Douglas Branch/Pink Line Eats

LTH-

I am planning an L excursion with my transit buff cousin this weekend, most likely on the Douglas Branch to experience the recently debuted Pink Line. Lunchtime is likely to coincide with our arrival at the end of the line in Cicero.

Any places of note within walking distance of the Doulgas L that we should consider? I think we'd both prefer "white ethnic" cuisine or something suitably old school Cicero. We'd like to conjure up visions of Betty Loren-Maltese as we dine.

Thanks so much for your advice!

Klas!

Yes, I think Klas sounds just like what you’re looking for. It’s at 5734 W Cermak, less than a half mile west of the train. Be sure to spend a bit of time in the bar and wander around as much as possible (ask to see the upper floor).

On your way to Klas you’ll pass Chickie’s (5517 W Cermak), in case you want to sample a pretty good Italian beef. Not much on atmosphere but all the classic Chicago fast foods are there.

About a mile beyond Klas is Vesecky’s (6634 W Cermak), a fine old Bohemian bakery in Berwyn. The earlier you get there the better the selection. Don’t miss one of the wonders of Berwyn, the “World’s Largest Laundromat” at 6246 W Cermak!

There are several buses that run along Cermak if you don’t feel like walking.

Thank you, LTH for one of the more memorable and bizarre culinary experiences of my life!

We arrived at Klas at about 12:30 on a Saturday afternoon, and there were just a few people in the bar area. We were seated promptly by the hostess, who had to turn on both the lights and the Muzak in the dining room as we were seated. As the only customers in the place for a while, we received attentive service from our waitress.

Over the course of our meal, a few other parties joined us: a couple of LDS missionaries on the patio and a couple of indoor tables filled with diners whose median age appeared to be about 900 years old. Glad to see that a diet of pickled beef and bread dumplings is life prolonging. The whole time mysterious people shuttled back and forth from the entrance... nice Cicero touch!

The food itself was not a particular highlight; it seemed sort of standard issue eastern european and not particulary distinguished in any way, but nonetheless enjoyable because, living in San Francisco, I don't get to eat this way often. For dessert, our waitress brought us a sampling of kolacky and apple strudel, both of which were good. Especially when consumed in a room filled with stuffed owls and hawks!

Unfortunately no room for a Chickie's beef sandwich on the way back to the L. Next time, perhaps.