"Some people are more interested in making green than being green," says Andrew Baker, owner of Drew's Eatery. And one has to believe the man. His organic cafe, featuring hot dogs, ice cream and baked goods, has so much cred that there isn't even an organic veggie dog on the menu yet because he hasn't found one he considers good enough. "I have some customers looking for one for me," he says.
That friendly, unpretentious attitude is evident throughout the small, attractive North Center space. After 12 years working in development for Corner Bakery, Baker decided to branch out on his own and combine his love for organic eats with the Chicago classic, the hot dog. Drawing inspiration from San Francisco's Underdog, Baker developed a menu where everything edible is organic, and everything inedible is biodegradable, from the coffee cups to the soup spoons.
The prices won't make much of an impact on your wallet, either, with most dogs falling between the $3-$4 range. The signature Drew dog, made from grass-fed beef, uncured with no nitrates, is only $3, while the Green dog with fresh spinach, feta and a combination of organic chicken and turkey sausage tops out at just over $4. Add some fresh-baked kettle chips for $1 more, and then top it all off with a visit to the condiment bar, with your choice of add-ons ranging from ketchup and stone-ground mustard to sauerkraut and sea salt.
Dessert isn't guilt-free, but it is organic as well. Traderspoint Creamery provides locally produced ice creams, with your choice of nine flavors and twelve toppings. Enjoy a scoop for $2 or incite a full-fledged Chocolate Attack for $5. Sweet Dreams baked goods are cooked on site, and Drew's offers a variety of choices, from cookies to vegan fudge brownies.
Drew has your homegrown, organic products covered, too: There's a kids area in the corner with a play mat, toys and children's books. In keeping with the theme, it doesn't take a lot of green to make sure the little ones get fed organically. Everything on the kids' menu is $2 or less, from the PB&J on down.
Centerstage Reviewer: Bill Burman
