Chicago-style grub

It takes two Chicago brothers to make a real New York story.

Dan and Steve Swartz opened up the Windy City Ale House in Bay Ridge in March, and ever since, it’s been making its mark on Third Avenue with 50 different kinds of beer, awesome wing specials and cuisine with a Chicago twist.

Why Bay Ridge?

“Out of all the neighborhoods in Brooklyn, we found ourselves coming here because it has everything we want: bars, restaurants and shopping,” said Steve Swartz, who handles the bar. His brother is the chef. “There are many areas of Chicago that are a lot like Bay Ridge. It’s already a nice area and it’s going to get even nicer.”

The menu is based on a typical Chicago grill. All day Sunday, wings are 20 cents and on Monday nights between 8 p.m. and midnight, wings are 10 cents. But, there are some stipulations: there is a two drink minimum that can’t be combined with any other offers (like a bucket of five Brooklyn Pennant Ales for $15) and if you take home wings, you will be charged 50 cents extra per wing. Also, you will be charged full price for any wings that are left uneaten.

While we did not try the wings, we did sample some very tasty eats.

First we tried the Chicken Totchos ($9), which is a Midwestern twist on Nachos. It consisted of crispy tater tots topped with a mountain of sliced marinated chicken, house chili, melted cheese, sour cream salsa, black bean corn salsa, pico de gallo, cilantro, jalapenos and queso fresco. It was sinfully delicious with hearty, warm flavors, clearly why it’s the watering hole’s “most popular item,” according to Swartz. Yum!

Next was the Chicken Quesadilla ($8). It featured two warm, soft flour tortillas filled with sliced marinated chicken, peppers, onions and mixed cheese. It was served with totally amazing sour cream salsa and corn and bean salsa. They were totally delicious.

Then we had the signature item – the Chicago Style Hot Dog($6) – made traditionally with an all-beef hot dog, covered in celery salt, tomato wedges, pepper, onion, bright yellow mustard, green relish and a dill pickle spear on a poppy seed bun.

“It’s dragged through the garden,” Swartz said. “No ketchup, ever. That’s what the fresh tomato wedges are for. Back home, it’s the only way we eat a hot dog.”

The hot dog was served with fantastic fries that are made fresh to order. They were thinly sliced, crispy, slightly salted and absolutely addictive.

Last but not least was an order of Cheesesteak Sliders ($8) which featured shredded beef tossed with bell peppers and onions and topped with white American and provolone cheese. Served on a soft bun, it was slightly spicy but savory and delicious. Take that, Philadelphia!

The Windy City Ale House does not have dessert, but that can be replaced with a shot of flavored vodka or a cold beer. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., when you can get $2 off all taps, $1 off bottles and cans, $4 glasses of wine and half-off all appetizers.

Cheers!

The Windy City Ale House

7915 Third Avenue

718-630-5700

Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WindyCityAleHouse?fref=ts

Take-out orders available

Open seven days a week, 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.