The arrival of spring means more late nights and early mornings around campus. There is the energy and yearning to get out and go someplace you’ve never been or even thought to go.
Michael’s Goody Boy Drive-In, 1142-1144 North High St. in the Short North (just look for the flashing blue and white sign), is probably the last place you had in mind but will more than satisfy your opportune hunger.
It is what Jack and Benny’s is to the north of campus, but in the south.The place looks like a transplant from some small town in the early 1950s. You half expect Buddy Holly to walk in the door at any moment. It’s hard to imagine that it’s just a few blocks from ultra-chic restaurants like Rigsby’s and Lemongrass.
The actual Goody Boy on the sign slightly resembles the rosy-cheeked Big Boy from other restaurants. I was a little frightened by this because when I was maybe seven or eight I had a run-in with the fellow when dining with my Uncle John and Aunt Mary. At the entrance to Elby’s I tripped over the foot of the statue of the Big Boy and my face landed square into his pudgy, yet solid, fist. I left with a bruised face and a bloody nose and lip. I have been too embarrassed to ever go back.
But clearly that boy and the one at the GB are not related. This eatery has been open since the 1950s, originally a drive-in with carhops.
There is just a small eating area with fewer than 20 stools set around two U-shaped counters. The waitress will call you “sweetie” and ask if you want gravy on your fries or ketchup on your eggs. Refills are free and come as fast as greased lightning.
The prices at the GB can’t be beat. We spent a mere $26 for five people. It’s fair to question how they even make a profit.
Breakfast, all classic morning comfort food, is served around the clock. Two eggs, buttered toast and jelly, and sausage ($3.50, also available with bacon or sausage) is cooked and served just how you would expect it to be, co-reviewer L-Jo said. The “Fresh Creamed Slaw” is not misrepresented by its name. It is indeed creamier than most slaws, she said.
The dinner menu dishes out everyone’s favorite meals of yesteryear: Rib eye steak and eggs ($5.65), liver and onions with mashed potatoes, gravy and slaw ($4.65), “Golden Fried Spring Chicken” ($3.75) and the perch sandwich ($3.25, $3.50 for a platter).
The “Hamburger Steak” ($4.50) is served thick, almost like a giant meatball. “Just like my Mom used to make,” said my own mom. It is served with fries or mashed potatoes that are smothered in heavy brown gravy.
The fish and chips ($3.95) are loaded on the plate. There are only four small fried pieces of fish (cooked crisp and evenly), yet with a heaping pile of fries they are more than enough. The tartar sauce sits upon a couple of tomato slices and has a stronger pickle flavor than I’m used to. French fried shrimp with cocktail sauce ($5.90) is also available.
The famous “Goody Boy” ($2.50, $3 for a platter) is made of two ground beef patties, melted cheese, pickles, lettuce, onions and tomatoes on a sesame seed bun. At $3 there is little to complain about, co-reviewer Ryan said. The “Coney Island” ($1.50, $2.40 for a platter) is loaded with chili, onions, and cheese, yet leaves something to desire in girth. “I prefer a thicker, more sumptuous wiener,” said co-reviewer Ken the Duck.
If you’re still hungry, dessert isn’t going to break your wallet. Sundaes are only $2 (chocolate or strawberry). Pie, served a la mode is $2.25. Ice cream soda’s, milkshakes, and floats are just $2.35.
The GB is usually open 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday.
