Video: Gourmet Back Alley Burger Keeps Locals Coming Back

The closing of Knead Bakery & Deli last October saddened local palates that delighted in the European-inspired, electic fare included Alsatian onion tarts and a smoked salmon & egg salad sandwich served up by chefs/owners Chris and Mary Spagnola.

In its place, the Spagnolas opened Back Alley Burger, 13 S. LaGrange Road, with a decidedly narrowed focus that centers, as its name declares, on an All-American menu mainstay.

But don't misconstrue a shift to simplicity as an act of dumbing down the product. The emphasis on quality ingredients, surprising flavors and special touches sets Back Alley Burger apart from anything one would likely encounter in a standard diner or chain restaurant.

"People might think, oh, it's just a burger joint but, coming from our culinary background, we put really put thought into every part of it," Chris Spagnola said.

The results are evident in the bottom line, he said. "With Knead, many of our patrons viewed it as a special treat and we would only see them once a month. But we see many of our Back Alley Burger customers twice a week."

Watch the video that accompanies this story to learn more about Back Alley Burger and its appeal.

Back Alley Burger, 13 S. LaGrange Road, backalleyburger@att.net, 708-482-7909, Open daily at 11 a.m., www.backalleyburger.com

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