We finally paid a visit to Ed Debevic’s, a 50s type diner located in Chicago. Here’s one thing you need to know – it’s a unique type of restaurant where the waiters and waitresses are a bit sassy and snarky. If you are in the mood for that type of atmosphere and go with the flow, you’ll have a great time just like we did.
Nitty Gritty:
Credit: Ed Debevic’s
Website: http://www.eddebevics.com/
Location: 640 N. Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois (corner of Wells and Ontario)
Hours: Check their website for hours.
Parking: Parking lot located next to the restaurant; valet only starting at $8 for a few hours. Metered parking located around the corner.
Highlights:
- Fun atmosphere – 50s style diner complete with red vinyl booths
- Everyone gets one of these nifty Ed Debevic hats (and some will even have it thrown at them like us)
- A visit to a diner isn’t complete with a milkshake (or two) and a black cow for me (Warning: As forewarned the black cow was a bit messy to drink, but oh so worth it!) These didn’t disappoint!
- A different type of service than what you may be used to. If you’re looking for someone to kiss your arse, look elsewhere. The waiters and waitresses are meant to be sassy and snarky. Just go with the flow and you’ll have a fun time!
- Still friendly! We were surprised to find our waiter playing with our son!
- Nachos done right. They didn’t skimp on the toppings and the chips weren’t soggy. Definitely one of the best nachos we’ve ever had.
- Best mozzarella sticks EVER! First time trying spinach stuff mozzarella sticks. Oh goodness. They were awesome!
- Huge portions even for kids meals with typical choices including hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza.
- Delicious eats including a corned beef reuben that my husband couldn’t get enough of
- Funny signs everywhere you turn.
- A little gift shop if you’re looking for a unique souvenir
- Any place that has retro arcade games like Pac-man and Galaga is an A+ in my book
Tips to enjoy the Ed Debevic’s
- Be prepared! Give the family a heads up on what kind of restaurant it is. My boys had no idea, and were actually taken off guard, and took things a little personal. After warming up to our waiter, they actually enjoyed interacting with them.
- Save some dough by trying to find street parking (Well Street side).
We wish…
- Word on the street is that the staff puts on a choregraphed dance number. Wish we could have seen that!
- We wish we could have tried dessert. Darnit, we were just too full.
Did you know?
- Ed Debevic’s is Chicago’s only retro themed diner.
- Some of the waiters and waitresses are trying to make it as actors/actresses and performers? Maybe it’s all an act? Or maybe it isn’t……
Bottom Line:
I have to admit, the boys were a little turned off by the service. Would we come here again? I think we’d wait until the boys were a little older, but until then my husband and I will be craving their nachos and spinach mozzarella sticks. Overall, a fun atmosphere and definitely great eats!
