Cop eats in the South Loop and elsewhere

and writes about it

11/15/2010 1:08 AM

By Bonnie McGrath

3 Comments - Add Your Comment


Lake Claremont Press, which publishes all sorts of interesting books about Chicago, has a new publishing gimmick that it's using with a new book. It's sort of like layaway. A Chicago cop has written a guide to eating in Chicago called The Beat Cop's Guide to Chicago Eats. He lists his--and his colleagues'--favorites. And gives you lots of information about what they're like. To offset Lake Claremont's cost of publishing, Chicago gourmets have a chance to pledge money in advance. And once the book is in print, your book (s) will be sent, along with perhaps some other perks like lunch with the author at one of his favorite places. The pledge drive is over December 5.


For those not interested in eventually getting the whole book, for only a $6 pledge, you get lunch for you and a friend, along with the book's authors at one of the Chicago eateries listed in the book, a mention on a blog and five random entries from the book emailed to you.

But I'm going to list five entries I've abridged and paraphrased from the book's manuscript right here for free. They're located in our neck of the woods. (No lunch--and if you want a mention on this blog, make a comment.)

1) Manny's at 1141 S. Jefferson.... Famous politicians and corned beef. The copper says to be careful you speak clearly when ordering in the cafeteria line. He once asked for some corned beef to go with his eggs and they gave him a full pound.

2) Palace Grill at 1408 W. Madison.... Great breakfasts, good crowds, lotsa food and lotsa celebrities. Plus an owner who acts like he's a celebrity.

3) Union Park at 228 S. Racine.... Sweet potato fries, lotsa sports--and gentrification. And the vague memory of an old greasy spoon cop hangout that used to be in the same spot.

4) Steak & Egger at 1174 W. Cermak.... Steaks. Eggs. Lotsa butter. Delicious. Bad for you.

5) Ken Tone's Drive-In at 551 W. 18th.... "A good simple sandwich shop." The problem? It closes at 5 PM during the week; 4 PM on Saturdays; and totally closed on Sundays. What's a cop working the 3 to 11 shift supposed to do? Go to Subway?


3 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Sharon Woodhouse from West Loop
Posted: 11/23/2010 10:38 AM

Susan, I've never seen celebrities at the Palace Grill, but I wouldn't be surprised if United Center athletes stop in. The last time I was there was one early Saturday morning when I was pregnant (and still couldn't finish the giant breakfast). I was the only non-Teamster or non-CPD in the place.


By Susan Blumberg-Kason from South Loop
Posted: 11/15/2010 9:57 PM

Sounds like a fabulous book! I just made my pledge. Can you write more about the celebs at the Palace Grill? Who?


By Sharon Woodhouse from West Loop
Posted: 11/15/2010 10:04 AM

Please let us know if you think we missed a favorite cop hangout in your neighborhood! The authors are already collecting submissions for the second edition. Thanks. Sharon Woodhouse Lake Claremont Press