Pat Barch, the Hoffman Estates Historian, and I were discussing long gone but not long forgotten restaurants of Schaumburg Township. Some of the ones we came up with were:
1. Derby Street at the corner of Roselle and Golf Roads
2. Copperfields at the corner of Golf and Plum Grove Roads
3. Santes at the corner of Spring Mill and Higgins Roads
4. Bill Knapps in the current day Dover Straits location on Golf Road
5. Victoria Station on Mall Drive (see photo above)
Can you think of others that were your favorites? Send in a comment and tell us what we’ve left out.
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
History of Schaumburg Township 
I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but former village clerk Ginger Hayter co-owned a restaurant at the southwest corner of Roselle and Higgins Roads.
According to Virginia Hayter’s oral history on the library’s Local History Digital Archive, the restaurant was called Captain’s Cove and shared a space with the Rainbow Inn. If you’re interested, take a look at the oral history at http://www.stdl.org/localhistory. Browse through the Videos and then the Oral Histories. It will be under her last name.
A co-worker also reminded me of The Black Pearl, a Chinese restaurant, that was on the north side of Golf Road, just west of the intersection with Roselle. She also remembered that, prior to The Black Pearl, it was a Lums which was a family restaurant chain. The Spring Garden on the west side of Roselle Road between Higgins and Golf was also mentioned. It was torn down and the Walgreens was put up in its place.
As part of this discussion, another employee and I began talking about the restaurants that had been in the KFC location on Roselle Road. He said when he moved here it was Mr. Sub followed by Jack in the Box followed by Naugle’s and the KFC. KFC tore the building down and constructed the new one that is presently there. Does anyone remember what was there before Mr. Sub? Or, do we have the order wrong?
In mentioning the Spring Garden, it was brought up that the space was formerly occupied by a Down the Hatch restaurant. Can anyone verify this?
No, that is where the Ground Round was. The Down the Hatch was South of Schaumburg Rd on Roselle.
Here are a few other restaurants my co-workers mentioned:
JoJo’s on Golf Road at Valley Lake Drive
Full House on Irving Park Road
Golden Bear in Barrington Square, McDonald currently at site
Mother Tucker’s on Meacham Rd
Ground Round on Roselle Rd
Village on Roselle, just south of Weathersfield Road, a favorite spot for lunch
Cesare’s in that little wedge between Golf & Higgins Road, currently there’s a Starbucks
Down the Hatch on Roselle Rd
There was a Bob Evans on Golf Road. Some liked their chocolate cake.
And here’s more:
Jack-in-the-box, Shakees, the closest McDonalds was in downtown Elgin and I think it had the old fashioned arches. That was a treat to go there. Ground Round where you threw peanuts on the floor. Ponderosa Steakhouse and its self-serve kind of buffet. Woodfield had the ice cream parlor but can’t think of the name.
To this day there is still an open & fully operational Ponderosa Steakhouse in Aurora across from the Fox Valley Mall. The best buffet & I’ll never forget their “hot” food bar (est. 1984) & the always popular sundae bar.
Other mentions sent to me were:
–The ice cream place at Woodfield was Farrell’s.
–Easy Street used to be the Buggy Whip. The Buggy Whip then moved to Weathersfield Commons at Schaumburg and Springinsguth Roads.
–Beef and Barrel, now the Alumni Club.
–Italiani’s, now TGIF.
–Rusty Scupper.
–Barry’s Ribs on Mall Drive.
–Real Seafood or New England Seafood in the current La Magdalena location.
–34’s, the Walter Payton restaurant.
–Living Room
–Johnny D’s on Golf Road.
The Full House Restaurant that was near the corner of Irving Park Rd. and Barrington Rd. was Saint George and the Dragon Restaurant first. I loved this place as a kid. We got a free balloon and people in costumes were the wait staff as well as someone in a Dragon costume. I was only about 2 – 5 years old, but recall it quite clearly. Do you have any information on Saint George and the Dragon restaurant?
I’ve certainly seen mentions of St. George and the Dragon restaurant but have very little information about the restaurant. After a brief search of the Daily Herald’s archives, it looks like the restaurant may have opened sometime in the late 1960s and closed sometime around 1975. I would have to do a more in depth look to see if I can narrow it down beyond that.
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Hello Paul,
Another reader saw your comments on St. George and the Dragon and sent additional details on the restaurant:
“On February 9, 2013, Paul Kluxen wrote about the restaurant St. George and the Dragon and that there was someone in a dragon costume. I was the first one wearing that costume. I would stand outside the restaurant at the corner of Rt.19 and Barrington Roads and wave to people in cars, especially if there were kids inside. If someone had a birthday inside the restaurant, a waitress would come get me and I would help sing Happy Birthday to them at their table. I also held the entrance door open for guests coming in to dine. I was a sophomore at Schaumburg High School at the time, and some of the teachers would stop in for dinner, and I would greet them by name and they couldn’t tell who it was in the costume. Funny times, and all for $1.75/hour.
To the best of my recollection, I want to say that the St. George restaurant opened in late 1970, because I worked there for quite a while until Woodfield Mall opened in 1971 and I moved to being a busboy at the Woodfield Inn, upstairs directly across from Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor. I traded in my dragon costume for an apron, white shirt, and dark pants. I also got a $0.25 raise to $2.00/hour.”
Thank you for the info, Steve Struckman!
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
The KFC currently in that location, moved from it’s previous location that sat in the parking lot of the Valli Produce… which stood in between the Jiffy Lube & the now closed Saturn Dealer.
Cal’s was on Higgins east of where Golf and Higgins cross over. They had a huge plastic steer statue (the “Cal’s Cow”) outside which was on wheels and that they would pull in local parades. I wish we had a photo of that Cow! If anyone has one they shold send it to you.
I worked there for 2 weeks!
Also the Hippodrome, on Higgins at Plum Grove Road, where the McDonald’s is today.
Also, near where Cal’s was was Arby’s.
Down the Hatch is now LaLos Mexican restaurant on the East side of Roselle just south of the library. The KFC location has been so many different restaurants. The Ground Round once stood on the site. You could throw peanuts shells on the floor. The kids loved it.
Thank you for your input! My contact said this was a Down the Hatch separate from the one on South Roselle Road. Do you think that is correct?
Down the hatch was the first use of the now Lalo’s building. After Down the Hatch left, a Steak restaurant occupied that site – I forgot it’s name, however, now it is Lalo’s.
I don’t know if this qualifies for the Schaumburg Township (may be a part of the Hanover Park Township), but at the corner of Barrington & Irving Park Roads, once stood the Full House Restaurant. It then became a Blockbuster, was torn down after it closed & is now a Bank of America.
I think before the full house, it was a “St George and the Dragon”
I remember a Mexican restaurant that may have been in the building where Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine is now, at 555 Mall Drive, south of Woodfield. I thought the name started with “La,” but I could be wrong. I remember going there in the late eighties/ early nineties. Does anyone remember the name of this restaurant?
Was that El Sombrero?
That was El Torito…and I do remember having some good mexican food there!
El Torito was on mall Dr, I was part of the opening crew and worked there a few years, Gaylord Indian Cuisine sits where Cork & Cleaver was in those days, Victoria Station and Red Lobster were on Mall Dr too.
I remember the Little Caesarland on Roselle just south of Higgins. I think it’s a fruit market or grocery store now. It was like a big Chuck E. Cheese. It was in the shopping center behind what was just recently the Higgins Saturn dealer. I also miss terribly the Baker’s Square that was on the corner of Higgins and Jones/Salem Road. I loved their food, and had some good times there with friends and family.
The location You speak of is now a Valli Produce. It’s predecessors in order were… F&M, Little Caesars Funland & of course who could ever forget… Fireside Roller Arena! A true 80s icon!
And of course, before Fireside, it was a grocery… Guido’s, if I recall?
At that corner location back in 1968 or so was only a barbershop, and an all night bar. Progress struck and that was all torn down in favor of a large restaurant built at that corner…..higgins and Roselle. I think it was called Nick’s. After only 2 years or so, it misteriously burned down and sat as an eyesore for a year.
Barnaby’s was one of the oldest, still operating restaurants dating back to at least 1968. The old Caesers location was originally a restaurant called the “Amber Rose”. Beef and Barrell out on rt 62 underwent a couple of name changes and is now the “Alumni Club”. The Original Hippo’s on 72 and rt 53 grew into the later location on 72 by Plum Grove Rd in the Hippodrome Plaza and had great steamed hot dogs and $.25 frosted beers!
Don’t forget the old Lums restaurant that preceeded the Black Pearl at that location.
Thanks for the Beef and Barrel reference. I have often tried to think of what that used to be.
Just remembered another one! There was some type of family restaurant on the corner of Golf and Plum Grove Road. It’s the Greek Taverna now, but I remember right before the restaurant closed their sign advertised a “24oz. porterhouse steak.” We still talk about that sign when we watch “Man v. Food.” Never have gone in either restaurant so I can’t comment about the food.
At that intersection there were a few places. I remember there used to be a place called The Jonex or something like that but even if spelling wrong the pronunciation is correct. That building housed many restaurants over the years. Diagonal across the street where I think a Red Lobster is now, used to be a Stuart Anderson’s Cattle Company which obviously by the name served steaks. It also was a Ground Round for a little while (didn’t last long and not be confused with the Ground Round that was over by Fireside Roller rink). I remember after that the Honda dealer used the parking lot for stock overflow and then Red Lobster went in.
The restaurant at Golf and Plum Grove was Jonix, later Copperfields, now Greek Village Taverna. I think it originally was a William Flagg’s.
I worked there for 2 weeks!
I worked as a waiter at Flaggs in 1976 and 1977. We had a great wait staff and a fantastic chef from Germany named Kurt. Good food and fun times!
Woodfield had a Wimpy’s in the late 70’s. Also there were a Jack in the Box, Naugles and a Mr. Sub in the spot where KFC was. There was also another Naugles over where the HP Branch is (or maybe on the spot where the Popeye’s is).
Don’t forget Monday’s Restaurant, which was at the site of the current TGI Fridays, on Golf Road near Woodfield!
And a “Tuesdays” (no kidding) restaurant preceeded the TGIF on golf road by Woodfield Mall.
Anyone remember the Black Knight in shopping center by the bowling lanes. Used to have all you can eat crab legs on Friday nites. Used to go there after meetings – there would always be someone you knew. Also good place to take family without breaking the bank.
Did anyone mention Dolly’s at Hilldale? Prime rib early on Fridays – would take my sons since it was reasonable and in the winter the fireplace added a cozy atmosphere.
Not in our township, but Leong’s chinese restaurant on Algonquin was a good place.
My Mom Elaine and Step Dad Ralph owned the Black Knight. I still see the covered entrance everytime I go tanning next to it. brings back memories! Thanks ♥
The Black Knight was great. My mother was a waitress and a hostess there for many years, until around 1978
I also worked at the Black Knight in the early 70s. Great crab legs and great entertainment with an accordion player named Mario. I was a food and cocktail waitress and got many opportunities to sing with Mario.
Although not a restaurant, the lunch counter at Snyder’s Hoffman Drugs was the place to eat for many construction workers in 1959. The drugstore opened in June 1959 and the lunch counter manager made sure that there were many worker friendly specials.
Wasn’t there a Dog and Suds drive in south of Rainbow Inn? 1960s?
I remember the Dog and Sudds that was on Roselle Road at the currentsite of Zippies just South of Higgins.
A couple of co-workers also mentioned the Village Restaurant to me. It was in the Weathersway Plaza near present day Frato’s and the Shelter Inc Thrift Shop. They fondly recall the fried shrimp platter they served on Fridays–and its affordability!
after down the hatch there was rockwells was the restaurant/bar on the southwest side of roselle and algonquin road called the tarragon?
Tarragon Restaurant was on the northwest corner of Algonquin and Roselle Roads in Palatine Township. Their address was 1776 S. Roselle Road. Before it was torn down, it was Embers Charhouse. Hope this helps!
And before it was Tarragon or Embers it was Coat of Arms. They sponsored my little league baseball team for Palatine South Little League.
Anyone remember The Stop restaurant (Gyros, hotdogs and Italian beef) in the Town Square shopping center? Or how about Barone’s pizza a couple of doors away?
Yes I remember Barone pizza use to order there at least twice a week pizza was addicting it was so good even better than a couple other Barones I tried I know they changed their name at one point same owner don’t remember the name. I remember the Stop also nothing to write home about average at best frato was better.
Jack
What was the name of the restaurant after the Beef n Barrel but before the Alumni Club?
It was the Snuggery for many years. Is that the one you’re thinking of?
Sue – I remember the stop. I used to walk there from the library (where my mother worked) for lunch when there was no school. I was never that thrilled with Barone’s.
Let’s not forget Leong’s Chinese Restaurant on Algonquin between Motorola and Harper College.
Leong’s was the best. Their food was so good, and I have never found another place that had pressed Almond Duck. That was my favorite
I miss the Baker’s Square (now part of the Nissan Dealership parking lot) at the NE corner of Jones & Higgins Roads.
How about Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips which was just down the street from Barnaby’s. A used car dealer opened up in it’s place (think it was called the “toy store” or something like that). A big building I went to pre-school in was also next door. Vogeli Barn or a name similar to that.
Does anyone remember an Italian restaurant on Golf Rd. where the Champp’s currently is? (or very near to it, on that side of the road across from the Best Buy). It was there in the 90s I believe. It popped into my head recently (no idea why) and now is driving me crazy! Thank you!
Hi Christie,
We looked through a 1992 phone book and found what we think is your answer. It was Grisanti’s. Both addresses are listed as 955 E. Golf Road.
Sound right?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
I just randomly came across this page again and found your answer to my question from two years ago! Thank you, Grisanti’s was it! 🙂
I think that you might be thinking of Johnnie “D”s that started on the South side of golf as a little Bistro, then closed and reopened across the street from Portillo’s in a new big space. Then they went bust!
Farrell’s Ice Cream parlor in Woodfield !
Still hard to forget the disappointment when the Burger King went up near Higgins and Roselle Road. The rumor had been that a McDonalds was going in there. We had to drive to Elgin or Arlington Heights in those days to find McDonalds.
anyone remember cork & cleaver on Mall Drive?
Does anyone remember an elegant rib restaurant that played jazz music and had a blue canopy on the restaurant ceiling??? Driving us crazy that we can’t remember it. It was there in the 80’s?
The Rib Exchange was my first job. I had just eighth grade and applied at the new restaurant in order to save up money for private Catholic high school. The restaurant was located at 911 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg IL 60195. In an effort to help me earn more money for my education, the owner, Mr. Bruce Kaufman, would call me on the phone at my home (no cell phones back then) and ask if I wanted to help him put the new restaurant together. Needles to say, I helped screw the metal black tables with the mirrored tops together and even decorated the garden area with strings of Christmas lights. I helped paint the fence. Did you know that the building was originally a Van’s Belgium Waffle House before it became The Rib Exchange? Hence, the blue roof. The exterior facade was an ivory stucco with a high white fence surrounding the building for privacy. A secret garden sat between the windows and the fence so that patrons never saw a car in the parking lot. As I recall, the inside draperies hanging from the ceilings were black with a white, yellow, and green floral pattern, but maybe they were dark blue. The interior lounge was separated from the flanking dining areas by large stucco-covered archways with heavy glass placed between them. Many drunken customers accidentally walked into the glass, since the staircase was also an archway, and in the dark, it was hard to tell the difference. Surprisingly, the glass never broke. The cocktail lounge had a very long and beautiful crescent cherrywood bar with a black leather cushion following the edge along the top. The lounge also had an octagonal fresh seafood bar in the middle of the bar. The chairs in the lounge area featured extra-long wicker sofas with ivory cushions in the corners of the room, and the big wicker chairs you would see on the TV show Fantasy Island. A cramped musicians’ stage was to the right of the bar bordering the wall, sandwiched between the cashier station and a staircase archway. In all, they squeezed 6 people up there on the tiny stage, and occasionally added special guest singers, too. Although the band did occasionally have an electric bass guitar player, they even managed to fit a real double bass somehow. Chicago Jazz players performed on the weekends. The names included legends such as Franz Jackson (saxophone, clarinet, vocals), Steve Mengler (trombone), Dick Losso (drums), Ronnie Barron (drums), Steve Behr (piano), Scott Brown (piano), David Phelps (piano), Frank Demonico (trumpet), and more. I can picture all of the faces but sadly, not all of the names of musicians who substituted in for a night or who replaced members as the years went on. The menu included barbecue ribs, of course, chicken, and even Dungeness crab. The restaurant was a prime sponsor of Poplar Creek Outdoor Music Center and patrons could pick up dinners which came in awesome looking white boxes with the Jazz logo emblazoned across the front. Many of the entertainers ate at the restaurant in a slightly private party area toward the back left dining area. I remember ladies going absolutely crazy when Tom Jones ate there before his concert.
Gary, the level of detail that you provided about the Rib Exchange is simply incredible. I don’t know if you took a couple of days to accumulate this response or if you just sat down and started writing but, WOW. It is amazing what our brains hang onto from our youth and, what an impact those first jobs have on our lives.
If you don’t mind, I’d like to do a bit of research and, with the help of your details, create a blog post on the Rib Exchange. You wouldn’t, by chance, have any photos would you?
You can respond to me off of the blog at jrozek@stdl.org
Thank you for weighing in. I sincerely appreciate those who take the time to write up their part of Schaumburg Township history!
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
Hello- I was jsut thinking about it today. It was called the Rib Exchange. It had live jazz, and the ceilling was hung with navey blue daisy patternd cloth. It was the best rib joint I ever have been to. Dolly’s in the golf course was nice as well. Best Wishes, Jack Fitz-William
Located on the east side of Mall Drive on the south side of the mall, it stopped operations at least as far back as the mid 1980s. We used to eat there when I was up in Chicago for business.
I also ate a lot of dinners at the Roy Rogers location in Woodfield. They were bought up by Hardee’s, after which the chain junked the Rogers line of roast beef sandwiches and kept only the horrid fried chicken. I haven’t eaten at a Hardee’s since…sob…
We also used to eat at a steak and seafood place named Harry G’s, up on Algonquin Road. They were one of the earlier places to carry Dungeness crab long before you could find it away from the West Coast. Don’t know if they’re still there or not.
Sure do, I worked next door at El Torito and on Friday and Saturday nights I just to go with coworkers to Cork & Cleaver and invade the bar, great place as I remember.
How about Sandwich Italiano at Wise and Springinsguth. They had great Italian Beef and fresh cut fries. They’d load a paper lunch bag full of fries as an order. We’d walk home to HP from Addams Jr. H.S. and eat hot, fresh cut fries.
Corky’s in Tradewind’s Shopping Center at Irving and Barrington Rd. It was between the Walgreens and the Dominick’s in the 1970’s. It was owned by Walgreens .They had the Corker Burger that was named after Charles R. ” Cork ” Walgreens III. The most recent Walgreens to retire from the Walgreens board of directors (4 years ago ).
I just found this post…grew up in Streamwood, and there were so few places when we first moved there. I remember Corky’s…after that it was a Greek Restaurant called “3 Flags”…I used to work at Tradewinds and ate many a lunch there! My S.O. used to work a Walgreen’s lunch counter. He still longs for their fried chicken and strawberry pie!
and of course there was the one and only TRI-VILLAGE Drive- In at Irving and Barrington Rds.! There are some great old photos on Facebook posted by one of the owners daughter’s Toni Christopher.
Tri village was awesome! I loved the way your fries were rolled up with your hot dog. It had such a distinct taste. Don’t forget Bon Gusto’s on Irving Park Rd. across from the old Kmart and Butera grocery store, practically next to what was a Woolco. There was also a SAMBO’S which became a Steak and Shake and an Arthur Treacher’s fish and chips. A Corfu restaurant, a Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s and a Jack in the Box on Barrington Rd and A Jake’s Pizza by the Hanover Tap.
Can’t remember what it was called, but it was the restaurant shaped like the inside of a submarine inside Woodfield. More for the ambiance than the food. Also, enjoyed visiting the cookie factory inside Woodfield when I was younger.
Jeff,
In an earlier post in this blog regarding the original stores in WOODFIELD MALL, someone mentioned the “Submarine Restaurant” that had great hot dogs.
How about Chicken City USA where you could get the best onion rings ever made.
Where was Chicken City USA? No one else has ever mentioned it. Was it by chance in the strip mall on the NW corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned John’s Garage in the Woodfield Mall. The salad bar was incredible, they had great food and really good drinks. (I had my very first “cherry bomb” there…. that was interesting !). When the ice rink was still there, you could watch the people skating while you were eating. I always felt like Woodfield and John’s Garage were ahead of their time back then. I was just a kid and was always amazed and excited to go to Woodfield and eat at John’s Garage. We LOVED to watch the skaters and would wait extra long for a table to open up by the windows. As a matter of fact, after my bridesmaids did their fitting for my wedding, (at Jessica McClintock), we all went to John’s Garage afterward. I was sorry to see it go !
Hi Annie,
Thank you for your wonderful details on John’s Garage. I hope to do a blog posting on the skating rink in the future. It’s certainly on my list. You might enjoy the posting I did on John’s Garage if you didn’t catch it. https://ourlocalhistory.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/johns-garage-filling-station/
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
I was the 1st manager at Barnaby’s on Golf Road. I later was a chef at Caesare’s at Golf & Higgins. Loved Rosati’s Pizza. Lived on the corner of golf & Apple St. next to car wash.
When we were little, our favorite restaurant was The Magic Pan. I think it was at Woodfield, but I was so young then that’s I’m not certain. There used to be a glass window through which we could watch our crepes being made. They had a dessert crepe filled with mint chocolate chip ice cream, and my sweet parents would let me get it as my breakfast. The Magic Pan was expensive, so we only went there a handful of times. It was such a special treat to go there and I have such happy memories of the place. I still remember the sad ride home after the last time we went there to eat and found it gone.
I found this site while looking up The Black Pearl, which was my favorite childhood Chinese restaurant. I remember going back there when visiting my family sometime in the 90s.
The pizza place we went to was called Shakey’s, and they gave you free popcorn. You could also reach deep into a treasure chest and get a little “prize.”
Back in the 70s, eating out was nothing like it is now. It happened about 6 times per year in our family and it was really something special.
Thank you for putting this page together! It’s a nice trip down memory lane.
A few more. . .
First, there was ANOTHER “Down the Hatch”. It was at the Northeast corner of Algonquin Road and New Wilke Road.
Over in that same area – New Wilke and Golf – there used to be a breakfast restaurant where the Portillo’s is: called Mr. Hobo’s.
There was also a Roy Rogers fast food restaurant inside Woodfield Mall – kinda similar to Cal’s, but they had a cheeseburger that also had ham on it. Wonderful!
I miss the JoJo’s Monte Cristo. Bennigan’s is similar, but JoJo’s was the BEST.
There were also a couple of e-restaurants on Higgins Road – just west of Hoffman High. I believe Stereo Studio used to be a Pizza Hut (pretty obvious from the building design) and the medical plaza next to it also used to be a family restaurant (short-lived)< but I forget the name.
Potesta’s was in the medical building east of Simply Stereo
Sambo’s Pancake House was on north side of Irving Park Rd between Cumberland and Kingsbury Drive’s in Hanover Park. Probably between 1969 and 1972.
Yes! I remember that. That site ( I believe ) later became Steak and Shake.
Lucky’s Diner in Woodfield Mall! I remember going there with my family a lot in the late ’80s and early ’90s. 1950’s themed restaurant, although being younger I don’t remember a thing about the food and just recall the fun, carefree ambiance and decor.
On the same token, I remember Johnny Rocket’s at One Schaumburg Place and enjoying the similar 1950’s theme and burgers there very much – Despite the fact that One Schaumburg Place didn’t last very long :).
Also, what was that nightclub at Meacham and Algonquin that was constantly in the local news for trouble stirred up there? I remember my older sister always wanting to go so badly but my parents never letting her because of the bad reputation it had and how frequently it was in the local papers for drugs, fighting, etc. I think it had a couple of different names.
Similarly, I remember a nightclub in One Schaumburg Place called Venus that was in the local news once in a while for trouble there as well. Although I was nowhere near old enough to be going out to those places, I remember being fascinated with all the trouble they caused – Must’ve been much more fun to go out to the Schaumburg nightclubs 20 years ago than it is today :).
The nightclub you might be thinking of at the intersection of Algonquin and Meacham was Toto’s and later Jackhammer’s. They frequently sponsored alcohol-free teen dances.
Thank you for your excellent comments!
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
I was trying to think of the name of this bar as well.. I dont Remember it being called either of those names.. did it go by something else before it was closed? Like around 2005/06?
Hello Amanda,
In looking up articles in the Daily Herald, Jackhammer’s is the last bar I see at 1450 E. Algonquin Road. This was also the address for Toto’s.
The next mention I see for that address is in this document from the Village of Schaumburg in 2004. It states that this parcel, “the former Jackhammer’s site” is under review for redevelopment by the Zoning Board. http://lfweb.villageofschaumburg.com/WebLink/0/edoc/866808/2004-06%20DCD%20Monthly%20Report.pdf
Maybe someone else can come up with another nightclub in that location or nearby?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
I’ve stumbled on this blog in my google search for any Grisanti’s Restaurants still in existence. I used to work there and loved the food. Does anyone remember The Skewer Restaurant in Woodfield.
The first location they had was in the same wing at Farrell’s and The Magic Pan (upper level Sears). You could watch them slice the Gyro. Then they expanded to another location on the lower level Sears wing. They had the BEST Gyros sandwiches. Across the way was the German rest, The Black Forest.
I loved grisanti’s
What a great place,All of these posts bring back great memories..I remember almost all of these places mentioned.
R Cornish Right in between the places you mentioned next to Hoffman high was the white Pantry and next to that My uncle opened up a fast food store front with catering called My favorite place eventually he closed the fast food front but still catered for many years until he sold the business. The best beefs EVER!..
How about Cal’s Roast Beef? They had a giant statue of a bull in front. It was on Higgins Rd near Golf Rd.
It’s the Full House that was in Hanover Park on either rt. 19 or 20 still around?
That was a great place!
No WAY!..LOL it was gone long ago,The owner killed him self there..We went there for family events..It was gone in the 80’s the last time I was in hellinois there was a Block buster video in it’s place.
Yeah, it is gone now. My sister and I were just talking about that place. It started out as a Saint George and the Dragon. Full house apparently had the best salad bar.
Does anyone have a picture of either the Derby Street sign or restaurant? Many memories of nights there.
Marty
mcfolan@aol.com
Someone mentioned snuggery before alumni club. Not sure about that. I remember eating peanuts with the kids and dropping shells on floor but didnt think it was snuggery. Anyone confirm?
The Snuggery at Busse Rd and Algonquin, Mount Prospect. my husband and I had many dates there in the early 80’s. we often sat at the bar (one of them) in front of the fish tank.
Someone mentioned the Poderosa. Does anyone know where it was?
There were actually two Ponderosas in Schaumburg. One was at 1823 W. Wise Road, near the intersection of Irving Park and Wise, just east of the former K-Mart location on Irving Park.
The other location was on the north side of W. Golf Road across from Schaumburg State Bank which was in Golf Point Plaza at Valley Lake Drive.
Hopefully, this helps?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Anyone remember if there was an ice cream shop on the corner of Roselle and Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg? I think it was next to American Heritage Bank in the shopping center with Sun Drugs in the mid 1970’s.
It wouldn’t be Pinocchio’s, would it?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
It was a Baskin Robbins if I’m thinking the right location. My cousin used to live in the Quad’s right by there (in the 70’s), when we were kids. Thats my favorite ice cream place & I now live in SC where there are NO 31 flavors to speak of 😦
My Bad, I just looked at a map & I did have your location wrong. Something just rang a bell when you mentioned the drug store. I think there was a Baskin Robbins at Schaumburg & Carver. I’m guessing now, as I was from Streamwood and only like six-nine yrs old when my cousin lived over there. Also, I haven’t lived in Ill for over 20 yrs. OH, HOW I MISS THE FOOD!!!
*The Full House~I do remember having the best cream of broccoli soup 😦
*I also remember a place called 6 (six) Flags, in the Tradewinds shopping center that I really liked when I was a kid.
Pinocchio’s used to be my favorite place. (mid to late 70’s) All the servers were boys… college kids I think and there was a beautiful stained glass pinocchio in the front of the place. I just can’t remember where it was! They served burgers and sandwiches… maybe dinner selections – not greasy at all as they had no fryer. Anybody remember the location? My husband thought maybe part of the Reed Opera House but I’m not sure he ever ate there.
There was a place called Pinocchio’s Pizza and Pub in Glenview on Milwaukee Avenue. Maybe that was it?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
No one mentions the original Airport Lounge & Restaurant at the Schaumburg Airport. A very popular place in the1970’s. They served the best barbecue baby back ribs in the entire area. It was run by Raymond & Carole Vaccaro.
Hello Cooki,
Thank you for that tidbit. I was unaware there was a restaurant at the airport before Pilot Pete’s. Doing just a little bit of online research, I did see a couple of “Daily Herald” articles that mentioned the restaurant and the fact that Mr. Vacarro also purchased the VIP Lounge in Wiseway Plaza at Wise and Irving Park Road. Good information to know!
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
Jake’s Pizza
Ok, I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth here to keep it rolliing. Growing up in Hanover Park since 1965 there were tons of changes.In 1973 4 5 0r 1976 Hanover Park made it into the guiness book of records for most fast food places within an small deemed area.per capita.. lol.
BTW hi Tony and Paul.
Sambos restaurant on Cumberland Drive and Irving Park Rd.
The Embers Restaurant on Lake St where Cadillac Ranch was and Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is currently.
Jack in the Box on the West side of Barrington Rd and North of Irving Pk Rd.
Arthur Treachers Fish and Chips on Irving Pk. Rd. near Tradewinds shopping Center.
Corky’s Restaurant in Tradewinds Shopping Center between Walgreens and Dominicks
Winchells donuts across from jack in the box on Barrington Rd.
Naugles had a restaurant on Irving Pk Rd
Ponderosa in the Irving pk rd and wise Rd
Chicken Unlimited ( yum ) west of Barrington Rd on Irving Pk rd
And,,,,,,, across the street on Irving Pk Rd., THE GREAT TRI – VILLAGE RESTAURANT run by Tony and Lou and their awesome family.
Steak and Shake was next to Tradewinds in the latter 70’s then disappeared….. then 20 or 25 years later reappeared and in their same building… lol
And since im on a 70’s tangent flashback
Zayre had their gas station along barrington rd.
A&P Supermarket, Woolco Dept.store and trak Auto on Irving park Rd at Wise Rd.
K mart stood behind where long john Silvers currently is at on Irving pk rd and wise rd.
Pick n pay drug store on Barrington rd just before lake st.
Eagle grocery store Irving and Barrington rd.
Kohl’s grocery store Irving and Barrington rd
It was amazing to see that entire area go from farms to what it is today and a wonderful place to grow up then thanks to all the people i knew for making it fun!!!
Ok I’m done.
Btw-The White Castle was replaced at some point ( late 70’s or early 80’s) by its east coast copy cat …. White Tower and don’t forget Kane Beverage .
Martini !!! I know it’s you bro, hope life is treating you well. Used to hang together and worked at kohl’s with ya 🙂
That’s me – Glenn ????? Last name may jog my old memory.
Restuarant on NE corner of Algonquin rd and meacham????
Are you thinking of La Margarita?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
Name of the German Restaurant east side of Roselle Rd between Higgins & Golf but closer to Higgins. Around the corner from Jewel. Facing Roselle Rd. Great German food until the owner started cutting corners big time. They eventually closed because of this & the way the food tasted.
Is it maybe Black Forest Restaurant at 1129 N. Roselle Road in Hoffman Estates?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
Yes that is the name. Living down here in Nogales, AZ area there are no foods like in the Schaumburg/HE area at all.
Does anyone remember the name of a restaurant ( family type ) restaurant from 1978 which was located on Algonquin Road in Schaumburg, Illinois a little east of the Motorola Campus. If you are driving east on Algonquin Road it would have been on the left hand side of the road? It changed names since 1978 but the building is now torn down and the lot is now a vacant lot.
Regards, John Hebda
it was called The Brass Kettle I use to go there all the time I lived across the street from it.
May have been the Lancer….corner of Meacham and 62.
It was further east on Algonquin. Same side of the street as Lancers but further east. Could it have been Kopper Kettle maybe? It was east of the Hot Dog stand. East of La Marguerita.
John Hebda
Thank you for helping me on this.
I have a little more information on this long ago restaurant on Algonquin Road.
I was mistaken on it’s location.
It was between Lancer’s which was at 1450 East Algonquin Road and the old Frankly Yours West Hot Dog stand which is now closed at 1580 Algonquin Road.
It appears a Wendy’s Restaurant is on the location of this old restaurant from 1978. The Wendy’s address today is 1530 East Algonquin Road.
Thank you ever so much for your help in trying to research this for me.
Could it have been Denny’s?
Could have been a not so good place called Dakota’s
There was a place called “Thumpers” in the 1980s at that approx. location.
My favorite places in the area were El Torito, Johnny D’s, Yu’s, Magic Pan, Vie De France and Bob Evans.
Victoria Station on Higgins & Woodfield Dr. There prime rib was the best.
Is this blog still active
Yes it is, Scott!
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
Does anyone know what happened to Johnny D’s on Golf road, it started small at a shopping plaza and after a while they moved to a very nice spot. I think they closed in their prime, did something happened and they got shutdown? Food was excellent by the way.
On Mon, Jul 25, 2022, 8:06 PM History of Schaumburg Township < comment-reply@wordpress.com> wrote:
After doing some brief research in the “Daily Herald,” Johnny D’s was located at 1029 E Golf Road from 1989-1996. They moved to 614-616 E. Golf Road around 1997 or 1998 and were there until September 2003 when the Bamboo Room took their place. I did not find any article that addressed their closing. Maybe one of the readers on the blog can help us out?
Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org
Hey! It’s not forgotten.
Cal’s Roast Beef became Arby’s – no cow.
Cesar’s (sp) was my favorite place growing up. We lived right at/near Golf and Roselle. By Spring Mill.