, it's worth a try.

    Photos
    Cluck'N Wings
    Cluck'N Wings
    Cluck'N Wings - Ambiance, sitting area

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    Ambiance, sitting area

    Platform 47 - Jalisco Burger

    Platform 47

    4.7(39 reviews)
    0.1 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square
    $$

    This place is right off the Damen brown line stop. Down the block from Lawrence Ave. It used to be…read morea different restaurant a couple of years ago and it shut down, but a couple bought it and revamped the spot. It was three of us meeting for dinner and some drinks. My friend had white wine, hubby had an Espressotini, and I the watermelon-cucumber marg. We ordered the cauliflower ceviche, the Cauliflower wings, and the Brussels sprouts as appetizer. Then as an entree, my friend had the Jalisco Burger, hubby had the Salmon, and I a Salmon Caesar Salad. I personally loved the salad and the appetizers were great. Everyone else ate ALL their food, so I assume they also enjoyed it. The location was actually having an 80s night and there was a Dj and space for dancing. There were some people there dress for the themed night and it was just a great vibe. Talking with our friend and eating made us lose track of time and then it was time to leave but before we did, we met one of the owners who actually recommended I come by and visit. (Shoutout to Marcos ) He is the most warm and sunny person, and he was so grateful we actually came by. We had a shot and honestly I'd come back because of him. He told us a little bit about him, his family and about the restaurant backstory. I truly recommend you coming here, you will have a great time. Oh, and almost forgot, they have outside sitting, so you know it will be a great time when you just want to have an outside patio vibe with friends and some drinks. P.s. As you can tell, there are only two pictures. I was so, involved in the moment with my friend's stories and then the appetizers came and nothing else mattered. We all lost track of time and just enjoyed the vibe, the beautiful night, and time with friends, drinks, and food. Oh and 80s music.

    I stopped by Monday since they were donating 15% of tabs to The Friendship Center food pantry. I'd…read morebeen meaning to come by since they so generously donated mac and cheese to them for the Thanksgiving meals for the hungry in our community. It's a nice place. Kind of a sports bar but seems a little nicer than your average storeys bar. Service was friendly and helpful. I got the vegetarian ceviche, and it was delicious! It was served with aioli and a healing serving of chips. I've never eaten seafood and been vegetarian for over 30 years, but my boyfriend had a taste and also thought it was good and said they got the right flavor profile. He got the burger and tots and said both were very good. I'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    Platform 47 - Smoky lady

    Smoky lady

    Platform 47 - Wings

    Wings

    Platform 47

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    Budacki's Drive In - hotdogs - Updated May 2026

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