Bust Outs — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! I saw the owner on a news segment talking about his new fast food restaurant that was definitely NOT your normal fast food. I took down the name and went there today. (It's the old Mother Cluckers.) When we walked in, it was definitely hopping, so that is a good sign. The atmosphere was pleasant, sports-themed, and clean.

The owner, Angelo, was so freakin' nice! Extremely personable and so talkative. It felt more like being welcomed into his home, than his business.

After scanning the menu, we finally ordered the panko-covered calamari fries (OMG! TO DIE FOR), a "Red Line" sandwich (I had the chicken breast so JUICY), and a "Green Line" Burger was also purchased (minus mayo). Also, an order of cheese-covered waffle fries.

Thoughts:

The panko deep-fried calamari (or octopus) fries were flavorful, with the perfect amount of crisp, and not tough or overcooked!! The side sauce was a delish honey/mustard and it was perfectly created.

The chicken "Red Line" sandwich had pickled red onions, spicy feta cheese (not too spicy), and arugula on a potato bun. I rarely eat a full burger, usually half it, and bring the rest home. NOT TODAY! Ate that whole delicious and juicy chicken sandwich--one of the BEST sandwiches I have ever had.

The "Green Line" burger, also on a potato bun, and I was told (it was not mine), was excellent and something dreams were made of. The hamburger meat was cooked perfectly and I was told had a solid A+ taste without being too salty.

We were both so full we did not think that we could eat the waffle fries with cheese. WARNING: The waffle fries are addicting. Even though both of us were stuffed, we still managed to gobble them down. We both kept saying how fantastic the fries were, too. The cheese sauce on them was delicious.

The value of what we received for what we paid, was nothing less than impressive, and I am a tough audience. The food ordered was SO fresh tasting & the meat was so juicy!! Truly a positive experience.

FOR FOOD ALLERGY SUFFERERS: Top 10 allergen sesame seed, NOT on the buns! No tree nuts either. Anaphylaxis...

I don’t even know where to start. This was a very random find on my way out of Chicago. I just wanted a halfway decent burger but I got way more than that.

First of all, the dude who runs the joint (sorry, I should’ve gotten his name, but clearly the owner) couldn’t be more friendly and passionate about the food they’re making, freshness and quality of the ingredients, etc, all of which became evident later. We had a really nice chat—and not the annoying kind where the owner wants to run his mouth at you, this was purely organic and pleasant.

Let me tell you about the food:

The waffle fries with Merkt Cheddar. Okay, I have no idea what Merkt Cheddar even is, but i know it is not your run of the mill cheese sauce. This stuff was from another realm. The waffle fries were firm, substantial fries, perfectly cooked, and they seem to have slathered the cheese onto each waffle fry individually, because not one was dry, but they also weren’t over sauced or soggy. Just a perfectly executed and delicious cheese fry.

My bacon cheeseburger burger was also perfectly executed, from the airy brioche bun to the extremely fresh lettuce tomato and onion. Perfect meat to cheese to bun ratios—nothing fancy, just everything you want in a burger.

The gluttony continued with a “honey bun” which the owner suggested and I couldn’t say no to. I don’t even know how to describe this thing…it’s like a little Belgian waffle, soaked in honey, and then maybe flash fried? And then dusted with powdered sugar. I mean, when I tell you I nearly pulled the car over on the freeway to regain control of myself, I’m barely exaggerating.

So yeah, this might be my favorite find of the last...

I stopped in to try Bust Outs due to seeing it on my Instagram feed, and it is on my route home.

Bust Outs is at the intersection of Elston and Foster's busy streets, so timing is critical when coming to this restaurant. I arrived around 8 pm, which afforded me plenty of parking. There is parking in the rear of the restaurant and on side streets, depending on when you decide to come.

I tried their new addition to the menu called the “Loop,” which has two Fresh Angus Beef 5.33oz patty, grilled onions, Merkts Cheddar, Cherrywood Smoked Bacon, and topped with a sunny side egg served in a brioche bun. This is a substantial burger paired with garlic curds and a raspberry peace tea to wash it down. This burger is not for the faint of stomach or wallet since it’s close to a $20 burger.

Another dish I recommend would be their fried breaded artichoke hearts with pub sauce.

The only thing I would like to bring up is that their menu is ala carte and can get pricey quickly if your stomach does the ordering.

The atmosphere here is very friendly and welcoming. Also, the owner, Angelo, comes and checks up on you to ask for your feedback on your meal which translates to a warm and welcoming cashier that...