This Tiny Illinois Kitchen Serves A Reuben So Memorable, First-Timers Never Forget It
Some places feel like a neighborhood secret, and then the Reuben arrives and changes that status instantly. Starship Restaurant & Catering in Forest Park, Illinois runs on the kind of momentum that only comes from decades of loyal regulars and a grill that rarely gets a break.
The kitchen is compact, but the output feels outsized, soups simmer steadily, sandwich builds move with practiced rhythm, and the scent of toasted rye hangs in the air long before the tray lands. Conversation hums, orders are called, and every plate looks like it was made for someone who has been coming in for years.
Bring an appetite and a little curiosity. That first bite lands warm, savory, and oddly nostalgic, the kind that lingers long after lunch is over.
Exact Location And How To Find It
Starship Restaurant & Catering sits at 7618 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130, right on the village’s bustling main drag. If you are cruising west from Oak Park, you will spot the compact storefront before you know it, tucked among boutiques and long-loved mom-and-pop stops.
Parking can take a minute on busy weekends, so plan a little extra time to find nearby street parking. Once inside, the counter is close to the entrance, making takeout quick and painless.
Phone orders through +1 708-771-3016 help you skip the line, and the website highlights menu offerings and rotating specials.
Expect a tiny footprint that works to your advantage, because the food comes out fresh and hot. Seating is limited but comfortable, and the staff calls out names with a friendly cadence that fits the block’s neighborly rhythm.
It is the kind of place you remember by the crosswalk, the neon, and that first whiff of toasted sesame bread. Finding it is simple.
Leaving without extra soup to go is the real challenge.
History, Ownership, And The Star-Themed Spirit
Starship has been a longtime pillar on Madison Street, known for quirky Star Trek nods and a menu that reads like a captain’s log of comforting classics. It was founded in 1977 by Paul McKenna and Henry Laskowski, and the shop has remained a Madison Street staple through decades of neighborhood loyalty.
Ownership has evolved over the years, with newer stewards carrying forward the menu, soup program, and Starship’s longtime neighborhood spirit.
What never changed is the spirit. The decor blends memorabilia, playful posters, and a little patina that regulars find charming.
Even the freezer case feels like a mission supply bay stocked with soups for later, proof the operation is about practicality and pleasure.
When a place runs this long, continuity becomes culture, and repeat customers guard it like fans guarding favorite episodes. The essential truth is simple.
Starship’s legacy travels best in a steaming cup of soup and a sandwich that remembers every bite that came before.
Decor, Ambiance, And Seating
Inside, the space reads intimate and a little nostalgic, with Star Trek themed touches that wink rather than shout. Posters, subtle memorabilia, and small details set a lighthearted tone, while the practical layout keeps the counter close and the seating simple.
Expect a handful of tables, friendly chatter, and that comforting sizzle as sandwiches hit the flattop.
Lighting is easy on the eyes, and the hum of Madison Street peeks through the window, adding energy without noise overload. When it is busy, the flow is line-first, seat-second, and staff help keep things moving.
If you like engaging with the crew, this is the kind of counter where a quick question turns into a helpful tip.
The homemade chips often arrive still warm, adding a toasty scent that plays well with the soup steam. It is casual and welcoming, the kind of room where first-timers relax fast because nothing feels fussy.
Bring a friend, bring an appetite, and do not overthink it. The decor does its job: sets a mood, sparks a smile, and hands the spotlight to the food.
Comfort is the star, and it sticks the landing.
The Reuben That First-Timers Never Forget
Reuben lovers, Starship’s take on the classic, often listed as the ‘Jefferson Starship’ sandwich, hits every memory switch. Thick sliced corned beef stacks high yet stays tender, with just enough fat to keep things juicy without weighing you down.
Swiss melts into the layers, sauerkraut adds tang, and the dressing ties everything together with a creamy, peppery whisper.
The bread toasts to a crisp edge that crackles on the first bite, releasing a buttery aroma that says you made the right call. Portion size lands in the happy zone where halves feel generous and the chips on the side complete the picture.
There is balance here, not a deli stunt, and that makes it easy to finish.
If you are new, order their Reuben-style build, corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and dressing on grilled rye, and let the kitchen’s rhythm guide your taste buds. You will notice how nothing slides out messily, which is a testament to the build.
Pair with a cup of soup and a pickle, and you have a small symphony. Blink twice, and the plate is empty.
That is how a Reuben becomes unforgettable.
Soup Program: Daily Pots And Freezer Finds
Sit down or grab-and-go, the soup lineup is a signature draw, with daily hot options and a large freezer stocked with dozens of additional varieties. Regulars praise the variety, from resurrection chicken to classics like French onion, creamy mushroom, and hearty chili.
Cups come generous, and quarts travel well for dinner later.
Flavor profiles stretch from soothing to spicy, with broths that taste cooked low and slow. Texture matters, and you will notice tender vegetables, well-seasoned meats, and noodles that hold.
On cold days, the steam alone feels like a hug, and on busy nights, a frozen quart becomes the smartest meal plan.
Staff happily point out favorites if you are overwhelmed by choice. Sampling sometimes happens when time allows, which makes discovery part of the fun.
The value is strong, especially for the portion sizes, and take-home containers stack neatly for your freezer. This is comfort food you can schedule.
Once you have a go-to flavor, expect to keep a backup quart at home. Starship does soup with purpose, and it shows.
Menu Highlights Beyond The Reuben
There is a whole galaxy beyond that Reuben. Fans call out the La NASA, the Jefferson, and Italian classics built on sturdy sub rolls that hold up without going tough Meats run tender, sauces stay focused, and toppings are layered to avoid sogginess, which is half the battle in sandwich world.
Homemade chips are a quiet star, arriving crisp and lightly salted and pairing easily with any sandwich on the board. Specials rotate, so a Cubano might pop up and steal the show for a week.
While the menu leans heavily into soups and subs, the sandwich board offers plenty of variety beyond deli classics.
Vegetarians are not left behind, with salads and lighter builds that still feel indulgent when chased with hot soup. Portions land in the generous zone that turns lunch into lunch plus a little later snack.
If you are sampling, split two six inch options and swap halves. The first visit sets the hook, but the second visit sets a plan.
You will start making a to-try list, and your future self will thank you.
Service Style, Speed, And Staff
Service follows the best kind of counter rhythm: place your order, find a seat, and wait for your name. Food is made to order, which means a short pause pays dividends when the sandwich arrives hot and crisp.
Staff manage the line with calm focus and plenty of kindness, even when rushes stack up.
Expect help with choosing soups and navigating specials if you ask. Many regulars mention welcoming smiles and a genuine interest in getting your order right.
The team carries neighborhood energy, calling folks by name and remembering repeat favorites in a way that feels rare.
When it is busy, patience is rewarded with fresher food, so bring a good mood and savor the aromas while you wait. If time is tight, call ahead.
Either way, your tray ends up feeling personal, not assembly line. That is the difference between feeding people and serving guests.
Here, you feel seen. That is why first-timers become familiar faces faster than expected.
Price, Portions, And Value
Starship plays in the budget friendly lane without skimping on quality. Prices land in the single to low double digits for most sandwiches and soups, and portion sizes are generous.
A six inch with chips feeds most appetites, while a cup of soup pushes it into feast territory without denting your wallet.
The value calculus shines in the freezer section, where quarts make weeknight dinners simple. Specials deliver strong bang for the buck, and staff help you right-size your order so nothing goes to waste.
For newcomers, consider a half sandwich and soup combo to sample the range.
What you remember is not the number but how full and satisfied you feel at the end. Ingredients taste fresh, textures stay crisp where they should, and sauces arrive in balance.
It is the kind of place you add to your regular rotation because it respects both appetite and budget. Add in friendly service, and the total experience feels like a small win you can repeat often.
Value, in other words, is baked into the workflow here.
Hours, Best Times, And Takeout Tips
Hours are straightforward: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM. Hours are consistent, but it is smart to plan pickup with a little buffer near closing time.
The website and social channels highlight menu items and rotating specials, making decisions easier before you arrive.
Best times for a relaxed visit are mid afternoon weekdays, when the line thins and tables open up. Lunch rush tends to swell around noon, especially on chilly days when soup calls the shots.
If parking looks tough, try a block or two off Madison and walk in while your order finishes.
For takeout, call ahead and ask for chips packed separate to preserve crunch. Soups travel well, and frozen quarts ride home like treasures that need a freezer berth immediately.
Keep an eye on the specials board; you might catch a limited run worth rearranging dinner plans. A little strategy equals quicker bites and happier bellies.
That is a fair trade.
Why The First Visit Turns Into A Habit
First-timers usually walk in for a Reuben or a soup recommendation and leave with tomorrow’s lunch, too. The combination of warm service, comforting flavors, and straightforward pricing makes repeat visits a no-brainer.
Every detail aims at satisfaction without fuss, from crisp chips to sturdily built sandwiches that travel well.
It helps that the menu has breadth without chaos, so choosing feels adventurous but never confusing. Special items pop up just often enough to make returning exciting, and the freezer program keeps you stocked.
Even the decor, with its playful nods, adds personality without stealing the show.
Most importantly, you feel like your preferences matter. Staff listen, remember, and suggest tweaks that hit your sweet spot.
After a couple of trips, you have a reliable order and a short list of soups to rotate. That reliability builds trust, and trust becomes habit.
Next thing you know, this tiny Illinois kitchen is your comfort stop, your weekday fix, and your friendly answer to the eternal question: what is for lunch today.