After Pierogifest, Cathy2 and I took a tour of northwest Indiana. Armed with little more than some snapshots from a phone book, we set out to find some interesting food. Thinking that Madvek's might be a source of Coney dogs (it wasn't, but more about that in a future post) we stopped in for at least a cold drink.
Madvek's Doghouse, Looking South on Calumet
Madvek's is an unassuming little building but neat as a pin. While enjoying our beverages we noticed a small sign alerting us that loose meat burgers were served.
Madvek's Menu
Loose meat sandwiches around Chicago?? Isn't that an Iowa thing? We wasted no time ordering one ("Cut in half, please. We just came from Pierogifest.").
Loose Meat Sandwich
This was my very first loose meat and I liked it a lot. It was subtly seasoned but not as boring as I had feared.
Madvek's Counter
That's the loose meat in back, chili in front. I think you can see this place is spotless. I can't remember the last time I saw a cleaner restaurant.
The owner couldn't have been nicer, happily explaining how Madvek's got into the loose meat business some 40 years ago. It seems at one time there was a Maid Rite down the street and it seemed natural to serve the same sort of burger. The Hammond Maid Rite is long gone but Madvek's endures. I understand there’s a Maid Rite in Rockford but I wonder if anyone has seen loose meat sandwiches closer to Chicago.
As we were getting ready to post, Cathy and I were very surprised to see
’s very recent mention of Madvek's. I guess we'll have to revisit and try a hot dog.
Madvek's Doghouse
6923 Calumet Av
Hammond IN
219-932-1060
http://hotdogs.cc/index.html