hammerheads

only so-so. i have heard a lot of hype about this place, so naturally, i couldn't wait to see what all the fuss was about. i took my husband and father-in-law, along with our baby there for an early dinner, probably getting there at about 5:30. as it was foretold, there was already a wait, albeit a short one. they do have at least one highchair, btw. service was speedy and courteous, and the food arrived promptly. however, 10 minutes into our meal, the front corridor/bar area/dining room was so packed with waiting guests that we were literally dining with people's rear ends in our faces; but at least they were nice enough to coo at the baby for us. the server talked us into the herb/duck fat fries instead of the truffle/duck fat fries that i was leaning towards. smooth move, buck-o, they were no bueno. they were covered in herbs, and very brown. there's nothing like the flavor of overcooked fries doused in crunchy dried herbs to have you looking forward to the next course. we also had some tacos, which were pretty good, but not altogether memorable, because i don't remember the protein at this point. also, the lamb ribs; they were tasty, but very fatty and tiny-- more of an appetizer really. the chorizoburgerwas the big hit at the table. however, i will agree with another reviewer on this, i honestly could not taste much chorizo. it just tasted like a nice, flavorful and juicy burger. beer prices are kind of high... i think that if this place were not so packed and a little less "hipster" i might come back to peruse the menu a little. it is not that we didn't like it, but it just wasn't the magical food orgy i expected it to be.

wonderful, best. my wife and i have been trying to get to hammerheads for sometime and we made it last friday night with another couple who live in the area. we arrived early, 5 pm, lotst of seats at that time but by 6 pm there was a wait. we ordered the mac and cheese balls, wonderful, the fried mushrooms, outstanding. i had the pork belly sandwich which is a blt on a pretzel roll and this was enough but i had to order the 1/2 rack of baby back ribs. an order of the chicken wings and waffle was also placed. the food arrived in short order on wood planks and the side of fries was also there. we all were amazed at how great the food was. the server did a wonderful job of checking on us and refilling drinks, etc. the selection of beers would make anyone happy, but having some wine would have helped. we had no room for dessert but i did have to try the warm in house made brownie with bacon on top. it was ok, warm and moist but you could not really taste the bacon. one of the friend with us went back last night and said he had the bestburgerhe has had in a long time, i think this will become the place for us to eat. i understand they may be moving to larger quarter , i hope they do not lose there touch in the move. try it for yourself. i took the remains of the ribs and one chicken wing home and had them for dinner on saturday, great.

amazing food! always worth the wait. theburgeris phenomenal and so are those mac n cheese balls!! we love coming here and the service is always good. good beer selections too!

the place is quaint to say the least and from looks only  one wouldn't expect much, but my freaking elkburgerwith brie was freaking awesome.  really it was amazing and the staff was super friendly and it has a neighbour bar feel. you really should try this place ...

really unique menu included venison and elk burgers, and truffle fries cooked in duck fat. i tried the elkburgeron a pretzel bun (my favorite) and it was great. the fried mac n cheese ball apetizer came with three huge portions and was excellent. i was very pleased with my choices until they walked by with three huge fried chicken wings on a waffle. looks like i'll be going back soon.

very unique place if you love me meat. had and elkburgerand fries and it was delicious. lots of different option and great beer selection.

not good. out of food on 2/27 prime time diner hour. kinda like starbucks not having coffee! restrooms dirty ! overpriced for aburgerfries / beer was cold!

off. the. chain.. my husband and i are visiting from out of town and we were looking for a good place to try a new assortment of things. we happened upon hammerheads in our searching and we were not disappointed. we started with the fried mac and cheese balls. oh my. they have mastered this art! and the hollandaise on top was some of the best i've had. moving on to the main course, i had the most perfectly cooked elkburgerof my life, topped with brie, my favorite cheese, and a yummy sun-dried tomato aioli. my husband had the duck tacos. they were also out of this world. paired with fries cooked to perfection, this place is amazing. don't let the bizarre set up of the building deter you. you have to eat here. now.

great experience! recently ate there and everything from the host to bill was phenomenal. food and drink is reasonably price and the quality is great. we had the baby back ribs, elkburgerand truffle fries. highly recommend all, but the truffle fries are a must.
just an overall good laid back experience with great food, friends and drink. staff is very friendly. if you are in the area you have to try it.

decent...but not up to the hype. hammerhead's food is good, but doesn't meet the hype.

the restaurant is cramped, uncomfortable and loud. if you are with people you don't want to take with, then this would be ok.

the service is good and friendly enough, but doesn't really standout.

they were out of duck (which didn't bother anyone in our party) and brisket (which was disappointing).

i had the baby back ribs. they were very good and are considered a house specialty. however, it wouldn't be too hard to find ribs just as good at other restaurants in town.

one in our party had the angusburgerand he liked it. the wives both had the catfish sandwich. i tried it and it wasn't anything special.

we shared a bacon brownie for dessert. the brownie was fine, but the bacon flavor wasn't readily apparent.

bottom line: it's good food and a decent value and i'd go back but wouldn't make an extra effort to do so.

wow!. i went here on the recommendation of somebody i asked about local places. they told me if i like hold in the wall restaurants with interesting food and good beer this was the place to be and they couldn't be more right. this spot is literally in the basement of a house in a residential neighborhood. the beer list is extensive, the food includes things like duck sliders, elk burgers and venison burgers. you can add things like pork belly to anyburgeror fry anything in duck fat for $3.

i had a venisonburgerand fries seasoned in bbq flavoring and was in heaven. one of the best burgers i've ever had! this place is definitely small and easy to miss if you don't know what you are looking for, but this restaurant is a must.

welcome to flavortown. went on a busy saturday, definitely did not disappoint. started off with appetizers, truffle fries and mac and cheese balls [recommended]. ordered duck tacos -- flavor was unreal! also had samples of elkburgerand pork belly. elkburgeralso recommended as are the baked beans. would definitely return.

not worth it. theburgerwas delicious but the fries and mac and cheese were super greasy. i couldn't stomach more than a few bites. the atmosphere is terrible but you aren't allowed to get carryout for some reason. they make you wait for a table and then put your food on a plate just to give you a box to take home.

if you're looking for a greatburgerand fries, go to sidebar at whiskey row where they don't run out of food and have excellent service. if barbecue is your thing then head to momma's mustard pickles for much better food and service. we've tried this place three times and were only able to select our entrees once. the other two times we were directed (rudely per their standard service) to find other items after each and every item we selected was unavailable. our alternates were so bad, matching the service, that my husband wanted to walk out. walk past this place and over to come back inn if you're in that area of town.

over rated. went here last night for the second time. i have worked in the restaurant industry for almost 10 years in downtown river-north chicago no less, so im a pretty serious foodie. party of 7 and we were seated at two tables of different height. they screwed up myburgertwice. first time was way overcooked, second time completely wrong burger. told a server and she was incredibly rude, and they didn't comp one thing. i ate alone while my party of 6 watched. the physical atmosphere is dismal to demand almost $20 for a gourmetburgerand fries (duck fat = meh). go to game if you want better service and better atmosphere at same price point, if you must see what all the fuss is about. overall, disappointed and will not be returning any time soon. my entire party was disappointed as well.