J.K.'s Chili

                J.K.’s Chili in Madeira (7718 Laurel Ave.) is the kind of joint we like. It’s a small, neighborhood place where the regulars all seem to know each other and are on a first name basis with the people who run the place.

                Normally we try to get in and out of a place being anonymous but this time, on the way in, owner Jim Kagrise saw us taking a picture of the sign and asked us what we were doing. Since we aren’t liars or politicians (same thing), we told the truth. We found that Jim had taken the place over recently. He had retired and was bored, wanting to get involved with something where he could be out and interact with people, something he obviously enjoys.

                He explained to us some of the changes he had made since taking over and while they all seemed positive, we had little on which to judge the differences. Josh had never eaten there before. Mark had as J.K.’s holds a bit of movie history for him.

                A number of years ago when he was producing the indie feature April’s Fool, he and producing partner Matt Hader were looking for a diner in which to shoot some night time scenes. Matt lived in Madeira and had eaten at J.K.’s many times. When they went to ask if they could shoot there, the then owners agreed and an all-night shoot in the restaurant turned out some of the most dramatic images of the film.

The Burgers

                We both ordered the double cheeseburger with our choice of garden. While Jim admitted that they get their meat frozen (usually a demerit for us) these patties were well above the average iced meatsicle. There was a good, fresh beef flavor that was most likely enhanced by the classic flattop grill that is in easy view of anyone in the joint.

                The garden was fresh and the standard restaurant crinkle cut fries were prepared just right. No, this isn’t the produce from your garden or the fresh, hand cut fries but J.K.’s isn’t that kind of place. If that’s what you want, go check out one of those places elsewhere. J.K.’s is a joint.

                It is small and cozy but with lots of front windows doesn’t feel overly cramped. And while the old owners must have taken the signed poster from April’s Fool that once hung on the wall, there are still lots of other bits and pictures up there to look at.

                If you are on the east side looking for a throwback diner at which to chow down, check out J.K.’s Chili. Granted, these aren’t the best burgers in the world but from the looks of the breakfast plates that were coming out during the lunch hour, there are some tasty options beyond beef. Oh, and lest we forget, for the drinks they use bendy straws. What could be better than that?