This Illinois Fried Chicken Joint Is So Iconic, Locals Say It Tastes Like Childhood
Cravings tend to pick favorites, and in New Baden, Illinois, they keep circling back to a corner where fried chicken rules the calendar.
Good Ol’ Days at 5 E Hanover St serves plates that spark memory like a jukebox cue, with crispy bites that remind you of big tables, warm rolls, and second helpings.
The place feels easy to love with friendly service, fair prices, and hours that suit early birds and supper seekers alike.
Pull up a chair, because the next few minutes might just reroute your next road trip to 62265.
Fried Chicken That Crowns Supper
First bites do the talking when the chicken arrives sizzling at Good Ol’ Days, 5 E Hanover St, New Baden, IL 62265.
The crust lands a crisp crackle, then gives way to juicy meat that feels confidently seasoned and straightforward.
Order it cooked to order, and the plate comes out steaming hot with sides that complete the story.
Second opinions are easy to find thanks to 1,300-plus reviews and a shining 4.6 rating that backs up the buzz.
The price stays friendly, typically in the 10 to 20 dollar range, and the all-you-can-eat chicken deal gets locals grinning.
Hours run most days, 6 AM to 8 PM, Sunday at 7 AM, so your timing stays flexible for a fried fix.
All You Can Eat Temptation
Value shows up in baskets here, not just in numbers on a receipt.
The all-you-can-eat fried chicken special has a devoted following, with staff who keep plates moving without fuss or slowdown.
Sides like green beans, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes make refills feel like a parade.
I once promised to pace myself, then watched another round land like a friendly challenge.
You might do the same when those big rolls arrive warm and soft.
If variety calls, swap sides and build a different plate every pass, then check the daily specials board for a sweet finish that keeps the budget calm.
Breakfast Starts Early, Comfort Lasts Late
Sunrise has regulars at the door because Good Ol’ Days opens at 6 AM most days and 7 AM on Sunday.
Breakfast stays classic with eggs, pancakes, and hearty plates that fuel long days without fancy detours.
Service moves quickly, and the vibe leans friendly small town with smiles that stick.
I stopped in after a pre-dawn drive and found a booth that felt like a landing pad.
The coffee did its job while a plate of eggs and hash browns kept the hunger quiet.
If you prefer a later start, the same comfort shows up at lunch and dinner.
Sides That Play Backup Like Stars
Plates look fuller here because the sides act like co-leads.
Mashed potatoes can swim in brown or white gravy, green beans bring that Sunday style, and coleslaw cools everything down.
Corn and baked potatoes round out a lineup built for comfort.
One tip makes a difference if you order a salad, since adding cheese can be requested.
The rolls deserve their own mention, arriving generously sized and soft enough to tear without a fight.
When you need directions for the feast, set your GPS to 5 E Hanover St, New Baden, IL 62265, and bring an appetite.
Service With Quick Steps and Easy Smiles
Staff energy sets the pace, and Good Ol’ Days keeps it upbeat without rushing you out.
Orders land sooner than expected, even when chicken is cooked to order.
Refills arrive with a light touch, and small requests are handled with the kind of ease that keeps conversations flowing.
On one visit, a server named Heather checked in just when the rolls vanished and the gravy needed backup.
That attention made the table feel looked after without extra fuss.
It fits a place with 4.6 stars and over a thousand nods of approval, plus a phone number you can save for call aheads at +1 618-588-4582.
Prices That Respect Your Wallet
Budgets breathe easier at Good Ol’ Days, where the menu generally rides between 10 and 20 dollars.
That range covers plenty of filling combinations, including fried chicken dinners that leave no corner of the plate empty.
Daily specials add extra value and often include a dessert slice and roll.
I remember a dinner for two that landed under 25, and the surprise turned into a happy nod to old-fashioned pricing.
A quick check of the website at https://goodoldays.co shows hours and updates before you head out.
If you track coordinates, the spot sits at 38.5348347, -89.7000693 in New Baden, with parking that keeps the arrival easy.
Atmosphere That Feels Like A Favorite Booth
Décor stays simple and cozy, the kind that lets plates take center stage.
You will notice locals greeting staff by name, and newcomers sliding into booths like they have been there for years.
The noise level sits comfortable, with clinks and conversation blending into a steady hum.
I grabbed a corner seat one evening and watched plates of chicken cross the dining room like tiny parades.
The room felt welcoming enough that time slowed, which is exactly what dinner should do.
Hours run daily until 8 PM, so unhurried suppers still make sense.
Plan Your Visit Like A Local
Timing gets easier with a few simple moves. Arrive a bit early during peak dinner, or call ahead at +1 618-588-4582 for details on wait times and specials.
If fried chicken is the goal, remember that cooked to order means hot and worth a few extra minutes.
Parking around the corner keeps the approach calm, with the entrance easy to spot on E Hanover St.
Save the address in your phone so the next craving route is one tap away.
For extra confirmation on hours or updates, the website at https://goodoldays.co keeps information tight and handy.