Jaenicke's Drive In

Has been a staple in the area for many decades. Nothing fancy just good food. Service is good. I've been going there since they had car hops! When I was a lot younger we used to hang out there.

Going somewhere in the summer in Bourbonnais usually involves stopping at this classic drive in. It has the basic stuff like hot dogs and the toppings, along with drinks and some other food like pretzels. Jaenicke's has been in business since 1940, and is pretty much at landmark status. A place mostly frequented by locals, but some fans come from afar. The prices are pretty good, even after all these years it seems, and you can get a lot for not a lot. A big time popular place in the summer around here. It's a classic but it still gets quite a few people, and there's usually a line. The food is pretty much simple and there's nothing really special. It's about $3 for a pretzel, including a side of cheese. Slightly better than those boxed frozen ones. Most of the draw is the hot dogs. These are basic looking, and can come with their signature chili sauce. Also ice cream. They have the required root beer floats. Burgers are another of the eats. The stuff usually comes out pretty fast, which is great for how busy it can get. Have the best experience here in the summer when it's warmer and you can sit on the outside tables and eat the nostalgic food. It's pretty good prices for what they have. This isn't great, but it's pretty okay for around here though.

Well, let's just call it what is is......."A Religious Experience". I have been a REGULAR at Jaenicke's since the 1968. So, after 50 years of patronage, I believe that I can certainly endorse this establishment. Furthermore, when one drives over 2 hours for a "Red Hot Run", it's not just to see the flat highways of Illinois. This is one of the places from my golden childhood in Kankakeeland. Jaenicke's has been a staple point of destination after Minor League, Little League, Junior High events, High School hangout, College, Weddings, Funerals, Wakes, Graduations, Reunions & special times. Without question, the consistency of their menu has remained after all these years! Signature items: Deluxe Red Hot (Sauce, Cheese & Onions), Homemade Creamy Root Beer, Green River Floats, Sauce Buns & the Italian Beef (Double Provolone & Peppers w/ Au Jus). I have been lucky enough to have been the 1st customer of the season 3 x. The annual pilgrimage from Indiana to Illinois has been repeated for decades. I even have an original painted menu board hanging in my kitchen when they remolded years & years ago. We have tried to duplicate the "sauce" recipe countless times for all of us out of towners. It's just not the same. This "sauce" is local legend. It's almost puree and is on the sweet side. Warning: It's very addicting. You may need an intervention as you can't eat just one. Think about it? They have Sauce Buns on the Menu and it's a Big seller. What is a Sauce Bun? A steamed hot dog bun with just the sauce on it. No, it's not a Sloppy Joe. This is way beyond that correlation. This is a Bend a Knee moment. So, Get in your Plane, Train or Automobile, set the GPS and head out. Tell them Beaumont sent you!

4.1 This is your classic ballpark stand. They got it all: dogs, Italian beef, cheese fries, burgers, and the list goes on. Better show up early because this place is packed out for those looking for a cheap, nostalgic experience. Great place to go take your family, or hang out with some lifelong friends. Memories are flowing from the roots of this building. DISCLAIMER: This is not to be confused with a fancy Michelin restaurant. Would not suggest this for an engagement dinner, but appreciate it for what it is. Just your All-American Drive-In.