Famous for ribs, but fish becoming customers’ favorite
By Tina Johansson Special to The News-Sun November 10, 2011 10:34AM
Michelle Grecek of Lake Villa (left) and Michael Logan of Palatine are served the cod fish fry at sunset. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
Gale Street Inn
All-you-can-eat fish fry is $11.95 and includes battered cod served with french fries, cole slaw, tartar sauce, lemon and malt vinegar on the side.
935 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein
(847) 566-1090
Visit www.galest.com
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Updated: January 23, 2012 4:38AM
MUNDELEIN — Gale Street Inn, known for its barbecued baby back ribs, is also becoming the place for those seeking a Friday night specialty — the beloved fish fry.
Diners make a point to come not only for the ribs, delicious burgers and fine steaks, but also for the all-you-can-eat battered cod served from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
“We had it for Lent only, and customers asked if we could have it more often,” said Vicki Chioles, the restaurant’s longtime manager. “So about two years ago we decided to feature it every Friday and we’ve had it regularly ever since.”
Owned and operated by the Chioles family, Gale Street Inn first opened in 1975 along the shores of Diamond Lake, a 154-acre glacial lake. A year later, the place burned down and was rebuilt in 1977 where it stood for nearly three decades before moving to its current location across the street.
Sadly, the original owners, George and his wife, Jean Chioles, died within months of each other recently, said Vicki whose husband is Peter Chioles, the couple’s son.
Though known as a destination restaurant, a lot of locals still frequent Gale Street Inn, including regular Steve Hill of Mundelein.
“I’ve had just about everything on the menu,” he said. “It’s inexpensive and they have a great salad bar. I don’t eat a lot of red meat, but when I’m sitting at the bar watching the games, I love to have their burgers. They have some amazing burgers.”
Hill said he also enjoys the fish fry and the other seafood entrees. “We get fish in fresh every Friday,” said Vicki.
Fresh catches from the sea include salmon, fried jumbo shrimp, whitefish and shrimp Dejonghe, orange roughy and crab legs. There are also steak and lobster combos.
The place offers monthly specials and in November diners can have the “Best of the House” including roast prime rib of beef for $16.99, and a half-slab of ribs for $10.99.
Gale Street Inn has a full bar featuring monthly drink specials as well as a list of beer and martinis.
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