This place is an institution in Wilmette. Â The gyros are awesome. Â Want fries, hot dogs, burgers or other classic Chicago hot dog stand style food head here to satisfy your cravings. Â The environment is like a diner in a little shoe box. Â In summer they have tables outside but it's just a counter inside so if it's busy you'll be cramped. Â Service is friendly and fast - watch your food prepared right in front of you.
Review Source:The Niki Special.
A tiny little cheeseburger topped with a MOUNTAIN of gyro cuts. A good half of the gyro fell out of my burger while I was eating it--enough for another meal.
The ambiance:
It's a walk-in closet with good people working behind the counter. The workers seem to know all the patrons, and this is really nice to see coming from California (where we don't get this type of homeliness often). Space is limited and we saw a lot of people retrieving pick-up orders.
The food:
Like I alluded to earlier, the Niki Special is divine. If it wouldn't make me prone to stroke or heart attack, I'd be eating that all day. It is a tad expensive, though, ($6.75 for burger alone), which was a little off-putting from a divey restaurant. I also ordered some sweet potato fries (yum?), which were great for about $2. Really crispy. Well done.
The service:
Great!
TL;DR - Order Niki Special and sweet potato fries. $10 meal. Good to go.
Every time I come back from school in Boston I have to get a few of my favorite foods. The Nikki is at the top of that list. Nothing reminds me more of growing up than sitting in chuck wagon after school talking with the employees and having a great time. This is a Wilmette icon. Keep up the good work.
Review Source:Been coming here since before I had a driver's license....
A couple different owners throughout the ages....Sam (a Legand in Wilmette) will never be forgotten, symbolizing all that Chuckwagon was.
After Sam passed on and his sons sold to the new young owners - they maintained the same recipes, vendors / suppliers to continue to make the very best gyros this side of Greek Town on the West side of Chi-town.
It is an absolute "must have" for me within 24 hours of my arrival back at the old homestead!
Seriously sloppy and practically orgasmic.
Let me say that I have been DREAMING about this place ever since I had a Nikki special over a year ago.
We took our girls to Chicago for a long weekend and ended up here one day. Â We stopped in for a quick bite and while I was deciding I saw the cook drop a Nikki special in front of the man next to me. Â I immediately knew I had to have one. Â It's kind of like a burger with Gyro meat. Â It is AMAZING! Â
They have fantastic sweet potato fries and I finished every last bite of my meal. Â I felt like the angels descended upon me and brought me into heaven for a short time. Â
Go here!
Even thinking of writing this review and talking about my delicious Niki Special (Cheeseburger with gyro meat on top) and cheese fries makes my mouth water... I'm not exaggerating... my mouth is really watering right now. This is an amazing cure for a hangover, the concoctions are unique to this establishment and if you like gyros, i would recommend getting the gyro sauce on the gryo meat or on the side, just made my hangover go away just a little bit tastier.
The cheese fries were a definite hit. I believe they use sweet potatoes and some sort of seasoning... either way; I broke my diet and finished the entire basket.
I look forward to trying out the other menu items (Losh, like the Niki but with bacon and the Waitress Special which is a grilled cheese with gyro meat on top). It's a shame they are not open later than 7pm.
Either way, you will walk away very satisfied from this gem in Wilmette and be craving more and more.
Hangover definitely cured after eating the Niki and cheese fries.
Oh, and the place is pretty small inside, but gives you the feeling of a homey sort of dive, everything is clean and there are two TVs to keep your eye balls occupied as your taste buds dance in the meaty juices.
If you're reading this trying to decide to go or not, stop reading and go before they close!
This is so sad. My husband has been going to Chuck Wagon since grade school (30 years ago) and myself since college.  We wanted takeout and chose Chuck Wagon -- a good 20-minute drive from home -- precisely because  they had great food.
We've never had a bad meal -- until tonight. The guys manning the deep-fryer seemed clueless on how to cook fries. Guy #1, confused: "Uh... are these fries done?" Guy #2: "Uh. I don't know? No, leave them in longer." Â
The result? Â BLACK, BURNT, SOGGY FRIES SOAKED IN GREASE.
And I never thought you could possibly ruin a hot dog in Chicago, but they did. Â No salt and tasteless.
I don't know if they are under new management or maybe there is no manager, but they've gone downhill. We'll be taking our business elsewhere.
I stopped by the Chuck Wagon based on the reviews here on Yelp. Â I work about a mile away in Evanston and am pretty sick of Mustard's Last Stand.
The first thing I noticed was how tiny the place was. Â Eight stools in a space about 5 feet wide at the most. Â The second thing I noticed was that the place was busting at the seems with hungry elementary and junior high school age kids. Â It looked like the bus from the "Summer Program For Privileged White Kids" had just let out in front. Â This was disconcerting to say the least. Â
I ordered a double cheeseburger, large fries and a coke. Â I feel a bit wimpy for not ordering the "Nicky", which is apparently some unholy hybrid between a cheeseburger and a gyro. Â I figured since I was going back to work after lunch it might be best to skip something that disgusting and possibly flatulence inducing. Â
The service was quick and  I shoved through the crowd of frighteningly well behaved kids to eat in the car.
The double cheeseburger was serviceable, very tasty with plenty of gooey cheese and fresh tasting condiments. Â Still, it was a bit generic and very similar to every other greasy spoon burger I've ever had. Â The fries seemed to be of the frozen, Ore-Ida variety. Â At least they were the thick cut type and had a pleasingly soft and creamy inside. Â The whole shebang cost just under $10, which I did find a bit pricey.
It's clear from the pictures on the wall that Chuck Wagon is a local favorite among teens and tweens in Wilmette. Â While I appreciate the simple fact that little joints like this one even exist in this day and age; I don't see it as being worth going out of the way for.
If Jesus descended from the heavens tomorrow and told me that he wanted to experience heaven on earth, I would make him a francheezie which is a jumbo hot dog filled with cheese, wrapped in bacon and then deep fried. Then once he's eaten the whole thing, exclaimed that it's the best thing he's ever eaten, then ascended back into the spiritual world to tell all his apostles, I would run over to the Chuck Wagon and get myself a Nikki Special, which is far superior to a francheezie. It has to be a sin to eat something this delicious so I couldn't risk going to hell for this burger, although it may be worth it.
The restaurant itself consists of a counter and some bar stools, probably around 10 of them, and that's it. It's the definition of a hole in the wall, but they make some mean food. I honestly can't even comment on anything other than the Nikki Special, but that in itself is enough to keep me coming back.
So what exactly is the Nikki Special you ask? Well it's a cheeseburger piled high with gyro meat, and yes it's as delicious as it sounds. The burger paddy itself is a little on the thin side, but it delivers just enough of the burger flavor to go along with the gyro meat that you won't even care. Throw in some gooey cheese and you've got yourself one hell of a sandwich.
So if you're in the area I would highly suggest stopping in and giving this one a try, I just hope Jesus doesn't read yelp...
I've walked over to Chuck Wagon by myself to get something to eat. When I've been to Chuck Wagon by myself, it hasn't been too hard to order my food. It's easy to find because it's right by the Wilmette Theatre.
The first time I was at Chuck Wagon by myself, when I walked into Chuck Wagon, I sat at the counter where everyone sits and waited to order my food.
The employees at Chuck Wagon are helpful and friendly. They've made sure to give the correct amount of change and the food is ready in about less than 5 minutes.
What I got from Chuck Wagon was a hot dog with french fries and the drink I got was a fruit punch. When my food was ready, the employees gave me the food and then I started eating my food.
After I finished my food, I paid for my food and the employees made sure to give the correct amount of change. At Chuck Wagon, people pay for their food after they finish eating. So I paid for my food after I finished eating.
I enjoy the food at Chuck Wagon. They've got good hot dogs there. And I enjoy their french fries.
After I paid for my food, I left Chuck Wagon, and then walked home. Chuck Wagon is a fun hot dog stand to go to.
Chuck Wagon is amazing. I grew up about 4 blocks from the restaurant, and ever since moving to DC, the first thing I do when coming home is go to Chuck Wagon. The Gyros are top notch and Burgers are tough to beat. Up until now, I thought the one thing they were missing was cheese fries and cheddar burgers. When home for thanksgiving, I learned Chuck Wagon adopted Merkts cheese and started creating cheese fries and cheddar burgers....my life is now complete. Truly a chicago joint now - go check out the cheese, it is a game changer.
Another favorite is the niki special (Cheeseburger and gyros meat)... What isn't better with gyros meat on it?
I had a craving for a gyros and read all the good reviews for this place and must say it did not disappoint. I had 2 gyros sandwiches and an order of sweet potato fries. The food was great! If you're on the northshore and looking for an authentic and high quaity gyros experience, do not hesitate to try this place, you will not be sorry, just full!
Review Source:Chuck Wagon, Â I miss you! Â Ever think about starting a branch in San Francisco? Â You can't find a decent Chicago-style gyro out here. Â
I guess I'll have to keep you as one of my first stops when i get back into town. Â Can't wait to try the sweet potato fries or the hot dog special that I just read about on yelp.
Great food, Great prices, Great attitude (service + ambiance)
I found this place while looking for a quick bite between shifts. The deep-fried & grilled hot dog and piping hot fries totally got me through my very long -- and I was out of the store in under 10 minutes.
Also, the gyro/burger sandwhich is phenomenal! Â Just be careful. It's a lot of meat but waaaay to easy to eat in three or four bites
Mustards (See ya), Irvings (See ya)-- Welcome to the Wagon, a real Chicago food establishment. Â For years, I have been frequenting this legendary Wilmette mainstay, and I have never left disappointed.
Nikki Special--mouth watering burger patty topped with gyro meat, brilliant.
Waitress--Classic American grilled cheese topped with gyro meat
Let us not forget about the hot dogs, very underrated, and delicious. Â
If you are in Wilmette, heading to the beach, checking out a movie, or passing through, make sure to hit up the Wagon.
When it comes to food, their is nothing better than a hole in the wall restaurant that caters to a certain niche within the industry successfully. The only item I have ever tried off the menu was the Niki Special, which is gyros on a burger with all the trimmings. While enjoying this feast I did feel my heart shed a few tears, but it was worth it. The flavor of this beast is unlike anything I have ever tried in a burger. The fries were also pretty damn tasty and complemented the burger nicely. On a later visit my buddy ordered some sweet potato fries and I tried those for the first time. They were pretty killer too, highly recommended.
Review Source:30 + Years and glad the new owners only made some small changes. Remembering Mom giving me a dollar for lunch. Hitting my bike and heading right to Sam's. Some of you know this place as Check Wagon, but it will always be Sam's to me. Sm was the original owner and Sam.......Alway knew your name. When in Wilmette find the movie theater and sitting just to the right is Sam's. Order anything, have fun and hang out.
Review Source:Grease pit lovers that love a good gyro....come an' git it. It is a small dive, takes only cash, and it's hard to find. It's worth it though, the gyros come with a great amount of meat, and since it's so busy, the meat is not dried out from being on the rotater so long. Â You can also "gyroize" your cheeseburger or grilled cheese sandwich. Not for the faint of heart.
The place is laid back with a small town feel. The guy behind the counter greeted every person that came in, by name or just by the mere fact that you were coming in to eat. My husband used to go there all the time and finally took me there. When I saw that it could only fit ten people, I was a little worried, but I left satisfied.
Oh My God two Stars just a Hater From E Town you don't got to the Chuck Wagon for just a Burger You go for the Niki and Gyros I don't know any places that can get the Niki right or gyros stuffed so full you got to eat most of the meat before you close it and eat it like a sandwich and the fries are the nice thick cut variety and certainly a healthy portion. Go for the Niki, the double Niki, the Losh, the gyro everything else is just for the people who don't know well actually the Dawgs are great all the right ingredients and celery salt . Ok Everything is tasty
p.s. When ever I leave the country thhis is what I always crave
Boomshakalaka! Â Talk about a place that delivers. Â This place scores big in both dimensions that are critical for a down-to-earth local joint--food and atmosphere.
First, the food. Â Specialties include:
The Waitress - perfectly cook grilled cheese sandwich (bread is nicely toasted, neither burned nor soggy) topped with gyro meat, grilled onions (just the right amount: tasty, but not too messy), finely sliced tomato, and served with gyro sauce.
The Nikki - juicy cheeseburger topped with finely sliced gyro meat. Â The new owner uses an electric knife with an oscillating blade making for finer, and therefore tastier, strips. Â
Chicken on a Pita - this is the perfect dark horse meal for the health freak. Â A high-grade chicken breast is beaten, grilled, and placed atop a tasty pita with your choice of fresh veggies. Â
Finally, the atmosphere. Â I have yet to find a single place in Chicagoland area that is as welcoming to and soothing for the solo diner. Â I find that no matter how I feel, Chuck Wagon is the perfect place to unwind. Â When I'm in a good mood, the friendly, smiling owner is a perfect match for conversation. Â And if I'm feeling quiet, I'll post up on a stool, relax, and escape the cold, hectic elements of the outside world. Â Good vibes abide inside the Wagon's hide.
Wow, what a literal hole-in-the-wall. Â If I hadn't been looking for this place, I never would have seen it. Â It's wee! Â Just a row of 8 wall-facing counter seats and 8 grill-facing counter seats. Â The young man tending the counter was very friendly and seemed to know everybody who came in. Â The silent, inscrutable cook worked stoically at the grill and the fryers. Â
The menu is small but everybody knows what they want when they come in. Â I was happy to find a polish sausage that fits the bun; it seems like many places serve you one of those over-length versions which stick out over both ends of the bun. Â Here they slice it lenghtwise, smash it down, and grill it. Â Nice.
The specialty here is the Nikki--a cheeseburger with gyros meat on top. Â No thanks. Â I want to live!
They have just added sweet potato fries here which seem to be a big hit. Â Big thumbs down on the onion rings--minced Ore-Ida jobbies. Â That is inexcusable.
But, I like this place and would love to have it on my street. Â There are a million hot dog stands in the Chicago area, and this one seems to have more personality and neighborhood feeling than most. Â Several college kids, two ten-year-old boys, a father and two young sons, a middle-aged woman, and an old man--the patrons during my Saturday lunchtime visit.
Very tiny diner, with just enough room at the counter for maybe six people to cram into and eat their greasy meal.
I ordered the "Waitress Special" which was very good. Â I think it was a pile of gyros meat covered with cheese and french fries, but honestly it's just a big saturated blur.
A great place to grab a meal before or after you catch a movie next door.
Yes, this place IS a heart attack waiting to happen, but what a way to go. Â When I am 90 yrs old and have a terminal disease, I am going to eat at Chuck Wagon for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day until it happens. Â
And, as I grab my chest, in between painful spasms, I will ask for TWO Niki Specials 'to go' Â -- one for me, and one for the big guy.
Please read Nick, Annie and Jesster's reviews. Â They have nailed it.
This place is, and will always be, a greasy spoon...and I love it. Â I remember back in elementary school, it was always a treat to get lunch here. Â What the Chuck Wagon lacks in space it makes up for in tasty, albeit greasy, food.
I usually get the Niki special and fries (about $6.50) to go. Â By the time I get home (5 minutes), the grease is coming through the bag. Â The Niki is a cheeseburger topped with gyros meat and is definitely not heart healthy. Â But, for a once in a while treat, it's wonderful.
Ok honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about Chuck Wagons.
I swear this is the BEST burger joint I've ever been to.
Ok the burgers MELT IN YOUR MOUTH!! Â And the fries are to die for. Â No joke. Â I love this place.
I used to go there all the time in high school and once in a while when I was home during college. Â I haven't been there in a couple years but I'm planning to go back soon.
Yay for Chuck Wagon!
I love The Wagon. Â Whenever I come back to the homestead (Wilmette), a Niki Special is never far behind. Â I order mine with grilled onions, lettuce, ketchup and mustard, plus a side of fries.
The one downside to lunch at The Chuck Wagon used to be the horrifically dirty surroundings; however, ever since the restaurant changed hands a few years ago, it has been much cleaner. Â Plus, they recently added outdoor dining, during the warm months, which is a decision that the previous owners should have made long ago.
The food is always greasy and always delicious. Â If you eat there too often, you'll probably have a heart attack, but at least you'll have lived (and eaten) happily.
I miss Chuck Wagon!
I miss the Waitress special and all the other delicacies dripping with grease!
Do yourself a favor and stop at this place if you are in the area. Please. Don't let the greasey film covering the walls scare you!
EDIT: They did the inside. Its so nice and clean looking. Not the Chuck Wagon I remember but good for them!
We had to check this place before going to a movie at the Wilmette Threatre after reading a funky review of the place in the Tribune last week.
This place's claim to fame is a sandwich concoction called the NIKI SPECIAL ($4.95) which might appeal to people who adore Susie's...
This sandwich is composed of  "a thin cheeseburger topped with grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, lettuce and a huge pile of GYROS meat" nestled in a soft seasame seed bun.
Surprisingly, it wasn't nearly as disgusting as it sounds. There's a certain "fusion of sweet, salty and greasy" that transcends the yukky sounding concept. It's worth a try if you're headed to or hungry after going to the movies. Once will probably be enough.
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