Fast Track Review - Loop - Chicago - The Infatuation
"The West Loop is a new place. It boasts Michelin stars, celebrity chefs, and some of the best restaurants in Chicago. But it didn't used to be like this, and on the edge of it all sits Fast Track, the diner of yesteryear that's indifferent and even dismissive of the changes going on around it. This diner is part of the old West Loop. The one that’s often getting pushed out in this neighborhood full of hot restaurants, startups, and a giant new Google building. But Fast Track is just far enough outside the main hub to hang onto its small building underneath the L near the Clinton stop, at least for the time being. It’s like a less racist Clint Eastwood in the beginning of Gran Torino - refusing to change its ways while sitting in a rocking chair with a shotgun and a beer. Fast Track is a quick, cash only, counter seating diner that's open from the crack of dawn to 7 pm. But it’s worth knowing as more people both live and find themselves working in the area. Sometimes we're not in the mood to deal with the dog and pony show in the West Loop, and a quick meal on-the-go is the answer. Skip the usual and played out fast food options and make Fast Track the spot instead. Grab an Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dog, burger, gyro, or even get a little crazy with some scrambled eggs, sausage, and toast. Whatever you get, know that Fast Track is there to be a friendly and old school reprieve from the craziness around you. Food Rundown Breakfast You could make your own breakfast, but that's such a drag. You also can't make yourself breakfast at lunch without being a weirdo in the office. Grab some eggs, hash browns, meat, and toast on the super cheap at Fast Track. Cheeseburgers Whatever you're expecting of a standard diner burger is exactly what you'll get. Hot Dog The usual ingredients - tomato, celery salt, pickle, sport peppers, relish, onions, and mustard. Solid dog. Pro move is to get it chargrilled. Italian Beef A very respectable Italian beef sandwich. Make sure you get plenty of au jus and giardinera. Gyro Don't sleep on the gyro. It's simply done with meat, onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. Our go-to move here, especially on Wednesdays when it's a special with fries and a drink for $8. Fries Speaking of fries, it's the one real downfall of Fast Track. They are generally greasy and too bland. Feel free to get some extra salt and pepper involved or just skip them altogether." - Sam Faye
