Chicago Ribs Goodness - Gale Street Inn

After a long, rough work day all I want is some hearty food that makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket and don't have to move again. This is where the Gale Street Inn comes in. I wanted ribs. Good ribs. And none of this pretty food that comes in small portions.

When they claim to be the best ribs in Chicago, I don't think they are kidding. This place has the ribs you can eat on a date, there's none of that messy picking them up with your hands and getting sauce all over your face. A half rack ($16.95) got me 6 ribs, with plenty of meat, that fell off the bone when I touched them. Tender, perfectly flavored (even though extra bbq sauce was put on the table - in one of those syrup containers you see at IHOP). The ribs come with coleslaw, your choice of a side (I opted for the twice baked potato, all sorts of cheesy, creamy, bacony goodness!), and soup or salad. I got the chicken tomatillo soup, it was good! Lots of heat from the jalepenos, and I had to get up and blow my nose halfway through, but I like it that way.

What the midwest has that the coasts seem to lack are real portions. I managed only half my soup and half my potato. I was beyond full, of course this didn't mean I skipped dessert. Apple pie ($5). With a scoop of ice cream. And some caramel drizzled on the pie. The slice of pie took up almost the whole plate. I made it through less than half the dessert.

Thier homemade butter is phenomenal, it has a hint of honey. And the bread is warm and soft. I commented to the waiter how much I loved the butter and he kept it coming, and then brought me some to take home with me.
The restaurant also had a 3 piece jazz band playing that night which was a nice touch, especially since they were good! The service was great, the waiter was friendly and engaging and really seemed to like his job.