Hey you…yeah, you! Can you keep a secret?
Chicago may be well known for its amazing restaurants and bars, but it just so happens that some of the best food in the city is actually being kept under wraps. Yes, from mysterious meatball subs to covert sushi rolls, the city’s restaurant scene is practically teeming with classified menu items you’ll have to see to believe.
And though we may be breaking all the rules in doing so, we’re here to clue you in.
Here are 11 of Chicago’s best off-menu items.
Sunda – “The Baller Roll”
Photo Credit: Sunda
Sure, River North’s Sunda offers plenty of damn-good rolls to cure your sushi cravings, but none compare to the Baller Roll. Though not much of a secret, this extravagant roll is strictly off-menu, and for good reason too. The Baller Roll features black truffle, Japanese wagyu and wasabi creme making it one of the most extra sushi rolls on any menu in the city. Oh, and did I mention that this dish comes in at a whopping $75 per roll – talk about ballin out.
III Forks – “The Grand Daddy Patty Melt”
Photo Credit: III Forks
Living up to it’s name, this secret sandwich from III Forks is the “grand daddy” of all burgers. Piled high with a 10oz Angus beef patty, saffron horseradish, caramelized onions and, yes, a slab of pork belly, this greasy masterpiece will set you back about $26. And, honestly, it’ll be worth it.
The Dawson – “Jello Shots”
Photo Credit: The Dawson
When you here jello shots, your first thought is probably of college house parties and dixie cups, not a swanky cocktail bar and restaurant in River West. In addition to its amazing on-menu mixes, The Dawson is also serving up a mixture of hilarious off-menu jello shots, including an old-fashioned version shaped as, you guessed it, a mustache.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken – ” The Monster Smash”
Photo Credit: HBFC
If you thought Avondale’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken couldn’t get any better, then do I have news for you. As of March of 2017 this southern-inspired eatery is offering what is, and I quote, “basically the loaded mashed potatoes of your dreams.” Available for delivery only, The Monster Smash features HBFC’s signature potatoes topped with fried chicken, kimchi, spicy honey mayo, something known only as “crunchies” and a sprinkling of scallions. Um, yum?!
RPM Italian – Meatball Sub
Photo Credit: RPM Italian Instagram
This upscale Italian chain gets down-and-dirty with their off-menu meatball sub. Served on a piece of RPM’s iconic garlic bread, this sandwich is topped with four enormous prime beef meatballs, slathered in cheese and marinara sauce, and then served with a side of spicy giardiniera.
Speculoos Shake – Edzo’s
Photo Credit: Edzo’s Instagram
Three words: Cookie. Butter. Milkshake.
Now, Edzo’s makes dozens of wildly delicious milkshakes to sip alongside its burgers and fries, but the secret-menu Speculoos Shake is truly in a league of its own. Try it topped with hot fudge and this diet-breaker is sure to become your next cheat day favorite.
Donald’s Famous Hotdogs – “The Humdinger”
Photo Credit: Yelp
This city-wide chain has been serving up classic Chicago dogs for decades, but the off-menu item being sold at Donald’s Pilsen location is anything but traditional. In fact this secret dish doesn’t event start with a hot dog, but rather, a handmade tamale. Add to that a toasted roll and a shit-ton of chili cheese and you have yourself a Humdinger. And believe me when I say it. is. unreal.
Three Dots and a Dash – “The Poipu Beach Boogie Board”
Photo Credit: Three Dots and a Dash Instagram
The mixologists and Three Dots and a Dash are no stranger to secret menu cocktails. With an ever-changing menu and a penchant for seasonal creations, this River North tiki lounge is known for it’s ability to create and recreate most of its signature on the spot. The most commonly requested off-menu drink among guests? The Poipu Beach Boogie Board, a strong mix of rum, rye, lemon, pineapple, guava, grenadine and maraschino.
M Burger – “The Roman-Style”
Photo Credit: M Burger
M Burger has, by far, one of the largest secret menus in the whole of Chicagoland. Offering everything from an enormous grilled cheese to a salad-style creation, this burger bar and tap does off-menu the right way. Our favorite? The Roman-Style burger: a double bacon cheeseburger sandwiched in between TWO grilled-cheeses. Amazing.
Potbelly – “The Elvis”
Photo Credit: Thrillist
Okay, okay – so Potbelly’s secret menu isn’t necessarily “secret” anymore, but that doesn’t mean this Midwestern sandwich shop’s off-menu items are any less fantastic. What is perhaps Potbelly’s most creative secret sandwich, The Elvis comes just as the king would like it: smothered in peanut butter and topped with bananas and thick-cut bacon. I’ll take two, thanks.
Twisted Spoke – “The McGangbang”
Photo Credit: Twisted Spoke Twitter
Chicago’s Twisted Spoke makes one of McDonald’s most iconic secret-menu items a reality with the McGangbang. Despite the, um, unsavory name, this insane sandwich is actually pretty damn good – featuring a fried chicken fillet served between two burger patties and topped with the works. Though it may take some nerves to order aloud, seeing this urban legend come to life is well worth it.
