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The Hat Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Hat Chicago
8.3
The Hat Chicago is a fast-food counter at the edge of Wicker Park where Chicago dogs, rib tips, and sandwiches come with big portions of fries. Regulars lean on it as a late-night street-food stop for Merkts cheddar fries and Buffalo chicken–topped fries until the early morning hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries, Merkts Loaded Fries, Buffalo Chicken Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic Chicago street-food counter with fries dressed every way imaginable.
Who should go: Groups needing late-night Chicago dogs, wings, and loaded fries.
When to visit: After midnight on weekends when most neighborhood kitchens are closed.
What to order: Merkts loaded fries, Buffalo chicken fries, char dog combo.
Insider tip: Use the outdoor patio when weather cooperates; it’s usually less crowded than inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the area; expect competition on weekends and late nights.
Dress code: Totally casual — hoodies, jeans, late-night comfort wear all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially late at night with steady takeout flow.
Weekend wait: Usually 10–20 minutes depending on rush and late-night crowds.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several fry toppings and sides can be ordered without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — some plain or lightly topped fries may qualify, but check ingredients.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep or fryer; cross-contact is very likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, low-key hang than a romantic first date — it’s casual, busy, and very fry-forward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with casual seating; grab tables as they open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who love fries and hot dogs, though the late-night scene can be rowdy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Chicago-style comfort food with oversized fry portions and fun toppings.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, healthier fare, or strict dietary accommodations.
The Hat Chicago
8.3
The Hat Chicago is a throwback fast-food counter slinging Chicago dogs, gyros, burgers, and ribs until 3–4am, making it one of the neighborhood’s true last-call kitchens. Massive combo specials and old-school street food keep both late-shift workers and bar crowds fed on the way home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger Combo Special, Chicago-Style Char Dog, Italian Beef Combo Special
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Fast, no-frills Chicago street food served reliably into the early morning hours.
Who should go: Hungry night owls wanting big portions on a budget.
When to visit: After midnight when other kitchens close but cravings don’t.
What to order: Cheeseburger combo, char dog with fries, Italian beef combo.
Insider tip: Combo specials stretch furthest—split one with a friend if you’re snacking post-bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Milwaukee and surrounding side streets; it can be tight late at night but usually doable after midnight.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are, bar clothes and hoodies included.
Noise level: Moderate — it’s a fast-food counter with music and late-night traffic, but you can hold quick conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar rushes and delivery orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries, cheese fries, and a few sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — mainly fries and basic sides.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free setup; most items come on buns or pita and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love casual, late-night street food — it’s fun but strictly no-frills and counter-service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are basic counter seats and tables, first-come-first-served, and turnover is constant.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes for older kids who like burgers and fries. Late at night it skews bar-crowd and isn’t ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings, big combo meals on a budget, and Chicago-style comfort classics served fast.
Skip if: You’re looking for healthy options, a quiet sit-down meal, or strong vegetarian/vegan selections.