First impression right off the bat was, that this place could use a few more staff members. Bus boys were litterally running in and out of the kitchen, and the waitresses were juggling more tables than they really should. That being said our friendly waitress hurried over and quickly took our drink order while we looked over the menu, and then quickly jumped to wait on many more tables. The menu here features a huge assortment of appetizers, 15 different types of burgers, handful of other sandwiches, chicken, and “Carson’s” ribs. This caused a dilema for me. I absolutely love “Carson’s” ribs, but I keep hearing how good the burgers are here, what should I order?
We decide to go big! For appetizers we decide on the onion strings and a side of chili. For our dinners we go for the fish sandwich, “Boston Blackies” burger, half slab of ribs, and an order of steak fries. Chili comes out first and it’s a meaty bowl of chili that has the right level of spice to it. Topped with cheese and onions and then served with rainbow colored tortilla chips on the side, this chili is a hearty way to start the meal. The onion strings are next, and let’s just say, they’re huge! Totaling a full pound, these golden battered onions were amazing! The crunchy seasoned batter was bursting with flavor and were served in the basket they were fried in, a must try.
Our dinner arrives shortly after, and I have to admit that most of the food is for me. The fish sandwich was for my wife, and the rest was all mine. The fish sandwich was a large piece of battered cod that was fried golden brown and served open faced on a sesame seed bun. If your only experience with a fish sandwich has been from a fast food joint, then you owe it to yourself to try this one. Each entre is served with “Carson’s” famous cole slaw and any other sides have to be ordered seperatley. Now while they say it’s the same slaw, it’s not. Go to either “Carson’s” locations, and their slaw is rough chopped and has a nice crunch. At “Blackies” the cabbage is chopped very fine and as a result is a bit soggy.
First thing I dig into is their signature burger. The big ˝ lb burger has a freshly ground, robust beef taste and was prepared perfectly to medium. Topped with seasoned grilled onion and thick cut bacon, this hefty burger can tame most appetites. Today my appetite wasn’t one of them! The half slab of ribs were close, but not quite the original “Carson’s” ribs. The ribs were tear off the bone tender, slathered in their amazing barbeque sauce, but slightly off on texture. These ribs lacked the slight char on the outside that gives “Carson’s” ribs their wonderful texture. Still very good ribs, just not excellent like the original.
Unfortunately, all that food didn’t leave too much room for dessert. Dessert tonight was a strawberry shake, and it didn’t dissapoint. Served in a frosted mug with real bits of strawberry running throughout, and topped with whipped cream. Thick and delicious.
Total price for the meal was $55. Honestly, that’s a deal for a sit down restaurant, considering how much food we ordered. The half slab of ribs were only $9.99! Overall “Boston Blackie’s” offers very good food, friendly but rushed service, for a very good price. Rating *** out of ****.
405 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 418-3400
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Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 382-0700
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(847) 242-9400
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(312) 938-8700
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(847) 952-4700
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(630) 717-5555
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