Chicago Rock Cafe, Walsall

Deciding where to go for lunchtime food can just as often depend on availability after the traditional 'dinner hour' slot has passed as finding somewhere with fare that tickles the tastebuds.

Deciding where to go for lunchtime food can just as often depend on availability after the traditional 'dinner hour' slot has passed as finding somewhere with fare that tickles the tastebuds.

My colleague and I plumped for Chicago Rock Cafe in Walsall when we both realised we wouldn't be able to leave our desks until just before 2pm and needed somewhere that wouldn't only have a few upappetising, curled-up sandwiches left by that time.

We may have just missed the lunchtime rush but the Chicago Rock Cafe was incredibly quiet when we walked in one Friday afternoon - I would have expected far more people sneaking a few extra minutes on their breaks as they embraced that Friday feeling.

The one advantage though was that the staff, who were very attentive and friendly, had a bit more of a chance to chat to customers.

After ordering our drinks we chose a table and settled down to study the menu. The chain majors on burgers as it's an American-themed venue but that sort of comfort food suited me down to the ground on a chilly November afternoon.

I opted for the cheeseburger and fries off the Chicago Favourites menu while my colleague went for a chicken fajita.

We had quite a wait for our food, which wasn't a problem as we both had plenty to talk about in the interim and were able to let our offices know we would be slightly delayed. B

ut for someone who does have a limited amount of time this could be tricky.

On the flip side, you do at least know your meal is being prepared freshly from scratch.

When our food arrived I was quite overwhelmed at the sheer size of my burger, which came complete with a sharp knife in the middle of it to dissect it into manageable chunks. My colleague's simmering fajita, complete with tasty accompanying peppers, looked equally tasty.

My chips weren't anything to write home about but the burger was tasty and substantial. My colleague's chicken hit the spot too.

With a couple of soft drinks, and being able to take advantage of a drink voucher to claim a free beverage as part of some of the special deals at Chicago's, we spent just under £15 which I feel was a good price for a filling meal in a pleasant atmosphere.

ADDRESS

Chicago Rock Cafe, Lichfield Street, Walsall

Tel: 01922 620655

By Tina Faulkner