New York Kosher (Gone)
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Tammy
Terwelp
New York Kosher was a familiar sight along Devon Avenue, with its classic sign hanging out over the sidewalk for decades. I wasn't sure at the time if the Sinai sausages sold here had been affected by the closing of Sara Lee's kosher processing plant in early 2009. As it turns out, they were. The "48" on the sign referred to the Sinai 48 brand, which disappeared when Sara Lee exited the kosher meat business. 11-09
For years, the shop was a favorite stop for kosher meats, hot dogs, sausages, and other deli staples in Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood. Its vintage sign became just as recognizable as the products it sold.
The business eventually closed, and in 2011 the sign was removed after the city required projecting signs over the sidewalk to come down. Thankfully, it wasn't scrapped—it was purchased by a private collector, preserving a small piece of Devon Avenue history.
UPDATE: The New York Kosher Sausage Shop is gone today and the sign is no longer here as well. 07-26
Maid Rite Sandwich Shop
Quincy, IL Photo courtesy Tammy
Terwelp
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop has been a Quincy favorite for generations. The restaurant has been serving its famous loose meat sandwiches since the late 1920s and became known for having one of the area's first drive-up and walk-up service windows. 11-09
The Maid-Rite is all about tradition. The menu hasn't changed much over the years, with the signature loose meat sandwiches, homemade pies, milkshakes, and crinkle-cut fries continuing to bring in loyal customers. It's also one of those places that still does things the old-fashioned way, remaining cash only with a no-tipping policy.
The classic roadside sign is still standing today, reminding travelers that some of the best roadside stops are the ones that have never forgotten their roots. If you're passing through Quincy, it's well worth making a stop.
UPDATE: Maid-Rite is still serving customers today, and the vintage sign continues to welcome hungry visitors to one of Quincy's longtime roadside landmarks. 07-26
Berghoff Restaurant
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Berghoff Restaurant has been a Chicago institution since 1898. It all started after Herman Berghoff found success serving his family's beer at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, leading him to open the Berghoff Cafe just a few years later. Today, the restaurant is still going strong just a few blocks from the former Sears Tower, and its classic neon sign remains one of the Loop's most recognizable landmarks. 02-10
The Berghoff has seen just about everything over the years. It survived Prohibition by serving food, near beer, and its now-famous Berghoff Root Beer before earning Chicago's Liquor License No. 1 when Prohibition ended in 1933. In 1970, the restaurant also made history when it ended its long-standing men-only bar policy following a protest led by members of the National Organization for Women.
Inside, much of the old-world atmosphere remains, with German specialties, traditional American fare, and plenty of history on the walls. The restaurant briefly closed in 2006 before reopening a few months later under the direction of the Berghoff family, ensuring another chapter for one of Chicago's oldest continuously operating restaurants.
UPDATE: The Berghoff remains a downtown favorite, and its iconic neon sign continues to light up Adams Street more than a century after the restaurant first opened. 07-26
Berghoff Restaurant Interior View
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Potato Shak
Loves Park, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Potato Shak has been serving up breakfast and lunch in Loves Park since 1982. The unique building makes it hard to miss, and if you're traveling through the Rockford area, it's a great place to stop for a hearty meal. 08-10
Known for its generous portions, the Potato Shak has built a loyal following with its skillets, omelets, steak and eggs, and other classic breakfast favorites. It's still a cash-only restaurant, adding to its old-school diner charm, and locals continue to pack the place for breakfast and lunch.
UPDATE: The Potato Shak is still going strong in Loves Park, and the distinctive building remains a familiar sight along North Second Street. 07-26
Capri Restaurant
Rockford, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Capri Restaurant has been serving up Italian favorites since 1963 and has long been one of the Rockford area's best-known pizza spots. When this photo was taken, the restaurant was located on East State Street in downtown Rockford, where it had become a local institution. 08-10
Known for its thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta, and classic Italian dishes, the Capri built a loyal following over the years. A devastating fire in 2022 forced the family to leave its longtime downtown home, but rather than call it quits, they opened a brand-new restaurant in nearby Loves Park. Even better, the restaurant's vintage neon sign was restored and now welcomes customers at the new location.
UPDATE: Capri Restaurant continues to serve the Rockford area from its new home in Loves Park, where the restored neon sign and several pieces from the original restaurant help carry on the family's legacy. 07-26
Lothson's Karry Out
DeKalb, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Lothson's Karry-Out in DeKalb is one of those places that's impossible to miss thanks to its giant "CHICKEN" sign towering over Lincoln Highway. The weathered letters have plenty of character these days, and while I'm not sure the neon still lights up, it's still one of the more memorable roadside signs around. 08-10
Lothson's has been serving up fried chicken since 1949 and remains a carry-out favorite for locals. The tiny restaurant is known for its crispy broasted chicken, along with fried gizzards, livers, and perch. It's the last remaining Lothson's location, making it a true survivor from another era of roadside dining.
UPDATE: Lothson's Karry-Out is still serving customers in DeKalb, and the iconic "CHICKEN" sign continues to welcome hungry travelers along the historic Lincoln Highway. 07-26
New York Kosher (Gone)
Maid Rite Sandwich Shop
Berghoff Restaurant
Potato Shak
Capri Restaurant
Lothson's Karry Out
