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Boston Blackies - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Burgers Burgers [Edit]
164 E Grand Ave(between Michigan Ave & St Clair St)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River East
(312) 938-8700
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand-red (Red Line)
Chicago-red (Red Line)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
161 reviews for Boston Blackies
Review Highlights
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"and I don't usually like cole slaw." In 18 reviews -
"Oh, lord, don't forget the onion rings." In 24 reviews -
"some of the best steak fries I've had." In 13 reviews
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161 reviews in English
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Review from John F.
Oak Park, IL
8/13/2010
I've never had anything here but burgers and fries, but you don't go here for anything else. I had the Blackie's Burger, which has bacon and caramelized onions. You need to be hungry for these; their burgers are pretty big and they don't skimp on the toppings. You can also get one without anything exotic. Fires are extra, and although you probably don't actually need them in order to get full, they are also quite good (though not particularly distinctive).
This isn't really a place you'd want to come all the time, since the menu is fairly small, but if you want a good burger you'll get one. -
Review from Brett D.
9/18/2008
Due to the location of this Blackies it's frequented mostly between the hours of noon and two by a handful of tourists and a vast majority of business-folk. It's a crazy popular lunch spot come wind, rain, sleet or snow and I've never walked in to any empty tables.
The service is a bit curt but they are doing this to try to move you and your food in and out quickly so the other meat hungry fools can get their burger on. And oooooooh those burgers... huge, juicy, meaty, cheesy, melty, fabulous. I know when I need a burger few can hit the spot better than this place. Piled high with lettuce and tomato, nestled by a dill pickle spear next to a heaping mound of cole slaw it would bring a tear to even the eye of Mister E. Ness himself. Don't forget an order of the house 'steak' fries, super delicious as long as you get them extra crispy - and you veggie kids out there may enjoy the garbage salad sans bacon, it's actually quite good for coming out of a meat factory.
You can eat at the legendary bar bathed in pink deco lighting or slide into a booth which more suits my fancy. I made the mistake once of bringing a client here, unfortunately there is no real polite way to stuff a 1/4 lbs of angus in your face while dissecting flow charts. So make a mental note: Only go to Blackie's with co-workers that have already judged you long before you commit the beef massacre of '08.Listed in: Big Bodacious Burgers
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Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
1/15/2008
While in Chicago I decided to opt for an all beef diet. I mean with nary a vegetable in sight, what was I to do?
Order a take-out cheeseburger, of course.
It was huge, it was cooked to a delicious char, they automatically put all the gross toppings on the side, they topped it with real cheddar cheese, and they even toasted the bun!
The fact that it came with an obscenely large pickle spear was simply the icing on the cake :)Listed in: Chicago is More than Cold.
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Review from Rocky B.
10/27/2007
So Friday night my husband a friend and I stumbled from the Reagle Beagle next door to Boston Blackies. I really liked the old school charm of the place. We were seated right away by the host who was wearing a suit. He took us to our table and threw our menus down and gave us a bow. Loved it. The waiter immediately came to take our drink order. I swear we barely had time to open our menus after that before our drinks were on the table!
I order the steak sandwich, my husband order the pork loin sandwich and our friend ordered the bleu cheese burger. I should have gone with the burger. I loved the burgers here but for some reason I felt like steak. Mistake, The meat was tough and tasteless. Ah, well...live and learn. My husband's pork loin was a bit dry as well. The bleu cheese burger was good if not a bit on the salty side. Fries..mmm, delish.
It's okay Boston Blackies you are still okay in my book. You guys just keep on keepin on. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2008
I have forever been cursed with the problem of too high of standards when ordering burgers anywhere that isn't Kuma's. So with a heavy heart I agreed to accompany a friend there who assured me the burgers here were "the best."
My understanding is that this place was a horrible smoke-bomb before the smoking ban went into place. Well, all evidence of this has now been erased, the interior is clean and is reminiscent of a 1940's supper club. A giant projection TV makes up the entire back wall. Our server was this very pleasant lady who was attentive and fast, even though all tables were occupied and the place was jumping.
I ordered the olive burger, which was not olives mixed into the meat as I had envisioned, rather it was a pile of minced green olives on top of the sandwich. Adding cheese helped keep the olives in place, but it still was messy and stuff spilled out with every bite. Juicy, plainly seasoned, and arrived more on the rare side of medium, rather than the medium-well I had ordered. Not "the best" in any way, but decent, regardless. The coleslaw was unbelievably delicious, I could have simply eaten a serving of that and been happy. Crunchy & sweet with the perfect ratio of ingredients. I was very pleased with the fries as well, even though they are a separate side and do not come with the burgers. They are big, thick steak fries with a yummy soft interior and crisp coating. For under $10 a person for everything it was a deal.
A place that I am glad I was able to try, and good to know if you are ever on Michigan Ave and want a bite to eat. -
Review from Beth M.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2009
I tried to wait until I wasn't angry to write this review but everytime I think about my visit to this Boston Blackie's, I get a little peeved.
First off, do people really consider this burger to be in contention for Best Burger in Chicago? It really wasn't anything special. And I read reviews where people wrote of frosted mugs. Maybe it was because I was there on a Saturday night but the mugs I received were briefly refrigerated, if anything. Food came out quickly but it was hard to get new drinks. And I don't think it should be hard to get new drinks. I need a drink now thinking about how hard it was to get new drinks.
This location is dark, dank, and straight out of 1957. Many of the customers were over 65.
I've heard better things about the location at 120 S. Riverside. I'll try that one but probably not this one again. -
Review from Jean Z.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2007
Perfect for a great big juicy burger during lunch.
The burgers are constantly cooking so they come out so fast! Medium Rare like me or Well Done like my co-worker....I promise you they're back at your table within five minutes with your meal.
COLE SLAW HERE ROCKS!
ONION RINGS HERE ROCK!
I've not had the garbage salad, but all my friends that get it LOVE ITTTT!
Enjoy.Listed in: Voted Useful by Yelpers Like…
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Review from Jacob J.
9/17/2008
I don't visit Blackie's to eat, play games or anything else but enjoy the always cold beer. Get a draft beer and you'll know what I mean. They are known for having the coldest drafts and the taste is always full and refreshing. I remember a hot afternoon, sweaty cab ride to Blackies, sitting down and getting that beer. It was so cold there was a bit of ice forming on the glass from the temperature of that beer.
Ahhh memories. -
Review from Amanda Z.
2/9/2009
Come here if you're craving a burger. Seriously. They're huge. Juicy. Topped with whatever cheese you most crave (well, the usual suspects at least).
Had mine with blue cheese...yum! A little more medium rare than I usually like for burgers (for the record, I did order it medium), but it was so hot and juicy that I didn't much care.
Fries don't automatically come with the burgers, but it's no matter--the burger is ginormous, and you probably won't want them. So you get a massive burger and a scoop of the best cole slaw I've had in as long as I can remember. It's perfect.
We split some "spuds" which were decent (Helpful hint to Blackies: more bacon on the spuds, it makes all the difference), but I wish I'd have saved my room for the burger. I could only eat about half. However, that half a burger was probably more red meat than I need this month.
Come hungry, eat the cole slaw (it's fantastic), shove your face full of red meat, and leave. Your burger craving will thank you. -
Review from Da J.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 12/13/2008
This update is no reflection on the burgers, which are still FIVE STARS! The loss of 3 stars? Completely due to Dimitri, the old guy that seats you.
The 6 of us came in for dinner on Saturday, at 7 PM. It is busy, as usual, but there was no line. He literally looks at us (we're half-soaked from the rain and wearing backpacks, etc), and says there are no tables available. We asked him how long the wait was, and he looked at us incredulously, as if he couldn't believe we weren't incited to leave, that the wait was 30 minutes.
For this diner.
So, fine, we're here, out of the rain finally, so we start waiting. Lo and behold, the people behind us are seated. There is an empty table for 8 and I ask him to seat us there, but he gives us this schpeal about how it's reserved. I was surprised because that's the first time I've heard that Blackies took reservations, so I asked: Does Blackies usually take reservations? He says not usually at this time, and mumbled something incoherent.
By now, I'm pissed off, as a fairly regular customer of this place, I'm pretty annoyed that we're basically being refused to be seated, for no reason.
We stalk a table because they were already getting the check, so we get seated, finally. Rather, we sat ourselves when they left. The very friendly waitress gives us our waters and we wait for another 15 minutes to get our menus. When our waitress realizes we don't have it, "Oh! I asked him to get you the menus."
I was pissed off. I almost started writing this review at the restaurant. Dimitri, asshole of all assholes, gets negative stars. I don't care how old and bald you are, you don't get to treat your paying customers like this.Listed in: Streeterville guide
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2008
Burgers.
We've made a tradition of going to Blackies about once a month. Every time, I get a cheddar… Read more »
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Review from Diana Z.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2009
I went here with some friends before seeing a movie at the Navy Pier IMAX and I was quite disappointed with the place.
We had called ahead saying we would have a party of five, but were only four because one of our friends was running late. When we went to sit down, they must have said, "Only four?!" about a dozen times. By the time we sat down, I almost felt guilty for not having our original five.
If that weren't enough to turn me off on the place, I then looked at their menu. The place was suggested by a vegetarian friend, so I figured there would be options, but was incorrect in my assumption. Other than onion rings and fries, I could eat only a salad, which I proceeded to order. It was a decent salad as far as salads go but was still pretty unsatisfying. -
Review from Andrea R.
11/2/2007
Burgers don't really do it for me...so when my fiance suggested we grab dinner at Blackies before a movie I can't say I was too excited. But being the nice fiance that I am I went with it...figuring there had to be a veggie burger or something on the menu for me. No veggie burgers here, but regardless I have to admit I'm a Blackies fan.
It's all about the old school atmosphere here...starting with the old man in a suit who seated us...I have a feeling he's been working at Blackies longer than I've been alive. The service was great as well- our no nonsense waitress took our order immediately, served us pretty fast, and had us out of there in no time. We appreciated the fast pace service since we wanted to catch a movie...
As far as what I ordered- I went with the grilled chicken sandwich. Grilled chicken doesn't excite me much these days either (I know, i know...i'm picky), but as far as grilled chicken sandwiches go this one rocks...anything smothered in that much swiss cheese tastes good to me! My fiance enjoyed his ginormous juicy burger as well. The side of fries we ordered were just eh. They are the big thick ones and I prefer my fries thin and crispy...although of course that didn't keep me from eating them!
I always have trouble deciding where to eat before catching a movie at the AMC River East theater, but it looks like I now have Blackies! -
Review from Kim B.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2007
Boston Blackies probably has one of the BEST burgers I've ever had. They are HUGE, juicy, and have excellent toppings! I can easily go for lunch & have just the burger, which comes with coleslaw (fries are a la carte.) Luckily, I always go with coworkers, and we share the fries which are delicious as well!
They are often packed at prime lunch time, so be prepared to get "real cozy" with your party or opt to grab a seat at the bar. The staff is friendly and the service is quick (idea for a quick lunch on a weekday).Listed in: Streeterville
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Review from Evann G.
Philadelphia, PA
5/1/2007
Awesome burgers, quick seating and service even during a crowded lunch hour, and THE BEST COLESLAW I HAVE EVER HAD. No, really, the best I've ever had... ever.
The onion rings were really good too. But seriously! I can't stop thinking about the coleslaw, and we ate here weeks ago!Listed in: Where I lived, My top 25 Chicago restaurants
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Review from Shana C.
5/18/2007
Uniformly mediocre. The fries are $2 extra and soggy.
A juicy burger with sauteed mushrooms and onions would have been the cure for my supreme hangover but they don't have mushrooms and apparently don't do juicy.
Sauteed onions were over done, the swiss (instead of mushrooms) tasteless. The burger was cooked medium, I asked for medium rare. It was dry, bland, and if you can use this adjective on burgers, I'd say mealy.
I'm no foodie, but I'd be shocked if told the burgers were a.) fresh and b.)hand formed. I'm pretty sure they were sysco brand frozen patties or something similar. Even the Coke was watery!
The pickle and coleslaw were good, the service fast and the bartender kind, which is why it didn't get 1 star.
Oh yeah, the interior reminded me of a supper club, which isn't a good thing, unless your actually at a supper club.
The guy next to me was praising their burgers to high heaven. I didn't feel like telling him that I've had better from Wendy's.Listed in: Work day Lunch on the Mag…
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Review from Rafael C.
1/5/2009
I've been here plenty of times and I must say it keeps getting less memorable each time. Luckily, the burgers are still top notch as well as some of the other food on the menu. However, this location needs a new identity. Fun and hip has left the building and I'm not sure if it ever was here.
Leave the past behind and join the cool generation! There is no need for a classy and stuffy burger joint but a hip, fun and relaxed one will do! -
Review from Jason Z.
3/6/2009
After a long afternoon of bowling, I was starving. As we walked away from Lucky Strike, I said, "I could really go for a burger." Light bulbs appeared above heads, and off we raced to Boston Blackies.
Walking into to here, is like walking into 1953. The place was full of old couples that look like they've been coming here every year since then. We started out with an appitizer of Spuds. It's basically a potato skin, but the potato is cut vertically, not horizontally. It's then baked with cheese, bacon bits, chives, and served w/ a side of sour cream.
For the main, I got a cheddar burger, and she got a blue cheese burger. Both were cooked as ordered, served with a huge tomato slice, lettuce and a side of excellent cole slaw. I forced myself to finish my burger, it was so good. (Be sure to read my followin review of Northwestern Hospital which is right up the street to learn how the angioplasty went). -
Review from mike l.
Brooklyn, NY
9/23/2006
so many places try and do the -style thing. New York-style pizza,50's-style diner, kosher-style. Boston Blackies is what they're all trying to imitate.
We stopped in before catching a movie at the AMC around the corner. Everyone talks about the massive burgers, but I think I'll come back for the ambiance. It's great to be in a place that's so authentic and not trying to ripoff something else.
Sure, the food was great. It's nothing gourmet, just bar food. We had a caesar salad and a chicken breast sandwich. Both were quite tasty - and quite large. The chicken breast was really juicy and there was about 2 inches of grilled onions on top. in case you're not an onion fan, they're optional, so don't sweat it. The waitress was nice. A big hair'd diner waitress. Someone who makes her living calling people 'hon'.
If you stop in, keep an eye out for the strange mustachioed fellow in the trench coat. We couldn't figure out if he was on his way to starring as the villain in a Leslie Neilsen movie or as a fluffer on a 70's gay porn flick. Either way, characters like him are what make Boston Blackies a great place to have a simple meal. -
Review from ryan w. v.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2006
This joint is very old school, but it's great. The service is fast and they do have a waitress who looks like Ann Jillian. It is a great place to eat before going to the movies at 600 N. Michigan or AMC River East.
I always have a hard time deciding whether to order the blue cheese burger or the chili. So, I usually order both and then try to split it with a friend. I like the fries at Blackies too - they are nice, big steak fries.
I've also been to the Blackies in the loop by the river, but I enjoy the food at this location better. Some of the items that both places have are prepared a little different depending on which location you are eating at. Like I said, I enjoy this location better. -
Review from Chaviva G.
Denver, CO
9/17/2007
Don't be fooled! Fries and/or Onion Rings DO NOT come with the burger (don't let them sneak this one in on you!).
Now that I've gotten that little disclaimer out of the way ... the burgers here are to die for, not to mention HUGE and juicy!. You don't need to order steak fries or onion rings (though the onion rings are absolutely delish) or anything else for that matter. The gigantic burger -- cooked to order -- and the coleslaw are enough to tide you over for lunch or dinner (we went for dinner). The coleslaw -- one of my great tests of a great or crappy restaurant -- was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
Our server was friendly, fast and attentive and the atmosphere definitely has that classic old-school Chicago feel, especially when you walk in and most of the patrons are of the older variety! That's how you know you've hit the jackpot!
I wouldn't rate this as my top burger (Jury's gets the No. 1 from me in Chicago right now), but it definitely comes in at a very, VERY close second!Listed in: Burger Bonanza
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Review from Dane K.
9/21/2007
Yet another place to do the time warp in Chicago... I think they must somehow be affiliated w/ Carson's Ribs; they serve their slaw and the place gives off the same 70s era mobster vibe.
Burgers were good, and at $6.99 a pretty decent deal (though no fries). Cole slaw isn't that remarkable if you ask me..
The onion rings were tasty. The "spuds" (potatoe skins with cheese melted on top, bacon, and sour cream) weren't the best I've ever had but decent--wouldn't order them again though.
I could really do without seeing Fox News on the 1980s 2 ton projector.
If you're driving and need parking, they have $5 valet (2 hour max).
Service was dineresque... Super quick, not overly friendly but they knew what they were doing. -
Review from Janna V.
Washington, DC
5/1/2008
Blackies is my go to place for lunch during the week when i need to get out of the office. I usually get the Olive burger (with a veggie burger) but all the food looks good! The onion rings are totally yummy as are the steak fries.
your pop or beer comes in frosted mugs-- which i really like.
I've never waited more than 5 min for a table even during the busy lunch rush....the service is also super fast! you can be in and out in a 1/2 hour easy! -
Review from Stephanie F.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2008
This is a place that says, "Ok here's your food and it's going to be f*cking good," as they drop it in front of you - and that's perfect because they're right. Every time I've been here, I have not been let down! My partner in crime always gets a burger, and I always have a bite and it's always one of the best burger bites in my history of stealing bites. I get the garbage salad with parmesian peppercorn dressing, and it's fabulous. Artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, huge tomatoes...just wonderful.
The onion rings are famous and anytime I've mentioned this place to someone they say, "Make sure and get the onion rings." And they're good, they really are. But if you're going to get an appetizer, we suggest the spuds. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2007
Had a very good Garbage Salad there yesterday, though I thought they could have used more crumbled bacon, and they don't offer oil/vinegar as a dressing, so minus one star for that.
Everyone else at the table had burgers, which are known to be the best burger you can get downtown (I've had them before - they are top-notch).
Incredibly fast and courteous service.
Good vibe. -
Review from Carrie S.
8/13/2008
What's a girl to do after working all day on a Saturday?? Well, if you're me, you go to Boston Blackie's, chill at the bar with some beers watching the Cubs game, and wait for the bf to arrive. After a hard Saturday's work, I hunkered down at the bar and grabbed some affordable, tasty brews. I liked the Boston Blackie's Golden Ale a lot. While I watched the Cubs game and perfecting my Yelp drinking gene, I enjoyed the ambience of the dark, heavy wooded bar with a mobster-ish theme. That big mobster mural can weird you out when you've had a few. The service was great at the bar while I relaxed.
Once the bf arrived, we got some much needed food. Both of us went for burgers and onion rings. The burgers arrived at a lightening fast speed. The bf commented on how Boston Blackies seems like a short order diner wrapped up in a pretty package of slick speakeasy. The burgers were pretty tasty while the coleslaw was just okay. The meal's highlight was the onion rings. They were awesome, perfectly fried, perfectly sized, and just overall awesome. For an after work tipple and meal, Boston Blackie's is extremely affordable, fast, and laid back. I see it as a place that I would take my parents for a meal and a beer on a visit or a good, quick place before a movie. -
Review from Jonathan C.
9/21/2009
The burger is pretty good quality meat. Its thick and juicy. It has no seasoning, but is a flavorful piece of beef. The bun is pretty boring, it looked, tasted, and felt like a standard store bought bun. The beefsteak tomato is thick and complements the burger well.
I got the Blackies burger (bacon and sauteed onions) added flavor to the burger.
The burger came with slaw (which was really good), but fries and sides were extra and really expensive. It was $5 for onion rings.
I enjoyed the burger but probably will never go back unless someone really wants to go.
Oh the inside is dark and dreary. It is dingy feeling as if it was left back in the 1970s. But they were playing a Doors CD, which was kind of cool. -
Review from Gary E.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2010
It's been quite a while since I was last at Blackies (and had I written the review then, it would have definitely been 4 stars)
Anyway, my colleague was in from out of town and was in the mood for a burger - figured since Blackies was right by our meeting it was the perfect choice so I raved about it for the time leading up to getting there.
We each ordered a cheeseburger and decided to share onion rings and fries. The burgers (which in the past were delicious) were over cooked, dry, and not seasoned. The fries were AWFUL. There was zero flavor, no salt, and it was the equivalent experience of eating saltines one after another. The onion rings were the highlight of the meal.
I think there was a sign outside about new management which could explain the complete (and sad) decline in the food quality. There's a lot of great burgers in this city, and unfortunately what used to be one of the best is now off my list.
Oh well. -
Review from Zach T.
1/17/2007
Is it possible to have no stars?
I gave this place three tries, since others have raved about it. It is terrible and WAAAY overrated. Plus, their ad person should lose his or her job.Listed in: Burgers in Chicago. The Best…
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Review from Aimee M.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2006
so... i didn't have a burger, so I guess my meal isn't really worth the rate, but I did truly enjoy my garbage salad and chicken wings...
The atmosphere was okay, felt a little touristy... but all in all, a decent night out..
i'll have to go back for the burger... -
Review from Teddy C.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2007
A great Burger, especially if you are in a hurry. They move people through this place like you have never seen. The Onion Rings are tasty too.
The sandwich you have to try that is their most underrated dish...The Sliced Pork Sandwich, with some BBQ sauce, it's piled so high, that some people are forced to take pork off of it to fit it in their mouths.
The wait staff has some charm too...some grumpy, but it adds to the experience, and has never taken away from the meal.
They have excellent Burgers, some of the best in town! I highly recommend the Boston Blackie Burger, with Bacon, Cheese and Grilled Onions!
The only bad meal I ever had there was when I ordered the Marithes (Greek for smelt). They are supposed to be tiny, before the bones have fully developed. The Smelt they brought out were like goddamn Mako sharks, fins bones and all. When I asked for another dish, advising I was more than happy to pay for both dishes,. just that I wasn't appetized by what I received, the waitress proceeded to make her own cocktail sauce with horseradish, ketchup and lemon. She was pushy, but hind sight, it was F'ing hysterical.
I looked at my boss while she is whipping it up and she tells me "You have to try it, I won't let you order anything else until you do!" and said to my boss "I am in such a bad place right now!"
To this day, I have never seen him laugh so hard. So it was worth it.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jason L.
2/5/2007
[In my best Al Capone:]
Dis is my favorite place. To have a burger. By myself. Or maybe wid one friend, that I'd like to make an offer, dey can't refuuz.
It ain't a tourist joint. Because if you ain't lookin' for it, you'll walk right by it. I tried it several years ago, on my boss' recommendation. And I take what my boss says, very seriously.
Yes, it is crowded and cramped. But the staff is friendly. The beef excellent. And service is fast. Seemingly by themselves the burgers fly out of the kitchen. One minute you're sipping your drink. And relaxing from sitting, ordering and taking a look around the place... Then? Whack! There's a tasty burger right in front of you.
This is the only place I eat cole slaw. They gotta make it every day I suspect, because it's always fresh and cold, like they just made it right there in front o yas.
They also have that Plymouth gin which is nice on the rocks wid an olive. Even the servers sometimes say "we don' carry dat" and I remind them yes. you. do. And they deliver it with a smile, and a "yous have a nice day sweetheart." -
Review from Rebecca H.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2009
The food was pretty good, we ordered Blackie burgers and fries. I'd give the food 4 stars. Huge portions and lots of salt.
The service isn't worth any stars. While we were seated promptly for a Saturday lunch, the waiter was slow and it took our food a ridiculous amount of time to arrive. Even that is worth some stars, though.
What is the end all of stars for service was the older gentleman who worked there yelling at the customers seated next to us. Apparently there is a little sign when you walk in the door situated off to the side in the dark dingy lighting that is Blackies that asks for you to kindly take off your hat. Fair enough. However, when the customer sitting next to us either forgets or has a problem with it (presumably because the lady at the table next to him dressed in yoga pants, a workout tank top, and a pink ball cap and wasn't asked to remove her hat), the correct answer is NOT to start a yelling match so loud and say such rude things that MY face turns red of embarrassment. The older gentleman employee started the yelling and did the worst of the name calling. Seriously? It's 1pm on a Saturday and all I want is my food and for you to let me watch the Kentucky Derby in peace.
We also noticed that the "pitchers" were a complete rip off, thankfully we saw someone else make the mistake and thus avoided being mad about that as well.
I hate eating at places where the staff makes you feel as if it's a privilege to be there and give them your money. You have a choice - it should be THEIR privilege to feed you and take your money. If they don't care about their customers, why, there's a lovely Italian place across the street with a patio and friendly wait staff. -
Review from Richie D.
6/5/2008
This place has good, solid burgers (one of the best, I'd argue). They are a good price too. The place can get crowded, which can cause the waiters to get cranky (and they don't take reservations)...buuuut the burgers are worth it. Your drink comes in a frosted mug like the good old days. It never gets tasteless due to ice and stays cool. I would have given this place 4 stars the first time I ate here because it was sooo smoggy due to all the cigarette smoking. Now since the IL Smoking Ban, it's much more pleasant to eat inside without choking. Perfect place to eat before going to the movies at AMC River East.
Does anyone know what is going on with the Boston Blackies that they were advertising and going to open at Armitage and Halsted??Listed in: Burger, Cheezborger, Patty,…
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Review from Jennifer I.
Chicago, IL
7/31/2009
Probably my favorite burger in Chicago. Once I tried the pork loin sandwich..it was quite good, but I kept thinking, "not as good as the burger..." They also have fried smelts, which reminds me of my childhood during Lent, but I have never ordered them (but I smile when I see them on the menu). When I want to get my red meat on, this is the place to be.
It is close to work, so it's a great lunch spot for me during the week...good food, reasonable prices, reasonable valet (if I can't find street parking), and fast service.
The decor is a little dated, and if you have to wait for a table, there isn't much room to stand...but I have never had to wait more than a couple minutes.
Would be nice if fries were included, but not a big deal in my book. One thing I would suggest about the burgers...they tend to lean more towards undercooked, so if you are really picky about your medium being medium...you might want to order medium well. -
Review from Anna T.
9/26/2010
I've only been here for drinks, and it's a good place if you have a group of friends and just want to chill out and catch up - considering where it's located, they have some of the best drinks deals I've seen - $3 312 and $2 bud lights even on a Saturday night?! Yes, please.
They do close early, which is a little weird - we got kicked out at 11pm on a Saturday night. I have to go back to try the burgers. -
Review from Misi P.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2009
You wanna boig-uhhh as big as ya face?
Get your pansy arse over to Blackie's. It is not for the vegan nor faint at heart. Or for those with a faint heart (i.e hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis),,,BIg beef patties topped with a delicious fat slice of beefsteak tomato and all the fixins... Like a quarter pound of melted cheese.
Ok, I'm hungry now... definitely go. -
Review from Kristin S.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2009
I've been on the search for the perfect burger in Chicago for some time.
While not perfect, I think Boston Blackies is my favorite thus far. The burgers are juicy, big and aren't masked by the tons of crap toppings to mask the tasteless meat you'll find at Kuma's Corner.
The atmosphere is relaxed and pretty casual. If I lived or worked closer, I'd probably go more often. Overall it's a great place to grab a burger if you're downtown and need some beef
They lose a star for their parking attendant breaking off my door handle though.
Go, but don't drive so you can save yourself some money and a lot of headache. -
Review from Drew S.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2009
Yeah the pitchers could be regulation size instead of 1/8 normal but on my maiden voyage to BBs we had one the most hilarious waiters in all of christendom.
How so? Well one member of the table started off his evening with a nice Tom Collins. He recently turned 21 and apparently only orders cocktails he's heard on TV and started with one Mr. Burns drinks. It's the first thing I think of to go with potato skins, which are pretty good, if tiny. I wasn't there for the waiter's reaction to that drink but he did start a whole routine of having me order for my girlfriend when she was being wishy washy about burger toppings. He also has some sort of vaguely Borat-ish accent and I miss the year we all talked like Borat.
I ordered the delicious eponymous burger and somehow lost consciousness for a while until the Tom Collins was empty. This time a white russian was in order, because nothing goes better with a steak. The waiter responded with an incredulous "A white russian!? Well, uh, sure! Hey, why not, eh?" He's my new hero, best friend and personal savior. -
Review from Steve R.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2008
This is one of those burger places that, like Kuma's and Jury's, have their own set of zealots who staunchly defend the burgers. Fair enough, I decided to try it. Always up for a good burger.
We walked in, and the first thing I noticed is that the place is overwhelmingly pink. Like the old Blue Note was blue, but pink, dig? Not a bad thing, but it was mid day and i felt transported to 2 AM on a bender. Not a bad thing by any stretch. I thought the service was average, quick and sorta curt, but that's sorta what I expect during lunchtime in the loop. On to the burger...
It was big enough, that's for sure. I couldn't finish it, and I am a big fella with a hearty appetite. The meat also seemed to be of good quality, and even well done it was tasty and juicy. The bun was ok, but I found myself missing the pretzel roll I am used to now. The only toppings it comes with is a beefsteak tomato and some iceberg lettuce, along with a scoop of slaw, nothing to write home about there. It was sort of odd that the fries were a separate side order.
Overall this is a perfectly agreeable place to grab a tasty burger for lunch or maybe latenight, and it certainly has that "old school" feel about it. In my book of burgers, Kuma's still has the title, but this gets an honorable mention. -
Review from Candice R.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2009
I've been going to this Blackie's since I was about 4 years old, and it's a tasty burger. That's an opinion, btw, folks. I'll never tell you my opinion is a fact.
Blackie's beer selection is lame, they pretty much serve miller, bud and amstel, and if you're not a meat eater you have limited options, but they can pull out a damn good burger. Blackie burger with cheddar cheese.
It's pretty dark in there, and definitely has a dive feel to it, but the prices are good and the onion rings are crispy.
I'm not voting Blackie's for the best burger joint in the country, but it sure is one of my favorites.
