Delectable dining gems hidden in Burbank, Illinois
# A Culinary Tour of Burbank, Illinois: Ten Essential Stops for the Discerning Foodie
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Burbank, Illinois, is far more than a quiet residential enclave. It’s a vibrant, unpretentious tapestry of global flavors, where family-owned gems stand shoulder-to-shoulder with beloved national chains, each telling a story of community, tradition, and downright delicious food. For the foodie willing to explore beyond the city limits, Burbank offers a rewarding culinary journey. Let’s embark on a detailed tour of ten essential dining destinations, focusing on the quintessential experiences and must-order dishes that define each spot.
### 1. **Geo's Gyros: The Cornerstone of Comfort**
**Location:** 7090 W 79th St
Your first stop is a lesson in humble perfection. Geo’s Gyros isn’t about fancy décor; it’s about the sacred ritual of the gyro. The air is perpetually fragrant with the scent of roasting, seasoned meat—a blend of beef and lamb—shaved hot and juicy from the vertical spit.
**The Experience:** This is quick-serve authenticity. The vibe is fast, friendly, and no-frills. You’ll likely hear the steady *hiss* of the grill and see orders flying out to a steady stream of regulars, from construction workers to families. It’s the kind of place where the food does all the talking.
**What to Order:**
* **The Classic Gyro Sandwich:** This is non-negotiable. Tender, savory gyro meat is tucked into a warm, pillowy pita with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The crowning glory is their **tzatziki sauce**—creamy, garlicky, with a bright hint of cucumber and dill. It’s the perfect, cooling counterpoint to the rich meat. Ask for it “with everything” and maybe an extra side of tzatziki for dipping.
* **The Greek Fries:** Don’t overlook these. They’re crispy, golden fries utterly smothered in feta cheese, oregano, and a generous drizzle of that same magical tzatziki. It’s a messy, glorious side that could easily be a meal.
* **Insider Tip:** The **Gyro Plate** is a fantastic way to go if you’re dining in. You get a mountain of gyro meat, rice, pita, and a Greek salad, allowing you to build your perfect bite.
### 2. **Olive Garden Italian Restaurant: The Endless Embrace**
**Location:** 4801 W 77th St
A feature on Burbank’s culinary scene would be incomplete without acknowledging the reliable, crowd-pleasing giant. Olive Garden is the theater of Italian-American comfort, a place where the promise of unlimited salad, breadsticks, and a warm welcome is a ritual for many.
**The Experience:** Expect a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s consistently lively, perfect for large group celebrations or a comforting, predictable night out. The service is trained to be hospitable, and the smell of garlic and baking bread is pervasive and inviting.
**What to Order:**
* **The Staple Starter:** The **Never Ending Salad Bowl** and **Warm Breadsticks** are the headline act. The salad, with its crisp lettuce, peppers, onions, olives, and pepperoncini, tossed in the signature, slightly sweet Italian dressing, is a classic for a reason.
* **The Entrée Classic:** For a true taste of their heartland, order the **Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara**. It’s a rich, indulgent dish with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, and peas in a parmesan-cream sauce over fettuccine, topped with crispy smoked pancetta.
* **The Crowd-Pleaser:** The **Tour of Italy** remains a bestseller for those who want it all: a sampling of lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. It’s a monument to satisfying, cheesy, saucy goodness.
* **Insider Tip:** Don’t skip the **Zuppa Toscana** soup option with your meal. This spicy sausage, kale, and potato soup in a creamy broth is often the star of the show.
### 3. **Las Picosas Mexican Grill: A Fiery, Family-Run Fiesta**
**Location:** 4800 W 83rd St
For a more authentic, vibrant Mexican experience, Las Picosas is a treasure. The name hints at the experience—“picosa” means spicy. This is a colorful, casual spot where the flavors are bold, the salsa bar is a DIY adventure, and the grill is always firing.
**The Experience:** The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, often filled with the sounds of Spanish-language music and families chatting. The service is warm and helpful. The real action is at the **salsa bar**, a kaleidoscope of fresh salsas ranging from mild pico de gallo to searing habanero concoctions.
**What to Order:**
* **The Signature:** The **Alambre Plate** is a showstopper. Imagine a sizzling platter arriving at your table, loaded with grilled, marinated steak, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Served with warm tortillas, rice, beans, and guacamole, it’s a build-your-own-taco feast of the highest order.
* **The Seafood Star:** The **Camarones a la Diabla** (Shrimp in Devil’s Sauce) is for the brave. Plump shrimp are swimming in a deeply red, intensely spicy chili sauce that is complex and addictive.
* **The Essential App:** Start with the **Queso Fundido**, a bubbling skillet of melted Chihuahua cheese with your choice of chorizo or poblano peppers, perfect for scooping with fresh tortillas.
* **Insider Tip:** Order a side of their **consommé** (a rich, flavorful broth) to dip your birria tacos in, or to sip alongside your meal for a truly traditional touch.
### 4. **Kojak Drive-In: A Nostalgic Burger Haven**
**Location:** 5600 W 79th St
Step back in time at Kojak Drive-In, a true American classic that has been serving Burbank since the 1960s. With its vintage drive-in signage and walk-up window, it’s a monument to the simple, perfect burger and shake.
**The Experience:** This is casual Americana at its finest. Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and watch the cars roll by. The atmosphere is pure nostalgia, fueled by the scent of charbroiled burgers and the whir of milkshake machines. It’s especially magical on a warm summer evening.
**What to Order:**
* **The Burger Legend:** The **Double Cheeseburger** is the reason you’re here. Two thin, juicy patties, perfectly charred on the grill, topped with melted cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup on a soft bun. It’s messy, timeless, and utterly satisfying.
* **The Fried Sidekick:** The **French Fries** are classic, thin-cut, and always hot and salty. They are the ideal companion.
* **The Liquid Dessert:** You must get a **Chocolate Malt** (or a shake). Thick, creamy, and mixed on a vintage machine, it’s the definitive finish to your meal.
* **Insider Tip:** For the full experience, try the **Pork Chop Sandwich**. It’s a beloved local secret—a tender, grilled pork chop served on a bun with grilled onions.
### 5. **St. Bess Jerk: A Taste of the Caribbean Sun**
**Location:** 4838 W 79th St
This unassuming spot is a portal to the flavors of Jamaica. St. Bess Jerk specializes in jerk cuisine, where meat is marinated in a powerful, fragrant paste of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices, then slow-grilled to smoky perfection.
**The Experience:** The vibe is casual and focused. The aroma hits you first—a hypnotic blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet. It’s primarily a takeout spot, but the few tables are often occupied by people eagerly digging into vibrant, colorful plates.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event:** The **Jerk Chicken** is iconic. Ask for it with a mix of mild and spicy sauce to appreciate the full flavor spectrum. The chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender with a beautifully charred, spicy-sweet crust.
* **The Flavor Bomb:** The **Oxtail Stew** is a must for the adventurous. Rich, gelatinous, and deeply savory oxtails are braised until meltingly tender in a thick, flavorful gravy.
* **The Perfect Complements:** Your meal isn’t complete without **Jamaican Rice and Peas** (cooked in coconut milk) and **Fried Plantains**. The sweet, starchy plantains are the perfect foil for the spicy jerk.
* **Insider Tip:** Get a bottle of their house-made **Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce** to take home. It’s fiery, fruity, and will elevate any meal.
### 6. **Jalisco Restaurant: Authentic Mexican Heartland**
**Location:** 6547 W 79th St
A steadfast pillar of the community, Jalisco Restaurant offers a more traditional, sit-down Mexican dining experience with a sprawling menu that goes deep into regional specialties.
**The Experience:** It’s a family-friendly restaurant with colorful décor, comfortable booths, and attentive service. The menu is extensive, which can be daunting, but it’s a sign of the kitchen’s breadth. It’s a place for long, leisurely meals.
**What to Order:**
* **The Regional Specialty:** In honor of the name, try something from Jalisco, like the **Carne en su Jugo** (“Meat in its Juices”). This Guadalajaran dish is a soul-warming bowl of thinly sliced steak cooked in a bacon-infused broth with beans, cilantro, and onions.
* **The Classic, Perfected:** Their **Chiles Rellenos** are exceptional—poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or picadillo, battered, fried, and smothered in a rich tomato sauce.
* **The Sunday Brunch:** For a feast, visit on the weekend for their **Menudo** (tripe soup), a legendary hangover cure and traditional weekend staple.
* **Insider Tip:** Order a **Jarrito** (Mexican soda) or a **Horchata** (sweet rice-cinnamon drink) to balance the rich, savory flavors.
### 7. **China Chef Of Burbank: The Neighborhood Chinese Staple**
**Location:** 5904 W 87th St
Every neighborhood needs its reliable Chinese takeout spot, and for many in Burbank, China Chef is that place. It’s a classic, serving up generous portions of American-Chinese favorites that are consistently good and satisfying.
**The Experience:** This is primarily a takeout/delivery hub, though there is simple seating. The focus is on efficiency and flavor. The phone rings off the hook, especially on weekend nights, a testament to its loyal following.
**What to Order:**
* **The Crispy Favorite:** The **General Tso’s Chicken** is a benchmark dish. Here, it’s done right—crispy chunks of dark meat chicken tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce that clings perfectly.
* **The Savory Noodles:** The **House Lo Mein** is a crowd-pleaser. Loaded with vegetables, pork, chicken, and shrimp, the noodles are never soggy and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
* **The Appetizer Trio:** Start with a combo of **Crab Rangoon** (crispy wontons with a creamy filling), **Egg Rolls**, and **Fried Wontons**.
* **Insider Tip:** Ask for their “spicy garlic sauce” on the side. It adds a fantastic kick to any dish.
### 8. **Agustanos Pizza: Thin-Crust Tradition**
**Location:** 4802 W 83rd St
In the great Chicago thin-crust pizza debate (often called tavern-style), Agustanos holds its own with a loyal local following. This is the cracker-thin, square-cut pizza that defines a Friday night for many families.
**The Experience:** It’s a no-nonsense pizza joint. You can dine in at simple tables, but it thrives on carry-out and delivery. The open kitchen lets you see the pizzaiolos stretching the dough and loading pies into the oven.
**What to Order:**
* **The Pie:** Order a **Sausage and Mushroom Thin-Crust Pizza**. The crust should be crisp enough to snap, topped with a slightly sweet tomato sauce, a perfect layer of mozzarella, and quality fennel-spiced sausage.
* **The Sandwich:** Their **Italian Beef** is a serious contender—tender, thinly sliced roast beef soaked in its own savory juices, served on a French roll with sweet or hot peppers.
* **Insider Tip:** For the true experience, get the pizza **well-done**. It elevates the crispiness of the crust to another level.
### 9. **Los Magueyes: A Festive Cantina Experience**
**Location:** 4849 W 79th St
Los Magueyes offers a step up in ambiance—a full-service cantina with a lively bar area and often, live music on weekends. It’s where you go for margaritas, chips and salsa, and a festive atmosphere.
**The Experience:** It’s brighter and more contemporary than some of its neighbors. The bar is a focal point, and the dining room is spacious. It’s ideal for a fun group dinner or a casual date night.
**What to Order:**
* **The Drink:** A **Cadillac Margarita** (top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier) on the rocks with salt. It’s smooth and strong.
* **The Entrée:** The **Molcajete** is a dramatic and delicious choice. A steaming volcanic stone bowl arrives filled with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, nopales (cactus), and cheese in a rich sauce. It’s a interactive, shareable feast.
* **The Appetizer:** The **Nachos Supreme**, loaded high with all the fixings, are perfect for sharing over drinks.
* **Insider Tip:** Check their social media for live music schedules—it transforms the atmosphere into a full-blown party.
### 10. **Little Frank's Pizzeria: The Deep-Dish Contender**
**Location:** 6355 W 79th St
While Burbank has its thin-crust legend, Little Frank’s proudly carries the banner for Chicago’s other iconic style: the hearty, fork-and-knife deep-dish pizza.
**The Experience:** It’s a cozy, family-oriented spot with checkered tablecloths and the comforting, cheesy aroma of baking pizza. The service is friendly, and there’s a sense of pride in their product.
**What to Order:**
* **The Pizza:** You must get a **Deep-Dish Pizza**. Be prepared to wait 45 minutes—it’s baked to order. The **Special** (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers) is a great way to experience the layers: buttery crust, a blanket of mozzarella, all the toppings, and finally, a chunky, bright tomato sauce on top.
* **The Pasta:** Their **Baked Mostaccioli** is a classic sidekick—hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.
* **Insider Tip:** Call your deep-dish order in ahead of time to minimize the wait. And save room—one slice is incredibly filling.
### **The Burbank Bite: A Final Taste**
From the smoky jerk of St. Bess to the nostalgic sizzle of Kojak’s grill, Burbank’s culinary landscape is a testament to the diverse tastes that make up America’s heartland. It’s a town where food is about more than sustenance; it’s about tradition, family, and community. This tour offers just a taste—ten chapters in a much longer, delicious story. So, grab your appetite and explore. In Burbank, every corner holds a potential new favorite meal, waiting to be discovered.
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Burbank, Illinois, is far more than a quiet residential enclave. It’s a vibrant, unpretentious tapestry of global flavors, where family-owned gems stand shoulder-to-shoulder with beloved national chains, each telling a story of community, tradition, and downright delicious food. For the foodie willing to explore beyond the city limits, Burbank offers a rewarding culinary journey. Let’s embark on a detailed tour of ten essential dining destinations, focusing on the quintessential experiences and must-order dishes that define each spot.
### 1. **Geo's Gyros: The Cornerstone of Comfort**
**Location:** 7090 W 79th St
Your first stop is a lesson in humble perfection. Geo’s Gyros isn’t about fancy décor; it’s about the sacred ritual of the gyro. The air is perpetually fragrant with the scent of roasting, seasoned meat—a blend of beef and lamb—shaved hot and juicy from the vertical spit.
**The Experience:** This is quick-serve authenticity. The vibe is fast, friendly, and no-frills. You’ll likely hear the steady *hiss* of the grill and see orders flying out to a steady stream of regulars, from construction workers to families. It’s the kind of place where the food does all the talking.
**What to Order:**
* **The Classic Gyro Sandwich:** This is non-negotiable. Tender, savory gyro meat is tucked into a warm, pillowy pita with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The crowning glory is their **tzatziki sauce**—creamy, garlicky, with a bright hint of cucumber and dill. It’s the perfect, cooling counterpoint to the rich meat. Ask for it “with everything” and maybe an extra side of tzatziki for dipping.
* **The Greek Fries:** Don’t overlook these. They’re crispy, golden fries utterly smothered in feta cheese, oregano, and a generous drizzle of that same magical tzatziki. It’s a messy, glorious side that could easily be a meal.
* **Insider Tip:** The **Gyro Plate** is a fantastic way to go if you’re dining in. You get a mountain of gyro meat, rice, pita, and a Greek salad, allowing you to build your perfect bite.
### 2. **Olive Garden Italian Restaurant: The Endless Embrace**
**Location:** 4801 W 77th St
A feature on Burbank’s culinary scene would be incomplete without acknowledging the reliable, crowd-pleasing giant. Olive Garden is the theater of Italian-American comfort, a place where the promise of unlimited salad, breadsticks, and a warm welcome is a ritual for many.
**The Experience:** Expect a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s consistently lively, perfect for large group celebrations or a comforting, predictable night out. The service is trained to be hospitable, and the smell of garlic and baking bread is pervasive and inviting.
**What to Order:**
* **The Staple Starter:** The **Never Ending Salad Bowl** and **Warm Breadsticks** are the headline act. The salad, with its crisp lettuce, peppers, onions, olives, and pepperoncini, tossed in the signature, slightly sweet Italian dressing, is a classic for a reason.
* **The Entrée Classic:** For a true taste of their heartland, order the **Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara**. It’s a rich, indulgent dish with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, and peas in a parmesan-cream sauce over fettuccine, topped with crispy smoked pancetta.
* **The Crowd-Pleaser:** The **Tour of Italy** remains a bestseller for those who want it all: a sampling of lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. It’s a monument to satisfying, cheesy, saucy goodness.
* **Insider Tip:** Don’t skip the **Zuppa Toscana** soup option with your meal. This spicy sausage, kale, and potato soup in a creamy broth is often the star of the show.
### 3. **Las Picosas Mexican Grill: A Fiery, Family-Run Fiesta**
**Location:** 4800 W 83rd St
For a more authentic, vibrant Mexican experience, Las Picosas is a treasure. The name hints at the experience—“picosa” means spicy. This is a colorful, casual spot where the flavors are bold, the salsa bar is a DIY adventure, and the grill is always firing.
**The Experience:** The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, often filled with the sounds of Spanish-language music and families chatting. The service is warm and helpful. The real action is at the **salsa bar**, a kaleidoscope of fresh salsas ranging from mild pico de gallo to searing habanero concoctions.
**What to Order:**
* **The Signature:** The **Alambre Plate** is a showstopper. Imagine a sizzling platter arriving at your table, loaded with grilled, marinated steak, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Served with warm tortillas, rice, beans, and guacamole, it’s a build-your-own-taco feast of the highest order.
* **The Seafood Star:** The **Camarones a la Diabla** (Shrimp in Devil’s Sauce) is for the brave. Plump shrimp are swimming in a deeply red, intensely spicy chili sauce that is complex and addictive.
* **The Essential App:** Start with the **Queso Fundido**, a bubbling skillet of melted Chihuahua cheese with your choice of chorizo or poblano peppers, perfect for scooping with fresh tortillas.
* **Insider Tip:** Order a side of their **consommé** (a rich, flavorful broth) to dip your birria tacos in, or to sip alongside your meal for a truly traditional touch.
### 4. **Kojak Drive-In: A Nostalgic Burger Haven**
**Location:** 5600 W 79th St
Step back in time at Kojak Drive-In, a true American classic that has been serving Burbank since the 1960s. With its vintage drive-in signage and walk-up window, it’s a monument to the simple, perfect burger and shake.
**The Experience:** This is casual Americana at its finest. Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and watch the cars roll by. The atmosphere is pure nostalgia, fueled by the scent of charbroiled burgers and the whir of milkshake machines. It’s especially magical on a warm summer evening.
**What to Order:**
* **The Burger Legend:** The **Double Cheeseburger** is the reason you’re here. Two thin, juicy patties, perfectly charred on the grill, topped with melted cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup on a soft bun. It’s messy, timeless, and utterly satisfying.
* **The Fried Sidekick:** The **French Fries** are classic, thin-cut, and always hot and salty. They are the ideal companion.
* **The Liquid Dessert:** You must get a **Chocolate Malt** (or a shake). Thick, creamy, and mixed on a vintage machine, it’s the definitive finish to your meal.
* **Insider Tip:** For the full experience, try the **Pork Chop Sandwich**. It’s a beloved local secret—a tender, grilled pork chop served on a bun with grilled onions.
### 5. **St. Bess Jerk: A Taste of the Caribbean Sun**
**Location:** 4838 W 79th St
This unassuming spot is a portal to the flavors of Jamaica. St. Bess Jerk specializes in jerk cuisine, where meat is marinated in a powerful, fragrant paste of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices, then slow-grilled to smoky perfection.
**The Experience:** The vibe is casual and focused. The aroma hits you first—a hypnotic blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet. It’s primarily a takeout spot, but the few tables are often occupied by people eagerly digging into vibrant, colorful plates.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event:** The **Jerk Chicken** is iconic. Ask for it with a mix of mild and spicy sauce to appreciate the full flavor spectrum. The chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender with a beautifully charred, spicy-sweet crust.
* **The Flavor Bomb:** The **Oxtail Stew** is a must for the adventurous. Rich, gelatinous, and deeply savory oxtails are braised until meltingly tender in a thick, flavorful gravy.
* **The Perfect Complements:** Your meal isn’t complete without **Jamaican Rice and Peas** (cooked in coconut milk) and **Fried Plantains**. The sweet, starchy plantains are the perfect foil for the spicy jerk.
* **Insider Tip:** Get a bottle of their house-made **Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce** to take home. It’s fiery, fruity, and will elevate any meal.
### 6. **Jalisco Restaurant: Authentic Mexican Heartland**
**Location:** 6547 W 79th St
A steadfast pillar of the community, Jalisco Restaurant offers a more traditional, sit-down Mexican dining experience with a sprawling menu that goes deep into regional specialties.
**The Experience:** It’s a family-friendly restaurant with colorful décor, comfortable booths, and attentive service. The menu is extensive, which can be daunting, but it’s a sign of the kitchen’s breadth. It’s a place for long, leisurely meals.
**What to Order:**
* **The Regional Specialty:** In honor of the name, try something from Jalisco, like the **Carne en su Jugo** (“Meat in its Juices”). This Guadalajaran dish is a soul-warming bowl of thinly sliced steak cooked in a bacon-infused broth with beans, cilantro, and onions.
* **The Classic, Perfected:** Their **Chiles Rellenos** are exceptional—poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or picadillo, battered, fried, and smothered in a rich tomato sauce.
* **The Sunday Brunch:** For a feast, visit on the weekend for their **Menudo** (tripe soup), a legendary hangover cure and traditional weekend staple.
* **Insider Tip:** Order a **Jarrito** (Mexican soda) or a **Horchata** (sweet rice-cinnamon drink) to balance the rich, savory flavors.
### 7. **China Chef Of Burbank: The Neighborhood Chinese Staple**
**Location:** 5904 W 87th St
Every neighborhood needs its reliable Chinese takeout spot, and for many in Burbank, China Chef is that place. It’s a classic, serving up generous portions of American-Chinese favorites that are consistently good and satisfying.
**The Experience:** This is primarily a takeout/delivery hub, though there is simple seating. The focus is on efficiency and flavor. The phone rings off the hook, especially on weekend nights, a testament to its loyal following.
**What to Order:**
* **The Crispy Favorite:** The **General Tso’s Chicken** is a benchmark dish. Here, it’s done right—crispy chunks of dark meat chicken tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce that clings perfectly.
* **The Savory Noodles:** The **House Lo Mein** is a crowd-pleaser. Loaded with vegetables, pork, chicken, and shrimp, the noodles are never soggy and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
* **The Appetizer Trio:** Start with a combo of **Crab Rangoon** (crispy wontons with a creamy filling), **Egg Rolls**, and **Fried Wontons**.
* **Insider Tip:** Ask for their “spicy garlic sauce” on the side. It adds a fantastic kick to any dish.
### 8. **Agustanos Pizza: Thin-Crust Tradition**
**Location:** 4802 W 83rd St
In the great Chicago thin-crust pizza debate (often called tavern-style), Agustanos holds its own with a loyal local following. This is the cracker-thin, square-cut pizza that defines a Friday night for many families.
**The Experience:** It’s a no-nonsense pizza joint. You can dine in at simple tables, but it thrives on carry-out and delivery. The open kitchen lets you see the pizzaiolos stretching the dough and loading pies into the oven.
**What to Order:**
* **The Pie:** Order a **Sausage and Mushroom Thin-Crust Pizza**. The crust should be crisp enough to snap, topped with a slightly sweet tomato sauce, a perfect layer of mozzarella, and quality fennel-spiced sausage.
* **The Sandwich:** Their **Italian Beef** is a serious contender—tender, thinly sliced roast beef soaked in its own savory juices, served on a French roll with sweet or hot peppers.
* **Insider Tip:** For the true experience, get the pizza **well-done**. It elevates the crispiness of the crust to another level.
### 9. **Los Magueyes: A Festive Cantina Experience**
**Location:** 4849 W 79th St
Los Magueyes offers a step up in ambiance—a full-service cantina with a lively bar area and often, live music on weekends. It’s where you go for margaritas, chips and salsa, and a festive atmosphere.
**The Experience:** It’s brighter and more contemporary than some of its neighbors. The bar is a focal point, and the dining room is spacious. It’s ideal for a fun group dinner or a casual date night.
**What to Order:**
* **The Drink:** A **Cadillac Margarita** (top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier) on the rocks with salt. It’s smooth and strong.
* **The Entrée:** The **Molcajete** is a dramatic and delicious choice. A steaming volcanic stone bowl arrives filled with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, nopales (cactus), and cheese in a rich sauce. It’s a interactive, shareable feast.
* **The Appetizer:** The **Nachos Supreme**, loaded high with all the fixings, are perfect for sharing over drinks.
* **Insider Tip:** Check their social media for live music schedules—it transforms the atmosphere into a full-blown party.
### 10. **Little Frank's Pizzeria: The Deep-Dish Contender**
**Location:** 6355 W 79th St
While Burbank has its thin-crust legend, Little Frank’s proudly carries the banner for Chicago’s other iconic style: the hearty, fork-and-knife deep-dish pizza.
**The Experience:** It’s a cozy, family-oriented spot with checkered tablecloths and the comforting, cheesy aroma of baking pizza. The service is friendly, and there’s a sense of pride in their product.
**What to Order:**
* **The Pizza:** You must get a **Deep-Dish Pizza**. Be prepared to wait 45 minutes—it’s baked to order. The **Special** (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers) is a great way to experience the layers: buttery crust, a blanket of mozzarella, all the toppings, and finally, a chunky, bright tomato sauce on top.
* **The Pasta:** Their **Baked Mostaccioli** is a classic sidekick—hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.
* **Insider Tip:** Call your deep-dish order in ahead of time to minimize the wait. And save room—one slice is incredibly filling.
### **The Burbank Bite: A Final Taste**
From the smoky jerk of St. Bess to the nostalgic sizzle of Kojak’s grill, Burbank’s culinary landscape is a testament to the diverse tastes that make up America’s heartland. It’s a town where food is about more than sustenance; it’s about tradition, family, and community. This tour offers just a taste—ten chapters in a much longer, delicious story. So, grab your appetite and explore. In Burbank, every corner holds a potential new favorite meal, waiting to be discovered.
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