ACE Drive-In, Joliet's Summer Tradition: Ferak Food Column

JOLIET, IL - I was driving up Plainfield Road over the noon hour and one of the signs indicated it was 87 degrees. The skies were sunny and I was hungry. It was time for my first visit of the summer to Pierson's ACE Drive-In, 1207 Plainfield Road.

Turns out, I wasn't alone.

Nearly all of the 10 outdoor picnic tables were occupied. I also noticed several other customers park at one of the stalls to enjoy lunch at their car or truck.

Yes, it was a great way to spend my lunch hour.

I ordered the Hoagie, fries and a large root beer, which comes in a frosty mug. I placed my order at 12:38 p.m. And my food was delivered in less than 10 minutes.

After I squared up on my bill with my carhop, I introduced myself and asked her to identify some of ACE's most popular menu selections so far this summer.

She indicated that the poorboy, the hoagie and the beef barbecue have been among the crowd favorites. Additionally, the homemade root beer and the black cows also do very well, she said.

On warm summer days like Tuesday, ACE typically draws a large crowd, she said.

Every so often, I'll hear someone complain that ACE's prices are too high, but I think that's crazy. My Hoagie cost $5.75. My french fries were $1.95. My large frosty mug of root beer was $1.95. I included a photo of the ACE menu for you to judge ACE's prices for yourself.

One Important Reminder: If you go to ACE, remember to bring cash. ACE does not take credit cards. It's old school. How old? So old that the ACE website proclaims, "Bet you didn't know that the ACE was open for business before the place with the arches was even selling french fries!"

Business is seasonal. ACE typically stays open until late September or early October, depending on the weather. ACE opens 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

ACE also sponsors a Cruise Night every Thursday during the summer months from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and that includes a live DJ.

ACE has a special place in Joliet's history, and I hope that can continue for many years to come.

Do you have a favorite memory of ACE? If so, feel free to post your comments to this article.