Dukes Drive-in To Close After 44 Years On Harlem

BRIDGEVIEW, IL — Dukes Drive-in on Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview is closing at the end of the week, but its owner plans to continue the same concept in a new location nearby very soon. Which means the same great Italian beef and the same memorable car shows — just not at the 8115 S. Harlem Ave. location where they've been for the past 44 years.

Bud Dukes says the last day for the Harlem Avenue Dukes Drive-in will be Saturday, Aug. 31. A "big blowout" car show will be held on both Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday to mark the end of the era.

There have been many a great memory made at Dukes, from 1975 until the present.

"All the car shows we've had, the great customers," Dukes said. "If it wasn't for our great customers, we wouldn't still be here today. The atmosphere at the car shows every Friday and Saturday nights in the summer has been electric."

The plan is for Dukes to reopen at a new location in the area. And loyal fans won't have to travel far once it reopens.

"We don't plan on going further than 3 miles," Dukes said, adding that many of the drive-in's loyal fans are sad to see the Harlem location go, but thrilled about the plan to relocate and stay open.

A local band, 'Ed Hill and the Unusuals,' will perform on the final day of the Harlem Avenue location. They will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, according to lead guitarist/vocalist Ed Hill.

"We couldn't be happier to be a part of such a historical event," Hill said. "It's an honor to be the band that helps send off a local landmark such as Dukes."