Western Springs Eateries of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s

If you remember the Pancake Plantation, you’ve probably lived in Western Springs for at least 35 or 40 years. Featuring white, wrought iron furniture (shown above) and “the world’s largest variety of pancakes”, it first opened in the summer of 1960. In later years, the restaurant became the Western View Restaurant and, in 2004, was renamed the Honey Bee Cafe.   

Even before the Pancake Plantation, residents were accustomed to dining at the Tower Pic Restaurant located at 822 Hillgrove. This was a full service restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It opened in 1955 and operated well into the 1960’s. Click on second small ad above. 

In 1958, the country’s growing demand for pizza prompted the opening of the Spaghetti Bowl in the historic Ekdahl building at 808 Hillgrove. Click on third small ad above. In 2008, the restaurant moved next door to newer quarters and the Western Springs Historical Society acquired the building, now located north of the Main Fire Station. The owners of the Spaghetti Bowl subsequently sold their business, which is now named Scavuzzo's Café Italia.

What LTHS graduate from the 1970’s could forget a drive-in restaurant named Corky’s?  Part of a chain owned by Walgreen’s, this fast food venue opened in 1969 next door to the old Walgreen’s store, at the north end of the Garden Market shopping center. That’s about where Dominick’s floral department is now located. What was the featured menu item? A giant deluxe hamburger aptly named the “Corker”. 

Fried chicken devotees were also rewarded in 1969 when Sweet Granny’s Fried Chicken came to Western Springs. Located in the 7-Eleven shopping center, this carry-out restaurant featured a 24-piece bucket with fries, coleslaw and rolls … all for just $7.97. This later became Robert’s Carry-Out.

Located at 822 Hillgrove, Sophie’s Villager Restaurant was a favorite gathering spot in the 1970’s. No wonder … their 1977 menu offered one egg, bacon, hash browns, and toast for just $1.00. In 1986, the restaurant changed hands and was renamed Tracy’s. While very popular, their lease was not renewed after 1989 due to the restaurant’s high insurance cost. 

In 1977, pizza and pasta lovers were delighted when Little Bit of Italy, both a take-out and dine-in restaurant, opened for business at 917-919 Burlington. That’s where Design Studio and Stems & Twigs are now located. Click on fourth small ad above. And, in 1986, Jim Boland opened his popular Boland’s Ice Cream Sandwich Shoppe just a few doors east at 909 Burlington. Click on fifth small ad above.  This is now home to Snackers Cafe.  

Do you have a favorite memory of one of these restaurants? Or, do you recall one from this era that was not mentioned? If so, submit a comment!