Mystery Diner in Huntley: Savor tasty American staples at Goodfella’s Beef

Sitting on Route 47 just north of Main Street, Goodfella’s Beef serves a classic American menu. From hot dogs to chicken strips and fries, to soups and, of course, a beef burger cooked to order, the Huntley spot offers staples that can please almost anyone’s palate.

On a Thursday night with snow coming down, I took a trip to the restaurant, which includes a gaming lounge added last year. The eatery looked to be winding down from the day, but the man working the counter was still as helpful as he could be.

He walked me through the menu, which featured not only a wide range of options, but affordable prices. Asked about the burger, he mentioned he thought theirs were the best in town. It was quite the statement, but one he felt Goodfella’s could live up to.

The Goodfella's menu keeps a simple look, but is packed with all sorts of different entrees, sides and options. (Mystery Diner)

Supply shortages meant hot dogs were a no-go Thursday, but I went with the classic one-third-pound burger ($6.75). I skipped on doubling it up and adding bacon. I wanted to save room for my side of curly fries, which costs $2.75 or $5.25, depending on size, and a basket of chicken tenders, priced at $5.50.

Some other options included chicken, gyros, pizza puffs, chili and corn dogs. And given the word beef in its name, the restaurant certainly highlights its classic Italian beef recipe, which can be customized with cheese, garlic and sweet peppers. Families will find a Little Fellas menu for the kids.

The sides menu is not lacking either, offering patrons classic french fries, tater tots, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and cheddar jalapeño poppers.

The burger’s topping options, in addition to cheese and bacon, include mustard, mayo, ketchup, pickles, onions, tomato and lettuce.

While I waited for my food, I perused the diner. Much like its logo and name, the eatery offers a classic, simple look. Off to the side is a room filled with games for those feeling lucky.

The highlight of the night, the one-third-pound beef burger with a generous side of curly fries, was juicy and crunchy, yet also kept itself from being a mess. — A highlight of the meal was the one-third-pound beef burger, which was juicy and had a welcome touch of crunch to the bun. It was paired with a generous side of curly fries. (Mystery Diner)

The entrees were worth the wait. The burger was a highlight of the night – it was juicy, and the bun had a little bit of a crunch to it. The sandwich also wasn’t messy to eat, holding together well throughout the entire meal.

The curly fries complemented the burger very nicely, and were also hot and fresh. The tenders were a good side with the other food. By the end, I was getting stuffed, but a to-go box always solves that problem.

While I ate, the man tidied up around the diner and chit-chatted with me. It was a nice meal with hospitality to boot.

The chicken tenders paired with a side of fries and ketchup offers a nice, simple meal to those of all ages. — The chicken tenders, accompanied by a side of onion rings or fries and ketchup, provide a nice, simple meal for diners of all ages. (Mystery Diner)

Goodfella’s Beef is a quality option for anybody looking for lunch or dinner. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant has a wide menu, gaming and an inviting ambience. While the eatery has made a name for itself with its beef, it excels in many things, including chicken and fries.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at the Northwest Herald. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: Goodfella’s Beef

WHERE: 10980 Route 47, Huntley

PHONE: 224-569-3640

INFORMATION: goodfellasbeefhuntley.com