The Harlo Grill at 2300 West North Avenue in Melrose Park open in 1953. The great American diner is already on the endangered species list and Harlow's was on a new strip-malls radar.
The counter wrapped around the open kitchen and was the only available seating. You can overhear people ordering "the usual," so you knew right away that they were a regular.
This place was a no-frills, open 24 hours a day diner that catered to the blue-collar working-class community, 3rd-shift workers, as well as the weekend after-the-bars-close crowd.
Breakfast... done right, just how you like it, great burgers, good coffee, and malts & milkshakes to die for. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night is the perfect time for their double-cheeseburger, two beef patties, cheese, salt, and pepper — you pick toppings and condiments — simply delicious.
Harlow's is still open for business but in a shiny new building. I'm glad we have some awesome pictures of the original sign and restaurant.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
That was my house behind Harlo Grill . Watched them build it. Used the land as our garden before they built it . Then came Tony's Shell Station, then Mel-Park drugs .
ReplyDeleteThey have moved to where Rockies Beef stand was years ago, sign and all. I was there recently and the breakfast tastes exactly the same as it did 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago and yes I was going there that long.
ReplyDeleteMy father, Jeff Lollar owned the Harlo Grill from 1962-2005. My Dad and Betty both cooked there until he sold the grill. The Harlo Grill was his passion.
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