North St. Louis Archives - Good Food St. Louis

Sipping on Memories

For those who’ve been living under a rock, I might mention that Crown Candy is one of the oldest soda fountains in the country. The vintage juke box, candy jars, Coke memorabilia, and spiffy wooden booths give the North St. Louis icon the charm of yesteryear.

A Step Back in Time

Sure, Crown Candy Kitchen makes and sells candy. But fans of the ol’ sweet shop also down their malts, sundaes, sodas, and XL-size sandwiches with great gusto.

It all started back in 1913, when two immigrants opened the store in the North St. Louis neighborhood. More than a century later, candy is still made with meticulous pride along with an array of old-fashioned treats from the soda fountain and a stellar selection of lunch items.

A Tower of Porcine Extravagance

There are no small sandwiches or sodas. Everything is grande. Want a BLT? You have to get the “Heart-Stopping BLT,” that includes 14 strips of bacon! Hmm. . . to salve your conscience, I guess you could take half the bacon home and divvy it up with Fido.

While I can’t personally vouch for the BLT, it was heartily endorsed by the BLT enthusiast at the next table.

Now that’s a Reuben you can get your arms around.

Restaurant Signs to Instruct and Amuse

If you don’t know the Crown Candy rules, check the signage.

Upon entering Crown, you learn from several placards, that there are “No Separate Checks.” I don’t mind that, in fact, I always appreciate seeing the word “separate” spelled correctly in public signage.

The largest sign is next to the menu board. It reads: “Please keep feet off booths.” I suppose that’s a problem when you have white-painted furnishings. But while we were there people were respectful of the request; no one was bounced for non-compliance. 🙂

There were other signs, appropriately placed. The one next to the candy jars declared: “Quarter pound minimum on all candy.” I’m assuming you can mix varieties of the same price to reach the goal, but I didn’t ask.

The Chicken Salad Mystery

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is served only on Tuesday and Thursday.

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

I inquired about the chicken salad sandwich (which the menu notes is only served on Tuesday and Thursday and in limited supply). Why the rationing? Was poultry delivered only twice a week or the salad made by a part-time employee?

I’m sure there’s a logical explanation. If you know the rationale for restricting the availability of the chicken salad, please let me know.