Bippity Boppity..Burger?

So I know I haven't written in awhile, and I promise I have been eating (for those concerned that my potential ill life choices might include abstaining from daily sustenance).  But, as of late, I just wasn't inspired by the food I was eating. This Tuesday night, that changed. I've had burgers throughout the city but nothing had me waking up the next morning craving more, until now. 

The roomies and I decided to take a trip to Bop N Grill in Rogers Park.  (They don't have a web page but just in case you don't believe me and want to see a bunch of yelpers and their delight you can go here.)   It's new to the city and its Rogers Park location has been open for just two weeks, the owner tells us. The original shop is located in Evanston.  It is trying (successfully, in my opinion) to make itself a fixture in the city's seemingly lasting craze for gourmet burgers and the trend of fusion food.  The Evanston location opened a year ago, but the restaurant is finally starting to get the coverage it deserves for its delicious, unique food.

Ok, ok, enough about how awesome I think this place is..let's get down to what really matters, the food.  It's main claim to fame is its fusion with Korean and Japanese food, the Kimchi burger is one of its more popular dishes.  But, when I first looked at the menu, the Pizza burger is what stood out to me.  A burger topped with marinara sauce and fried cheesesticks..that sounded like the most awful sort of greatness I'd ever heard.  My first bite was a bit timid, as I wasn't sure how I would like the mesh of two things I love separately.  As I kept eating I realized the flavors blended fairly well, the cheese of the cheesesticks complimented the burger patty making it a very cheesy burger and the marinara sauce made up for the missing burger staples of ketchup, mustard, lettuce, etc.

Pizza burger: single, mozzarella stix, marinara sauce, cheese

A closer look @ my pizza burger. Yes, it was cheesy :)

Father burger: double, fried egg, onion rings, bacon, bbq sauce, cheese, grilled onions w/ a side of onion rings

Umami burger: truffled duxelle, smoked gouda, grilled tomatoes, grilled onions, smoked bacon, togarashi mayo

There are quite a few different burgers to try, from the unique to the very familiar.  If you're looking for a bit more bop and less burger, they also have a wide selection of plates of meat served with rice and kimchi on their menu. There is not much seating, for those wishing to dine in, I believe they're targeting the "to go" audience, especially since their two locations are able to appeal and give them access to many hungry undergraduates at both Northwestern and Loyola.  And yes, they are both very North in/of the city, but as great as my burger was, I'd recommend a trip even from the south 'burbs.