Another Chicago experience?

Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed Devebic's
in Chicago.

What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers as
some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back in
the 50's?

How is the food?

Andy

On Feb 11, 7:35*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Another Chicago experience?
>
> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed Devebic's
> in Chicago.
>
> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers as
> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back in
> the 50's?
>
> How is the food?
>
> Andy

I used to live in Chicago, and as it happens, have a friend who was a
waiter at Ed Debevic's. So for what it's worth...

The rude/cheeky waitstaff is part of the fun. They never go TOO far
(unless you're horribly sensitive without a sense of humor at all).
They also get up on counters and do dances like the mashed potato, the
Madison, the car wash, etc.for added entertainment. The decor is
amusing, too (they have an "Elvis Room" which REEKS of kitschy fun).

And honestly, the food IS good. Great shakes,burgers,etc. But also
good pot roast and meatloaf, etc. PLUS what diners do you know of that
have beer? Hmmm...

Oh, and good "forgotten foods" like a Green River soda.

It can get crowded,but it is good food. Plus if you have kids it's an
instant hit.

Just my two cents,
Kris

Andy wrote:

> Another Chicago experience?

> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed Devebic's
> in Chicago.

> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers as
> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back in
> the 50's?

> How is the food?


This one's for tourists and families from the burbs come downtown to
screw around for a day. It's less than a mile from me and I go past it
all the time and never stop.

It's supposed to be a retro diner, but we have plenty of store-front
diners that are the real thing, without the tourist schtick.

Across the street is Al's Beef, and I definitely stop there.

Kris said...

> On Feb 11, 7:35*pm, Andy > wrote:
>> Another Chicago experience?
>>
>> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed
Devebic
> 's
>> in Chicago.
>>
>> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers
a
> s
>> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back
i
> n
>> the 50's?
>>
>> How is the food?
>>
>> Andy
>
> I used to live in Chicago, and as it happens, have a friend who was a
> waiter at Ed Debevic's. So for what it's worth...
>
> The rude/cheeky waitstaff is part of the fun. They never go TOO far
> (unless you're horribly sensitive without a sense of humor at all).
> They also get up on counters and do dances like the mashed potato, the
> Madison, the car wash, etc.for added entertainment. The decor is
> amusing, too (they have an "Elvis Room" which REEKS of kitschy fun).
>
> And honestly, the food IS good. Great shakes,burgers,etc. But also
> good pot roast and meatloaf, etc. PLUS what diners do you know of that
> have beer? Hmmm...
>
> Oh, and good "forgotten foods" like a Green River soda.
>
> It can get crowded,but it is good food. Plus if you have kids it's an
> instant hit.
>
> Just my two cents,
> Kris


Kris,

Nice positive review!

The "on camera" customers also liked the place/treatment (naturally!).

I'm sure I'd enjoy it too!

Thanks!

Best,

Andy

Cuthbert Thistlethwaite said...

>
>
> Andy wrote:
>
>> Another Chicago experience?
>
>> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed
>> Devebic's in Chicago.
>
>> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers
>> as some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from
>> back in the 50's?
>
>> How is the food?
>
>
> This one's for tourists and families from the burbs come downtown to
> screw around for a day. It's less than a mile from me and I go past it
> all the time and never stop.
>
> It's supposed to be a retro diner, but we have plenty of store-front
> diners that are the real thing, without the tourist schtick.
>
> Across the street is Al's Beef, and I definitely stop there.


Cuthbert Thistlethwaite,

I saw or read about Al's Beef. Either on TV or here on rfc. I can't recall.

Thanks!

Best,

Andy

Cuthbert Thistlethwaite wrote:

> Andy wrote:
>
> > Another Chicago experience?
>
> > Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed
Devebic's
> > in Chicago.
>
> > What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers
as
> > some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back
in
> > the 50's?
>
> > How is the food?
>
>
> This one's for tourists and families from the burbs come downtown to
> screw around for a day. It's less than a mile from me and I go past it
> all the time and never stop.
>
> It's supposed to be a retro diner, but we have plenty of store-front
> diners that are the real thing, without the tourist schtick.
>
> Across the street is Al's Beef, and I definitely stop there.


Yup, Cuthbert, Ed's is definitely a tourist trap. If someone wants real
Chicago diner atmosphere, go a bit west to the White Palace Grill. It's the
real deal, IIRC over 70 years old. Good diner grub and real "atmosphere",
prolly half the price of less of Ed's. A few years back the chi.general
gang had a meeting there, I think barb or someone took pix (I did not
attend). You can't get a better recommendation than that!

Lou and others will chime in on Al's Beef, I've never been...

Here's some Yelp reviews of White Palace, some are pretty good, I've
provided some excerpts:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/white-palace-grill-chicago

"World famous White Palace Grill serving the best eats on Canal/Roosevelt 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. They also own Hollywood Grill off Ashland and
North Ave...just incase you didn't know.

May I suggest the 2x4 breakfast? You get 2 fluffy pancakes,2 crispy bacon
strips, 2 eggs basted and 2 sausage patties. You can't go wrong there.
Doesn't matter what hour you eat, you can order breakfast for dinner and
dinner for breakfast! I also like the old school diner like stools that
gives it that "Rebel Without a Cause" ate here vibe.

The cooks are lightning fast, and Hector the manager/ jokester host always
has a newspaper handy for the morning breakfast consumers.

This awesome mom & pop business was also featured on Guy Fieri's food
network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".
-----------------

love the White Palace Grill!

Honestly, I've never been incredibly wowed by anything I've had there, but
it's a perfect greasy spoon diner. Open 24 hours, I'm always satisfied with
the food and the service. Plus I dig the Chicago mural on the wall. As a
non-native it's fun to try and figure out who everyone is.

Major bonus points for having fancy coffee mate creamers!
--------------------

24 hours - snappy waitresses - grits as an option instead of hash browns -
you get a true pulse of the city. I love this joint and always will. It's
really fun at 4:30 am on Sunday morning. The Maxwell Street vendors are
crawling in for their first cup of coffee. I swear in the corner you can see
Nelson Algren taking notes. A true Chicago classic..."

</>

Andy wrote:


> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed Devebic's
> in Chicago.
>
> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers as
> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back in
> the 50's?


Geeze... Sounds like Joe's Crab Shack. I hatehatehate that sort of
nonsense. Every ten minutes or so the entire waitstaff drops everything
to stage an "impromptu" dance routine. And meanwhile, your food sits
cooling in the back...

If I'd known it was THAT kind of place my family and I would never have
darkened their threshold. Even my kids - pre-teens at the time -
thought it was stupid. Just fix my food correctly and deliver it
promptly. If I want to watch dumbasses dance I'll go to a club.

The only time I've ever truly enjoyed dancing by a restaurant employee
was about 25 years ago, down in the Yucatan. It was an open air
restaurant, thatched roof, bamboo beams, concrete floor, out in the
middle of nowhere. Lizards and cats running around, great food and
cheap, too. We were the only gringos.

One of the waitresses got off work but stayed over, drinking shots with
the handful of guests still there. Classic mayan gal, short, pushing
40, shading into stocky; if you saw a still photo of her you'd have
judged her plain but she had a great laugh.

But then her favorite song came on the radio and all alone she got up
and danced and there wasn't a person there who wouldn't have called her
beautiful. She was sunlight and palm tree shade, cool breezes,
turquoise water; tequila and clean sweat. Not a single overtly lewd
move but she made me almost sorry to be straight and they should have
passed out drool bibs to the menfolk.

Gregory Morrow wrote:



> Yup, Cuthbert, Ed's is definitely a tourist trap. If someone wants real
> Chicago diner atmosphere, go a bit west to the White Palace Grill. It's the
> real deal, IIRC over 70 years old. Good diner grub and real "atmosphere",
> prolly half the price of less of Ed's. A few years back the chi.general
> gang had a meeting there, I think barb or someone took pix (I did not
> attend). You can't get a better recommendation than that!

Yes, I remember the event but didn't go either. Pics were posted.
Couple weeks ago they went to the cafeteria in the Vienna Hot Dog
Factory and I joined them. It was fun.

White Palace charm is a bit diminished by changes in the property
immediately to the north, which now blocks the formerly spectacular view
of the west side of the Loop, but that sure won't keep me away.

> Lou and others will chime in on Al's Beef, I've never been...
>
> Here's some Yelp reviews of White Palace, some are pretty good, I've
> provided some excerpts:
>
> http://www.yelp.com/biz/white-palace-grill-chicago
>
> "World famous White Palace Grill serving the best eats on Canal/Roosevelt 24
> hours a day, 7 days a week. They also own Hollywood Grill off Ashland and
> North Ave...just incase you didn't know.
>
> May I suggest the 2x4 breakfast? You get 2 fluffy pancakes,2 crispy bacon
> strips, 2 eggs basted and 2 sausage patties. You can't go wrong there.
> Doesn't matter what hour you eat, you can order breakfast for dinner and
> dinner for breakfast! I also like the old school diner like stools that
> gives it that "Rebel Without a Cause" ate here vibe.
>
> The cooks are lightning fast, and Hector the manager/ jokester host always
> has a newspaper handy for the morning breakfast consumers.
>
> This awesome mom & pop business was also featured on Guy Fieri's food
> network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".
> -----------------
>
> love the White Palace Grill!
>
> Honestly, I've never been incredibly wowed by anything I've had there, but
> it's a perfect greasy spoon diner. Open 24 hours, I'm always satisfied with
> the food and the service. Plus I dig the Chicago mural on the wall. As a
> non-native it's fun to try and figure out who everyone is.
>
> Major bonus points for having fancy coffee mate creamers!
> --------------------
>
> 24 hours - snappy waitresses - grits as an option instead of hash browns -
> you get a true pulse of the city. I love this joint and always will. It's
> really fun at 4:30 am on Sunday morning. The Maxwell Street vendors are
> crawling in for their first cup of coffee. I swear in the corner you can see
> Nelson Algren taking notes. A true Chicago classic..."
>
> </>



Deciding where to eat in that neighborhood can get confusing -- besides
the White Palace, you have Manny's Deli (where Obama ate recently)
around the block, and Eppels (which is what I mean by a store-front
diner, sort of like a Golden Nugget but in a store-front) on Roosevelt
right there.

Everyone on the board from outta town, this is the city, and these
joints are the real deal. Forget about Ed Debevics and all those kids.
Come eat with real cops, hookers, brokers, Streets and San guys,
reporters, bums, judges, Presidents, and bookies. Do yourselves a favor
and check these places out if you come here.

On Feb 11, 7:56*pm, Andy > wrote:
> Kris said...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 11, 7:35*pm, Andy > wrote:
> >> Another Chicago experience?
>
> >> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed
> Devebic
> > 's
> >> in Chicago.
>
> >> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers
> a
> > s
> >> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back
> i
> > n
> >> the 50's?
>
> >> How is the food?
>
> >> Andy
>
> > I used to live in Chicago, and as it happens, have a friend who was a
> > waiter at Ed Debevic's. So for what it's worth...
>
> > The rude/cheeky waitstaff is part of the fun. They never go TOO far
> > (unless you're horribly sensitive without a sense of humor at all).
> > They also get up on counters and do dances like the mashed potato, the
> > Madison, the car wash, etc.for added entertainment. *The decor is
> > amusing, too (they have an "Elvis Room" which REEKS of kitschy fun).
>
> > And honestly, the food IS good. Great shakes,burgers,etc. But also
> > good pot roast and meatloaf, etc. PLUS what diners do you know of that
> > have beer? Hmmm...
>
> > Oh, and good "forgotten foods" like a Green River soda.
>
> > It can get crowded,but it is good food. Plus if you have kids it's an
> > instant hit.
>
> > Just my two cents,
> > Kris
>
> Kris,
>
> Nice positive review!
>
> The "on camera" customers also liked the place/treatment (naturally!).
>
> I'm sure I'd enjoy it too!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Best,
>
> Andy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

You're welcome. I do admit, though, that the place is touristy. But
I lived in the city (I wasn't a white bread suburbanite by any means,
as some claim only went there) and went. Probably aided by the fact
that my friend got me free stuff and I was in my 20's living paycheck
to paycheck.

But honestly, it's not anywhere near as bad as a Rainforest Cafe or
Planet Hollywood. And the food WAS good.

You could do worse. But the Italian Beef nearby is a must if you had
to choose between the two.

Kris

On Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:52:34 -0600, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:

>
>Cuthbert Thistlethwaite wrote:
>
>> Andy wrote:
>>
>> > Another Chicago experience?
>>
>> > Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed
>Devebic's
>> > in Chicago.
>>
>> > What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers
>as
>> > some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back
>in
>> > the 50's?
>>
>> > How is the food?
>>
>>
>> This one's for tourists and families from the burbs come downtown to
>> screw around for a day. It's less than a mile from me and I go past it
>> all the time and never stop.
>>
>> It's supposed to be a retro diner, but we have plenty of store-front
>> diners that are the real thing, without the tourist schtick.
>>
>> Across the street is Al's Beef, and I definitely stop there.
>
>
>Yup, Cuthbert, Ed's is definitely a tourist trap. If someone wants real
>Chicago diner atmosphere, go a bit west to the White Palace Grill. It's the
>real deal, IIRC over 70 years old. Good diner grub and real "atmosphere",
>prolly half the price of less of Ed's. A few years back the chi.general
>gang had a meeting there, I think barb or someone took pix (I did not
>attend). You can't get a better recommendation than that!
>
>Lou and others will chime in on Al's Beef, I've never been...

Al's Beefs are as Chicago as it gets. Some rate it #1. I did a 2
year gig a few blocks from the Taylor street location and had lunch
there often. It's not cheap but quite good. The picture on their
website shows a traditional Chicago hot dog but IIRC the Taylor Street
one made them with onion, mustard and sport peppers only. There's a
location in Evanston. If Michael is reading maybe he can stop in next
week.

http://alsbeef.com/company/locations.asp

Lou

On Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:08:33 -0600, Cuthbert Thistlethwaite
> wrote:

>Deciding where to eat in that neighborhood can get confusing -- besides
>the White Palace, you have Manny's Deli (where Obama ate recently)
>around the block, and Eppels (which is what I mean by a store-front
>diner, sort of like a Golden Nugget but in a store-front) on Roosevelt
>right there.
>
>Everyone on the board from outta town, this is the city, and these
>joints are the real deal. Forget about Ed Debevics and all those kids.
>Come eat with real cops, hookers, brokers, Streets and San guys,
>reporters, bums, judges, Presidents, and bookies. Do yourselves a favor
>and check these places out if you come here.

You posted a good food link over in chi.gen. I don't want to step on
your toes so would you please post it here too? It was pretty fun.

Lou

Kris wrote:

> But honestly, it's not anywhere near as bad as a Rainforest Cafe or
> Planet Hollywood. And the food WAS good.

While traveling for the government with a group, we ate at a Rainforest
Cafe one night. I don't even recall which city we were in (so many
cities, so little time) but I recall that the food wasn't bad at all. I
remember I had some adult foo-foo drink and a couple of appetizers for
my meal. I've had worse. Sometimes finding a cheap place to eat that
suits a large group of varied tastes is a PITA. This place worked well
for that.

Lou Decruss wrote:



> You posted a good food link over in chi.gen. I don't want to step on
> your toes so would you please post it here too? It was pretty fun.


You must mean this:


http://www.greasefreak.com/


Guy goes around to all kinds of regular Chicago eateries and takes pics
of his meals, then posts them in several food categories, with ratings.
Emphasis here is on "regular" places. He does not go to the likes of
Charlie Trotter's.

On Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:45:57 -0800 (PST), Kris wrote:

> On Feb 11, 7:35*pm, Andy > wrote:
>> Another Chicago experience?
>>
>> Another TV show "Paradise: Diners" on Travel Channel showcased Ed Devebic's
>> in Chicago.
>>
>> What makes it such a popular diner? The waitstaff insults the customers as
>> some sort of comedic entertainment. And they countertop dance from back in
>> the 50's?
>>
>> How is the food?
>>
>> Andy
>
> I used to live in Chicago, and as it happens, have a friend who was a
> waiter at Ed Debevic's. So for what it's worth...
>
> The rude/cheeky waitstaff is part of the fun. They never go TOO far
> (unless you're horribly sensitive without a sense of humor at all).
> They also get up on counters and do dances like the mashed potato, the
> Madison, the car wash, etc.for added entertainment. The decor is
> amusing, too (they have an "Elvis Room" which REEKS of kitschy fun).
>
> And honestly, the food IS good. Great shakes,burgers,etc. But also
> good pot roast and meatloaf, etc. PLUS what diners do you know of that
> have beer? Hmmm...
>

trio, in d.c., was a diner situated between a baqr and a pizza place, all
owned by the same man. you could get a mixed drink in there. (the diner
and bar are still there; the pizza place is now a raw bar.)


your pal,
blake

On Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:27:17 -0600, Cuthbert Thistlethwaite
> wrote:

>Lou Decruss wrote:

>> You posted a good food link over in chi.gen. I don't want to step on
>> your toes so would you please post it here too? It was pretty fun.

>You must mean this:

>http://www.greasefreak.com/

Yep. That's the one. I see Carms Beef is in there. I always liked
them. Unfortunately I think they went downhill after the old lady
died. The kids sold a franchise in Villa Park to two boneheads who
couldn't get along and it's now a Little Ceasars. (Uggg) The one on
Wolf road is still there but Paul's is only a mile away and it's a
much better value and just as good. And he makes a great thin crust
pizza. We've god friends out in LaGrange Park and we order from
Paul's a lot.

Thanks for the link.

Lou