John Ringor
Staff Writer, Chicago
John grew up in Albany Park and likes to play the xylophone when he isn’t busy eating and filling his camera roll with videos of pasta twirls.
CHIReview
The Taco Sublime team already makes some of our favorite burgers and tacos, and they continue their handheld food domination with Buttermilk. Armed with perfectly golden fried chicken, this resident kitchen of Wicker Park’s Little Victories is a deep-frying force to be reckoned with. Every form of poultry here is fantastic—chunky tenders, caesar wraps, nacho-cheese-drizzled loaded fries, and giant sandwiches where the crunchy farmbird sticks out of the potato buns like Saturn’s rings. Paired with Little Victories’ delicious cocktails, Buttermilk's menu is a perfect pregame before a couple of rounds of darts in the busy, wood-paneled bar.
You can get this with add-ons like cheese, bacon, or an egg, but it doesn’t need them. There’s plenty of savoriness from the crunchy breading and juicy meat, complemented by tanginess from mayo and pickles, and slightly sweet potato buns. We like to get some dipping sauce involved, too—either the BBQ for some sweetness or the buffalo for a bit of kick.
photo credit: Alex Zandro
Don’t care about bread and just want some pure, unadulterated bird? Get these. Okay, maybe not completely pure, because the sauces should get in on the action here, too.
photo credit: Alex Zandro
This parmesan-dusted specimen is CCW craftsmanship of the highest caliber. It’s a chunky package of dressing, crisp romaine, well-seasoned fried chicken bits, and pita chips. But thanks to expert tortilla wrapping and griddle work, it never falls apart.
photo credit: Alex Zandro
This is prime drunk food, but it’s so good you’ll probably finish it before your beer. The crisp, McDonald’s-esque fries are an excellent vehicle for the salty fried chicken, and a rich combination of ranch, housemade Pleaser sauce, and nacho cheese.
photo credit: Alex Zandro
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