Meat the Protein Pioneers: Carnivore Itinerary

1. Wingstop
    1637 N Milwaukee Ave
    P: (773) 235-9464
    www.wingstop.com

It’s a widely believed fact that the majority of great meat-eating expeditions start with wings, so why not begin with a specialist like Wingstop? There are 9 different flavors and some sides (to make sure the vegetarian in your midst doesn’t feel totally left out).

2. Wicker Park Tavern
    1958 W North Ave
    P: (773) 278-5138
    www.wickerparktavernchicago.com

Head to the six corners and you will see the Wicker Park Tavern on the northeast end. As the home of the $1 Cheeseburger, this is definitely the place for beef on a budget. There are plenty of other menu items that will fill up the heartiest adventurer and there are good specials on a daily basis (especially on game days).

3. The Southern
    1840 W North Ave
    P: (773) 342-1840
    www.thesouthernchicago.com

Mosey on east young protein pioneer and you will end up at an oasis of meaty comfort food: The Southern. They live up to their name with classic southern eats (like chicken and biscuits, crawfish grits, and pork bellies with collard greens) and the whiskey, beer, and cocktails to go with them. Plus, if you really want to go “whole hog” on your dining experience you can order huge slabs of meat from the homestyle menu options, keeping in mind that reservations in advance are required.

4. The Bedford
    1612 W Division
    P: (773) 235-8800
    www.bedfordchicago.com

Now it’s time to class it up with some old-meats-new style and food in a self-styled supper club. The Bedford has some excellent food in one of the most unique settings in the city (the bank vault lounge is a must-see). All kinds of protein are found on the menu (including venison, pork, chicken, duck, seafood and beef) in a variety of creative preparations. Oh, and yes, for an excellent accompaniment to your meal, they take their mixology seriously, too.

5. Bangers and Lace
    1670 W Division
    P: (773) 252-6499
    bangersandlacechicago.com

Head a few steps west on Division and you will be treated to an amazing sausage selection at Bangers and Lace (that’s what the Bangers stands for, like bangers and mash). Bangers and Lace does great, interesting versions of pub grub and has a formidable beer list to match. Being one of the few (if not the only) places to offer a foie gras corndog on the menu puts them in some rarified air for those who appreciate the finer points of a carnivorous diet.

6. Smoke Daddy
    1804 W Division
    P: (773) 772-6656
    www.thesmokedaddy.com

Let’s be real, you can’t have a tour for meat eaters without some BBQ. Smoke Daddy is a classic joint with all kinds of BBQ treats, timeless sides, and one of the most underappreciated meats in the world: burnt ends. Burnt ends are double-smoked parts of briskets and have more flavor than almost any other BBQ item in the world. Of course, it helps to wash it down with a nice tap selection or some really good root beer. Live music every night adds to the atmosphere, too. This place is easy to find, just follow your nose to the delicious smell…

7. Small Bar
    2049 W Division
    P: (773) 772-2727
    www.thesmallbar.com/division

If you really crave a well-made burger, this is the place for you. Small Bar burgers are just a little bit better than one would expect, and that makes this a spot to go to for dedicated meat eaters. To get even more extravagant, make sure to add an egg to the top of your burger or, of course, some bacon.

Wicker Park and Bucktown definitely has some superb, and innovative options for the latent low-carb lover in all of us. Protein pioneers will have an easy time finding a home here.