Café 63 Brings Back--and Improves--Popular Friday Fish Fry on 63rd Street

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Many of Southwest Siders--hundreds, possibly--groaned

when the catering operation at the Desplaines Valley Memorial VFW Post 6863 (just west of 63rd and Harlem) shut down last July, and then groaned again last month when it was announced that the post itself is closed for good.

That meant, of course, that the post's popular Friday fish fry was gone for good.

So, what's a fish lover to do?

Well, here's good news.

Café 63, 6411 West 63rd Street, one of the best little

restaurants anywhere on the Southwest Side, will start hosting a fish fry on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., starting Friday, October 7.

But rest assured, this isn't your grandpa's fish fry.

According to Café 63 co-owner Chef Dale Andrews--a man well known for his culinary creativity and putting 21st century twists on old favorites--the Friday night offerings will include fried perch, shrimp, cod, smelt and a combination plate.

Chef Dale and his wife, Donna.

Café 63 may also add some "south of the border" dishes like spicy shrimp with cilantro and red snapper to the fish menu.

There also may be some baked fish for the more health conscious--probably a honey-bourbon glazed salmon, cornmeal-breaded fresh catfish, and maybe a tortilla-encrusted tilapia.

We may even see fresh mahi, flounder or snapper.

Since this cool new venture is launching in October, Chef

Opening night menu.

Dale says he plans to offer some Oktoberfest items initially on the menu like beer brats and sauerkraut, as well as veal cutlet served with German-style potato salad.

If that is enough, Café 63 will offer chicken wings, spinach lasagna, mac and cheese and even "poutines"--"Our version will be over-the-top of tater tots instead of fries, and can be served with your choice of toppings, such as cheese curds and brown gravy, which is traditionally the way its served in Montreal, or we can 'South Side' it up with cheddar cheese, bacon, chili, sour cream and chives, you name it," Chef Dale says.

The fish fry is planned for every Friday, now through Lent 2017.

Reminder: Café 63, is BYOB if you want to bring your own libations.

Normal Friday hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will remain, with Café 63 closing down for two hours to shift gears, and the back open at 5 p.m. for the fish fry.

Don't want to eat in the restaurant. Carryouts are available! Just call 1-872-267-5101.

Please give it a try, and bring your neighbors and friends. I know my family will!

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