LTH,
Two and a half plus decades ago I was a regular at Yak-Zies, lived close, didn't, at that time, cook much, went so often they put my favorite burger combination on the menu. I loved the wings, still can't get behind the breaded variety, bartenders, patrons, even the curmudgeony Kenny Miller.
To me Yak-Zies personified Chicago, a nondescript joint in an out of the way basement that thrived on the force of personality of it's (extremely) irascible owner and two main bartenders, Stu, of the booming voice, and Jeff Olsen, who eventually became the owner.
Kenny moved to Florida shortly after selling the two Yak-Zies, got bored with the
easy life and opened a Yak-Zies in Pompano Beach. My wife and I stopped in about a year ago, Kenny looked good, at least as good as a hard drinking man who has smoked multiple packs of camel straights for 50-years can, and seemed pleased to have Chicago visitors.
I met my wife at Yak-Zies and, for that fact alone, the quirky subterranean tavern rates an honored place in my fondest memories.
Enjoy,
Gary