Since the Cubs last series game was on the casino's big screen, we decided to first have dinner at Du-Par's. We had read the advertisement for "Beat the Clock" dinner specials from 4-6:00 daily (if you arrive at 4:00, you pay $4.00). We walked into an almost empty restaurant at 4:30 & chose one of the big red booths. Service was immediate, but here is what they don't tell you:
You must each purchase a $3.00 beverage & we chose coffee & tea (it was dark Lipton). The coffee came in a small cup with Du-Par's on it & then you must wait til' it's refilled by a server. We ordered "salmon on a bed of spinach w/red potatoes" & spaghetti & meatballs. The white sauce contained no spinach, there were 2 small pieces of potato, & a miniscule piece of salmon. My partner's spaghetti & meatballs contained 2 tiny meatballs that tasted of just ground beef & small portion of pasta that tasted of Chef Boyardee. His was accompanied by a half white toast & mine w/o bread or roll.
Du-Par's regular menu for B-L-D is expensive & espec. for a big coffee shop. Even the pies in the case look anemic in size & they brag they're made fresh daily.
Perhaps this restaurant reminds oldsters of the good old days, but for us it was just another rip-off.