Kouks Vintage Cafe
5653 N Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL‎
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

Kouks.

Tucked all the way up in Norwood Park is the oddity that is Kouks Vintage Cafe.  A combination antique resale shop and coffeehouse, Kouks lures in its customers with a hard to miss exterior, award-winning coffee, and a treasure trove of antique goods waiting to be discovered.  After browsing around the resale shop—and admiring all the vintage transistor radios—Rob and I ordered coffee and sat down at the counter.  I got an iced Milky Way latte and Rob got a custom Snickers iced coffee drink (I guess we were both in a candy mood).  Andy Pappas, co-owner with wife Georgia, chatted with us while we sipped our drinks (definitely worth the trek) and its clear that his personable attitude is what makes Kouks a mom and pop shop in every sense of the phrase.  Although it’s located in the outskirts of the city, Kouks is a gem that needs to be supported.  Next time you’re looking for great coffee and good conversation, ditch Starbucks for Kouks.

-Anna

A treasure trove of antique goods on the second floor of Kouks.

Superdawg Drive-In
6363 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL‎
Neighborhood: Norwood Park

Superdawg Drive-In.

When it comes to eating hot dogs, Anna and I have a strong allegiance to the ever popular Hot Doug’s; but today we ventured north to Norwood Park to check out Superdawg.  This Chicago establishment is family owned and operated and has been in business since 1948, making it one of the oldest hot dog stands in the city.  Upon our arrival at Superdawg, we couldn’t help but notice the two 12 foot girl and boy hot dog statues that adorn the top of the hot dog stand.  Superdawg is a throwback to the 1950s when car-hops were popular.  You can still order from your car to achieve that retro feeling, or you can enjoy your food in the small enclosed dining area like we did today.  Now to the important part: the food.  The star of the menu is not a regular-sized hot dog, it is a Superdawg, which is bigger than an average hot dog and loaded with all the toppings you would expect on a Chicago-style hot dog.  Anna tried a Superdawg today, while I went with a Supercheesie hamburger that was delicious, and we both shared a black cow.  On a side note, Wilco did their Spin photo shoot at Superdawg where they scaled the roof and posed with Superdawg’s statutes.  Although we’re not about to abandon Hot Doug’s anytime soon, if Superdawg is good enough for Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, it’s good enough for us.

-Rob

The Superdawg package speaks for itself.

You can barely see it amongst the fries, but trust me, it’s there.

The outdoor area where car hops deliver your food to your car if you choose not to dine inside the restaurant.