I don’t eat fish. I mention this because I recently snapped a picture of Consumer Guide’s test Audi SQ5 next to a fish shop. But Don’s Dock, a kitschy seafood restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, exudes an irresistible old-school charm that invites photography, and paying customers.
Collected here are a few of my recent test vehicles seen at or near establishments that, at least for local residents, qualify as regional landmarks. If you’ve got a pic of a fun car at a cool place, please share it. We’d love to see it.
What the Deal with Car Ads and Swimming Pools…and Golf Courses…and Airports?
Audi SQ5 at Don’s Dock
Don’s Dock has been a Des Plaines, Illinois fixture since 1971. Lines of hungry patrons can stretch around the building on any given Friday, especially during Lent.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack at Superdawg
Superdawg has been a Chicago fixture since 1948. Our test Dodge Challenger is seen at the new ‘Dawg, which has been delighting Wheeling, Illinois customers since 2010. Maurie and Flaurie, the waving wieners seen in the sign and on the roof, were named for the restaurant’s founders.
Jaguar XJL at the Chocolate Garden
Fast becoming a fixture along the Interstate 94 corridor between Chicago and Detroit, the Chocolate Garden is renowned for its truffles. This Coloma, Michigan shop has been selling upscale treats since 2006.
Range Rover Sport at Cedar Valley Cheese
A popular stopping point for Chicago-area folks making their way up to Wisconsin’s Road America race track, the Cedar Valley Cheese store has been nourishing travelers since 2006. On the same Belgium, Wisconsin site is the Cedar Valley Cheese factory, which has been processing dairy goodness since 1947.
Nissan NV 200 Taxi at Lou Malnati’s
One of the pillars of the Chicago deep-dish community, Lou Malnati’s has been serving up pizza at this Lincolnwood, Illinois location since 1971. This gloomy winter scene doesn’t quite do this original Lou’s location justice.
