Our first night out of the park, we decided to run down the road a few miles to The Bitely Tavern where, on Thursdays, they offer their $2.00 hamburger.
Bitely is a small village that currently boasts a gas station/convenience store, township hall, the “Bitely Boys” Motorcycle Club, a post office, and it’s most popular inhabitant …. The Bitely Tavern. It used to be a station on the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad in 1889.
The place was PACKED with folks that obviously knew each other … those that live nearby and those that come “up north” on the weekends.
Even though it was packed, we were served quickly and enjoyed our burgers AND liquid refreshment as well. One of the fellas at the bar put money in the juke box and it blared country tunes of Johnny Cash and Jim Reeves. The little 94 year old lady at the table next to us (right under the juke box) was there with her daughter and son-in-law. Although she was sitting right UNDER the speakers, the bar maid had to keep turning UP THE VOLUME so she could hear!
The service was great, the food was good enough to come back again and try something else on the menu (what the hell does that mean?) and everyone there was having a good time. We’ll go back and try the pizza next time.
In our next post, we’ll share with you the “suburb” of Baldwin that was famous for top black entertainers from back in the 20’s to the mid-60’s. Stay tuned …
