NOTE: Geana's closed and Slices opened in its location.
Located at 401 Tate St., Geana’s offers burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and several Southern dishes. Take out is available.
The corner of Tate St. and Walker Ave. has been home to several businesses over the years. The past two (Jibaro and Windy City Hot Dogs) were restaurants owned by the same proprietor. Geana’s offers new ownership and slightly different cuisine, but for better or for worse, some things remain very much the same.
For starters, the restaurant’s interior is largely unchanged. The Chicago sports memorabilia is gone, but the walls are still brightly painted, the counter is identical, and seating is as limited as ever. Clearly, patrons who opt for Geana’s aren’t drawn in by the décor.
The food tells a different story. Just as Windy City augmented the standard burgers-and-dogs menu with Jibaro holdovers like empanadas, Geana’s incorporates several Southern and soul food touches. Chicken and waffles, fried bologna sandwiches, and fried fish. The quality of these offerings varies. The fries are comparable to what you’d find in a supermarket’s frozen aisle, but a cheeseburger done Geana’s way (fully dressed with mushrooms, mustard, pickles, and more) was sloppily satisfying.
Where Geana’s really comes out ahead is in pricing. You can do a whole lunch here (burger, fries, and drink) for about $7, and breakfast for even less. In contrast, surrounding restaurants price their sandwiches in the $5-7 range without a drink. Value is where the similarities to fast food end though: the folks at Geana’s are friendlier, and you won’t get your food nearly as quickly.
Geana’s may lack flair, but for hungry diners on a budget, it’s an option worth considering.
6.75/10
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