North Branch Fried Chicken

Highly Recommended **** It turns out that the name North Branch is fairly common. Of course, there is the North Branch of the Chicago River that we all know, and the North Branch Pizza  & Burger Company in Glenview. Now, we have found a North Branch Fried Chicken located on Northwest Highway in Gladstone Park. There is a wonderful story contained within the walls of the building located at 5481 N. Northwest Hwy.

The building has been home to many different types of restaurants over the year. John Badal ( the co-owner of North Branch Fried Chicken along with his wife Yvonne Aparicia ) worked in this building during his early years. John , a graduate of Kendall Culinary School has been a chef and along with Yvonne developed a line of BBQ sauces,  and rubs as well as Bloody Mary Mixes that were sold at flea markets. Before Covid hit  he had intent of joining with the  Urban Space people in one of their food courts. When te pandemic hit, that was no longer in his plan, but losing his chef’s job caused him to think-

Comfort food was going to make a difference for those who were spending a lot more time at home. They took the plunge and went back to the building where he had worked some ten years earlier. They selected the name after the river branch that crosses through their neighborhood and felt that would be a comfort to the area. The menu is really quite simple. Who doesn’t like fried chicken?

The menu is comfort food all the way. The actual building is nothing special. In fact, it is easy to drive along Northwest Highway and miss it completely. I did, twice! This is a unique area filled with lots of factories, commercial buildings and of course apartments and single family homes. A real Chicago flavor. O f course, there are many local taverns in the are as well, BUT, North Branch has no bar- only soft drinks.

Jane and I were joined by Frank to sample the menu. When you walk into the restaurant, one notices that it is sparse of typical restaurant looks. There is a counter where a young lady will greet you, hand you a menu and take you to your table. If you are doing carry-out, then you will place your order and wait where you can watch TV or read a paper ( they have several available). A lot of diners, place the order online and then come in and pick it up. I counted almost 50 orders being picked up while we were there. I spoke to some of those picking up and one gentleman said they come every Tuesday ( the restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday).

The menu has a few appetizers. We selected the BBQ Nachos with pulled smoked pork ( the pork was flavorful and had a great zing). While they have several salads and soups, only Frank chose the Chicken Tortilla soup and of course we all had a taste- divine is the best way to describe it!

I had heard a great deal about their Windy Cit Burger and most of you know that I am a “burger lover”, so of course we shared one of those. It comes in a single, double or triple- we just did the single ( big enough) and it was juicy and tender, I think the rubs and sauces that are Badal products do indeed make a difference.

The chicken was beautiful! I love fried chicken. While I truly enjoy broasted chicken more, that is because it is juicier than the typical fried chicken. THIS IS NO LONGER A FACT! The fried chicken at North Branch was as juicy ( both white and dark meat) as any broasted chicken anywhere! We selected three sides- cheesy potatoes ( three cheese blend, herb crum), Napa Slaw ( carrot, cilantro, sweet chili lime mayo) and Pit Beans ( three bean blend, Windy City BBQ sauce and onion). They also have cajun rice and fresh cut fries.

Everything is fresh and prepared daily. They do have a couple of dessert items that appear to be special, but we were pretty well filled and decided to wait until next time, because there are some other menu items I am anxious to try like their sandwiches: Beer Battered Catfish, Buffalo Wing Wrap. Chicago Fried Chicken and they always have a daily special.

You can order online www.northbranchfriedchicken.com or call 773-853-0360

Again, the address is 5481  N. Northwest Highway in Chicago- plenty of street  parking and if you use the Kennedy, exit at Nagle and you are just blocks away from some of the best vittles you have tasted. Again, the dining room is nothing special, but what comes out of the kitchen is. You can buy their sauces and rubs as well. We have company coming this week-end for BBQ and I am using  the Windy City Smoke Rub ( hickory smoked sea salt blended with smoked paprika, tri-peppercorns and thyme. Just thinking about it gets my mouth to watering!

You know the old saying, “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover”? You will understand that statement better after you dine in or carry-out from North Branch Fried Chicken.

For a complete view of the spices, sauces and mixes, visit www.northbranchgourmet.com.