The Complete Story
On April 18, 1933 - the very day Prohibition was repealed - Mary 'Merichka' Zdralevich and her son Joe opened their restaurant, initially selling sandwiches to construction workers building Route 7 and factory shift workers right off Mary's porch. What began as humble beginnings evolved into one of Route 66's most beloved steakhouses.
The restaurant's now-famous Poorboy sandwich didn't arrive until around 1959, when Joe's grandfather and Rose 'Rosie' Kolenc attended the Kentucky Derby during the 1950s and were inspired to create their own version. The result - a steak sandwich smothered in garlic butterine on French bread - became world famous. Today, Merichka's sells approximately 2,000 Poorboy sandwiches per week.
The Zdralevich family has operated Merichka's continuously for over 90 years across four generations. The iconic boomerang-shaped signage outside was designed by Joe Zdralevich himself, a former graphic designer, with the reasoning that customers should 'keep coming back.' The interior remains a 1957 time capsule with classic red-and-white gingham tablecloths, unchanged for decades.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Opened on April 18, 1933 - the exact day Prohibition was repealed in Illinois
→ The famous Poorboy sandwich was invented after owners attended the Kentucky Derby in the 1950s
→ Sells approximately 2,000 garlic butter Poorboy sandwiches every week
→ The boomerang-shaped sign was designed by owner Joe Zdralevich because he wanted customers to 'keep coming back'
→ Originally located in Joliet - the restaurant was incorporated into Crest Hill in the 1960s when boundary lines changed
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Merichka's Restaurant
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 604 Theodore Street, Crest Hill, IL 60403
What's There Now: Merichka's Restaurant continues to operate at the original location, still serving their famous Poorboy sandwiches and steaks. The interior maintains its 1957 time-capsule aesthetic with red-and-white gingham tablecloths.
GPS Coordinates: 41.5526678, -88.0974979
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
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