Chickies - Hillside

I recently visited this restaurant to try their Italian Beef sandwiches. This used to be the location of Carm's Italian Beef, which I adored, but they left the... read more I recently visited this restaurant to try their Italian Beef sandwiches. This used to be the location of Carm's Italian Beef, which I adored, but they left the area a few years ago. I only tried the Italian Beef during this visit, so my review is based solely on that. However, I did notice they had some delicious-looking pizza on display, so I may have to try that on my next visit. The service was quick and efficient, and I was in and out in minutes. The sandwich itself was very good, with a substantial amount of beef - they definitely didn't skimp on meat. The only downside for me was the hot peppers, which were not the traditional giardinera and didn't add much to the sandwich. Overall, it was a tasty sandwich. The prices are a bit higher than other places, but considering the quantity and quality of the food, I didn't mind. I would recommend checking it out if you're in the area. Cheers!

It's been about 5 years since I had a beef at Carm's, the predecessor to this restaurant on the corner of a strip mall in Hillside. I was interested to see how... read more It's been about 5 years since I had a beef at Carm's, the predecessor to this restaurant on the corner of a strip mall in Hillside. I was interested to see how Chickie's would stack up against that strong competition. The short answer is pretty freakin' well. I remember enjoying Carm's, but I don't recall any specifics which would allow direct comparison. Suffice it to say that my beef from Chickie's today is among the best I've had (thought not quite at the level of Jonnie's, a few minutes to the northeast). The beef was juicy and nicely seasoned. The bun stood up to the beefy assault well without being overly chewy. Fries, which I ordered extra crispy, were plentiful and a steal at a buck and a half. The new owners didn't spend much to upgrade the decor from the previous tenant, but I'm cool with that. It has a retro appeal with vinyl white and red checkered vinyl tablecloths. Just think how quickly cloth tablecloths would get stained with the tasty beef gravy that soaks these sandwiches. I can respect practicality. My main niggle with Chickie's is the nature of the giardiniera. They are clearly not working from the Chicago style hot giardiniera playbook here. There isn't any diced carrot or cauliflower to be found instead you get an entirely green mixture of what seems to be peppers and celery. It wasn't bad, but I'd prefer something a little more traditional on my sandwich. By no means will it keep me from coming back, though. The quality of the beef itself was excellent.

I ordered a combo sandwich and the bread was too soggy, so I had to use a fork to eat it. They use fresh jalapeños instead of giardiniera, which I didn't like.... read more I ordered a combo sandwich and the bread was too soggy, so I had to use a fork to eat it. They use fresh jalapeños instead of giardiniera, which I didn't like. The fresh-cut fries were tasty, but the cheese sauce I ordered was bland. Overall, nothing really stood out, but the pizza smelled delicious. If I go back, I might give the pizza a try.

Ordered beefs, fries, breaded mushrooms, fountain drinks, and a double cheeseburger. The fries were really good. The beefs, very flavourful and not too soggy. T... read more Ordered beefs, fries, breaded mushrooms, fountain drinks, and a double cheeseburger. The fries were really good. The beefs, very flavourful and not too soggy. The burger, I'm afraid I won't reorder. It was too plain and the patty tasted old and frozen. Not fresh at all, just odd. This place is great, overall. Our cashier was very patient with our kids regardless of how busy they were and confirmed order twice before charging. I appreciate her service. Our total for 5 was about $80.

I remember going to the original location at 2800 S. Pulaski Rd. as a kid and it was delicious. So I had try this new location. They have a good selection of fa... read more I remember going to the original location at 2800 S. Pulaski Rd. as a kid and it was delicious. So I had try this new location. They have a good selection of fast food, including pizza by the slice. I ordered an Italian beef sausage combination and 3 hot dogs to go. The Italian beef and sausage combination was good, but nothing special. The hot dogs were just ok, they put too much relish on the hot dogs. The fries were very good. I had my order to go and it was very cold outside. I'm sure that p