Toot's Drive-In Closing? :(

My mom told me that she just read in her neighborhood paper that Toot's is closing on October 1st and selling the land. Is this true? Are they going to reopen somewhere else?

Which location are you referring to? They have two.

Buddy

Yes. This is true. They close 10/1. All of that land (including the C.Davis rental land) is going to be redeveloped into Clowndominiums.

Toots Too closed years ago. I actually found out that the original owner left the business to his kids and they are currently looking for a new location. MMMM zebra cones!

JeanneBean wrote:My mom told me that she just read in her neighborhood paper that Toot's is closing on October 1st and selling the land. Is this true? Are they going to reopen somewhere else?

OK, where *is* Toot's? I googled, and found www.toots.com I think, and
they had locations in Murfeesbro or some such. Is there one here?
Whereabouts? I wouldnt half mind checking it out before it closed!

c8w

Here's the right Toots.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2175

As you can see from the photos, there will be reasons to regret its closing, but I don't think the food is one of them.

c8w wrote:OK, where *is* Toot's?

Central & Montrose, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get there if I were you. It's a barely average hot dog stand. Their one unique feature is the swirl cone (chocolate & vanilla soft-serve), but you can get equivalent thing at pretty much any D.Q.

The ice cream is soooooo much better than DQ. They also have an Arctic Blast which is the same idea as a blizzard only more big chunks and better ice cream. The burgers and beff combos are also tasty. Plus they come with really tasty fries. Sorry, but it's good.

HI,

I believe Toot's was the home of the mustard shake. Unfortunately by the time I got around to eating there, they no longer offer it. Nobody serving had any recollection so I was treated to the ever disconcerting two-headed customer look.

I've only been there a few times because I prefer going to Hagen's Fishmarket next door. Once I had a hot dog to go, which automatically comes with fries. I'm inching my way on the Kennedy, when I get my opportunity to open up my sandwich. It was quite a jolt to find your hotdog buried under your fries, which is their favored presentation, when you have one hand free for eating.

c8w --- I would stop by before it closes regardless of the food. You can always say you were there, then go next door to Hagen's for the fried shrimp, oysters and all.

Regards,

Was there ever really a mustard shake, or did I make that up in that post? I can't remember.

Mike G wrote:Was there ever really a mustard shake, or did I make that up in that post? I can't remember.

Yes, there really was a mustard shake. The drummer in my high school rock & roll band once ordered one and consumed it. Of course, he was in a chemically altered state at the time.

JeanneBean wrote:The ice cream is soooooo much better than DQ. They also have an Arctic Blast which is the same idea as a blizzard only more big chunks and better ice cream. The burgers and beff combos are also tasty. Plus they come with really tasty fries. Sorry, but it's good.

Yea, I agree. It's no Kopps (or even no Scooters), but it was a very nice stop for the VI family if, say we had dinner somewhere north and east of Oak Park and got hungry on the way home.

Stopped at Toot's for dinner tonight, two dogs with everything, no peppers. The dogs were very good with a flavor that seemed to be slightly more garlicky than most. Condiments were top drawer. The fries were excellent, very crispy outside with the desired creamy/fluffy inside. Not Chicago's best, but definitely better than average.

On the counter in front of the window where you place your order was a stack of business cards:

Toots
Opening this Fall
Same Stuff, New Spot
Come and See Us

5625 W. Diversey Ave.
Chicago

No word on Toots re-opening any time soon. Glen, the owner, retired and his daughter wants to start it up somewhere else but I dont think she has gotten too far on it. I still have all of their signs in our garage at Hagen's. She asked us to hang on to them til she got going. I will let you guys know when I hear anything!!

HI,

Thanks!

If they decide to give it up, then let us know as well. You never know who might feel privileged to have a sign.

Regards,

Will do.

The paint is kinda chipping off a bit, but they look nostalgic.
Hopefully Toots gets going again. I used to live just down Montrose from there and I loved getting some food late at night.

HI,

There was evidence they used to serve a mustard shake at Toots. By the time I inquired, it was no longer on the menu. Did you ever try the mustard shake?

Thanks!

Regards,

Well, I have worked at Hagens since 1992. I was born and raised in the area (I'm 31). And I have never heard of a mustard shake before. So, I can't help you out there.

Chris wrote:Well, I have worked at Hagens since 1992. I was born and raised in the area (I'm 31). And I have never heard of a mustard shake before. So, I can't help you out there.

It was on the menu circa 1964 - 1968 for sure. The drummer in my band once drank one to win a bet.

Has anyone heard what became of the idea of re-opening Toot's? Rumor had it the owner was seeking to reopen near Diversey & Central.

I had (not-so)-secretly crossed my fingers and hoped they would take over what is presently the Dairy Bar on Diversey, which is just awful.

I heard the same rumor. I drive by the old location every time I go to my parents house and it brings a tear to my eye to see it slowly being torn down.

Interesting! If we go by BuddyRoadhouse's post back on 9/22, the address posted (5625 W Diversey) *is* the Dairy Bar.

Only a matter of time, hopefully?

stevez wrote:Yes. This is true. They close 10/1. All of that land (including the C.Davis rental land) is going to be redeveloped into Clowndominiums.

I'll give you some inside info here about the SW corner of Montrose & Central
on the old Toot's & CDavis lot.

The property was bought by the group who own Mr. Zee's, East & West of Edens Restaurants, O'hare Bar & Grill at ORD terminal 3, Skybridge Restaurant at ORD Terminal 2. This Group also owns a bunch of corner strip malls.

No condos are going up there. At the spot where Toot's stands they are going to put up A Dunkin' Doughnuts® and the CDavis building is going to be turned into a Strip mall will the owners of the property are going to open a fast food joint named Scoops( same menu as Mr. Zee's and E & W of Edens just a different name)