Midway Oh Boy Part 1

Midway Oh Boy at 6620 Lake Avenue

Several times my wife and I have watched the TV news, and heard about an execution that just took place. Occasionally the news report includes what the condemned person had for their last meal, such as a steak or a lobster tail.

More than once, I've turned to my wife and matter-of-factly remarked, "Well, if it was me on Death Row – I'd want an Oh Boy and fries."

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I guess you can tell I 'm a big fan of Midway Oh Boy and have been for years.

You see, if we're in the mood for great burgers, we go to Mutt & Jeff's. Or, I might even cook some on the grill myself. But when you have a hankering for an Oh Boy, there's only one place to go.

It's not just the one-of-a-kind taste of an Oh Boy, which is somewhat similar to a Big Boy double-decker sandwich, that I enjoy. It's also the atmosphere of the place itself, casual and unassuming, so anyone can feel welcome in there, no matter what they're wearing. Plus, there's the whole local aspect of it, the fact that there is a real family running it and depending on customers to come back.

They never have to worry about that, though – because once you've enjoyed your first Oh Boy, you're hooked.

Vintage Oh Boy Sign

While growing up, my family never went to Midway Oh Boy. We would pass it on the way to Midway Mall, and I would notice the unique burger-boy sign (at left), but the place just wasn't on our restaurant radar. Why? Probably because Dad cooked out hamburgers on the grill almost every Saturday night during the summer months. When we did have to go out for hamburgers, we would head to Sandy's which was minutes from our home.

It wasn't until the mid-1980's, when I was living on my own, that I stopped in at Midway Oh Boy on a whim while Christmas shopping, not knowing what to expect. Soon I was dragging my future bride there.

Fortunately, she passed the Oh Boy litmus test. We've been there many times since.

Next: Midway Oh Boy History