Trackside dining, Illinois
Contents
"Krekel's Kustard" in Decatur
Located 2320 East Main Street, Decatur 62521, Phone Number: (217) 423-1719. Krekel's is an institution in Decatur, as they are known for hamburgers that have a carmelized finish, adding to their flavor. They are known for their 30 different flavors of Milkshakes and Malted, Sundaes, Cones. Their homemade Soft Serve Custards, which are Vanilla, Lemon, Chocolate are worth standing in line for. And this location is widely known to railwatchers in Decatur, as it sets across the highway from the CXS Tracks, which where the Baltimore & Ohio Tracks running into Decatur. How many trains run a day on the tracks are hard to say these days, as 7 to 10 a day use to run there when I lived there in 1980. But if you don't see much action on the tracks, the food and ice cream are worth every minute that you are there. -You can "measure your pleasure" by the size of the grease stain that forms on the bottom of your brown bag on carry outs-which is a good idea since I believe that CSX line is lucky to have 1 train a day (and NEVER 7 to 10...)and you should take your food and go watch the NS somewhere... <googlemap lat="39.845219" lon="-88.923726" type="map" zoom="15" controls="large"> 39.701111, -89.123056, Dippin Merv's, 17 North Railroad Avenue,Blue Mound, IL 62513, USA. (217)692-2992 39.842298, -88.923717, Krekel's Kustard2320 E Main StDecatur, IL </googlemap>
"Dippin Merv's" in Blue Mound
Located in Blue Mound at 317 North Railroad Avenue, Blue Mound 62513-9500, Phone Number: (217)692-2992. Blue Mound is Southwest of Decatur on Highway 48, you can't miss it as it's along side the Grain Elevator there on the West Side of the Highway, along the Old Wabash Tracks heading towards St. Louis. You can expect the Norfolk Southern to be running trains about every 30 to 40 minutes apart during the day on these tracks, which Merv's sits 100' from the tracks. It's burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches, hot and cold sandwiches and Ice Cream, and believe me, they have some of the best Soft Ice Cream in Central Illinois, if not for the entire state, especially their Chocolate. But the viewing is the best, if you use their outdoor seating at their picnic tables, or if you're in your car in their parking lot.
<googlemap lat="39.701689" lon="-89.122928" type="map" zoom="17" controls="large"> 39.701111, -89.123056, Dippin Merv's, 17 North Railroad Avenue,Blue Mound, IL 62513, USA. (217)692-2992 </googlemap>
"Cafe Amano in Elmhurst"
Located at 105 South York Street, Elmhurst 60126, Phone Number: (630)279-9333. Cuisine is European inspired shareable plates. The Setting is Modern, inviting room, with comfortable lounge, and lots of light. Price Range, Soups & Salads $3 to $8, Sandwiches $7 to $9, Appetizers (the House Specilties) $7 to $12, Desserts $5 to $9, and Wine by the glass $6 to $12. Hours: Dinner 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm Monday-Thursdays, 4:30 pm to Midnight Fridays & Saturdays, 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Sundays. They accept reservations, and accepted credit cards are American Express, Discover Card, Visa, Master Card. This sets close to Chicago & Northwestern Mainline with a view, and is known to have 6 trains in a 90 minute period roll by.
<googlemap lat="41.899434" lon="-87.939999" type="map" zoom="17"> 41.898726, -87.939998, CAFE AMANO 105 South York Street Elmhurst, IL </googlemap>
"Noodle's & Company" in La Grange
Located at 1 East Burlington Avenue, La Grange 60525, Phone Number (708)579-1100. There website is http://www.noodles.com . They're located between Ashland and US Highway 45. Quick casual global noodle restaurant, serving the best noodle dishes, soups, salads from around the globe. From Japanese pan noodles to Penne Rosa, to Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. All dishes maybe costomized with Chicken Breast, Beef Tenderloin, Gulf Shrimp, or Organic Tofu. Prices range from $4 to $8. Reservations: None Accepted Credit Cards: American Express, Dinners Club, Discover Card, Master Card, Visa Card. Parking in their lot and along the street. Hours: Sunday - Wednesday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Thursday - Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
<googlemap lat="41.838874" lon="-87.869682" type="map">
41.815984, -87.869574, Noodles & Company1 East Burlington Avenue La Grange, Illinois 60525 </googlemap>
