Fast food–good, fresh fast food–is something to bark about. And Gold Coast Dogs delivers. The menu is limited to grab-and-run-style food and what owners Irv, Fred and Barry Potekin do, they do well.
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The atmosphere is geared for commuter eating. Stools, elbow-high tables and counters make for a quick getaway. There are enough employees on both sides of the counter to get the orders out fast and clear the tables. Their friendly chatter doesn`t hurt the efficiency.
Char burgers, one-third pound of pure beef, have a slight edge over the dogs. They`re cooked to order and, as requested, the medium rare arrived slightly pink, juicy and flavorful. Its version of Chicago-style hot dog, a multi-layer affair arranged with hot peppers, veggies, celery salt and relish the color of a St. Patrick`s day hat, missed the traditional poppy seed bun. Burgers begin at $2.30, dogs from $1.35.
A boon for those cutting back on red meat is the grilled chicken breast, an item rarely seen on fast-food menus, and an excellent tuna sandwich made with white albacore tuna on chewy whole wheat bread. Each sells for $2.90.
Cheddar fries, crisp and addictive, are smeared with a top-quality Wisconsin cheddar spread. A second or two under the heat lamp would help the melting process. If a malt is on the mind, request one extra thick ($2.25). If your pig-out needs a final oink, share a dessert. Barry`s brownie madness
($3.25) puts the calorie budget into the red but what a way to go: two scoops of vanilla, gobs of hot fudge and whipped cream marbled with chunks of brownie.
Wet the whistle with ice tea, pop or Perrier. But if a desire to return to grade-school days hits, go for pink lemonade. For orders of more than $10, Gold Coast Dogs delivers.
Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m. and features a variety of eggs, bagels, juices and designer omelets (around $3). Gold Coast Dogs` newest location is 2100 N. Clark St.
GOLD COAST DOGS
(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
418 N. State St. Phone: 527-1222. Hours: 7 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.