Driving down North Avenue Street, unfamiliar with the neighborhood, you may not even take a second glance at the small red cinder block building hid in between a Chase Bank and a Pet Shop. However, growing up just down the street from this little building means I basically grew up there. When my father would surprise my sister and I and say “Who wants to go out for lunch?” we would both say in unison “Terry’s Red Hot!” We would walk the five minutes it took us to get there, and marvel at the sight, where only minutes from now we would be devouring our delicious food. At first glance, Terry’s Red Hot isn’t much of a looker, but she’s got soul. Practically the only
thing left from the 80‘s and 90‘s, Terry’s has lasted it all. This small shop was a popular stop for residents of Cabrini Green, and is still popular for these now Lincoln Park dwellers. My family and I would step into the space, and trust me when I say there was no wiggle room. We would all order, my father would get a fish sandwich, me a hot dog, and my sister a hamburger (the hot dog vs. hamburger issue is still a heated debate up to this day). Yes we came there for our main courses, but the real reason wasn’t that, it was the french fries. Dripping in grease, I admit it wasn’t the healthiest option, but it was any little kids dream. There were just enough crunchy fries for myself, along with soft fries for my sister to eat.
Wanting to relive my childhood, I decided to recreate this typical weekly event. I went over to my parent’s house, grabbed my little sister and father, and walked them down the street. We arrived at the door and needless to say, the feelings about Terry’s rushed back to me. The smells and look of the old place brought about a now nostalgic feeling. We went in, and as my sister and I got bigger, the room in there seemed to get smaller. We ordered, and to no surprise, we all got the same thing as we had previously years before. My hot dog tasted the same as it had always tasted, and I know this is going to sound cheesy, but it tasted like pure, unadulterated happiness. The french fries tasted even better than the hot dog, if that was even possible. My sister and father also gave the food a rave review. My dad mentioned, in between bites of french fries and his fish sandwich, " I remember each time we would come up here you guys would have the biggest smiles on your face, and I mean I did too. We would get Terry's then go play in Oz Park and just have a great day. That was so much fun."
So if you are ever driving through Lincoln Park and come across Terry’s Red Hot, pull your car over and enjoy the happiness that comes with every purchase of something from this memorable restaurant. Your kids and your mouth will thank you.
