Alton’s Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken Is An Illinois Spot Worth Seeking Out
Alton, Illinois has plenty of dining spots, but few carry the down-home reputation of Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken.
Tucked along Central Avenue, it’s the kind of place people talk about when they’re craving something crispy, golden, and made with care.
For locals, it’s a familiar favorite; for newcomers, it’s a tasty introduction to comfort food done right.
The Sizzling Story of Fast Eddie’s
Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken in Alton, Illinois began in the 1970s, when a 17-year-old Eddie Sholar Sr. opened a modest chicken joint on Central Avenue.
What started as a small neighborhood spot quickly earned a reputation for crispy, flavorful fried chicken.
A few years later, in 1981, Sholar expanded his vision by taking over the Bon-Air tavern on Broadway, transforming it into Fast Eddie’s Bon Air.
Together, the two ventures cemented his name as a local legend.
A Cozy Atmosphere With Small-Town Charm
Walking into Fast Eddie’s feels like stepping into a friend’s kitchen.
The checkered tablecloths, wooden booths worn smooth from decades of use, and walls covered with local memorabilia create an instantly welcoming vibe for hungry guests.
Regular customers chat across tables while the savory aroma of fresh-fried chicken fills the air.
The Secret Recipe That Started It All
Handed down through generations, Fast Eddie’s chicken recipe remains a closely guarded family treasure.
The perfect blend of herbs and spices creates that distinctive flavor profile that locals recognize instantly.
Owner Eddie Johnson refined the recipe after taking over the restaurant in 1982, adding his own special touch that transformed a good recipe into something extraordinary.
Rumor has it that only three people know the complete formula.
The Perfect Sides That Complete Your Meal
No fried chicken feast would be complete without Fast Eddie’s legendary sides.
Their creamy mashed potatoes come swimming in rich gravy made from scratch daily, while the mac and cheese features three different cheeses for maximum flavor.
The coleslaw offers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with just enough crunch to complement the tender chicken.
