In small-town Breese, Illinois, two nostalgic eateries stand the test of time. Since 1951, both have welcomed locals and visitors alike to enjoy a tasty meal with fresh, cooked-to-order burgers, ice cream offerings and an array of other menu items, including the regionally famous Ski fountain drink.
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Wally’s Drive-In
If You Go ...
Wally’s Drive-In
Location: 711 N. 4th St., Breese
Phone: 618-526-4040
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily
Cash or Check Only
With almost 75 years of history in the books, not much has changed at Wally’s since the original owner, Wally Knue, hung up the sign reading “The Original Wally’s Fast Food.” Wally’s was initially a gas station serving one main item: the Wally Burger, a classic single patty burger made to order with crunchy pickles on top.
Today, Knue’s nephew, Rob, runs the drive-in. While the Wally Burger remains a staple, cheeseburgers are the item of choice nowadays – specifically, the double cheeseburger. Paired with fries and a Ski, the combo is known as the Clinton County Hangover Cure.
While they’re still known for their burgers, fries and shakes decades after opening, there have been a few menu additions, including a fried fish sandwich, sundae and malt, among a few other options. And Knue’s favorite saying also endures: “Rain, sleet, snow or shine, they come to Wally’s all the time!”
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Dairy King
If You Go ...
Dairy King
Locations: 691 N. 4th St., Breese and 320 W. Broadway, Trenton
Website: edairyking.com
Phone: 618-526-4321 or 618-224-2222
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A staple of the Breese and Trenton communities, Dairy King has also been serving up comfort food since 1951. Its extensive menu includes burgers, salads, wraps, fish, slushies and a vast assortment of ice cream products, including concretes (shakes blended with toppings like fruit or candy).
Known for its Styrofoam cups, crushed ice and fountain Skis, Dairy King is recognized as the best place in town to get the popular locally made soda. As a result, they sell the largest volume of fountain Ski.
By adding cherry flavoring to their Ski, Dairy King originated the Cherry Ski. Since then, they’ve expanded their variety of flavors to include blueberry, vanilla, strawberry, grape, watermelon, Bahama mama, orange, pina colada, lime and even chocolate.
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