Ed is back!!!!

Highly Recommended **** For years, as I traveled back to the burbs using the Ontario feeder to get onto the Kennedy, I remembered the many visits made to one of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, that 1950’s diner, known as Ed Debevics. It was always a blast and brought us back to high school days ( at least my generation) with its rock b roll music, the rude wait staff and the fund party-like attitude. When they left Chicago, they took a little bit of us with them. I am happy to announce, Ed Debevic’s is back!

Tonight, Jane and I were invited to their “Grand Opening Extravaganza, where we tasted some of their famous menu items as well as their fabulous milk shakes and of course, how can one visit without enjoying the “world’s smallest hot fudge sundae”

The new location is just east of the original, right off of Michigan Avenue on the corner of St. Clair and Ohio. Funny story, before Jane and I met, we lived in the area. Jane on Ohio and I on Ontario. We shopped at the same White Hen and often had a bite at a restaurant called The Cambridge House which was located on the very corner where the fabulous Ed Debevic sits today. It is a small world and what goes round, comes around! Yes, these phrases make more sense as the years go on.

Just like the old days ( almost 40 years ) the wait staff is wild, funny and full of malarkey. They make you laugh but they do take great care of making sure that your experience is one that you will remember and share with others. Our server was named Ziggy. I am sure he is an aspiring theater person and had he known that I had a connection to the theater world might have lept on the the counter to do a song and dance. Others did! And they showed some great talent.

There is , as always, a DJ in the house , making music and announcements during the course of the evening. They do have a second level which can be used for private parties and while we had a special sampler menu tonight, they do have an extensive array of meals. They also serve breakfast and some great coffee.

Since tonight was a party, they offered up a special menu. We began with an appetizer sample platter- nachos with chicken or chili, outrageous fries ( and they were terrific) and a fabulous spinach artichoke dip.

There was an option choice menu with several sandwiches avail. Their burger and cheeseburger looked great, but we selected their Caesar Salad ( just right) and the BBQ pork sandwich- one of the best pork sandwiches I have had. They offered their “early Bird” which is southern fried chicken, bacon, scrambled egg, cheddar, avocado, spicy mayo and home fries . I decided that I would go back for that.

Of course we each had a shake- mine chocolate and Jane’s vanilla and we finished our dinner with the worlds smallest sundae ( a tradition at this diner).

They do have a bar as well with some limited items such as beer and three different Cutwater Cocktails ( in a can- a Mai tai, Margarita or Long Island Tea)- Guess which I chose?

If you are down on the Avenue, looking for a fun dining experience, this is the place! It was a favorite landmark back in the day and I am glad to say that they are back, raring to go, making people happy and well fed and get in there and place your order- let’s face it, they don’t have all day!

Ed Debevic’s is located at  159 East Ohio ( at St. Clair). They do not take reservations- just wait your turn.

The website is www.eddebevics.com  312-374-8499

They are waiting to show you a good time!

NOTE  they do not have a parking lot as they did in the old days, but there are meters on the street and garages available. I suggest spending the day on Michigan Avenue, shopping and dining- use public transportation if possible.