The Chicago Traveler

Chicago may be known for its hot dogs, its pizza, and its beef, but other locations offer great items to the national menu also. If you want barbecue you head to Texas, no one can beat New Orleans when it comes to gumbo and jambalaya, and we’re all familiar with the Philly cheesesteak. And when you want great chili, you make your way to Cincinnati. But don’t buy your plane ticket just yet. Now, folks here in Chicago can get a great “five-way” without traveling hundreds of miles. Instead, they can go to a new restaurant in Lincoln Square called Cinners.

Owner Tony Plum comes straight from Ohio and is quite proud of his red-and-black, retro-inspired eatery, and he’ll be sure to tell you all about it if you run into him. Before you even get there, plan ahead. It is very easy to get lost among the one-way streets that surround the restaurant, especially while hunting for sparse parking opportunities, so bring a map.

Vegetarians beware! Just about every item on the menu has chili in or on it. Get a classic “three-way”—spaghetti covered in Cincinnati chili and topped with a huge pile of shredded mild cheddar cheese. Add onions or red beans to make it a “four-way.” Go all the way with a “five-way,” which adds both onions and red beans. Coneys, with or without cheese, are hot dogs smothered in chili. Appetizers and sides include cocktail wieners, chips and dip, fries, muffins, and mac & cheese, all of which include—you guessed it—chili. There are a couple of veggie options, but make no doubt about it: this place is all about the meat.

Cinners offers about a dozen beers, including Little Kings Cream Ale, brewed in Ohio. Or try one of the specialty cocktails, like the Who Dey (rum, vodka, triple sec, orange juice, and cream)—a tribute to the Cincinnati Bengals—or the Red Leggs (amaretto, Crown Royal, Chambord, Southern Comfort, and cranberry juice)—a reference to the Cincinnati Reds’ mascot. The bar/restaurant also offers a line of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, mugs, and even undergarments.

Service was a bit spotty during their first couple of weeks, but recent reviews indicate that it has improved over time. With enough visits, you too will come to love Pete Rose, hate Cleveland, and find yourself saying “Excuse me?” “Please?”

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex

Cinners ($): 4757 N Talman Ave; 773-654-1624
Daily: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 81 or Brown Line (Rockwell)
http://www.cinners.net/