You’ve probably been munching your fair share of greasy, cineplex popcorn while catching the summer’s blockbusters. But instead of noshing on so-so snacks, try these spots, offering quirky flavors and lines that are much, much shorter than Oprah fave Garrett on Michigan Avenue. C’mon now, do you really thinks she waits in line?
Gary Poppins
Proprietor and Culinary Institute of America grad Gary Seltzer dreamed of owning his own restaurant, but fate led him to popcorn. He was constantly noshing on the stuff while drawing up business plans, and it finally dawned on him: Why not open up a popcorn store instead? Seltzer puts that CIA degree to good use, creating flavors such as white-chocolate-mint Oreo with a caramel corn base, double-stuffed mint Oreo cookies and white chocolate. One of our favorites is the chocolate mocha espresso, a sweet-and-salty, chocolate-spiked caffeinated popcorn made with real espresso. $3.75 for 6 ounces; $80 for 6.5 gallons. 1739 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-733-1300.
Popcorn Chicago
You may never have heard of this shop, but odds are you’ve tried it. Popcorn Chicago sold 24,000 bags of popcorn at this year’s Taste of Chicago and also has sold popcorn at City festivals including the Jazz and Blues Fests. Now you can get the caramel-chocolate drizzle, swirled with Chicago’s own Blommers chocolate, real butter and brown-sugar caramel, at this new storefront near North Pier. $2.50 for 4 ounces; $65 for 6.5 gallons. 436 E. Grand Ave. 866-767-7300.
Madly Pop’n
The Oak Park storefront offers a multitude of quirky flavors from Key lime to bubblegum to Chicago-style pizza. Try the squirrel crunch, a molasses-based caramel corn mix with almonds, peanuts, cashews, pecans and almonds; or the fiery-hot jalapeno–the corn is tossed with Dave’s Insanity Sauce and spicy jalapeno powder. $1.20 for 2 ounces; $43.95 for 6.5 gallons. 148 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 708-386-3373.
Popcorn Palace and Candy Emporium
The only popcorn shop at Navy Pier offers 27 flavors, some only a kid could love, like the colorful and sugary grape and tangerine. The more adult-aimed choices include the macadamia butter crunch, a caramel corn-based blend of whole macadamia nuts and chunks of butter-crunch candy. $2.50 for 2 ounces; $57.95 for 6.5 gallons. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-222-9081.
Nuts on Clark
Estelle and Herbert Kenney started this Wrigleyville popcorn-and-nut oasis in 1979, and 25 years later, you’ll still find both of them staffing the store. This place doesn’t bother with crazy flavors, but concentrates on the basics. The Kenneys use all natural ingredients; pure brown sugar and real butter in the caramel corn; real sharp Wisconsin cheddar in the double-coated cheddar; and they still opt to pop in a blend of vegetable oils for added flavor. You may already be a fan: Nuts on Clark sells sweet-and-salty kettle corn at Soldier Field. $2 for 4 ounces; $82 for 6.5 gallons. 3830 N. Clark St. 773-549-6622.
What’s with the lines?
Garrett keeps packing ’em in
Anyone who’s strolled down Michigan Avenue has seen those long lines snaking from Garrett Popcorn Shop (670 N. Michigan Ave. 312-944-2630). But why? We asked the people waiting.
“I came here because I saw it in a guide book. My friends who have come here say half the fun is waiting in line.”
–Janice Evans, 28, Grand Rapids, Mich.
“They have the best popcorn, simply the best there is. I’m with my Brownie troop, and for four of the five it’s their first time. You know, teach them while they’re young!”
–Ada LaBorde, 38, Elgin
“I actually hate standing in this line, but since I’m the new guy at work, they make me come here and buy all this.” [Holds up two large brown bags.]
–Jim Schmidt, 24, Lakeview
