Last night was one of those rare nights, and too few and far between nights, when nothing will satisfy my hunger like a Dick’s Deluxe burger and some fries and a chocolate shake (Unfortunately not this time).

I was out with a group of friends reconnecting at Quinn’s on Capitol Hill. Most of us had never been there. Immediately upon sitting down I ordered a Manhattan. Others ordered wine and foreign beers. Eventually we ordered food off the menu, which contained, among other delicacies, sweet bread and a bone marrow dish.

My wife and I ordered one small plate and large plate to share. She wanted the gnocchi and I opted for the cube steak. When the meals came we noticed that the portions were small, but we didn’t mind because the conversation was full. We ate and shared our meals with the rest of the table.

After dinner a couple people ordered dessert which was delicious. I opted out because I was still enjoying a Manny’s Pale Ale. My wife had half a glass of wine left. I did try the chocolate peanut butter mousse and it was delicious. In fact I finished my friend’s portion after he pushed it over to me saying, “It’s so rich.”

Conversation lingered well after the table was cleared and finally we rose to our feet and headed out into the night. After the short walk back to our car I noticed that I was hungry again. It was the kind of hungry that only fast food could satisfy. I thought of Taco Bell instantly, but then realized I’d have to drive to Ballard.

Then an image of the lower Queen Anne Dick’s appeared in my mind. ‘Of course!,’ I thought. As we neared our building I tried to get the Dick’s Deluxe out of my mind. I told myself I wouldn’t go because I had to park and then get cash out of an ATM. Too much trouble.

After circling our neighborhood twice looking for a convenient spot I finally found one inconveniently located by our building, but conveniently located a block a way from Dick’s. The ATM was on the way to Dick’s too.

Right then and there as I was shifting the car into park I committed to getting a burger. I walked in and it was deserted save a few groups of teenagers and twenty-somethings. I ordered a Deluxe and a fry while fighting off the urge to get a chocolate shake. I wanted it—it’s hand dipped!

I practically skipped home and almost ate all the fries on the way. I forced myself to save some to enjoy with the burger. I did. Once I entered our apartment I found a cozy place on the floor with my back against the couch. I took a bite of the Deluxe and savored every one after it.

By that time it was midnight and I knew it was a bad idea to eat a Dick’s burger before going to bed, but I was hungry and the bag of carrots in my fridge just wouldn’t cut it.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit Quinn’s again. I think I will because I went to school with one of the bar tenders and I’d like to see him again. I do know that I’ll visit Dick’s again. It won’t be any time soon, but eventually I’ll get that nagging craving that will only be satisfied by devouring a Dick’s Deluxe.