Cathy2 wrote:Is this the correct address?

That's the one! Though I have no proof, it tastes to me like the other locations use a different beef. They're always tougher and dryer - I suppose it could be cooking methods, too. The other locations are good for a hot dog or a shake, but I'd never go there for beef (again.)

MincyBits wrote:I've got it on good authority (err... Llama told me, that is)

That's a very good authority!

Cathy2 wrote:Is this the correct address?

Zels Roast Beef
(219) 845-0433
6909 Columbia Ave, Hammond, IN 46324

6901 Columbia. It's right on the corner. I had a similar experience to yours at their East Chicago location and found their sandwich to be just plain and kinda tasteless. I'll give them another try at the Hammond location.

Cathy2 wrote:Is this the correct address?

Zel's Roast Beef
(219) 845-0433
6909 Columbia Ave, Hammond, IN 46324

This is what Google gave me and it looks good on the map.

I am sure that I grabbed a menu and if it is wrong I will post here.

Has anyone been to Zel's in Schererville (there are two locations)? A couple posters on other sites seem to prefer those.

surrycounty on Roadfood wrote:My favorite Zel's location is on Indianapolis Blvd. ( US 41 ) at the north end of Schererville IN.

Theodore L on Yelp wrote:I don't know what this particular location [Lincoln Hwy, Schererville] does different from the others but this Zel's not only has better tasting beef, but the restaurant itself seems to be a lot cleaner than the other locations.

Artie wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:Is this the correct address?

Zels Roast Beef
(219) 845-0433
6909 Columbia Ave, Hammond, IN 46324

6901 Columbia. It's right on the corner.

Not that it matters much but 6909 is correct. Their parking lot is right on the corner.

Here are Zel's current six locations:

Zel's Roast Beef (original location)
1318 E Columbus Dr (at Euclid)
East Chicago IN
219-397-6167 ‎

Zel's Roast Beef
6909 Columbia Av (at 169th)
Hammond IN
219-845-0433

Zel's Roast Beef
7889 W Lincoln Hwy (just east of Cline)
Schererville IN
(219) 864-1011

Zel's Roast Beef
210 US Highway 41 (= Indianapolis)
Schererville IN
(219) 322-9891

Zel's Roast Beef
801 N Main St (at Summit)
Crown Point IN
219-226-9850

Zel's Roast Beef
1441 E 82nd Av (just east of I-65 & US-30)
Merrillville IN
219-769-9357

I go to the one in Schererville on 41 often for hotdogs and polishes (the one near Cline is connected to a gas station) but I haven't tried the beef in a few years. The next time I'm over that way I'll check it out and report back.

Rene G wrote:Just yesterday [over six years ago] I heard from a reliable source that the thing to get at Zel's is the chili cheeseburger (thanks, Randy).

Hell, yeah! Now we're talking. This is a pretty great $4 burger if you're in the mood for something sloppy. I have a feeling the plain burger wouldn't win any prizes but this whole mess works really well together. From the Hammond location.



The description on their menu, as well as a recent sandwich (pictured below), leads me to believe pickles and peppers are the standard garnish these days.



Six years later, we finally got around to trying a bar-b-que beef (at the Hammond location) and it was much better. It seems like they toss the beef with the sauce before loading it on the bun, so it's very thoroughly coated. A little more sauce than I'd prefer, as it's quite sweet. For me, "light sauce" might be the way to go. We requested the onion but didn't say anything about pickles and peppers.

MincyBits wrote:I've got it on good authority (err... Llama told me, that is) that the only Zel's worth going to is the original one in Hammond. It's the only one we've bothered going to, and, incidentally, is how I knew for sure I was off the west coast: chili cheese roast beef?! Once I wrapped my head around that I gave it a whirl, and it was delicious.

My first Zel's experience was lackluster but I think I'm starting to understand the place better now. Next up: chili cheese beef. Not something I would have considered before but having tried the bar-b-que beef and the chili-cheeseburger, I expect it'll be good. There's probably a reason it's painted on their front window. Is the chili cheese beef really served as a topping for the fries (as the menu suggests) or is it on a roll?

Rene G wrote:

Artie wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:Is this the correct address?

Zels Roast Beef
(219) 845-0433
6909 Columbia Ave, Hammond, IN 46324

6901 Columbia. It's right on the corner.

Not that it matters much but 6909 is correct. Their parking lot is right on the corner.

Here are Zel's current six locations:

Hmmm, I see the current menu says 6901 Columbia (not that it matters much but I actually called them a couple years ago and they told me 6909). It looks like the Merrillville store is gone so now they're down to five:

Zel's Roast Beef
6901 Columbia Av
Hammond IN
219-845-0433

Zel's Roast Beef
1318 E Columbus Dr
East Chicago IN
219-397-6167 ‎

Zel's Roast Beef
7889 W Lincoln Hwy
Schererville IN
219-864-1011

Zel's Roast Beef
210 US Highway 41
Schererville IN
219-322-9891

Zel's Roast Beef
801 N Main St
Crown Point IN
219-226-9850

Hi,

Zel's also offers a corned beef on either white or rye bread. Anyone try it?

Regards,

Rene G wrote:Is the chili cheese beef really served as a topping for the fries (as the menu suggests) or is it on a roll?

Yup! Topping for the fries and no roll.

Tasty.

First and foremost, Zel's roast beef was not founded in 1998 it was founded in the late 70's by the original owner who's name was Stanley. The first store was open in East Chicago, IN on Columbus Drive and Euclid the 2nd was on Indianapolis Blv before the store was sold. There after a 3rd store was opened in Hammond, IN. In 1998 the restaurant was sold to the new owner who then took the business to where it's at today, and closed the one that was on Indianapolis Blv, thus other stores began to open in different area's of Indiana. Needless to say that the new owner changed many of the original menu to capitalize by cutting corners to save money. The fries aren't the same old fashion fries and the roast beef is slightly smaller, etc. I give the new owner credit by at least keeping the quality of the food which still taste great. I use to go to Zel's when I was in 6 through 12th grade. I went to both Washington Elementary & Washington High before the school was knocked down, both Washington High and Roosevelt High to build Central High. My wife use to work at Zel's and I also new the original owners, I should know, as I and my wife were born and raised in East Chicago when it once use to thrive. Now living in Florida, lets get the story straight.

Great first post. So, are we talking like 78 or 79 for Zell's first store?

JessCort wrote:First and foremost, Zel's roast beef was not founded in 1998 it was founded in the late 70's by the original owner who's name was Stanley. ... Now living in Florida, lets get the story straight.

Who said 1998? On Zel's website (relatively new; I've looked in vain before), they say "over 45 years" which suggests they opened in the late 1960s.

Hey, Rene G, if you read my post correctly that's exactly what I just said, if you must know the truth, Zel's was actually founded in 1966 to be exact by Stanley and his wife Faye. First restaurant open in East Chicago, Harbor side, corner of Euclid and Columbus Ave. The individual who posted the very first blog in the beginning stated Zel's was founded by the Routmans in 1998 which is incorrect, than took out 1998. They were the ones who purchased the restaurant and made it into a franchise. This I know all for a fact because my wife worked there and Latoya who's been working there for 30 plus years is still a manager at the restaurant's. I also know all this because I lived on Carey St by the bridge, born and raised in East Chicago, lets just say I'm 40 plus many years above 40, this is how I know because I use to go there for lunch when I went to Washington Elementary & Washington High schools, when the old Washington Elementary use to be next to Washington high school not by Block stadium where it's at now. Lets get the story straight

JessCort wrote:Hey, Rene G, if you read my post correctly that's exactly what I just said, if you must know the truth, Zel's was actually founded in 1966 to be exact by Stanley and his wife Faye. First restaurant open in East Chicago, Harbor side, corner of Euclid and Columbus Ave. The individual who posted the very first blog in the beginning stated Zel's was founded by the Routmans in 1998 which is incorrect, than took out 1998. They were the ones who purchased the restaurant and made it into a franchise. This I know all for a fact because my wife worked there and Latoya who's been working there for 30 plus years is still a manager at the restaurant's. I also know all this because I lived on Carey St by the bridge, born and raised in East Chicago, lets just say I'm 40 plus many years above 40, this is how I know because I use to go there for lunch when I went to Washington Elementary & Washington High schools, when the old Washington Elementary use to be next to Washington high school not by Block stadium where it's at now. Lets get the story straight

Sir,

In eight years since I mentioned the Routman's, I have not edited this post. No mention of 1998 was made by me at all. You are welcome to provide information as you know it, because you seem to know more about it than we do. Nobody here is particularly interested in obscuring their story, we collect bits sometimes then hoping someone like you fills in the cracks.

Any other places in NW Indiana whose history you'd like to share? Where do you go now? Inquiring minds want to know!

Regards,

Well Cathy, I understand where you're coming from and what you're saying. NW Indiana does have a lot of rich history but since I've been gone for many years and serving in the arm forces, I figure you could fill us all in on any changes in NW Indiana or new history. Inquiring minds want to know!