A Long-Time Tradition–Hackney’s

It’s been a hectic August for me. My son’s summer camp ended right smack in the middle of August, and his half-day school kindergarten year didn’t start until just today. This means that for the past few weeks we’ve been on a bit of an enforced vacation–I’ve tried to work, but couldn’t do too much with him bouncing around the house, so instead we spent a lot of time outside enjoying the dog days of summer. This means that we ate out a lot and spent more money than we should, going to places like Legoland, Navy Pier, the Chicago Comic Con and the mall, and then swimming in our condo complex’s pool whenever we could. We also celebrated two birthdays during this time. My husband and my mother-in-law have theirs on 8/18 and 8/19, so we let my MIL pick the place. She picked Hackney’s.

Ever since I first moved to the Chicago area I’ve understood that Hackney’s was that traditional place that everyone has been to and everyone knows about, but isn’t trendy or hip or discussed ad nauseum. It’s been around so long that every local’s parents have fond memories of it. Of course I’ve gone there myself for after-parties and political organizing parties and things of the sort. It’s been a really long time since I thought to just go and have a meal there, but now that I’ve rediscovered it I’m determined I won’t forget about the place again.

When I think of Hackney’s I think of the restaurant’s signature French fried onions–I call them the Borg Wall of Onions because I’m a big geek and the big greasy concoction comes to you as a giant square and you pick off pieces. I understand Jay Leno once made a joke on the air about this dish, because locals understood that Hackney’s “half onion” meant half of a whole onion, and he was thinking one half of an onion ring. Or something like that. The story’s posted in the Lake Street Glenview restaurant right in front; I’ve certainly gotten it partly wrong but if you visit you can read it yourself.

Mainly Hackney’s is known for its burgers on daily-baked rye bread and American grill-style eats–the six Chicago locations all offer the onions and burgers but beyond that have carved out their own identities when it comes to menu items. The burgers are excellent, and you can order a half of one if you, like me, aren’t going to be able to finish a whole. I’d also recommend the Inside Out Burger, which was apparently featured on Food Network at one time. This Hackneyburger is stuffed with bacon and cheddar cheese. I’m also looking forward to trying the Bleu Cheeseburger, which is stuffed with bleu cheese (what can I say? Lately I’ve been all about burgers and fries).

You’ll find that each Hackey’s location provides an elegant, old-fashioned atmosphere, one that’s club-like and traditional but also quite distinctive. Hackney’s on Harms in Glenview is the original location (opened in 1939); there is another location in Glenview, one in Wheeling, one in Lake Zurich, Palos Park and Chicago’s Printer’s Row. Several have patios. Don’t look for your usual chain restaurant with big windows and awnings–look for the horse-and-carriage sign in front of what looks like a rather cozy house. Hackney’s is basically one of those local favorites with a ton of history that visitors might overlook in favor of flashier names, but it’s worth a stop if you’re interested in a family-run restaurant that’s truly an integrated part of the community.

Hackney’s on Lake (my local one)
1514 E. Lake Ave., Glenview 60025
(847) 724-7171
www.hackneys.net