Merichka's Named a 'Delicious Destination'

Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman presented the “Delicious Destination” award to Merichka’s owners Joe Zdralevich Sr., Joe Jr., Mary Kay George and Ryan George on Friday; Joe Zdralevich Jr. places a “Delicious Destination” sticker in the window of the restaurant. Credit: Submitted photos.

For more than eight decades, a family-run Crest Hill restaurant has been a hit with local diners.

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Now, Merichka’s, 604. Theodore St., has been named an “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

On Friday, Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman joined representatives of the office of tourism and the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau to present the award to members of the Zdralevich family, which has owned and operated the restaurant since 1933.

The restaurant continues to serve its customers customers on traditional red-and-white-checked tablecloths in a casual setting, offering up its famous poorboys, hamburgers, steaks, chops, Canadian walleyed pike, onion rings, fried mushrooms and more.

“From family-owned restaurants with long and storied histories to the hottest new cuisines in the world, Illinois has emerged as a premier culinary destination for both domestic and international visitors,” said Cory Jobe, Illinois State Travel Director. “The ‘Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination’ award honors those restaurants that are authentically Illinois, making a trip to the state unforgettable.”

To be considered for an award, restaurants must be nominated by a Convention & Visitors Bureau, community member or Enjoy Illinois social media fan. The nominee must be a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is authentic to Illinois and an established part of its community.

Heritage Corridor CVB President Bob Navarro said the organization is thrilled to see a local restaurant named a Delicious Destination.

“Merichka’s is a mainstay in area located just a few minutes from Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway many visitors and locals enjoy the famous poorboy sandwich, smothered in garlic butter on French bread,” Navarro said. “I’ve been going there for years and can’t resist their onion rings and fried mushrooms – dinners are always served with the traditional supper club relishes.”

Soliman said he has great memories of working at Merichka’s, starting out as a bus boy before holding several other positions at the restaurant. His two daughters, both teachers, continue to work there on weekends.

According to the Zdralevich family, the eatery’s signature sign was designed by their grandfather to look like a boomerang, “so people would come back again and again.”

Soliman said Merichka’s is Will County’s oldest family-run restaurant.

Merichka’s, which celebrated its 81st anniversary last spring, is the only Will County restaurant to receive the “Delicious Destination” designation.

Other area restaurants on the list include Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, Nick’s Tavern in Lemont and Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. Click here to see a full list of eateries that got the nod.