Circa 57 offers old-school '50s diner feel, menu
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- A homey chicken pot pie and a cherry phosphate might take your parents (or grandparents) back to the days of bobby socks and blue plate specials, but they're on the menu every day at Circa 57 in downtown Arlington Heights, adjacent to the Metropolis Performing Arts Theater.
"Took a rare opportunity on a trip down in Branson, Mo., and actually bought a 30,000 square-foot 1950s museum," said Anthony Priola, the owner of Circa 57.
That means everything is old school - from the waffle irons to the soda dispenser, kicking out root beers and Green River sodas. The soda jerk can whip up a thick milkshake or an egg cream, and decadent sundaes are a given. But the kitchen is also capable of decent diner food, including the obvious cheeseburger with bacon and barbecue sauce, but also a healthier grilled chicken with avocado and a number of specials your dad would love.
"Pot roast, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, right down to our specialty burgers and sandwiches, crab cake BLT and our prime rib Philly steak sandwich," said Priola.
And coming this summer: the Circa 57 Drive-In. It's complete with sci-fi films, live music and a lot of vintage restored cars - some of which are going to be turned into booths - which you can actually dine in.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant now has dancing to the music from the fifties, sixties and Motown.
101 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
847-392-1957
