On the right track

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

Huntley has been selected as a stop on the new Chicago to Rockford train line. Since our “station” in life is to be your timely restaurant critics, we “engineer” our articles and try to keep them “on track” even if we have to “blow the whistle” on some of the restaurants. Our “next stop” will be near the Cary “depot” and dining at the Tracks Bar and Grill.

We picked up “steam” when we spotted the restaurant, but we kept on getting “switched” around on different roads leading up to it. It’s one of those places you can see, but can’t quite get to. But never fear, we kept on “chuggin’” along and finally arrived at our destination. Parking there is a challenge in itself, so be alert and keep your eyes open for any available space. This is not a handicap accessible venue.

When you enter the establishment, the bar is on the right and a series of high-top tables are on the left. These seats are first come, first served. At the end of the long bar is a hostess area for the dining room. Jim spotted two seats at the bar and he picked up “steam” and grabbed the two chairs since there was a line of people waiting to be seated in the dining room.

This restaurant was featured on WGN’s “Chicago’s Best” program for their burgers. They have over 25 varieties to choose from. All of their burgers are 10 oz. Angus hand-packed, fresh, never frozen, beef served on a grilled buttered brioche bun. These monstrous burgers come with fries, and you may opt for their pretzel roll for an additional charge.

Hot stuff Nancy chose the “Chicago Heat” Burger ($16.99) which was a burger with “lots of bacon,” pepper jack cheese, onion straws, and a spicy sauce. She had the fries that came with it. She said for a burger with the name of Chicago Heat, she expected it to be hot. This wasn’t the case. She wanted spicy and it didn’t live up to its name. The burger was good since I ate the other half for lunch the next day. It did register a “4” on my sweat head meter. Nancy must have burned her taste buds out after all the years eating so much garlic.

Jim tried something totally different, the Maui Waui Burger ($16.99). This was their burger topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled pineapple, and “dripping with sriracha” sauce. He substituted tater tots for a $2.99 upcharge. His juicy burger proved to be a great combination because of the grilled pineapple. However, it wasn’t dripping with sriracha sauce and it needed more. He said he will add more on his leftovers.

One suggestion that we both agree on is the re-naming of their menu items. They should be more inventive like the “Depot” Dog, the “American Flyer” Cheeseburger, the “Sleeper Car” Turkey Wrap, and the “Steam Engine” Chili to name a few…

This isn’t a big “ticket” restaurant, you won’t get “derailed” with the price. Our lunch cost us $46.79, choo-choo…

Jim’s take: There’s nothing better than a juicy sloppy burger. Pineapple on a burger? Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Nancy’s take: My burger was good, but bring on the heat, I can take it. My little “caboose” couldn’t wait to get off those stools!

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.

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