Dove’s Luncheonette—-After Dark!

***** One of my biggest weaknesses, when it comes to food is a simple thing called a “Deviled Egg”. Ever since I was a little boy, I truly loved them. When my grandmother took out eggs and began to boil them, I knew that I was going to be in heaven at dinner time, even if I didn’t like the dinner, because there would be deviled eggs! Most of my readers and listeners know that I have this “thing” about “deviled Eggs”, so they write to me or text names of places where they excel in their version.

A few weeks ago, I was sent information about a Bucktown diner called Dove’s Luncheonette. One of the items that stood out on their menu was indeed “Deviled Eggs” (serrano peppers, pearl onions and lime zest). This was a little different than my grandmothers’, or for that matter, any others I have tasted, so off to Bucktown and Dove’s Luncheonette locate at 1545 N. Damen.

Jane and I opted to dine there on a night when we were in the area for theater as well. Let’s face it , with gas prices as high as they are, and the construction on the Kennedy, why not make it a “double-header” . The layout is very “diner” with high and low counters, some facing the rills and bar, others facing out on to Damen Avenue and then the low ones are like oversized tables where others sit right alongside of you.

For our entree’s, we selected two to try/taste. The Taco Norteno (smoked brisket, crispy cheese, salsa aguacate, salsa Mexicana, and house made flour tortillas. This was absolutely delicious !

The other entrée- sizzling steak fajitas were even better. While Dove’s appears to be a luncheonette and very American, it is in fact leaning towards the Mexican style of cooking, and for this I am glad. The Steak Fajitas were Jane’s favorite, for sure (marinated ribeye steak, chilaca peppers, banana peppers, red onion, guacamole, cilantro and home made corn tortillas). The only thing missing or  could be added would be refried beans. Other wise- perfection on a tortilla!

I watched some other items pass us by : their Onion Burger looked delish, and the Chicken Fried Chicken ( will do next time). It is a limited menu ( under 10 items, but very affordable with no small portions). They do have another menu for breakfast and lunch and some great drinks. I enjoyed a Cantarito ( a little tequila to start my evening, as we were going to see a new version of Alice In Wonderland, so why not go down the rabbit hole?).

We did have one of their pie plates for dessert. Buttermilk Pie, topped with fruit preserves and candies grapefruit.

Our server, Zachery, was very attentive making sure that all our needs were met and that we would have enough time to drive to the theater, park and enjoy the play.

Dove’s Luncheonette is located at 1545 N. Damen ( just South of North Avenue) and they also have a small patio section for outdoor dining.

Their hours are:

Daily 9 a.m- 3 p.m. Breakfast and lunch

Dinner: Dove’s After Dark- Monday, Friday and Saturday  4 p.m.- 9 p.m.  call 773-645-4060

www.doveschicago.com