Ham On The Bone no more…
Chicago has lost yet another beloved eatery to the pandemic as Ravenswood staple, Jeri’s Grill, has closed its doors for good.
The 24-hour diner in Ravenswood had serviced Chicago for 57 years. It was old-school, pre-gentrification, and one of the last of a dying breed of ‘greasy spoons’ in Chicago.
“Jeri’s is the kind of spot you’d think no longer exists in major American cities,” wrote Judy R. on Yelp, “Open since 1963, it feels like a step back in time, in the best way. If you want fancy food or alcohol, go elsewhere. If you want classic American diner food, this is your spot.”
Whether it was 3 pm or 3 am, you could pop in to Jeri’s Grill for cheap comfort food over a hot cup of coffee. It was a place you could walk in and join a conversation or listen to the jukebox take another spin. The service was fast and the staff was friendly.
Their menu was no frill and no fuss. There you could get your simple American classics like biscuits and gravy, chili, corned beef hash, hamburgers, pork chops, and homemade soups.
Jeri’s featured a variety of specials throughout the day. One of note was their Jailhouse Special of eggs, fried bologna, toast, and hash browns —reminiscent of the same meals offered in Cook Country Jail. At Jeri’s you’d actually make a point to save room for dessert with one of their warm cobblers, milkshakes, or fruit pies.
“To all my Jeri’s Grill FAMILY, it is with a very heavy heart, after 57 years of wonderful and crazy times we are announcing that Jeri’s Grill has come to an end,” reads a note on its doors. “To all the customers and employees throughout the years we THANK YOU for so many memories.”
Jeri’s Grill had a cameo role in the Netflix film, Win It All, directed by Joe Swanberg, starring Jake Johnson.
“We hope that Jeri’s was a small part of your lives and you all were definitely a huge part of the Jeri’s Grill story. Unfortunately every beginning has an end and this is our end. Jeri’s Grill was a part of the past living in a modern world. Unfortunately the past can no longer survive in this post pandemic world,” their note said.
Jeri’s Grill is the latest eatery that Chicago has lost to the pandemic. In the past few months, Little Bucharest Bistro, Toast, and Fat Rice restaurant have all been forced to close.
“We will always cherish the memories, the laughs and tears at Jeri’s. If these walls could talk they would tell beautiful and sad stories of many lives. We wish you all the best as your stories continue in our wonderful city. Thank you Chicago for 57 beautiful years!”
There is presently a GoFundMe page up for the benefit of its employees if you should wish to donate.
[Featured image: @jacksonthemodel]