Big Kids | The Quintessential Love Letter To The '90s
Before social media, screen time, and smart TVs took over the world, there was the decade that gave us grunge music like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and fashion trends like chokers, acid-washed jeans, and Dr. Martens.
Ah… the 90’s. What a time to be alive.
I still remember plugging in the “internet” and listening to that dreadful AOL dial-up or having my mom yell from downstairs, “ get off the internet! I need to use the phone, Courtney!” Friday nights were spent ordering pizza (which was SUCH a treat) and watching TGIF ( Thank God, it’s Friday) on ABC. If I was lucky enough, I convinced my mom to swing by our local Blockbuster so I could grab the latest new release, which of course, was on VHS.
When I wasn’t getting in trouble for blasting Pearl Jam too loud, time was spent thumbing through issues of Seventeen, Bop, or Big Bopper and plotting how I was going to date Mark-Paul Gosselaar ( AKA Zack Morris) and Luke Perry ( AKA Dylan McKay). Aside from CDs and teen magazines, my allowance went to purchasing only absolute necessities like caboodles, Lisa Frank stickers, and the newest chokers and scrunchies from Claire’s and Limited Too.
Certainly, the ‘90s were an age of innocence.
During my last trip to Chicago, which was basically limited to 36 hours < insert eye-roll here>, I went to Logan Square to check out this sandwich shop I’d been stalking on Instagram called Big Kids. Big Kids is a collaboration between ex-Blackbird chef Ryan Pfeiffer and chef Mason Hereford from NOLA’s famed sandwich spot, Turkey and the Wolf.
This Logan Square sandwich shop is the quintessential love letter to those of us who grew up in the ‘90s. The decor is adorably nostalgic as the walls are lined with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers. Not to mention the vintage fold-out poster of Britney Spears that looks like it was pulled straight from an issue of Big Bopper. It was as if I had entered a time machine that took me back to my teens, and I couldn’t have been more excited.
Big Kids | Space Torpedo // Turkey + Pastrami + Smoked Provolone + Zesty Pasta Salad +Shreddy Letty & Tangy Onions
Now let’s talk food.
Big Kids’ menu features an assortment of stacked sandwiches and tots both of which are available for dine-in or delivery. During our inaugural visit, we ordered the Space Torpedo, Collard Melt, and of course, Big Totz. Let me tell you the Space Torpedo is what dreams are made of. I’ve dabbled here and there adding chips to my most basic sandwich, but pasta salad is simply next level. Some might say that this is fancy stoner food, but I’d argue that these chefs are creating elevated and creative sandwiches.
The ‘90s nostalgia doesn’t end there. Guests can enjoy an assortment of throwback beverages such as the TANG!-A-RITA which is comprised of Tequila, Mezcal, TANG!, and lime. This is an absolute must-order and if you are having round two, I’d recommend the BK Frozen and don’t forget to add the bitters floater.
This collaboration between Chicago and New Orleans is one not to be missed. Pfeiffer and Hereford are sandwich magicians creating quite possibly some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever gotten my hands on. Stop what you are doing and head to Logan Square, and see what this is all about. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Tariff: Sandwiches range in prices from $11.00-$13.00 with totz between $3.50 and $6.00. Guests will find an assortment of beverages priced from $1.00-$13.00, with adult beverages ranging between $2.00-$13.00
Can’t-Miss: I’d been eyeing the Space Torpedo on Instagram for MONTHS, and it was as delicious as it looked, and if I had to do it all over again, I would. For those of you who are vegetarian, I’d highly recommend ordering the Collard Melt. It was filled with flavor, and I promise you won’t leave hungry.
Potential Pass: I was so incredibly stuffed after enjoying the sandwich that I barely touched the totz. Unless you have an aggressive appetite, I’d pass on these and save the room for the sammies.
Until Next Time!