The Mott Burger has a new little brother

Hello Daily Constitutionalists.. After a short paternity break for myself, it's time to talk about sports, booze, food, and other random nonsense again.  A quick simple burger review seems like a great place to start. My favorite burger in Chicago the past several years has been the Mott Burger from Mott St. My former roommate and I stumbled upon this gem about 5 years ago when we lived just down the road in Wicker Park. At the time, it wasn't a very well known item on the menu. In fact, it could only be ordered from the bar (which is still the case today). We were sitting on the patio and asked them to make an exception which they kindly did. It worked out well for Mott St as it would lead to future visits from us on a weekly basis from that point on. The mid-week Mott Burger with some amazingly made Old Fashioneds was the ultimate hump day reward for us where we would often discuss ideas to become rich. Clearly that has not come to fruition yet but this blog was born from those bourbon filled conversations.   While I'm not reviewing Mott St. itself but it's new little brother, Mini Mott, I felt it was necessary to provide some background and history so you can understand the anticipation and expectations I had going into this meal. So for the original Mott Burger itself here is the breakdown: double chuck patties, sweet potato shoestrings, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, miso butter, american cheese. Nothing wild here but it all works so well together. Two thin patties rather than a big thick dried out one. American cheese which is a must. I love all things cheese but for a burger, gotta keep it classic. The hoisin aioli and miso butter give it a slightly unique sweetness. A little crunch from the sweet potato shoestrings. Thinly cut pickle slices and a little picked jalapeno to add a touch of spice to top it off. Clean, easy to eat, yet juicy and full of flavors galore. One is enough but I have split a second one before due to the lack of great options for sides to pair it with besides an old fashioned.  I've introduced this burger to a few friends but for the most part, it seemed like a random place to get an amazing burger but over the past few years the hype spread as others also stumbled upon this magical masterpiece. The hype became so real that Mott St. decided to open a new fast food restaurant called Mini Mott where the burgers would become the menu centerpiece. A very similar strategy that Au Cheval took by creating Small Cheval. The news of Mini Mott brought me joy but it would take a few months before my first visit which just took place a couple weeks back. Mini Mott is located in Logan Square and as a new resident of the neighborhood it seemed appropriate that it would become one of the first places I would venture to for a meal.  The location is right near Logan Square Park. It's small but also has a patio for outdoor consumption which was key as the pups joined us on this voyage. As mentioned, the burger highlights the menu but for those in your group looking for something a little different they have a few other choices such as wings, sandwiches, and brunch tacos as well as some decent sides to dabble on, including fries. Cocktails, wine, beer, milkshakes are available to wash everything down.  So now for the main event. Burger comes. I find my seat outside. I open the box. And out pops the image above... My excitement drops a little. Presentation is a little sloppy. Not the pristine Mott Burger I grew accustomed to. I wiped my tears and took my first bite. And it was great. All of the same flavors I loved about the OG Mott Burger were there but just in a sloppier and not as consistent product. It certainly won't replace Mott St. but as a local, quick, and convenient option, it'll due just fine. The ability to pair it with fries and a milkshake (or beer) also makes for a nice bonus. Since they are whipping up these bad boys at a faster rate I shouldn't have been too surprised that it didn't have the same TLC that the Mott Burger has from Mott St. That does make a difference though. Maybe that's why it's $14 versus $10 at Mini Mott.  If I'm feeling booujie and want the fancy version with some cocktails, Mott St it is all day but for a more casual fast food experience, game on for Mini Mott. Another nice local Logan Square bonus is that Hopewell Brewery has a partnership with Mini Mott to have their food delivered. Now I can achieve my dad bod even more conveniently. Cheers!