Chop Shop – Restaurant Review

This is the first post in a series of restaurant reviews of places to check out in the greater Chicagoland area.

Where to start?  Chop Shop is truly one-stop-shoppin’ kind of place. When you first walk in you are greeted by a large butcher case with a variety of fresh local meats hand cut by their on-site butcher as well as a very well stocked deli case to your left with tons of grab and go items. There are a few bar areas, indoor and outdoor seating (great patio on the 2nd floor) and a concert/event venue in the back on the first floor.  We were here for the food.  Here’s what we had….

For starters…

I’ll admit it, both my daughter and I are suckers for anything with burrata (actually anything cheese related) and this dish did not disappoint.  The burrata which was fresh, creamy and satisfying was nestled atop a frisée salad with pickled apples and walnuts. The apricot butter gave the dish a nice sweet, but not overly sweet note to offset the tangy salad dressing. The crispy bits of prosciutto sprinkled all over just perfectly tied this dish together with a great smokey flavor.  It could certainly also be eaten as an entree.

Entrees…

We ordered the Elotes to share, Steak & Frites and the Steak Sandwich.  The sandwiches come à la-carte so you’ll probably want to add a side to complete your meal; hence the elotes.  

The steak was cooked to perfection with a nice char and evenly reddish-pink throughout. Would have liked to have seen some garlic salt and parsley on the frites, but they were still very good and crispy – most importantly. 

The steak sandwich was just as good, cut a little on the thicker side (a little thinner would have made it easier to bite into), mushrooms and onions were perfectly browned and not soggy, and with the blue cheese sauce, all on a toasted roll, this made for one tasty sandwich.  

And finally, the elotes… they were good, but could have used a little more sauce to really make them dreamy. Sliced radish on top added a great pop of flavor.

Chop Shop Review…

Overall it was a great lunch, a tad on the pricey side for lunch, but we did dine on steak after-all.  Service was quick and very friendly.  Wait time to be seated, for the appetizer and for the meal to arrive was actually perfect.  They didn’t take too long, but also did not make you feel rushed.  Just right.

THE VERDICT: 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Five out of five Bees.  Awesome food and service every time I have been there and a fun and vibrant atmosphere. There are a lot a restaurants in the Chicago area and this one is definitely worth checking out.  I will be stopping by to try out their butcher counter soon.

Plus they’re Cubs fans… ‘nuf said.

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Chop Shop is located at 2033 W. North Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Just about a block off of the Damen Blue Line stop in Wicker Park.

(773) 537-4440

https://www.chopshopchi.com/

info@chicagochopshop.com