Ed Debevic's

The place has closed I see, but according to the website its only temporary.

We were here in July of 2013.  Not entirely sure why I didnt write a review then, but I was reminded of the place when my daughter came across a youtube video of one of the servers at Ed's *performing* while taking an order at a table.  People were harshly commenting about the "terrible service" and "How is she not fired", etc... Um, ok people.  Heres the thing... if you havent heard of the place before you might want to actually look up the business or read reviews that are actually on the business itself, instead of crucifying the poor girl who is *doing her job*!  Yes, it IS her JOB to speak to customers this way.  It is the entire basis of what Ed Debevics IS.  We specifically searched the place out to go eat there and be able to participate in the *fun*, as we dont have anything like it in our town, or surrounding areas (not even a Dicks Last Resort close by!).  

Enough about the youtube issue.  Here is what I thought of the place when we were there:  Food was good.  Standard diner fare, in a big way.  Burger was cooked as requested, and fries were plentiful.  The side sauces I ordered came out with the food and didnt have to be asked for a second time (something almost every single place ever struggles with, I think).  The server was delightfully rude and crude, as we expected and looked forward to prior to entering the establishment... Bonus points for me, I think, that I actually made the guy blush a time or two as I played along and flung my own insults right back at him.  (When in Rome??  Haha).  

I think we will be coming through Chicago/Lansing again before too long and I would hope that Ed's is back on the beat for another round.

I haven't been to this restaurant for decades.... After seeing a Groupon, I thought it's time to check it out again. It was a great deal.

Granted, the night we were there, it was bitterly cold so the restaurant was not busy.  The restaurant is definitely has the retro 50's feeling with dj booth and the vinyl records, juke boxes at the tables.  

Eddie, server, had greeted us right away and tossed the hats at us.   With his "attitude" he went over the menu and took our drink order along with meal order.  Eddie was great through out our meal.

We had started with the Mozzarella Sticks.  Within a few minutes, the mozzarella sticks were brought to us.  The outside was nice and crispy while the cheese was nice and hot and chewy.  The marinara sauce was good with a little kick.

I had ordered the Bacon Cheeseburger and my buddy had ordered the Chicken Finger Basket.  The timing between courses were just right.  The burger was prepared just right.  Actually, both meals were good - just remember, this is not gourmet meals.  

If you are in the area and want of have a good meal and have a rude experience, check it out.

Cool place to checkout when your in Chicago. Good food and funny shenanigans from the staff that danced on tables to putting there bum on my friends head while dancing lol. Cool decor lots to look at. Malts were thick and rich. Burgers are typical diner fare and we all got lots and lots of fries oh my!!

We were all so stuffed after a late lunch.

This place is awesome!
Plan on them being rude, as it is their gimmick
The food is definitely good.

The people are so mean. We loved it. My best friend and I went here after a Cubs/Cardinals game. They were yelling at us and insulting us....exactly what we expected. The food was delicious. The place was awesome looking. The music was good. The dressed up servers got up on the bar and danced to various songs as the patrons clapped along. Entertainment and dining. So fun!!!

Ed, I like your place.

The insulting wait staff; the interior; the soda jerk cap that customers receive upon entry---it's a spot where silliness is the MO. It appeals to tourists, and, well, I am one!  

The reuben sandwich that hubby ordered wasn't the best; my turkey club was tastier. The fries were cold, but the milkshakes were thick and delish and the cole slaw was on the mark.

It's like you're serving up some improv with the food and it pretty much works. It's not five stars however you don't stink either. The kids that I saw dining here were in heaven. If your mission is to make children feel valued, then you get some respect from me. I think I might have spied a grandparent or two with some youngsters who were possibly playing hooky (I'm just sayin')--and bully for them, too.

It's Chicago; it's a cultural experience; it's worth a visit.

Any trip to Chicago isn't a trip to Chicago without a stop at Ed's. COOL diner with amazing burgers (go with the Velveeta for your cheese).  Staff is as fun as they were when I first started going there nearly 20 years ago. World's smallest sundae is worth the take home glass you get with it. Veggie chili is really good, too.
Plan on a wait. It's worth it, though!

A final update:  the building was demolished on December 3, 2015.  RIP.

Have not been here in years, not my usual kind of place, I saw a Groupon for Ed's and I bought one  for 16 bucks worth 30 dollars in food- what a nice surprise when we arrived, Dr Feelgood was spinning some music- this guy knows what he is doing and makes Ed's a fun experience for everyone.  A live DJ- better than what you hear on local radio.

We had some fried pickles as an appetizer which were great. I had the meatloaf dinner, it was OK and only like 11 bucks, more than fairly priced, also had a side of their cole slaw- pretty tasteless. Wife had the veggie chilli which she enjoyed,

We ordered up cherry pie for dessert- they were out of pie..how do you run out of pie for lunch service on a Saturday at Noon?  Had an apple crisp instead which was heated up, but still cold on the inside- It was good enough...

I was expecting a sassy waitress, she was too normal for me..

The best part of Ed Debevic's was the music and the DJ.

I know this restaurant is closed. But this place was really good.
The burgers were the best. The service...... Well, they came by and brought out the food even though they're purposely not known for good customer service. They tell it to you like it is. Only they can get away with that. I think many of the servers went to acting class(es.)

Does anyone know if, when and where it will reopen ?