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Illinois Food & Dining|Quick Bites

The Oldest Lunch Counter In Illinois Will Take You On A Trip Down Memory Lane

By Sophia | Published December 04, 2018

Lunch counters are a retro spots where you can belly up to a delicious meal in a no-fuss setting. The oldest lunch counter in Illinois is hiding behind a beyond-quaint storefront and you’ll definitely want to check it out. Here’s what you need to know about Doc’s Soda Fountain.

Tucked away on historic Route 66, Doc’s Soda Fountain is a true blast from the past.

This quaint lunch counter has been around since the 1880s and has been serving tasty grub since the 1950s.

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Originally founded as Deck’s Drug Store in 1884, this place was actually run by the Deck family until 2001.

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Today, you can head to Doc’s for all manner of retro eats.

They serve absolutely impeccable milkshakes, along with simple but mouthwatering sandwiches, hot meals, and pies.

The soda fountain is still going strong. Ask the attendant for a custom flavor and you’ll be in heaven.

Don’t forget to tack on a creamy cookie ice cream sandwich.

If you’re looking for a dose of history, poke around the lunch counter’s pharmacy museum and discover medicines and tools from over 100 years ago.

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Stop in to Doc’s for an old-fashioned treat.

You can find Doc’s Soda Fountain at 133 S. 2nd St., Girard, IL. For more information about dining and visiting, click here.

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