BEVERLY — "Chicago's Best" — a television show dedicated to showcasing area restaurants — will put the spotlight on Janson's Drive-In on Sunday.
An episode featuring the Beverly drive-in at 9900 S. Western Ave. is slated to air at 10 p.m. on WGN-TV. The show dedicated to "retro restaurants" will also replay at various times next week on CLTV.
Host Elliott Bambrough visited the restaurant April 26 and tasted both the Italian beef sandwich and signature banana shake. Janson's Drive-In will share the stage with four other restaurants that also fit the theme, he said.
In his accent reflecting his North London roots, Bambrough referred to Janson's Drive-In as a "quintessential 'Chicago's Best'-type restaurant." He said the show predominantly features mom-and-pop spots, while shying away from tourist traps and chains to focus on favorites as recommended by Chicago residents.
Indeed, the orange-and-white restaurant first opened its doors in 1960. With its unmistakable neon sign, the drive-in on the Far Southwest Side has fed many families in the neighborhood and beyond.
Janson's Drive-In was closed for two years while a rehab project dragged on. It reopened April 7, 2014, under new ownership and quickly settled back into its niche on Western Avenue.
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