The HAPPiest place INN Northfield

***** Over the years, I have been to the Happ Inn located at 305 Happ Road in Northfield several times. I fell in love with their hamburger as it replaced my former love, The Willow Inn in Glenview when they shuttered their doors. Being a creature of habit, I pretty much made that my meal of choice, except for one night, when I had done a burger lunch, so on that night, I enjoyed an amazing Pulled Pork sandwich (house-smoked Pulled Pork on a pretzel bun- magnifico!

Tonight, Jane and I joined our friends Alan and Vickie for a sampling of some of the items that are items that will satisfy everyone. We began our evening with drinks. Vickie and I both enjoying our martinis Vodka and our server, Humberto, came to the table to finish the shake and pour so we could see that we get the full drink. I loved that! Alan enjoyed his usual glass of wine and Jane her water.

From their long list of “starters” we opted for their Homemade Cornbread (served with brown sugar butter) and the Fried Calamari served with pickled banana peppers- delish! We also shared an amazing Grilled watermelon salad  ( 4 jumbo shrimp, grilled watermelon, arugula, red onion, heirloom tomato & mint with lemon horseradish dressing).

The entrees were of course, the burger (they do a build-your-own starting with a half-pound patty and then have a ball selecting all that makes you happy. You can build it any way you like.

We also had the BBQ Ribs (½ slab) with homemade slaw and baked beans that are the zestiest I have ever had. The potatoes are home cut and they make chips that we all loved. Another entrée is Carlos’ Skirt Steak Frites ( a grilled 12 ounce skirt steak with parmesan truffles fries and a wonderful garlic herb butter). Last, but certainly not least, the General Happ’s Fried Chicken (half a chicken served with fries and cole slaw. The chicken tasted more like Broasted than fried as the white meat was just as juicy as one would like. Dark meat is always juicy, but surprise, surprise! This chicken is special, explaining why it has been their specialty since 2009.

We did enjoy a slice of carrot cake to top off the evening. I thought we might be joined by other tables as the piece was large enough for 6-8 people ( for sure!). The Happ Inn is a great place and everyone in the place left with a smile on their face and a full tummy. They were all HAPPy! I know that thanks to Humberto, we all were!

The Happ Inn is located at 305 Happ Road in Northfield (just by the Willow Road exit/entrance to the Edens. The hours are as follows:

Sunday- Wednesday 11 am- 8 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday 11 am- 9 p.m.   Website www.thehappinn.com

For reservations, call 847-784-9200