2047 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622
While it would be easy to write off The Fifty/50 as “just another American restaurant,” it still manages to prove its specialty. With numerous and unique dishes on the menu, there’s something for everyone.
American cuisine, or as The Fifty/50 calls it “upscale sports bar and comfort food,” probably doesn’t get much better than this Wicker Park restaurant. On a cold and rainy December night in Chicago, I was craving chicken wings. After seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Music Box Theater, I wanted to find a restaurant nearby that was still open after 9 p.m. on a weekday. This can be difficult because the options at that time are usually limited to bar food or fast food, and although I was ready to go the latter, we still headed to The Fifty/50. This was not my first visit, but it had been about two years since my first. Everything looked the same as I remembered. Fifty/50 is a pretty standard bar, except for the fact that they also have a lower level with a lounge area and an upper level with more seating. Considering it was a weekday night, the bar wasn’t crowded. Perhaps it was the rain, and there weren’t many customers. I also remember one of their burger joints being called “one of the best sandwiches/burgers in the country” by the Food Network. So, while looking at the menu, I wanted not only the wings, which were called (according to The Fifty/50) “the best in Chicago,” but also a burger. My friend and I decided to get the poutine burger, sweet potato fries, and 8-piece breaded wings in tangy BBQ. A lot of food for two girls, although I was a little put off at first by the fact that 8 wings were $12. I guess I’m just used to Buffalo Wild Wings prices, but the quality of these wings was way better than BWW could ever offer.
Our food was incredible. First off, I now know why Chicagoist and WGN voted the wings the best in Chicago. The meat was incredible. Juicy and tender on the inside, crispy on the outside – just what the doctor ordered, as they say, and while I’ve never tried any other sauce, our tangy BBQ was impeccable. It was perfectly spicy while still being exactly what BBQ sauce should be. The sweet potato fries were crispy, salty, and sweet, and their homemade ketchup was the perfect finishing touch. That being said, as great as the other dishes were, the real winner of the night was the poutine burger. With fries, all-natural cheese curds, and gravy along with their indulgent triple secret patty between potato buns, this burger was perfect. The potatoes added a unique twist, and the cheese curds were delicious – the perfect amount of salt and crispy crust. But for me, the most important role was played by the sauce with the patty and potato bun. Everything went together so well that even the structure of the burger was integral.
Overall, the dinner was phenomenal. I didn’t expect much, but I walked out with a whole new appreciation for burgers. West Town/Wicker Park is full of good options, but my vote goes to The Fifty/50 for their incredible burgers, sweet potato fries, and unforgettable poutine burger. If you’re in the mood for something new and craving a burger, The Fifty/50 is the place to go. They also have an extensive brunch menu and the downstairs turns into a lounge. Expand your horizons.
FOR:
- Menu: It’s nice to have choices. And at Fifty/50, choice is no problem. With so many burgers to choose from and so many wings, you can always try something new. Don’t limit yourself.
- Location: I like Wicker Park, but the restaurant itself, its selection and atmosphere are equally important. There is always something interesting to do in Wicker Park.
- Service: The service was great – fast and friendly. I have worked in the service industry myself, so I always appreciate when the service is decent. At the same time, I always understand that it is not the easiest job.
- Poutine Burger : This burger deserves a special mention. I never thought I’d be eating a burger with poutine, but it turned out to be beyond praise. And there are many more creative ideas like this on the menu.
- Atmosphere: Overall the atmosphere is great. I really liked the three-level concept of the place. Each floor has a different feel. I really enjoyed it and would love to come back.
AGAINST:
- Chicken was too fatty: Don’t get me wrong, the chicken was great, but still fattier than most places. Some people might like that, but for me it was a bit over the top.
- Lack of customers: If you want to go to a busy place, I wouldn’t recommend going there on Sunday or Monday nights. And while I didn’t mind, it was obvious they didn’t plan for it that way – the number of service personnel clearly outnumbered the customers.
- Parking: Parking is generally not a problem, I usually find a spot on the street, but there are parking meters at Division. If you arrive later than 10pm on weekdays and after 8pm on Sundays, you won’t have to pay, of course.
- Beer: I don’t claim to be a beer expert, but I was a little surprised that they only had 4 beers on tap. Most of the local beers like Goose Island and Revolution were in bottles or cans, but there’s a freshness to draft beer.
- That’s it: Overall a great place. So much choice and such great food – Fifty/50 has everything you could want and more.
