BY EDMUND CRUZ
You probably think you know what sliders are. Though you can find tiny burgers of all varieties at restaurants throughout Chicago, you don’t know sliders until you’ve had the pork belly sliders at American Junkie.
Sure, the sprawling River North sports bar has a menu loaded with chili cheese fries, smoked chicken nachos, dozens of draught beers and one of the largest big screen tvs in Chicago (perfect to catch your favorite game).
Enough about that. Now, back to the pork belly.
With three sliders to an order too easy to order two or three servings…if you plan on sharing. The juicy, crisp pork belly is topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and a perfectly fried quail egg, all between a toasted brioche bun. While we’re on the topic, you could probably put anything in a brioche bun and it would pass my sandwich standards.
Chef Kendal Duque, formerly of Sepia and City Tavern, pays homage to all things American on his menu, which combines exotic ingredients with comforting flavors.
It’s not fine dining, but you’ll find plenty of fare fit for game day, a morning-after brunch or post work cocktails paired with appetizers like lamb lollipops, venison tartar and soft pretzel sticks.
Just don’t leave without trying the pork belly.
American Junkie, 15 West Illinois Street. For more information call 312-239-0995 or visit online.
