The BIG chicken

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

As you go north on Route 47 things seem to get bigger. You approach the town of Hebron, and immediately you see a giant basketball cleverly disguised as a water tower. This undoubtedly was the game ball when the Hebron High School won the IHSA championship in 1952. Drive past the downtown area, look on your left, and there stands as Henery Hawk, the cartoon character would say, “that is the biggest chicken ever I see.” It must be a monument to Foghorn Leghorn. He is standing guard in front of Crandall’s Restaurant in Hebron.

The building resembles a quaint country restaurant. On the inside to your left is their bar area with tables and booths, on the right side is their dining room with an abundance of tables, and in the center of the restaurant is where they serve their Sunday Brunch.

After you are seated, the waitress brings over a basket of homemade Parker House rolls and warm cinnamon rolls. We skipped the Parker House rolls and went straight for the cinnamon rolls and slathered them with butter. These tasty treats were a hint of what was to follow.

Crandall’s does offer various items on their menu, but let’s be honest, you go to Crandall’s for the “World Famous Broasted Chicken” which is $14.95 every day for all you can eat. Did you know on Fridays they have an all you can eat Fish Fry for $13.95? They also offer on Friday a Chicken and Fish Combo for $15.95. These are all served with coleslaw and your choice of mashed potatoes and gravy or French fries. On Fridays they also offer potato pancakes as a side. On Sunday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. they have a brunch, adults $17.95 and children $12.95.

Jim and I both ordered the all you can eat chicken ($14.95). He went with the mashed potatoes and gravy, and I went with the French fries. I was happy to see the fries were real French fries with no coating to add crunchiness, they were crunchy all by themselves. The waitress asked us what pieces of chicken we would like, and we both wanted white meat, one breast and two wings. It should be noted there is no upcharge for white meat so you can mix and match to your heart’s desire.

We were pleasantly surprised when normal sized pieces of chicken arrived at our table. Nancy and I often wonder what’s the deal with the chicken breasts you buy at the grocery store. One breast is a meal for two people. Who is raising these chickens, Dolly Parton???

Three-quarters of the way through our meal the waitress came over and asked us if we would like more chicken. (Note: We did not have to ask). For our second helping, Jim went with another breast, since they always come in pairs, LOL!!! We both ordered two more wings each since everyone knows the best part of fried chicken is the crunchy skin and coating.

We ate so much that our appetites flew the coop and we passed on dessert. They do offer the Wisconsin-style ice cream drinks which are large enough to share. The bartender will split it up into two glasses for you. Try to save room for one, they are awesome.

FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.

The price for our “Big” chicken meal was $35.15. Where else can you stuff yourself on excellent food for this price?

In conclusion, Crandall’s is THE place for good, old-fashioned broasted chicken. It is consistently fresh, juicy, and tasty.

Jim’s take: The chicken is piping hot and crunchy, not greasy. Crandall’s is well worth the trip.

Nancy’s take: I’ve had the potato pancakes before and they are tasty, but French fries are my favorite with chicken.

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com

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