22 Oct 2013 Living Chicago Style 3 comments

Local Loves: Rachel + Butcher and the Burger + Sweet Mandy B’s

I truly enjoy learning of new places in Chicago by word of mouth, which is why I started my blog series Local Loves. 

So when Rachel reached out to me with a combination of two spots, I could not wait. It is the perfect balance of salty & sweet, low key and so darn good. This progressive dinner is her and her boyfriend’s “go to” date and they have been replicating it for almost two years. In fact they made the round a few days prior to our meeting. And I have to say I can see why they are repeat offenders!

Name: Rachel
Lives: Lincoln Park
Location: Lincoln Park
Why: Butcher and the Burger is so cute and has such a fun atmosphere. They offer different types of unique meats (salmon, turkey, shrimp, lentil/brown rice and beef) allowing people to customize their own burger. Even non-meat eaters have so many options. The walk after to Sweet Mandy B’s is the perfect distance and their cupcakes are The Best!

{BYOB – 15% of at Poison Cup Wine Shop next door if you dine at Butcher and the Burger}
{inside} 
{the most amazing menu}

I love the fact that it’s BYOB and I couldn’t stop drooling over their top notch toppings – fried egg, foie gras and truffle mayo. I can’t even…

{Rachel ordering}
{you can purchase their spice blends too – wouldn’t these be a great boy gift?}
{my turkey burger}

My Order – Turkey burger; croissant; “Grandma’s Onion Soup” spice blend; swiss cheese; lettuce and tomato. Nailed it.

Rachel’s Favorite – Pork burger; split top bun; “Grandma’s Onion Soup” spice blend; swiss cheese; grilled onions; lettuce and pickle. Swears by it.

After we inhaled these tasty morsels, we made a nice leisurely walk over to the one and only Sweet Mandy B’s. This area is adorable so the walk goes by quick and allowed time for catching up and burning off some of our dinner.

{Sweet Mandy B’s – old fashioned desserts}

 Sweet Mandy B’s is no secret to the locals and one of the most enchanting bakeries in the city. I went with my personal favorite, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Monster which includes a secret cookie dough bottom and chocolate chips. MMMmmmmm.

{chocolate chip cookie monster cupcake – cookie dough bottom}

Rachel picked the confetti cupcake, which has sprinkles in both the cake and the frosting. The best way to end a meal is on a sweet note!

{confetti cake cupcake – confetti in both the cake and the icing}
Occupation: Media Supervisor 
Age: 28
From: Dallas, Texas
What is your “go to” cocktail of choice?: A glass of Prosseco
Heels or Flats?: I love heels for getting dressed up, but flats are my go to most days
Favorite Chicago blogs/websites?: Yours of course! 🙂 Project Soiree, The Everygirl
Next spot you want to try: There are so many, I feel like my list of places to try is always growing but Au Cheval for brunch and Rustic House for dinner.

Rachel thank you so much for the splendid evening! I am already dying to take my husband on this little date night. Rachel has the most adorable blog too, so be sure to follow her as she totes around Chicago and the country! This little lady is always traveling.

For more, you can find all the Local Loves features here. Do you have a favorite spot or event in Chicago and would like to be featured in Local Loves? Be sure to email me! The sky is the limit.