34 MARCH 2024 L ast month, we showed you some mouthwatering, award-winning restaurants around the state and off the beaten path. Now, let’s explore a few neighborhood haunts that have been around forever and are as good today as they were when they first opened their doors. Forbes magazine once referred to owner/ restaurateur Bob Pappanduros as the restaurant world’s biggest Cubs fan. One step inside Chicago Hamburger Co., on the Southwest corner of 38th Street and Indian School, and you’ll immediately see why. Pappanduros grew up working at his dad’s hot dog stand on the Southside of Chicago for ten years, then brought that Chicago-style menu to Phoenix. The building itself has been around since the mid-1970s. Bob took it over in 1989 because he felt it was part of the fabric of the community. This neighborhood hot dog and hamburger joint is known for its sliders, cheese steaks, wings and milkshakes. Chicago Hamburger serves a balance of classic American flavors with a pinch of nostalgia and a dash of the American melting pot, reflected on the menu and walls. You’ll see everything from Chicago sports team vintage pennants, graphics from the Chicago Tribune, and actual street signs like Addison and Clark, home of the famous Wrigley Field. There is one entire wall devoted to people wearing a Chicago Hamburger Company shirt somewhere in the world. He has all seven continents, a picture from someone on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and people skydiving and scuba diving. Bob says the key to his success is the people. The customers are like family and have been coming in for decades, and his staff has been working there for 25-30 years – a true testament to loyalty, relationships, and great comfort food. A little further east is another staple of the Arcadia community that everyone knows: TeePee Mexican Restaurant. Owner Kathy Killeen started working as a server at the neighborhood eatery during high school. At the time, her dad was the accountant. In 1960, the former owners decided they wanted to sell to Kathy’s dad, so he went from counting beans to serving them, along with enchiladas and their signature Chili Relleno. The Arizona Highways crew had to ask…what makes the Chili Relleno so unique? “It’s an egg soufflé made with egg whites. The yolks are whipped into a meringue, and then they add green chili and cheese and bake it,” Killeen said. She gives credit where credit is due: “We inherited the recipe. It came with the restaurant – no one else makes them like that.” Another popular dish is the Presidential Special. Two cheese and onion enchiladas, rice and beans – this dish was named after President George W. Bush, just one of TeePee’s famous diners. Waylon Jennings, Jimmy Buffett and Senator John McCain have been to this mom-and- pop restaurant, along with generations of regulars. Like Chicago Hamburger Company, TeePee is a place where everyone knows your name. It’s a relaxed, kicked-back atmosphere combined with good comfort food, and it’s one of the reasons why these word-of- mouth hangouts will always stand the test of time. Two Arcadia eateries still standing the test of time Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL The sliders at Chicago Hamburger Co. are one of the most popular items on the menu. (right) TeePee’s chili relleno dish is an egg soufflé with egg whites, green chili and cheese. FHA Loans Construction Loans Private Money Loans Commercial Loans VA Loans Investor Loans HELOC's Jumbo Loans Conventional Loans Bridge Loans Portfolio Loans Bank Statement Loans From first time homebuyers to seasoned real estate investors, High Place Mortgage has to the tools and expertise to assist with your financing goals in 2024 highplacemortgage.com | 602.463.3780 | 3609 N 44th St. Phoenix, AZ 85018 NMLS #2408347 BK #1041294 A r c a d i a ’ s o m e t o w n M o r t g a g e L e n d e r