NOT HUNKY DORY
Nestled in the corner of fantasy and disillusionment lies a time machine back into past when the burger shop that sold ice cream shakes and malts dominated leisurely time. From the vibrant red and white stripes and retro counters and decor, Hunky's is the flashback Friday and throwback Thursday everyday. Hunky's serves the busy Oak Lawn neighborhood during normal business hours as well as those ungodly hours where inhibitions and restraints fall off into the party atmosphere. Now lets talk about the food...
The FOOD:
We have all witnessed that one certain cocky individual that lets the world know that "it" is bigger than life. Whatever "it" may be, whether "it" is a muscle, paycheck, strength, etc; "it" was just a big let down. While we may have been let down from all the dramatic buildup, you cannot doubt the initial excitement and wonder that you had. Unfortunately, Hunky's burgers felt this way to me. Wave after wave of people telling me this is the spot for burgers. While the buildup was outstanding, I had been let down and felt "it" was closer to an average experience. Even in the exciting backdrop of the Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party, I definitely felt there was a depth of personal excitement missing.
Bacon Hickory Cheeseburger w/Chipotle Mayo: THE HOUSE THAT AMERICA WAS BUILT ON
When I saw this on the menu underneath "Big Burger Basket," I was expecting a behemoth of a burger. When it arrived, I saw an averaged size burger overflowing with beef patty, like a small T-shirt holding back a large potbelly. The two beef patties had a homemade look and appeal, but lacked the bold seasoning and spices that make me want to embrace the beefiness (-1 star). The hickory smoked bacon provided the aromatics and bold taste, but was shortly lived after one bite. Each bite of the lettuce, onion, and tangy pickle providing a refreshing palate cleanse that also rehydrates after a night of heavy drinking. The toasted bun quickly became soaked in grease and lost the crisp that we so desperately needed (-1 star). The chipotle mayo provided a creaminess and mild Southern twist, but did not do much for the burger (whoops!). American cheese did not stand out and only contributed the gooey texture and mouthfeel. Overall, I felt it was a pretty plain bacon cheeseburger and was hoping for more. I do have to say it hits the spot when you want something greasy and meaty to counteract the drunkenness from a night of drinking.
Onion Rings: GREASING THE INEBRIATED WHEELS
Perfectly crisp battery coats perfectly fried onions. The onions did not give off the stinging burn that raw onions often do. The fried batter worked well with the mildly sweet and aromatic onions. My only concerns were that the Onion Rings were vastly greasy and left a trail of oil; and the onion rings were stuck together to the point where you had to break them apart and ruin that perfect ring shape (-1 star). In terms of curbing inebriation, these Onion Rings are definitely the standard, and a top contender if it did not have all that grease.
The VERDICT: THE FLAWED CURE FOR DRUNKENNESS HAS BEEN FOUND
Hunky's is a trip down memory lane for the generation before the Millennials. From the retrofitted interior decor with stools and the familiar red and white stripe and counters to the homemade burgers and shakes. This diner setting has taken on a new role in the modern times as a must stop during or after late night drinking activities. Their burgers have the perfect balance of meat, fat, and carbs to bring the inebriated back to normal function. The Bacon Hickory Cheese burger fulfills its function, but lacks a boldness or defining seasoning or spice that would make it gourmet. Despite its small appearance, it is overfilling with American burger goodness. The Onion Rings are perfect in terms of flavor, taste, and crunch, but leave more to be asked with the grease trail that it leaves behind. The onions are not raw, so do not worry about the stinging burn that raw onions give off. In the neighborhood of Oaklawn where time seems to fast forward and slow down only with alcohol-infused dreaming, Hunky's stays constant, but brings up the question of whether it could have been something more for the American people. read more