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Steak & Shake - A Chicago Debut in the Offing?

Steak & Shake - A Chicago Debut in the Offing?
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  • Post #31 - January 4th, 2006, 8:24 pm
    Post #31 - January 4th, 2006, 8:24 pm Post #31 - January 4th, 2006, 8:24 pm
    JimInLoganSquare wrote:86th in Castleton? I'm talking about the one at 86th and Westfield, in Nora. Not that it makes that much of a difference, and anyway, glad to hear from another Indianapolitan fan of the superior breed of S&S found in that town.


    You're right! Although I went to the one in Nora also. I lived at Allisonville and 96th for a few years and 52nd and Crittenden before moving to Chicago. Speaking of (and off-topic), did you ever go to the diner by the Target between 52nd and 54th? I'm still on the hunt for a diner like that up here.
    Theresa Carter, tlc@thelocaltourist.com
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  • Post #32 - January 4th, 2006, 8:40 pm
    Post #32 - January 4th, 2006, 8:40 pm Post #32 - January 4th, 2006, 8:40 pm
    thelocaltourist wrote: Speaking of (and off-topic), did you ever go to the diner by the Target between 52nd and 54th? I'm still on the hunt for a diner like that up here.


    No, although I did do my share of shopping in that Target, including back in the day when it was an Ayre-Way. Also bought a lot of records from the little independent record store tucked into that strip mal (World Records???). Know that the Nora S&S is more meaningful for the North Central High School graduates (such as Mrs. JiLS and myself) than for other S&S lovers. And would you also add your vote to those saying S&S is better in Central Indiana than in Northern Illinois? I think so ...
    JiLS
  • Post #33 - January 4th, 2006, 8:52 pm
    Post #33 - January 4th, 2006, 8:52 pm Post #33 - January 4th, 2006, 8:52 pm
    JimInLoganSquare wrote: And would you also add your vote to those saying S&S is better in Central Indiana than in Northern Illinois? I think so ...


    I haven't tried one in Northern Illinois out of loyalty to the ones in Indy. (Well, either that or because I haven't been near any of the ones up here!)
    Theresa Carter, tlc@thelocaltourist.com
    The Local Tourist: Online Guide to Downtown Chicago
    Free weekly events newsletter
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  • Post #34 - January 5th, 2006, 8:48 am
    Post #34 - January 5th, 2006, 8:48 am Post #34 - January 5th, 2006, 8:48 am
    thelocaltourist wrote:(and off-topic), did you ever go to the diner by the Target between 52nd and 54th? I'm still on the hunt for a diner like that up here.


    The Keystone Deli?

    Great place - used to live at 49th/Primrose, ate there all the time. Good breakfast.

    My childhood Steak&Shake was at 5827 E. 71st Street... only place to go when you were 16 and newly liberated with a car. Still get a shake nearly everytime I visit Indy.
  • Post #35 - January 5th, 2006, 10:43 am
    Post #35 - January 5th, 2006, 10:43 am Post #35 - January 5th, 2006, 10:43 am
    Christopher Gordon wrote:I've only been forced to dine at S&S's around Gibson City/Springfield. Awful, bland, granular, cooked-to-death burgers.


    They are granular, aren't they? (Never thought of that word but it's perfect.) My Boston Terrier loves those burgers though. When we go by SnS, I get her one and she hugs the bag all the way home.

    I don't like any fast-food burgers, even In-and-Out, anyway. I love SnS shakes and fries.
  • Post #36 - January 5th, 2006, 10:50 am
    Post #36 - January 5th, 2006, 10:50 am Post #36 - January 5th, 2006, 10:50 am
    I know, I'd love to love Steak and Shake's hamburger, or the place as a whole, but it's not that great.

    A couple of times a year I find myself somewhere where S&S is the least objectionable, most real fast food choice, and that's enough for me.
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  • Post #37 - January 5th, 2006, 10:58 am
    Post #37 - January 5th, 2006, 10:58 am Post #37 - January 5th, 2006, 10:58 am
    I always thought the original S+S was in Normal, IL, on a sort of island the main n/s route through town made as the road split around the building. I believe it closed a few years ago, much to the chagrin of S+S historians everywhere.

    D.
  • Post #38 - January 5th, 2006, 12:05 pm
    Post #38 - January 5th, 2006, 12:05 pm Post #38 - January 5th, 2006, 12:05 pm
    JoelF wrote:Also one at Randhurst, and I believe one out at Algonquin and Barrington Rd. (not closer, but just goes to show they're everywhere).

    I used to be more enamored with them, based on my father's tales of their wonderful chili from his college days, but I've backed off on my enthusiasm -- the food's only OK.


    I think that one is located at Higgins and Barrington Rd in Hoffman Estates.

    There is also one in Lake In The Hills on Randall Rd. just north of Algonquin Rd.


    Patchy
  • Post #39 - January 5th, 2006, 1:47 pm
    Post #39 - January 5th, 2006, 1:47 pm Post #39 - January 5th, 2006, 1:47 pm
    ab wrote:
    The Keystone Deli?

    Great place - used to live at 49th/Primrose, ate there all the time. Good breakfast.

    My childhood Steak&Shake was at 5827 E. 71st Street... only place to go when you were 16 and newly liberated with a car. Still get a shake nearly everytime I visit Indy.


    Yes! The Keystone Deli! Eggs over medium, crispy bacon, biscuits & gravy, hashbrowns, toast, and a coffee mug that was never less than half-full...sigh. And every single waitress could be named Marge.

    When I was 16 and newly liberated, it was White Castle in Castleton. My father's an artist who would paint late and he had a new delivery service.

    Wait, we are still on LTH, right???? White Castle, Steak & Shake, Keystone Diner. People may stumble onto this and think they're on the wrong board. Are we bringing down the whole forum with this discussion??? :wink:
    Theresa Carter, tlc@thelocaltourist.com
    The Local Tourist: Online Guide to Downtown Chicago
    Free weekly events newsletter
    http://www.thelocaltourist.com
  • Post #40 - January 6th, 2006, 5:34 pm
    Post #40 - January 6th, 2006, 5:34 pm Post #40 - January 6th, 2006, 5:34 pm
    The original one was in Normal. It was closed when I lived in the area 10+ years ago - although there are many locations still down there. I think they actually tore down the building a few years ago. I do not know what has taken its place, if anything.
  • Post #41 - January 7th, 2006, 9:55 pm
    Post #41 - January 7th, 2006, 9:55 pm Post #41 - January 7th, 2006, 9:55 pm
    We have one down in Bourbonnais, near the exit off of 57. I love to share the shoestring fries with my Dad.

    Although I do prefer a big real hamburger, the hamburgers are tasty and much more real than the other fast food chains around. It is nice to sit down and order a burger and shake from a waitress rather than stand in the cow queue. Even though we order from a waitress, the food an bill have always arrived promptly.
  • Post #42 - January 8th, 2006, 5:35 am
    Post #42 - January 8th, 2006, 5:35 am Post #42 - January 8th, 2006, 5:35 am
    I like going to S&S. But for some reason the food doesn't seem to travel well. The burger turns very greasy and the shakes just become boring. I don't know why.
  • Post #43 - January 8th, 2006, 10:52 am
    Post #43 - January 8th, 2006, 10:52 am Post #43 - January 8th, 2006, 10:52 am
    I've been to the S&S on Oakton near McCormick Blvd. in Skokie several times (after shopping at the adjacent Home Depot), and I think the food is, at best, so-so and the prices are unjustifiably high for what's served. I've only eaten sandwiches there, though. For the fare, and the prices . . . Burger King is a far better alternative . . . if that's the kind of meal one wants (burger). Please, dont' someone nominate the chain for a GNR designation.
  • Post #44 - January 8th, 2006, 10:39 pm
    Post #44 - January 8th, 2006, 10:39 pm Post #44 - January 8th, 2006, 10:39 pm
    Those commercials are really insidious, though, aren't they, though? I've never been to one, but must confess to being haunted by the vision of that giant flat patty sizzzling in grease. And those thick milkshakes...<drool>...white chocolate...<gurgle>.
  • Post #45 - January 8th, 2006, 11:34 pm
    Post #45 - January 8th, 2006, 11:34 pm Post #45 - January 8th, 2006, 11:34 pm
    Bill wrote:I've been to the S&S on Oakton near McCormick Blvd. in Skokie several times (after shopping at the adjacent Home Depot)


    Quick note ... if it's east of the Channel, it's Evanston, not Skokie.
  • Post #46 - January 9th, 2006, 7:26 am
    Post #46 - January 9th, 2006, 7:26 am Post #46 - January 9th, 2006, 7:26 am
    Nothing beats a double steakburger, fries, and vanilla shake from Steak 'n Shake.

    I've been noticing Steak 'n Shake ads in the city, too, and it's had me wondering the same thing. BTW, I think there is a Steak 'n Shake on the outskirts of Evanston (maybe Oakton & McCormick Blvd?-- I don't know Evanston well so I don't even know if this is a real intersection.) Anyway, I recently saw a Steak 'n Shake ad on Lincoln Ave. in the city near Trader Joe's.
  • Post #47 - January 9th, 2006, 7:45 am
    Post #47 - January 9th, 2006, 7:45 am Post #47 - January 9th, 2006, 7:45 am
    Is there perhaps a location south side??????
  • Post #48 - January 9th, 2006, 8:47 am
    Post #48 - January 9th, 2006, 8:47 am Post #48 - January 9th, 2006, 8:47 am
    BG,

    Go to Steak 'n Shake website which has a location finder.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
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  • Post #49 - January 9th, 2006, 11:44 am
    Post #49 - January 9th, 2006, 11:44 am Post #49 - January 9th, 2006, 11:44 am
    Orland Park, 161st and Harlem
  • Post #50 - June 23rd, 2016, 7:22 am
    Post #50 - June 23rd, 2016, 7:22 am Post #50 - June 23rd, 2016, 7:22 am
    The Randhurst S&S has long been a cheap-eats staple in our household, but no more, I fear. It's never been the best burger in the mall area, but service has dropped so badly I don't think I can go back.

    The previous time I'd been there we'd noted that the place has gotten somewhat dingy -- mainly that the floor tile is looking worn and chipped, giving it an unclean appearance.

    Tuesday night, though, I had some of the worst service I've ever had in a sit-down restaurant. We stood at the "please wait to be seated" sign for about 5 minutes, finally getting the young manager to seat us (already dubious as his shirt is untucked -- I'm sure the corporate binder prohibits that). We then sat for another ten without any service -- it's not like this place was packed either, but not even an "I'll be there in a sec" or "can I get you some water before you order?" I had to flag down the server to take our order. He didn't write anything down (why was he holding a pad then?), and exuded no confidence that he'd memorized it... and of course he didn't . Neither of us got all that we ordered (food was delivered by the manager, not the server).

    During the meal, no visits to see if we needed anything else (more water would have been appreciated), and when the check was delivered, the manager brought it by and said, "uh, the chilli isn't on there, but whatever" - he could have saved the night with a, "we didn't charge you for the items we missed," but the attitude cost them more points.

    The food is as good as ever: crispy-edged burger, chilli of my childhood... but I expect better from even a cheap sit-down restaurant.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #51 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:31 am
    Post #51 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:31 am Post #51 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:31 am
    My last Steak & Shake experience was awful, too. This was at the store on Willow Road in Glenview about 2 weeks ago. Similar to Joel's scenario, the restaurant was not busy -- a few occupied tables -- but we waited an oddly long time to be seated, for menus, etc. When our food was done -- I could see it in the pass -- our server walked past it doing busy work at least 3 times before finally bringing it to our table. Was she letting it cool off for us? I probably could have lived with all that if the food were good but it the worst I could remember having at a S&S.

    I was feeling lazy and didn't want to drive down to Redhot Ranch, which is why I decided S&S would be ok. But it wasn't even 10% as good as Redhot Ranch. In the past it has scratched an itch but I have a feeling it's going to be quite some time before I give them another shot.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #52 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:38 am
    Post #52 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:38 am Post #52 - June 23rd, 2016, 9:38 am
    I've replaced Steak & Shake with Culver's in my "Can't make it to RHR" rotation.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #53 - June 23rd, 2016, 10:18 am
    Post #53 - June 23rd, 2016, 10:18 am Post #53 - June 23rd, 2016, 10:18 am
    stevez wrote:I've replaced Steak & Shake with Culver's in my "Can't make it to RHR" rotation.

    That would be my choice, generally... but we were told my car would be ready imminently, across from Randhurst, so wanted to be back quickly.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #54 - June 23rd, 2016, 11:03 am
    Post #54 - June 23rd, 2016, 11:03 am Post #54 - June 23rd, 2016, 11:03 am
    stevez wrote:I've replaced Steak & Shake with Culver's in my "Can't make it to RHR" rotation.

    Good call - and closer to home, too.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #55 - June 23rd, 2016, 4:38 pm
    Post #55 - June 23rd, 2016, 4:38 pm Post #55 - June 23rd, 2016, 4:38 pm
    With the recent extensive proliferation of burger places - both chains and independents - you would think there would be an incentive for every place to be at their best, for food, service, and decor.

    I'm not doubting the accuracy of any of these reports about Steak & Shake, just wondering about their prospects for continued business.
  • Post #56 - June 25th, 2016, 6:13 pm
    Post #56 - June 25th, 2016, 6:13 pm Post #56 - June 25th, 2016, 6:13 pm
    I still love Steak N Shake for a burger, and though you can get a clueless server who will leave the food sitting in the pass through, I still love it. Maybe it's like how some people love White Castle, I don't know, but give me a double or triple steakburger and I'm in heaven there.
  • Post #57 - January 10th, 2018, 3:47 pm
    Post #57 - January 10th, 2018, 3:47 pm Post #57 - January 10th, 2018, 3:47 pm
    Steak ‘N Shake is Planning its First Chicago Restaurant

    https://chicago.eater.com/2018/1/10/168 ... ty-village
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #58 - January 10th, 2018, 5:33 pm
    Post #58 - January 10th, 2018, 5:33 pm Post #58 - January 10th, 2018, 5:33 pm
    According to the article they're looking a spot on South Halsted a stone's throw west of where Express Grill and Jim's Orginal are located.That could be a gold mine for Steak & Shake if they run it right.
  • Post #59 - June 21st, 2018, 11:59 am
    Post #59 - June 21st, 2018, 11:59 am Post #59 - June 21st, 2018, 11:59 am
    Chicago’s first Steak ‘N Shake has hit a few delays, but customers should be able to chomp on a steakburger sometime in late July near University of Illinois at Chicago’s campus at 1322 S. Halsted Street.

    https://chicago.eater.com/2018/6/21/174 ... l-beer-uic
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #60 - September 11th, 2018, 6:52 am
    Post #60 - September 11th, 2018, 6:52 am Post #60 - September 11th, 2018, 6:52 am
    The city of Chicago will finally get its first Steak ‘N Shake next week. The popular regional fast-food chain, known for its “steakburgers,” will open to the public on September 20 at 1322 S. Halsted Street near UIC, store owner Melvin Buckley says.

    https://chicago.eater.com/2018/9/10/178 ... cept-intel
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard

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