Bergie makes the mainstream media!

[SactoGuy188]

Speaking of food, I'm surprised that no one has thought of opening a high-quality cheesesteak sandwich shop that could cater to railfans in the Altoona, PA area (especially when you consider the famous Horseshoe Curve nearby).

[Chris30]

Hey!  I think we found the second thing that people of this forum have in common. The first is trains andthe second is fast food.

Where I live in the Fox Valley area (Aurora/Naperville IL) I have at least one of everything within a five minute drive of my house. I mean everything on this post, except for the Memphis grease place, is just down the street. I still have to try Harold's Chicken. The King of fast food joints around here is Portillo's / Barney's. I mean when you pull into the double drive-thru at @10 on a Friday night and there's @25 cars ahead of you and the parking lot is full.

Ok... enough of this post. I'm hungry now.

CC

[Poppa_Zit]

You know you're making too much money if you eat often at Portillo's.

Two hot dogs with everything (no fries, no drink) cost $4.98 plus tax. That's $2.49 for just a "suburban" hot dog (they're very good) -- when you can buy the same thing in the city (same size dog, too) for $1.25 to $1.75 -- and some places will even include a tongs-full of greasy fries, to boot.

Portillo's other food items -- all just as tasty -- are equally high-priced.

And yet, even though the dogs are $2.49 and the other foodstuffs are equally expensive, customers are lined up at the drive-up windows at all hours.

Chris30 -- where is there a Sonic near Naperville/Aurora? The only one I know within 150 miles are Champaign, Savoy, Pekin and Kokomo, Ind.

 

[PBenham]

I love Steak 'n' Shake, too, but for something a bit more drive-in I really like Sonic. The burgers taste like burgers and they are always innovating with their drinks--limeade, for example. 

Also, Sonic uses car hops!

 

Where is there a Sonic near Chicago?

I have the recipe for their limeade.

Sonic is a south of the Mason-Dixon line thing. Like NASCAR was until it went national. I don't think any woman in her right mind would car hop in 0 degree weather and 40 MPH winds! My girlfriend is looking over my shoulder and says that eating the S&S menu would result in terminal artery damage. Hey, I'll take the chance.

[Poppa_Zit]

Sonic is a south of the Mason-Dixon line thing.

Not any more. They're slowly but surely coming north. This map from Sonic's website shows the number of restaurants currently operating in each state.

We have 28 in Illinois, and you have one in NY already. 

[CShaveRR]

Perhaps some west-coasters can enlighten me:  while we're out west, it has been decreed that we shall dine at a place called In-and-Out.  Does that compare to Steak-n-Shake, or more like White Castle?

(By the way, you never buy Sliders--you just rent 'em for a few hours, tops!)

[blhanel]

Carl, In-And-Out is your very basic fast burger joint.  I don't think they have more than six items on the menu, consisting of mainly a couple of varieties of burgers, fries, and soft drinks.  I've stopped at a couple of them on my journeys to LA, and I must admit they are good.

BTW, they just opened a new Sonic here in CR.  Haven't tried it yet- doesn't really fit in with our diet plans...

[DRBusse]

I grew up on S&S in St. Louis. For the record, my "home" S&S was Manchester & Berry in Glendale. Being a Californian for 27 years, I have adjusted...Fatburger and In-N-Out are good substitutes and are well worth a visit for those who appreciate good burgers.

Some years ago, I raised a small ruckus on a TWA 727 when the stewardess discovered me, in a rear aisle seat, with a supply of four Super-Steakburgers I was attempting to take from Saint Louis to California, heading home after some railfanning. I'd stopped at the S&S on North Lindbergh at Northwest Plaza and ordered 'em up right before getting on the plane at Lambert. Less than an hour into the flight, the aroma in the rear of the plane gave it away. I am happy to report that two of the Super Steakburgers were immediately donated to the flight attendants who made the discovery...the third was devoured by yours truly on the spot, and the fourth never made it to California, as I lost control and devoured it (after the flight attendants re-heated it) somewhere over Prescott, AZ.

[PBenham]

Sonic is a south of the Mason-Dixon line thing.

Not any more. They're slowly but surely coming north. This map from Sonic's website shows the number of restaurants currently operating in each state.

We have 28 in Illinois, and you have one in NY already. 

Ah DEclare!

[Poppa_Zit]

Carl --

10-4 on just "renting" sliders.

I do miss Jack-In-The-Box, though. Used to have 'em up here and they all disappeared. The only thing I really liked (besides yelling in the stupid clown's mouth to order in the drive-up) was the tacos.

Jack-In-The-Box tacos. So wonderfully greasy you could see the meat and lettuce right through the side of the crispy tortilla shell! I found JITBs in the Seattle area and California and are a must-eat anytime I'm out that way.

I also wish we had a Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop up here somewehere. Those sandwiches are a welcome change-of-pace. and the restaurants are a throwback to the Roaring '20s.

PZ 

[spokyone]

I grew up on S&S in St. Louis. For the record, my "home" S&S was Manchester & Berry in Glendale. Being a Californian for 27 years, I have adjusted...Fatburger and In-N-Out are good substitutes and are well worth a visit for those who appreciate good burgers.

Some years ago, I raised a small ruckus on a TWA 727 when the stewardess discovered me, in a rear aisle seat, with a supply of four Super-Steakburgers I was attempting to take from Saint Louis to California, heading home after some railfanning. I'd stopped at the S&S on North Lindbergh at Northwest Plaza and ordered 'em up right before getting on the plane at Lambert. Less than an hour into the flight, the aroma in the rear of the plane gave it away. I am happy to report that two of the Super Steakburgers were immediately donated to the flight attendants who made the discovery...the third was devoured by yours truly on the spot, and the fourth never made it to California, as I lost control and devoured it (after the flight attendants re-heated it) somewhere over Prescott, AZ.

That is the best story I have heard today!

[MP173]

I have two words to say about eating south of the Mason Dixon Line:

WAFFLE HOUSE

ed

[fuzzybroken]

Heh... Mom used to work for the Steak n Shake in Racine, which has sat boarded up for the past few years.  Though I saw a sign out front the last time I went past: "Coming Soon: White Castle"!

[Modelcar]

 

....Now that's something new....A boarded up Steak 'n Shake.  I've never seen one.  Pretty popular place in our area.

[dknelson]

Even if I didn't love the food and art-deco decor at Steak & Shake, I'd still eat there because its logo looks like a drumhead:

It not only looks like a drumhead ... check out the logo for Mike Schafer's Illinois & St. Louis layout, featured in Model Railroad Planning 2005, page 24.  Look familiar?  The name of the business car on his layout?  Chief Takhomasak.  

The thing about Steak 'n' Shake is by making it the railfan's favorite, by going to one you increase your chances of meeting up with someone you know.  The S'n'S in Galesburg serves that function during the annual Railroad Days, even though there are better places to eat in that town, and places to eat that have a view of the railroad.  

Dave Nelson

[CShaveRR]

I was kind of underwhelmed by the variety of eating places in Galesburg, particularly near the tracks.

I saw a shut-down Steak-n-shake once.  I think they tried to "colonize" Chicagoland once before, back in the late 70s or early 80s, and that program included one in Lombard.  It didn't last long at all (a matter of months, if that).  It was followed on the same premises by a Burger King, a seafood place, and a couple of other places.  Now a Popeye's has moved in and appears to be succeeding, even with a KFC barely a couple of stores down the street.

Hmm...if we want to have one "where the elite meet to eat", they'd probably do well on Farnsworth, north of the Racetrack!

Speaking of which, anybody planning on Eola for next Saturday afternoon/evening?

[zardoz]

 

....Now that's something new....A boarded up Steak 'n Shake.  I've never seen one.  Pretty popular place in our area.

The Steak & Shake at East Town Mall in Madison (WI) closed last year.

I thought it was a rather pathetic excuse for a resturant...I guess I wasn't the only one with that opinion.  However, after reading this thread, I shall endeavour to locate and patronize a different Steak & Shake, if I ever find one, and can convince myself to pass on Culver's.

[spokyone]

 

....Now that's something new....A boarded up Steak 'n Shake.  I've never seen one.  Pretty popular place in our area.

The Steak & Shake at East Town Mall in Madison (WI) closed last year.

I thought it was a rather pathetic excuse for a resturant...I guess I wasn't the only one with that opinion.  However, after reading this thread, I shall endeavour to locate and patronize a different Steak & Shake, if I ever find one, and can convince myself to pass on Culver's.

Good point Zar.  Maybe I should try a different S&S.

[bobwilcox]

It was a far better world.  In fifty years of railfaning I have had many a great meal watching trains roll by the cafe windows from Rising Fawn, AL to Bulawayo, Zimbabwee.  Then my doctor said my blood sugar was to high.  Good bye Waffle House!

[spokyone]

It was a far better world.  In fifty years of railfaning I have had many a great meal watching trains roll by the cafe windows from Rising Fawn, AL to Bulawayo, Zimbabwee.  Then my doctor said my blood sugar was to high.  Good bye Waffle House!

Waffle House Rules. No matter where we stay when enroute to FL, there is always one just down the street.

[CShaveRR]

Like the title revision!  Beats the other eating establishment on premises.

Is Waffle House really any good?  We passed on a couple in Michigan recently, waiting to find something more familiar.

We used to see a restaurant along I-55 and I-57 in Illinois--was it the Chicken Coop or the Hen House?  Tried 'em once; they folded soon after and we weren't sorry.

[zardoz]

If it was about 100 degrees warmer, we would have to include favorite frozen custard and/or ice cream stands in this discussion. 

Although for some of us, it's never too cold for some ice cream or custard.....

[bobwilcox]

Like the title revision!  Beats the other eating establishment on premises.

Is Waffle House really any good?  We passed on a couple in Michigan recently, waiting to find something more familiar.

We used to see a restaurant along I-55 and I-57 in Illinois--was it the Chicken Coop or the Hen House?  Tried 'em once; they folded soon after and we weren't sorry.

It's a matter of taste.  There is more to a Waffle House than the food.  You need to get into the total experience of your fellow customers and the professional wait staff.  

[rrnut282]

Brother Carl is and PZ are right.

 DO NOT, EVER eat at White Castle and plan to spend hours trackside watching trains.  Unless their is a view from the portapotty.

SteaknShake's Takehomasak is much better for a long day of watching trains.

[edbenton]

Well they do not call a White Castle hamburger a Slider for nothing.  I know one thing it is a sure cure for consitpation I know my wife loves them right now since she was seven weeks left in her pregnancy and everything plugs her up even prunes are not working.  She eats 2 White Castles and 30 mins later relief hits.  As to Waffle house great food great prices you have to remember what they are famous for.  You want a treat get there hashbrowns with everything on them and you are in heaven.

[CShaveRR]

Allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Ed.

You just confirmed two legends for us:  besides sliders being sliders, you've also reaffirmed the strange cravings that also occur during pregnancy.

[spokyone]

Is Waffle House really any good? 

Carl: Yes they are that good. Last time we stayed in Atlanta, the Waffle House was crowded that morning. From their parking lot we could see another WH (they have a large sign) down the road. Sausage,bacon,eggs, hashbrowns and biscuits. Yummy

[fuzzybroken]

I can remember some of my earliest travels down south, seeing a Waffle House on each side of the interstate...

[Poppa_Zit]

It's a matter of taste.  There is more to a Waffle House than the food.  You need to get into the total experience of your fellow customers and the professional wait staff.  

Because:

Since 1955, the WAFFLE HOUSE System has served: 495,264,367   Waffles 957,041,599   Cups of Coffee 1,173,838,328   Hashbrown Orders 370,545,935   Sausage Patties 786,449,152   Bacon Strips 14,899,594   Slices of Ham 1,527,602,959.24   Eggs 22,217,455   Slices of Pie 123,587,123   T-bone Steaks 115,220,427   Hamburger Quarters 479,312,699   Glasses of Coke® 1,108,574,633   Order of Grits 72,567,509   Cheese n' Eggs 204,164,660   Omelets

Did you Know?

• If you lay all of the Bryan bacon end-to-end that Waffle House serves in a year, it will stretch from Atlanta to Los Angeles seven times! (That's more than 21,000 miles of bacon)
• If you could stack all of the sausage patties we serve in one day, it would reach the TOP of the Empire State Building! (Did you want grits with that?)
• Waffle House serves more than 3.2 million pounds of grits each year. That is enough to fill 86 semi-trucks!
• Each year Waffle House customers eat more than 334,000 pounds of pecans in their waffles. That is more than 21 million pecans.
• Waffle House customers consume two percent of the total eggs produced in the United States for foodservice use. That is more than 185,000,000 eggs every year, 500,000 eggs everyday, 20,833 eggs every hour, 347 eggs every minute and five eggs every second.
• If you used all of the eggs Waffle House serves in a year to make a cheese omelet, it would weigh 28 tons and would need 185 million slices of cheese. (Do you want hashbrowns with that?)
• If you lined up all the bowls of Bert's Chili® Waffle House serves in a year, it would stretch the length of Florida's coastline on both the Atlantic and the Gulf coasts!
• Waffle House serves more than 10,000 T-bone steaks every day.
• If you stack all of the USDA Choice hamburger patties Waffle House serves in a year, it would equal the height of 18 Mount Everests!
• Waffle House serves more than 381 tons of country ham every year. That translates to more weight than a fully-loaded Boeing 747 at takeoff.

- The first Waffle House® restaurant opened on Labor Day in 1955 in Avondale Estates, GA.

- The Waffle House System operates more than 1,470 restaurants in 25 states.

[fuzzybroken]

If you lay all of the Bryan bacon end-to-end that Waffle House serves in a year, it will stretch from Atlanta to Los Angeles seven times! (That's more than 21,000 miles of bacon)

Mmmmm... 21,000 miles of bacon...