BAT 17
BAT 17 is a small but mighty deli and tavern located in the 1700 block of Evanston's Benson Avenue. Thus it's abbreviated name--BAT 17. To be certain, there's nothing compact about the fare offered in this restaurant that has been crowned as serving one of the Chicago Area's top sandwiches. Founded in 2007 by Jim Hurley and Jim Pomerantz, BAT 17 has its roots in the owner's favorite deli, Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The sandwiches come on homemade bread and are stacked with lean offerings such as corned beef, roast beef, BBQ chicken and turkey. The corned beef, for example, is cooked on-site. For non-meat eaters, the egg salad (The Egg Froman), Funky Monkey (avocado, muenster cheese, roma tomato on hand-sliced, seven grain bread) or the Rain (chilled asparagus, grilled portabello mushrooms, white cheddar on grilled sourdough) are favorites.
Most sandwiches and salads are offered in two sizes--reduced and regular. More than filling, a reduced sandwich or salad, most of which are chopped, contain a bit less of everything.
Known for their corned beef, sandwiches such as Buster (corned beef, swiss cheese and Russian dressing on grilled rye) and their Carnegie Reuben are among the top sellers.
All chicken sandwiches and salads offer free range chicken and BAT 17 even makes the Lucky Dawg, an all-beef, Black Angus hot dog.
Besides sandwiches, the menu includes homemade soups and appetizers that easily serve as a meal.
Save room for dessert at BAT 17 or keep it on your list as a place to delve into thick homemade chocolate brownies or great key lime pie after a movie. Their homemade cookies--chocolate chip and frosted oatmeal cherry won't disappoint. Always look for a special cheesecake or homemade pie to be among the offerings.
One of BAT 17's best-kept secrets is its breakfast items, offered throughout the day. Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Door County Cherry Pie French Toast, Blueberry Flapjacks and their trademark Balawat--egg sandwiches made with your choice of toppings--are unlike anything you will find on a breakfast menu.
While BAT 17 is a bit more expensive than a chain sandwich shop, the difference in price not only includes homemade breads, potato salad and coleslaw, the portions are generous and the quality, tops.
The bar is stocked with imported beers and call liquors, however, the kitchen closes after the bar remains open. Bar hours are Sun-Thurs; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Fri-Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. There's also a kids menu offering items at a fraction of the price.
So if you're stomach is calling for deli fare with a high-end twist, a trip to BAT 17 should be on your list.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
