Each week in our new Off Duty series, we'll talk to some of our favorite chefs and industry folk around the country to find out their secret late-night spots where they like to grab a bite and a pint when their kitchens are finally closed. Next up: Jason Vincent, executive chef of Chicago's Nightwood Restaurant and the reigning "King of Porc."Where do you like to eat when you leave your restaurant?
I like the little greasy spoon places that are not disgusting. You know what I mean? They're efficient and nice and you can tell that they're clean but they're definitely [making] canned corned beef hash. I have a two year old and we often stop at this place called The Cozy Corner right by my house. All your silverwear settings there are covered with double napkins -- it's like napkin, spoon, fork, knife and then another napkin on top because that's their perception of cleanliness. It's like the extra step of sanitation. I dunno, it's charming. They keep your coffee full, they do the little things right. They don't freak out. You can walk in and see the kitchen immediately. Their eggs are room temperature. And they can cook. You order your eggs over-medium and they come over-medium.
How long have you been going there?
Oh my god, since I moved to Chicago nine years ago. It's right around the corner from my house.
What's your favorite thing to order there?The corned beef hash. Every single time. It's exactly what you want. It's probably right out of a can and they put it on the griddle and let one side get super crispy. They flip it over and they put it on your plate and that's it.
Any other standouts?
My daughter loves the pancakes.
Cozy Corner, 2294 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Mon-Sat, 5am-6pm; Sun, 6am-4pm
