New ranking says IL’s ‘best hole-in-the-wall’ fried chicken is in the metro-east
A popular Alton restaurant was recently named the state’s best “hole-in-the-wall” spot for fried chicken by online publication Cheapism.
Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken, not to be confused with Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, was named Illinois’ top spot in Cheapism’s March 27 article “Best Hole-in-the-Wall Spots for Fried Chicken in Every State.”
“It’s been family owned since ‘72,” owner Andrew Sholar said in an April 21 interview with the News-Democrat.
Sholar and his wife, Randi Sholar, bought the restaurant from a family member in 2022. Eddie Sholar, Andrew Sholar’s uncle, founded the restaurant and then went on to run Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, which had previously been operated as “Bon Air” for 50 years by Sam Balaco and later his son, Lotteo.
While Fast Eddie’s Bon Air only allows guests 21 years or older, its fried chicken counterpart is family friendly. Cheapism, a blog focused on finance tips and saving, highlighted the joint’s “charming chicken-sporting-a-top-hat-on-a-pole sign.”
“The whole experience is quaint, humble, and made memorable with great chicken,” Cheapism’s article said.
Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken doesn’t have an interior restaurant; patrons order at the walk-up window.
Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken still uses the same recipes it did in the 70s, and the tradition seems to be serving them well.
“Over the past couple years, we seem to be getting busier and busier so it’s been a great thing,” Andrew Sholar said.
Although fried chicken is what the place is known for, the Fast Eddie’s walk-up also offers burgers, catfish nuggets, french fries, onion rings, cauliflower, ice cream and more.
Here’s how much a Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken meal will cost you, according to menu prices posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page Feb. 24:
- Regular chicken dinner with fries: $8.50
- White chicken dinner with fries: $8.50
- Wing box with fries: $8.50
- Chicken tenders with fries: $9.25
- Chicken livers with fries: $7.95
- Chicken gizzards with fries: $7.95
- Half-liver, half-gizzard meal with fries: $7.95
Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken is located at 701 Central Ave. in Alton and is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The establishment is closed Sundays.
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