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Skewerz
Category: Restaurants Hawaiian Hawaiian [Edit]
1560 N Damen Ave(between North Ave & Milwaukee Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
(773) 276-9805
- Nearest Transit:
-
Damen-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 4 pm - 2 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 5 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
163 reviews for Skewerz
Review Highlights
"The sweet potato balls are super yummy."
(in 12 reviews)
"The yucca fries were absolutely delicious."
(in 14 reviews)
"THEY HAVE THE BEST GRILLED ARTICHOKE IN THE CITY."
(in 12 reviews)
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163 reviews in English
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Review from Ericka A.
11/5/2011
The only reason I'm not giving a full five stars is because I just can't decide if it was expensive or not. I paid a little under $20 for two people, but I could have easily eaten what we ordered by myself and they forgot to charge me for a drink, so you're looking at about $25 for four Skewerz, a side of rice, one condiment, an appetizer, one tea and one Rum Punch. Is that a good deal? I just don't know.
What I *DO* know is that everything was delicious. Start to finish, my taste buds were in heaven. Their Crab Rangoon is some of the best I've had. They serve it with a side of peanut sauce, but please do not use it. The sauce is amazing, but it masks the perfect pillows of crab and cream cheese. Save it for your Skewerz! I would also say the same for the Mango Salsa. I got the combo 4Skewerz+1Rice+1Condiment and Mango Salsa was the sauce. It's spectacular stuff! I suggest mixing it in with the Jasmine Rice.
I was expecting the Skewerz to be overly done and come out somewhat dry, but all of them were juicy and flavorful. The Chili Chicken was really good and the pan-seared Ahi Tuna was perfectly spiced. The Lilikoi Salmon blew my mind. I wished it could have been an entire fish. I want to try more flavors, but I might just order a combo consisting of nothing but salmon next time.
As far as drinks go, the Lemongrass Tea is OK. It's not very strong and it almost comes off as watery. The Sailor Jerry Rum Punch, on the other hand, is easily an $8 drink. I think they charge $4 for the tiki drink of the day. It's practically a steal! I had one drink and I was done for the night.Listed in: It's Tiki Time!
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Review from Amanda D.
1/29/2012
Wandering around hungry, we stopped in here because it was right by the Damen station. Other reason: there were 3 cops inside eating, and where I live they all love Chipotle. I love Chipotle, so I trusted their taste in late night food.
It was a good move. I had the filet island pita. It was awesome. And at $5.25, it was the perfect amount of food for the price. I thought ordering the skewers a la carte looked like a total waste of money, so I was pleased with just a sandwich.
The service was okay, it could have been a bit friendlier but not a big deal.
It's kind of a weird space, but the little Caribbean theme it has going on pretty much requires there to be a bar. There were a couple people there watching some college bowl game. I guess if you really almost want a place to yourself to do something like that, it works and it's pretty smart. -
Review from Emily S.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2011
Well then. First off, I love the food. My husband and I have spent... way too much money on many meals here. It's not cheap, but the food has been worth it. This is a true one star review--instead of wishing I could give zero, the food is good, but the behavior is borderline hilarious if it weren't threatening.
After early this morning, I am extremely creeped out and rather angry. I walked in to see at least three people casually smoking. I asked the kid at the counter if they allow that, and he shrugged and I think he said no. I was confused and the kid told me "we could leave," which is exactly what our group of 4 did. We went outside to try to figure out where we'd go--no yelling, stomping, or scene making--we just left.
Next thing I know, the kid from the counter is outside the door (we were many feet down the sidewalk away from the storefront) pointing the owner toward us. I remember the owner; my husband and I had a great conversation with him a while back during a visit, so I was pretty appalled when he placed himself inches from my face, exhaled a mouthful of smoke at me, and threw his cigarette down before asking me if we had a problem.
Apparently it's "how they roll" late at night, and it's "his business" so he can do what he wants with it. And he was out there to make sure his "customers and potential customers" were happy; something about how everyone was just having a good time inside. Well, I'm sure they were.
It was very intimidating and downright creepy that we'd be approached outside, away from the establishment (we were in front of a closed shop between Skewerz and Flash Taco), and that I'd have smoke blown at me by a grown man who found it necessary to come up immediately next to me and and get threateningly close to my face. I know people aren't happy with the smoking ban, but it is what it is, and just because you own a business doesn't mean you have the right to ignore the law. We were trying to leave and find food elsewhere, but after the absurdity of what took place, we placed a report for the violation of the smoking ban and will be making no more trips from Edgewater just to eat here.
As a side note, the owner "directed" us to Flash Taco if we didn't like what was going on; the throngs of post-bar humanity that was flowing out into the street while keeping Flash Taco extremely busy was why I wasn't interested in waiting around for food there, and it's exactly why someone with a few people smoking plus maybe a few more in his store might not want to tell someone to head next door if they don't like it. -
Review from Taylor M.
11/5/2011
It was a Sat night at about 3 am and I was able to order a drink and a chicken skewer... how can I complain? The place has a cute Caribbean theme. Other then my group of friends, there were two annoying drunk guys at the bar and two guys in the side room. In other words, it was dead. But after a hectic night... quiet and empty was a welcome change!
Listed in: Late Night Munchies
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Review from Emily K.
Chicago, IL
THEY HAVE THE BEST GRILLED ARTICHOKE IN THE CITY. NO LIE. I am an artichoke fanatic and my friend and I go here at least once every couple weeks now. It is served with a delicious lemon aioli sauce. The rest of the food is incredible too. The pulled pork pita is stuffed with succulent juicy pork and complimented well with fresh romaine, tomatoes and an awesome white sauce The island shrimp is my favorite. The marinade is to die for and made me feel like i was back down in Key West eating seafood fresh from the ocean. It's delicious with the Mango Chili sauce. Even the darn tofu is fantastic.
Most amazing thing about this place is the owner. We had come two weeks in a row, first week they had been closed for cleaning despite the sign on the door. Second time same thing happened but they let us in and when the owner showed up, he apologized. Recommended we try to get there around 1 on Sundays. He then proceeded to give us an order of artichokes and sweet potato balls for free. He didn't have to do anything like but the guy understands good customer service and he definitely understands how to cook great food.
Love this place. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
I think I've had one decent meal here out of the 3 or 4 times we've ventured in. The last time (and I do mean LAST time), however, pushed me into "never again" territory.
I've always wondered why service is SO SLOW but I was recently left scratching my head when I went in at about 8pm and ordered 2 pita sandwiches. there were only 2 other people in the place (they were already eating) and it took the world's laziest short order cook more than 15 minutes to make two stupid sandwiches. I watched him move in slow motion through the kitchen window/portal, lugging his giant self back and forth between doing god knows what. When he finally did cook our order, he plopped it down at the pass and just walked away, leaving the cashier to have to go back and get our sauce. And he wasn't exactly swift, either.
To top it off, our pitas were totally burnt and the chicken quite gnarly. Sorry Skewerz, you've lost a customer. -
Review from laela l.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2011
Any place where I can drink a Corona and listen to reggae with fans blowing cool air at me and talk to the guy working at the front station is cool with me. It reminded me of my vacations to the tropics -- looked and felt like it....then I turned around to look outside and sadly was reminded that I was in the land of iPhones and bad drivers.
Anyway, the grilled artichokes are worth buying, as is the fried rice. I've had almost every condiment but the mango one is my favorite. I've had almost every skewer and they all are cooked to perfection -- not burnt, juicy, meats have a little pink in the center (except the chicken of course), and slightly smokey/salty seasoned. The tuna and pineapple bbq chicken are my favorites. 4 Skewers w/ rice will fill you up and I usually have leftovers -- it's nice that the portions aren't gigantic either; an actual serving size. -
Review from Justin J.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
I don't care if this place is clean or not. I go there when I'm stumbling drunk and all I want is some of those mindblowing, orgasmic crab rangoons, or at least that's the way I remember them after six beers and a few Beam and Cokes.
They're super friendly in here, not afraid to chat with you and make recommendations and they don't give a dribble of piss if you're stinking drunk when you order. I'm sure most people are at 3AM:
"Gimme the Kuhuna, no wait, I want some fish, the Mahi, fuck it, just put some rangoons in my hand."
I've said something along those lines I'm sure and they were happy to oblige. Point being, this is a unique late night spot that is a bit random and can be a little rough around the edges, but who cares? The food is fantastic and a helluva lot better (and healthier) than say, Wendy's at 3AM.
Go there when you're drunk, out late and think Clark's sucks (because Clark's really does suck). -
Review from Melissa z.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
Love this place! Where else can you escape the city life to an island paradise? The service is friendly, the food is unique to the area, and their price on boozes are within my budget.
The different "condamintz" add a special spice to your skewer or rice of choice.
My only iffy experience was an undercooked order of crab rangoons. I think the fry guy in the back could have left them in the frier a little bit longer - the outside was light and crispy while the inside was cold and well undercooked. -
Review from Allison V.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We stopped in here one night because we were all carbed out. Anyhow, I ordered the ahi tuna and the filet mignon......delicious!!!!
The fish and meat were seasoned to a great taste. The tuna was seared perfectly. This stuff actually had flavor....this is a good thing.
The tiki decor is kind of funny, but I did not go here for the way the place looked.
Alcohol, Jones Sodas, and juices are available for drinks.
They had a jamaican punch special so I had to try it.....very tasty rum punch.
Service was friendly and since they were not busy they even delivered the food to the table.
You can sit at small tables or sit at the tall tables at the window which allow you to people watch on the six corners.
They sometimes have specials i.e 4 skewerz and rice for a decent price.
Don't get me wrong, they are a bit on the pricey side, but I have to say I was satisfied with the food and my experience for the price.
I will definitely be going back. -
Review from Sajid R.
Chicago, IL
8/7/2011
Seeing a place called skewerz always makes me think that this is the place in wickerpark that I can slip into for a quick and healthy bump of protein at a reasonable price.
Unfortunately, it always ends up being an overpriced mix bag of decently cooked meats and soggy rice. Some of the skewers are pretty good, (i.e. the filet mignon and the chili chicken), but I've never walked out feeling like I've had a fulfilling meal.
The one passable use case for this place is the need for a quick snack and free wifi, in which case a couple of their skewers can fill a void pretty well. -
Review from Bettina S.
Chicago, IL
6/24/2011
This is a good place to go if you want to eat until you are about to burst, because the food is on point! You can choose from different proteins, different sauces, and whether you want a sandwich on a pita, or if you want everything left on the skewer.
Anyone who knows me could have guessed that I would get the chicken on a pita, but then I made the amazing decision to get a side of the fried rice, and I just haven't been the same since. It was so good I forgot to offer any to my friend, and got down to the last bite before he had to remind me to offer him a taste. My friend got the wings and a side of rice. The wings were a bit greasy but still very good.
Beware if you have food allergies because they use a lot of "exotic" ingredients. Also, pay attention to the sauces because some of them either contain peanuts or tropical fruit. Once you are sure you're not allergic, eat up! -
Review from Terri F.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2011
Stopped at this place after drinks at the Violet Hour. This place is great! Loved the food, nice and grilled/smoked flavor. Fantastic!
My fiance and I ordered a combo of Chili Chicken, Mango Pineapple BBQ Chicken, Lilikoi Salmon, and the Mahi Mahi with Fried Rice. Soooo tasty! Next time we'll order drinks. The place is tiny but we liked the laid-back tiki lounge (couch fabric rips and all). Non pretentious and just overall good feel. Kinda reminded me of living in So Cal as a teen. Definitely will go back! -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2011
G to the E to the M.
Wow: got a great deal on a coupon site ($8.50 for $20 worth of food)!
Had no clue what lay ahead.
We ate like kings... of an amazing island with...absolutely incredible food.
There's a lot to choose from, and all at really great prices.
Here's my top two picks:
Grilled Artichoke: there is proof that god exists, with this one. It takes a while to eat, every bite is delicious...and it's a great way to pass the time while people watching in WP.
Yucca fries: I am in LOVE. They are spicy and sweet...and remind me of the way a gorgeous cotton field (under a blue sky) would taste if it could melt in my mouth.
They were out of the sweet potato thingie, which means I'll have to go back. And if I lived closer, I have a feeling they'd be running out of artichokes on a weekly basis. -
Review from Erika G.
1/3/2011
Went here awhile ago. This place is random.
What is it? Island restaurant in an urban environment with no outdoor space or windows that open? Visible dirtyish kitchen area? Dive Bar-ish bathrooms?
Smoothies. Tea. Booze. Um . . . some drinks. Some sort of mixed up arrangement of strange assortment of food. Guy at counter is charming, friendly and chatty enough, but was sloppily dressed. Which is not the worst thing, but really? You're at work! Be clean!
No curb appeal.
Has potential. Lots. Needs work. Get to work. -
Review from Robert H.
Chicago, IL
12/25/2010
I had a groupon type coupon for this restaurant at a pretty major discount and finally got around to stopping in to give it a try. All I can say is WOW!
Now I must admit I don't have a refined palette like so many other reviewers on here. It was the diverse dining opportunities here in the big city that convinced me to move from my small town in Michigan to our fine city of Chicago about 6 months ago and I'm loving it!!! I literally moved here for the sole purpose of trying to eat as many new foods as possible before I kick the bucket someday. I know I'll never be able to try every restaurant in town, but I'm gonna have fun trying!
Skewerz is a prime example of why I made such a radical change in my life. I walked into this establishment with a set of preconceived ideas about what I would be tasting and I was totally wrong. With the exception of the tuna skewer (which was good just not surprising) everything else was completely different than I expected and it was like a wild and crazy vacation ride for my taste buds.
I pigged out severely and got a another order of food to take home for the next days lunch. I felt guilty eating in front of my roomie and grudgingly offered her a portion of my goodies. She too agreed that the flavors were not only surprising, but very tasty. She on the other hand has a pretty well defined palette and if she was impressed then it must be as good as I believe it is!
I resisted the temptation to return to Skewerz for about 10 days until my daughter from Oklahoma City flew in for the holiday and took her to Skewerz her first night in town. Like me she has a real appreciation of good food and she was so excited by the flavors I wouldn't have been surprised if she'd have jumped up and done a happy dance right then and there. She just kept commenting on how unique and great tasting everything was.
My personal recommendations based on my 2 visits would be the fillet mignon skewer, the BBQ chicken skewer, the shrimp skewer ( a bit on the spicy side, but not so hot you can't enjoy the flavor), the fried rice, the yucca friez (their spelling not mine) with the banana sauce is a must have, but since they're pretty filling maybe split one order between 2 people or just take home the leftovers, the fried sweet potato balls with powdered sugar on them, the lemongrass tea and any of their daily mixed drink specials.
I found for my personal preference the price was a bit high for the quantity of the food, but the quality of it makes it well worth it and I WILL be a regular of this fine establishment.
Maybe it's just me, but I hate enjoying a good meal and then using the restroom only to find a disgusting mess. No worries here! Although a modest bathroom it was in immaculate condition and smelled nice and clean.
Hats off to the men working at this establishment! It's now one of my favorite places to eat and I will be back many times. This is the type of place it's fun to show company not from the city. By knowing about this small place with great food it makes it look like I'm an old pro and know all the best eating establishments in town when I'm really pretty new here myself and just learning.
I apologize for the super long review. It's just that Skewerz really took my taste buds on an exciting ride and I can't wait to return. Don't let it's small size scare you away. It's not the size of the restaurant that counts it's the quality of the food that matters and this place is overflowing with quality food and service!!! Try it and you'll be hooked too!!!! -
Review from Cris V.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2011
It's a hole in the wall under the damen L stop. Food is definately way better than other holes that serve greasy burgers/tacos.
Veeeery laid back atmosphere that's perfect for wicker park. a hipsters dream joint.
I like their curry ( i always ask for an extra helping of it).
Don't expect to over-eat here; their servings are designed to satiate your hunger but not leave you feeling bloated (something a lot of people are not used to. Yes: Eating without feeling sick from being too full? What a concept. -
Review from Mindy H.
Norman, OK
2/19/2011
I was and am still impressed...
I am so happy with this place that I cannot WAIT to go visit my dad in Chicago again. Skewerz is so fabulously amazing that I have no idea how to describe this place!!! Oh wait, I've got it!!! Happiness on a stick!!! and the yuca fries? I could faint from the joy of my mouth dancing in blissfullness!!! Skewerz, I will come back for you my dear!!! -
Review from Stef M.
7/13/2011
The sign out front that read "Best Grilled Artichokes in Chicago" lured me in. I am an artichoke connoisseur. I ordered to go. Simply delicious and deserving of their signage. The lemon aioli dipping sauce was light and yummy. Perfection for just $5.00.
Listed in: Chicago Bucket List (not for…
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Review from Jim C.
Cook, IL
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
very tasty. Make sure you order the side of rice for a 1.50 or you will leave hungry.
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Review from Tiffany K.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2011
you know when you're looking for a place to eat after drinking heavily at a club and just about anything tastes soooooo good?
well. this is the only place i've been to, after quite a few drinks, where it did not satisfy my taste buds whatsoever.
the guys behind the counter were super nice but the food.. ehhh..
we ordered each one of their skewers and a side of yucca fries.
yucca fries were good but the skewers were all equally not so good.
skewerz was packed when we got in and there was no where to sit.
after some time, we found seats and ate our food. the place is not the cleanest place either. furnitures seem old and dirty but a very relaxed atmosphere. -
Review from Heather H.
Seattle, WA
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dive Bar on a stick!
Its simple; place meat/veggie on stick, marinate, and grill. Ideally a healthier version of 'drunk food' that is perfect for noshing on. Just don't poke your eye out with the stick; danger of drunkenness!
Portions are small and the food can take awhile to get to you. While I satisfied with the juicy flavor, I felt a bit cheated when I looked at the small portion. I paid almost $10.00 for two little skewers!
Get lucky and some really random drunkard might buy you and your friend a skewer to split.
Plenty of old couch space to lay on in the back. Wouldn't try the bathroom though! -
Review from Flor O.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2011
Good Food .... I just hate the fact that everytime I bite into my food while eating here I think about the massive amounts of food crumbs and flies stuck behind the bar table and windows looking out on Damen ... everytime I wait for the bus there I ALWAYS see all the crumbs and bugs it makes me squirm ... Please grab a straw or a thin rag and clean it I'm shure Im not the only person thats noticed this.
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Review from Kriss S.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2010
If I were a patron of our fair neighborhood at night, Skewerz would probably be a god send. Next to the abhorrent Flash Taco down the street, this place is an oasis. There are ACTUAL vegan options here (FT's 'vegetarian' dishes have atleast fish in them) and they actually leave you decent room to mix and match things.
The downside? The rice is alright - I mean, honestly it's everything you've had before at any typical Asian take away, just with a more Caribbean flair to it - it's smokier, has a bit more al dente to the grains and it's sweeter. That's fine, but it's still fairly mediocre. The skewers themselves are what really bum me out - for the price of admission, I'm getting two skewers with shriveled vegetables and microscopic pieces of tofu. The sauce is okay depending on what you get, but don't really count on getting all that much of it as they skimp on it and hand you barely an ounce to go with the entirety of your meal.
The decor in here is kitsch and looks like a luau set up by a bunch of middle schoolers with all of the fake palm tree leaves and surf boards (the music playing overhead is hit or miss). The staff are adequate - it's obvious that it's just a job you know? Not that I expect much more, but more than just a grunt would be sufficient.
Skewerz isn't necessarily a complete pass in my book, but they're certainly not a go to by any means. -
Review from Nina D.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2010
I am ashamed to admit that I'm a complete deadbeat Yelper. I take advantage of others' hard work as they write clever reviews, attend lavish Yelp events, and make recommendations to others based on what I read. Yet I can't seem to force myself to write reviews of my own! It's like the moment I start to write, my fingers get too sleepy to type.
All that to say, despite my utter laziness, Skewerz was delicious and wonderful enough to inspire me to get up off my duff and tell you so.
The complaints here seem to be that it's overpriced - well, fear no longer, cheapskates, Skewerz lets you order off the kid's menu. For a five dollar bill, you can walk away with a meat stick, a side of island friend rice (to DIE for and I usually DETEST raisins) or fries, a condiment (I recommend the lemongrass), and a dessert stick (mouth-watering seared banana and chocolate chip cake...on a stick). Yes, I said cake-on-a-stick. You can't beat that, my friends. Also, the portions are far larger than 'child-size'...they're comparable to the adult portions.
To top it off, they make everything exceedingly plush for us lazy types: you can put in your order via http://Zuppler.com (seriously, you could open another window and be perusing meat-on-a-stick alongside reading my review) and earn points towards free meals from Skewerz. Need more incentive, you skeptical Yelper, you? 10% off any order $10 or more when you order online. Shall I do the math for you?
*2 delicious kids meals = $10
*2 delicious kids meals + a pineapple skewer = $9.90
Yep...it's CHEAPER to order MORE food in this wonderful paradox.
Besides, you MUST try the spicy, roasted pineapple skewer ... dip it in soy sauce. No, seriously.
Lastly, if you choose to be less lazy and not have it delivered directly to your face (because that is definitely an inexpensive option which results in a man on a bicycle handing you tasty food), the ambiance of the place is the next best thing to begging your pothead roomie for a hit.
The lights are dimmed and orange-y (perfect for your hangover lunch), the walls/chairs/plates are all sustainable bamboo (perfect for that patchouli-scented date you picked up last night), the tv usually plays one of the sea episodes of Planet Earth (simultaneously fascinating and relaxing), and the radio blares Bob Marley ('nuff said).
It's like a little Jamaican vacation under the El.
Give it a try...if you like it, pull up a bamboo chair...
...if not, there's the bamboo door. -
Review from Shenelle B.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2010
Skewerz has the most amazing sweet potato balls, salmon skewers and grilled artichoke!! This is the type of place that you crave the next day after you ate all of your food.
I would defiantly recommend this place! -
Review from Rhonda G.
4/5/2010
Kebab, Kabob, skewer, meat on a stick, meat lollipop (wait, isn't that another name for...nevermind). Whatever you call these things they have 'em here.
Nice spring day with a couple of hours to kill. I hadn't eaten lunch so food was my first thought as I exited the el at damen. I didn't have to go far. Score! Thank you Skewerz for not making me have to walk too far for nourishment.
Staff was nice, the guy at the counter explained items on the menu well and didn't get annoyed when I took my sweet time ordering.
Caribbean videos playing provided a faux island ambiance but not too tacky like some places.
The veggie skewer was pretty good but they need to add more veggies (or I guess I just need to order more next time).
The chili chicken had a nice amount of spice and luckily it wasn't dry at all which happens a lot with chicken skewers.
The Lilikoi Mango smoothie hit the spot! Very refreshing.
Like I said, I had time to kill, so me and my skewers and the mango smoothie cozied up in a window seat and read the red eye, reader and whatever else was left behind. This vantage point also makes for interesting weirdo, I mean people, watching :)Listed in: Island Flavor
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Review from REH G.
Logan Square, Chicago, IL
4/26/2011
Why did I think this place wouldn't suck?
I just paid 8 dollars for a cold grilled artichoke that I had to send back, three bites of undertone dark meat chicken, and rude service. Watch me have food poisoning later.
Serves me right I suppose, to go to a restaurant that probably only stays open because half the customers are so drunk they don't know what they are eating.
Do not recommend. -
Review from daniel c.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2010
I made fun of this place when it first opened. I mean, really. "Skewerz"? It sounded like it was named after a 7th graders MySpace page. I shyed away from it because I'm superficial like that.
Then I got hungry. They deliver pretty late (I think 1am?) and I already had 2 leftover pizza boxes sitting next to my garbage can, so it was time for something new.
I've ordered every skewer on their menu: steak, chicken, vegetable, tofu, and they are all great. They are seasoned pretty heavily (marinated?) but not spicy, and taste great. Make sure you grab a desert skewer with fried sweet bread and plantains as well.
They have a huge assortment of dipping sauces, but you won't even need them, and other than the peanut sauce, they aren't anything special. I can't even really figure out how to eat a skewer with a sambal anyway...
You have a choice of rice, and I've tried them all, but the fried rice is my #1 choice. Just little greasy, and full of good stuff like chives and raisins, just how I like it.
As great as their skewers are, make sure you get some of their wings. They have the best wings on the PLANET. They toss them in a slightly sweet sauce, and COVER them in the best substance known to man: sesame seeds. If you haven't gnawed into a 6 pack of these suckers, you haven't lived.
The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because it seems like they've intentionally hired the worst delivery staff known to man. I understand bike delivery, but it takes 60+ minutes every time, and it seems like my meal was stuck in a paint mixer every time.
Either way, make sure to check this place out. -
Review from Alexis M.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011
My friends and I got food to go last night. I have walked by so many times but never went in. Now I'm so happy that we did! The food was great. I'm a vegetarian, and they had several options. Plus, the grilled artichoke and yuca frieds were fantastic. I will definitely go back!
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Review from Jelena Z.
6/12/2009
So, I'm Croatian. My people like their meat, and we really enjoy our meat on a stick (see: raznici). Unfortunately, I'll never be able to convince my parents to say 'skewers' or 'kabobs'-- they'll always be long form 'shishkabobs' to them.
We also like our meat in a pita, the cevapcici way. No surprise I ordered one of the Skewerz specials, grilled chicken in a fresh pita. I choose the Coconut Sambal sauce, which the staff explained was more like a dry rub. I guess you could say I really liked my pita, because it disappeared in about 2.33333 minutes.
I'm always looking for more inexpensive, healthy fast(ish) food options. It's clear that I didn't cultivate my curves eating salads, but Polynesian-inspired, grilled, lean meats? Always a 'do'. And the staff? Sweethearts. Next time I'll try a smoothie or bring a sixer-- Skewerz is BYO! -
Review from Carol J.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2009
So I finally ate at Skewerz after trying their awesome skewers at the Halloween Elite party and at several other catered functions. I thought the food was fantastic, nice portions and great flavors.
Then me and Ms. Xtie went in to the location on the down low and tried a bunch of stix and they were FANTASTIC. Great alternative to fast food, as tasty as an upscale lunch, unbelievably inexpensive. Awesome jasmin rice and a really decent variety of sauces and skewers to choose from. We tried the Filet, Veggie, Shrimp and some Chicken and all of them were above and beyond great.
I wish there was a Skewerz in my hood so I could "get stuck on the stick" everyday for a healthy alternative to food on the fly. YUM.Listed in: Thank God for these places…
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Review from Isla E.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2009
I rarely give below three stars on reviews because I don't fault other people for my own laziness.
"I could make this at home."
"Well then, why didn't you?"
"I am too lazy to do the dishes after I cook something so I don't cook at all."
This is the story. So Skewerz gets 3 stars for saving me from the dishes. But a really mediocre 3 stars. Want to know what jalapeno sambal is? Chopped up jalapenos, seeds included, maybe some sugar in there. Definitely do not get this as a condiment unless you are getting something with rice on the side; its not worth the disabled taste buds. The peanut sauce is okay; I'm glad it wasn't too thick.
I got an la carte veggie and tofu "skewer". They were wussy, like 4 little pieces of tofu, overcooked veggies. Yep, could have made this at home. But I didn't. So three stars.
The staff was super-duper nice, and it is a healthier alternative to a lot of food in area, so I may go back. -
Review from Alec H.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
I went to this place a few times when it was relatively new. I've been out of town lately but someone just mentioned it and I'm looking forward to another trip.
I believe I remember the mention that they use grapeseed oil for cooking (supposed to be healthier), but in general the quality of th efood was just great.Listed in: Chicago
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Review from Jennifer M.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2008
Geesh...what's up with all the hatin on this place?? I think it deserves a fair chance, so I've come up with a list of things that were most nagged about and countered them with some props.
1) Tiny Portions- c'mon...how much food do we really need...seems everyone's used to getting supersized which has led to a country full of fatties. The portions here are perfect. Actually, 2oz of meat per skewer (I asked!) and 3-4 skewers come with each entree. It's recommended that we should only eat 3oz of flesh per serving anyway.
2) $$$Cost- hmm...$1.75 for a veggie or tofu skewer and under 3 bucks for everything else. Most people are willing to pay $3.00 for a PIECE of sushi...and that's not even cooked. Right now, food costs are high and this place is fairly priced for the quality and time they put into it. Our bill was under $15 for 2 people....a bargain.
3)Lame Service- The guys here rocked...they were personable + informative about the menu. I was given some great suggestions and wasn't charged extra for the sauces...even though they're supposed to be 50 cents each.
4)Weak Food- grilled anything always tastes so yummy. I had the salmon, tuna, and veggie skewers. They were all tasty, but I like my food fire spicy and had to pour the chili sambal sauce on everything to get the desired effect. For dessert, I really dug the sweet potato balls (hehe)...they tasted like donuts and donuts are good.
If you haven't already been, give this place a shot. Oh, and they have a funny motto "Get stuck on a stick." -
Review from Jovim V.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2010
Overpriced meat on a stick.
You can tell that most of their customers don't have taste buds because these things on sticks are just too salty. The Brown rice is like having a jar of Morton Salt dumped into your mouth.
1 star for concept. 1 star for the dipping sauce. -
Review from Jackie W.
Portland, OR
6/9/2008
You loose a star and half if I could go halfseys...for charging 50 cents for tap water. . . super lame. When I said "Really?" the guy at the counter said it was for the cup. I wasn't going to stand there and argue about it...but...those cups cost 2 cents at the most. I would guess much less. Anyway. Bring your own water.
That said everything was pretty tasty. I had the chicken skewerz and veggie skewez with the peanut red curry sauce ( not spicy at all) I like the new tastez and flavorz being brought to the neighb.
I suggest sitting at the bar that faces the window so you can people watch as the people coming off the Damen el stop. The people watching adds a half star back so we're at 4. The spot is cool, i like the theme it's not terribly overpriced...and the "z" thing...i don't really know what to say about that.
To SkewerZ: please get some cups like sultans have and stop giving me the cup costs 50 cents excuse...that is lame. -
Review from Michele N.
12/11/2010
Ok, so I am officially STUCK ON THE STICK! For the past month I have been on average ordering Skewerz 2x's per week.
Before this discovery, I rarely ordered takeout.
I recommend pretty much everything on the menu.
I like how healthy the food is. They also have great service, my orders are always right, weather I order over the phone, or online...:-) The food is consistently good... -
Review from Shane H.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2008
I was greatly disappointed with this place. I thought it was a great concept when I went in. But upon going in and asking what it is all about, I pretty much just got a basic answer. "Meat on a stick". The girl was nice but just not very informative. I wanted to know if it was supposed to be eaten like a stirfry or another type of kabob. Instead I paid way too much for slow meat on a stick with a blop of "jasmine rice" that tasted no different than normal white sticky rice. The tray it came on was a half pipe of bamboo and didn't seem the type of thing to mix the rice and meat with. So what was the point of the rice then?
This place is nothing special and really needs to increase in the cultural welcomness if it is to stay in business.
Oh and by the way, no public restroom. Just the one that you have to go through the kitchen for. It is grimy and gross. -
Review from jenise r.
Berwyn, IL
5/17/2008
I was really busy at work and had no time to run and get food so I ordered from here.
I ordered the combo, it came with 2 chicken, 1 steak, 1 veggie. I got the peanut sauce and they asked what kind of rice i wanted. I said brown, I got white.
I paid with my debit card and left a tip with the receptionist because I was going to be with a client. Mr. Delivery gave the receptionist a thang because she didn't have my card and he needed an imprint of it and a signature.
Anyways these things were tasty but tiny. I don't know yet if I'll order from there again, maybe I'll walk over one day. We'll see.
