Ivy's Burgers, Hot Dogs and Fries

We make it to Ivy's a few times a month for a burger and to visit with Tony.  We're big fans of the burgers.  Wtih Tony's encouragement, I tried the "Japanese dog" and am now a convert.  Never thought I'd ever eat a hot dog with seaweed and ginger, let alone wasabi, but it was great; the seaweed and ginger made it fresh and gave it a little crunch.  He also has great chili and everyone knows there's nothing better than a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter day.
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I've been to Ivy's 3 times now & it's an okay place in the downtown Edgebrook neighborhood.  Downtown Edgebrook is pretty depressing, but Ivy's is upbeat & fun.  The burgers are good & the fries as well.  I was here last week with a group for a quick bite & 1/2 of us enjoyed it, but the other 4 people, said their burgers were dry & not good.  

The service is pretty good & all food is made to order.  The place is cute & updated, but not very roomy.  It's good for a quick lunch or dinner.  Also, a good family place if you have kids.  Reasonably priced.  Hope they make it in the neighborhood as many Edgebrook places are not long in the area.

Stopped here for the first time the other night with a good friend who loves the place.  Didn't know what to expect.  Sure I like hot dogs and hamburgers but I'm not gonna go out of my way for them.  At least not until Ivy's.  

This place is upscale burgers and dogs.  All beef Black Angus.  Fresh cut fries. Homer's Ice Cream.  Tops in all areas.

Super fresh everything.

If you want a fast, cheap dog or burger this is not really the place.  Come here to enjoy the food and enjoy the casual but comfortable atmosphere.

The owner Tony is really a great guy.  Never met him before tonight but he is one of those guys who is genuinely friendly.  We all started talking and before you know it we are reminded of how small a world it is.  Lot's of mutual friends.

So now Tony hooks me up with a Danish dog and a Chilidog.  Definitely not your typical Chicago dog.  And an order of fries.

This is a Danish Dog: Case-less all beef black angus dog, brown mustard, crispy fried onions, raw onions & pickle slices.  Total hit.  Next time, and there will definitely be a next time,  I'll ask for extra mustard.  

The Chili dog gave me a little gas.  hehe  I'd skip that next time because I'm going for a burger then.  They looked great.

The fries are blanched then fried.  I'm not really sure what that exactly means but they were great.  Done perfectly.  And they have a selection of gourmet salts available to spice things up if you like.  

This is now our new place for Homer's Ice Cream.  I love Homer's and this will save us the ride to Wilmette.  Don't get me wrong.  We love the Ice Cream Shoppe down the block and treat ourselves there often.  But the only way to top a great burger or dog is to get one with a great milk shake made with real ice cream and it doesn't get much better than Homer's.