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Skokie restaurants circa 1970

Skokie restaurants circa 1970
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  • Skokie restaurants circa 1970

    Post #1 - August 5th, 2009, 3:41 pm
    Post #1 - August 5th, 2009, 3:41 pm Post #1 - August 5th, 2009, 3:41 pm
    Does anyone remember Kelly's Drive In on Main street in Skokie IL.? The Greek restaurant Dengeo's is currently there now and has been for some time, but I really need to know about Kelly's especially a picture from that era circa 1970.

    Thanks,

    Chef Joe
  • Post #2 - August 6th, 2009, 4:09 am
    Post #2 - August 6th, 2009, 4:09 am Post #2 - August 6th, 2009, 4:09 am
    Any boy who grew up in east Skokie in the late 60's and played McNally Little League has fond memories of Kelly's Drive-In on the SW corner of Main & McCormick. Why? Because they sponsored the whole league! Farm, International, American & National Leagues, 16-20 teams, maybe 300 kids. There was an unspoken deal that after every game, every team would trck on over to Kelly's for burgers, fries, with the catch being free Cokes for the winners.

    I'll try to dig up a picture from my Facebook connections, Joe, but you might also have some success Googling the Skokie Historical Society.
  • Post #3 - August 6th, 2009, 6:26 am
    Post #3 - August 6th, 2009, 6:26 am Post #3 - August 6th, 2009, 6:26 am
    I tried Skokie Historical, no luck as of yet. I remember the glass enclosed slanted window, the "Double" dogs (Two hot dogs on one bun) and their sign. I also remember the stripped red uniforms, but not much else. A picture would be worth more than a thousand words, so if you have any..........

    I grew up in Evanston behind the coal yard near Washington and Hartrey Ave. The Orange Crush bottling center was right near my house on Main Street. Thanks for validating my memories.

    Chef Joe
  • Post #4 - August 7th, 2009, 1:11 pm
    Post #4 - August 7th, 2009, 1:11 pm Post #4 - August 7th, 2009, 1:11 pm
    How about "The Picnic Tree" (Which later became the Chandiler) on Dempster Street near Crawford and Wesley's. Any memories?
  • Post #5 - August 7th, 2009, 2:01 pm
    Post #5 - August 7th, 2009, 2:01 pm Post #5 - August 7th, 2009, 2:01 pm
    chef joe: can you share why you are interested in these restaurants? thanks, justjoan
  • Post #6 - August 7th, 2009, 2:18 pm
    Post #6 - August 7th, 2009, 2:18 pm Post #6 - August 7th, 2009, 2:18 pm
    I am currently writing an autobioagraphy about growing up and wanting to become a chef in Chicago. My Mother couldn't pour cold milk over dry cereal, so my family went out....a LOT! These are just a FEW of the restaurants we went to every Friday after school.

    Of course research is key in writing a story. I want HARD facts and don't want to write something and then have some one challenghe what I have written.

    If you are between the ages of 37-49 years old, and grew up in the Skokie, Lincolnwood, or Evanston area and can remember or have photographs from the early to mid seventies, I would appreciate any help.

    Thanks,

    Chef Joe
  • Post #7 - August 7th, 2009, 2:52 pm
    Post #7 - August 7th, 2009, 2:52 pm Post #7 - August 7th, 2009, 2:52 pm
    chef joe wrote:How about "The Picnic Tree" (Which later became the Chandiler) on Dempster Street near Crawford and Wesley's. Any memories?


    I remember the Picnic Tree as a typical Greek Coffee Shop, and Wesley's was our go to place for broasted chicken. My Dad's office (and later mine) was right across the street from Wesley's, next to the garden center (in the building that is now a pizza place and two other store fronts).
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #8 - August 7th, 2009, 3:22 pm
    Post #8 - August 7th, 2009, 3:22 pm Post #8 - August 7th, 2009, 3:22 pm
    i went to grade school (devonshire, in skokie) with 'wesley', whose dad named the family's rib joint after him. that was in the late 50's. didnt wesley's close in the mid 60's? justjoan
  • Post #9 - August 7th, 2009, 3:29 pm
    Post #9 - August 7th, 2009, 3:29 pm Post #9 - August 7th, 2009, 3:29 pm
    Sam & Hy's was my only decent food memory from that era.
  • Post #10 - August 7th, 2009, 4:22 pm
    Post #10 - August 7th, 2009, 4:22 pm Post #10 - August 7th, 2009, 4:22 pm
    Let's not forget Mark IV, The Chandeleir, and Barnum and Bagel.
  • Post #11 - August 7th, 2009, 6:26 pm
    Post #11 - August 7th, 2009, 6:26 pm Post #11 - August 7th, 2009, 6:26 pm
    spinynorman99 wrote:Sam & Hy's was my only decent food memory from that era.

    My uncle Jack was the deli man at Sam & Hy's. Other Skokie restaurants included:
    Alberti's Pizza in downtown Skokie
    The Cork on Dempster
    Jake the Master Ribber on Dempster
    Eliott's Pine Log on Lincoln & Skokie Blvd
    The Fruit Ranch on Dempster, owned by my uncle Larry
    The Bird on Dempster in the Skokie Swift Station
    Hamburger Hamlet on Dempster
    Cock Robin On Skokie Blvd
    Burger King on Skokie Blvd
    Henry's Drive-In on Skokie Blvd
    Buddy's Deli on Church
    Bay's on Lincoln
    Carson's on Niles Center Road
  • Post #12 - August 7th, 2009, 8:43 pm
    Post #12 - August 7th, 2009, 8:43 pm Post #12 - August 7th, 2009, 8:43 pm
    I remember a fried chicken carryout that looked like a woven basket. On an east/west street, Dempster? Oakton? Would be 60s, my uncle's first wife was from Skokie.
  • Post #13 - August 7th, 2009, 8:56 pm
    Post #13 - August 7th, 2009, 8:56 pm Post #13 - August 7th, 2009, 8:56 pm
    I've got to add "The Hut" and its successor "The Corner Hut"
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #14 - August 7th, 2009, 10:33 pm
    Post #14 - August 7th, 2009, 10:33 pm Post #14 - August 7th, 2009, 10:33 pm
    how about Dr. Jazz (I think?)...ice cream place that had this elaborate rube goldberg-type smoke alarm that went off if anyone lit up a cigarette?

    another place...can't remember the name... featured waitresses on roller skates...deep dish pizza and ribs.
    http://edzos.com/
    Edzo's Evanston on Facebook or Twitter.

    Edzo's Lincoln Park on Facebook or Twitter.
  • Post #15 - August 8th, 2009, 12:54 am
    Post #15 - August 8th, 2009, 12:54 am Post #15 - August 8th, 2009, 12:54 am
    Dr. Jazz was on Chicago Ave., just North of Main in Evanston. The roller skaters were at Sally's Stage across from the Nortown Theater on Western in Rogers Park.
  • Post #16 - August 8th, 2009, 1:21 am
    Post #16 - August 8th, 2009, 1:21 am Post #16 - August 8th, 2009, 1:21 am
    sujormik wrote:I remember a fried chicken carryout that looked like a woven basket. On an east/west street, Dempster? Oakton? Would be 60s, my uncle's first wife was from Skokie.
    That was a "Chicken in the Rough" outlet, part of a small regional franchise operation that started in the '30s. There were several in the area when I was a kid including the one you mention, which was on Dempster. There was another one in the Michigan City area that we used to visit when vacationing in that neighborhood.

    Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti, Michigan used to be one of their franchisees until a few years ago. The overall quality of the food has gone down since they gave up their association. Currently there are only two "Chicken in the Rough" locations in the U.S., both in Michigan, and one Canadian location in Ontario.

    The mascot for the chain was a full sized rooster decked out in flashy 1930s golfing attire pictured with a club in hand (talon?) trying to take a swing at a golf ball lodged in the high grass (get it? "Chicken in the Rough"? clever, no?) while his caddy, a wee baby chick looked on. The baby chick declares, "I'd gladly be fried for Chicken in the Rough!" Cute and self loathing all at the same time.

    You can visit their website at:
    http://chickenintherough.com/index.htm

    Hope that helps to restore your memory.

    Buddy
  • Post #17 - August 8th, 2009, 5:54 am
    Post #17 - August 8th, 2009, 5:54 am Post #17 - August 8th, 2009, 5:54 am
    I'll add:
    Nankin on Dempster
    Aldino's on Oakton - our Monday night ritual because Dad worked late that day.
    Carvel on Dempster
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #18 - August 8th, 2009, 7:10 am
    Post #18 - August 8th, 2009, 7:10 am Post #18 - August 8th, 2009, 7:10 am
    My uncle Jack was the deli man at Sam & Hy's. Other Skokie restaurants included:
    Alberti's Pizza in downtown Skokie
    The Cork on Dempster
    Jake the Master Ribber on Dempster
    Eliott's Pine Log on Lincoln & Skokie Blvd
    The Fruit Ranch on Dempster, owned by my uncle Larry
    The Bird on Dempster in the Skokie Swift Station
    Hamburger Hamlet on Dempster
    Cock Robin On Skokie Blvd
    Burger King on Skokie Blvd
    Henry's Drive-In on Skokie Blvd
    Buddy's Deli on Church
    Bay's on Lincoln


    I vaguely remember "The Cork" was it like Chance's R where EJ'S is near Old Orchard Road and Skokie Blvd? I remember going there as a kid on Halloween once and the hostess was dressed like a witch. In her witchy voice she came up to the table next to ours and told the kids, "Eat more sandwhich and less fries!" I thought the kid was goimg to wet his pants he was so scared!

    It was one of those places that you could throw the peanut shells on the ground ala "The Ground Round" (In Plaza Del Lago Willmette) and "The Pickle Barrel" on Howard and Western.

    I must say a big whole hearted "Thank You" to all that have replied so far. Any help in helping me remember early childhood restaurant experiences is greatly appricatied.

    Chef Joe
  • Post #19 - August 8th, 2009, 7:34 am
    Post #19 - August 8th, 2009, 7:34 am Post #19 - August 8th, 2009, 7:34 am
    This might bring back some memories - http://www.skokiehistory.info/gallery/S ... 201930.htm

    OK- this post got me thinking - what was the name of the pizza joint on the northeast corner of Skokie Blvd and Washington? It's now occupied by a nondescript Chinese place.

    Speaking of pizza - I'll add LaRosa's on Dempster.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #20 - August 8th, 2009, 8:32 am
    Post #20 - August 8th, 2009, 8:32 am Post #20 - August 8th, 2009, 8:32 am
    Dave148 wrote:This might bring back some memories - http://www.skokiehistory.info/gallery/S ... 201930.htm


    That's a cool page, but the linkis on the pictures seem to be broken.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #21 - August 8th, 2009, 8:44 am
    Post #21 - August 8th, 2009, 8:44 am Post #21 - August 8th, 2009, 8:44 am
    La Maisonette on Dempster.
    My brother's Bar Mitzvah was there.
    Bonanza, then Chances R, then Godfrey Daniels on Skokie Blvd.
  • Post #22 - August 8th, 2009, 8:53 am
    Post #22 - August 8th, 2009, 8:53 am Post #22 - August 8th, 2009, 8:53 am
    [quote="jilter"]La Maisonette on Dempster.

    The name sounds familiar. Where was it on Dempster?
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #23 - August 8th, 2009, 9:28 am
    Post #23 - August 8th, 2009, 9:28 am Post #23 - August 8th, 2009, 9:28 am
    chicagostyledog wrote:
    Carson's on Niles Center Road


    Carson's opened in 1977. The previous restaurant at that location (across the street form Temple Judea) was the Prime Rib.
    Last edited by scottsol on August 8th, 2009, 11:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #24 - August 8th, 2009, 11:13 am
    Post #24 - August 8th, 2009, 11:13 am Post #24 - August 8th, 2009, 11:13 am
    Just checked ebay and they have some cool Skokie matchbooks available:

    http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=skokie ... &_osacat=0
  • Post #25 - August 8th, 2009, 11:25 am
    Post #25 - August 8th, 2009, 11:25 am Post #25 - August 8th, 2009, 11:25 am
    Buddy,

    We used to get food at Chicken in the Rough, which included biscuits and small containers of honey. Further north in Northbrook, on the south side of Dundee was another Chicken in the Rough, located on a golf course, which eventually became a subdivision. Do you remember Jalin's and Howard Johnson's on the corner of Lincoln & Crawford? Or Brady's, next to the Lincolnwood police station? We also had a Richard's Drive-In Carfeteria and Henry's Drive-In on Lincoln Avenue and a Tastee Freeze on Devon, south of Lincoln Ave in Lincolnwood. Gabby Hartnet's had a neat little snack bar. Let us not forget the Pie Pan on the corner of Peterson & Cicero and Lockwood Castle-Home of the Giant Killer, on the corner of Caldwell & Devon.
  • Post #26 - August 8th, 2009, 7:49 pm
    Post #26 - August 8th, 2009, 7:49 pm Post #26 - August 8th, 2009, 7:49 pm
    I would STILL like to know if there was a restaurant AFTER Kelly's, but BEFORE Dengeo's on Main and McCormick called Beefeaters.

    And if any one can tell me if they remember the inside of Kelly's Drive In. I distinctly remember a slanted window that you had to order from in the middle of the inside of the restaurant.

    Anyone?

    Thanks

    Chef Joe
  • Post #27 - August 9th, 2009, 8:35 am
    Post #27 - August 9th, 2009, 8:35 am Post #27 - August 9th, 2009, 8:35 am
    A Beefeaters did exist, but it was located in the vicinity of Devon and Mc Cormick.
  • Post #28 - August 9th, 2009, 8:52 am
    Post #28 - August 9th, 2009, 8:52 am Post #28 - August 9th, 2009, 8:52 am
    There was a steak & martini type restuarant called Mark III located on Dempster near McCormick.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #29 - August 9th, 2009, 9:50 am
    Post #29 - August 9th, 2009, 9:50 am Post #29 - August 9th, 2009, 9:50 am
    marty06 wrote:A Beefeaters did exist, but it was located in the vicinity of Devon and Mc Cormick.


    Yes, I remember this place. Kind of liked it when I was a kid. I guess it wasn't a sustainable concept.
  • Post #30 - August 9th, 2009, 12:50 pm
    Post #30 - August 9th, 2009, 12:50 pm Post #30 - August 9th, 2009, 12:50 pm
    What WAS the concept?

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