Maxwell Street Depot

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section may contain original research or unattributed claims. Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the talk page for details.

The Maxwell Street Depot, commonly called Depot by its regular customers, is a 24-hour fast-food restaurant with locations throughout the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, although the best known branch is found on 31st Street and Canal Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood. It is known for its extremely low prices (a burger or hot dog costs only $1.85). Sandwiches are prepared with mustard and onions, which makes Depot popular with the "anti-ketchup" crowd. There is no seating at any of the locations, but a small counter is available for patrons who wish to dine in.

Given the 31st street Depots close proximity to the Illinois Institute of Technology, many IIT students frequent it regularly. It is also a 10-minute drive from Hyde Park, allowing University of Chicago students with access to a car a chance to patronize the restaurant.

Depot's main menu consists of hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches and French fries. Breakfast is available starting at 4:00 AM Monday-Friday, and 6:00 AM Saturday and Sunday.

The origin of the name is unclear, since the actual Maxwell Street is located approximately 2 miles north of the original Depot, at the southern edge of the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. All other branches bear the same "Maxwell Street" name in their signs.

Two other known Depots are located in opposite directions of the IIT-branch. One can be found on 78th street and Stony Island Avenue, while the other sits adjacent to the South Loop, at the intersection of Cermak and State streets.