Zientek's Model Trains/Zientek's Bar

Zientek's Model Trains / Zientek's Bar

You know you live in an interesting place when with any sort of regularity you come across places such as the dual business that is to be found at the southwest corner of 18th Street and Damen, namely Zientek's Model Trains/Zientek's Bar.

In the midst of the very Mexican western part of 'Pilsen' stands this fascinating little shop and bar.* Situated in a fine old house with corner turret that is so typical of the Near West and Lower West Side, Zientek's catches one's eye with the unusual combination of neon signs advertising both Budweiser products and model trains. Though I will drink Budweiser under certain, well defined circumstances, it was the model train signs that drew Amata and me in late yesterday afternoon as we were out shopping for Magister Lucantonius. Though he's still a little too young to set loose with hundreds of dollars worth of HO trains, I envision joining forces with my son and gradually transforming part of our basement into a miniature recreation of our own Drei-Schneider neighbourhood.

Zientek's has a very small bar in the downstairs shop and only a small counter displaying a few items related to model trains. When we entered, the proprietor greeted us and directed us up to the second floor where there are three or four rooms filled to the rafters with all manner of products related to this noble hobby. If you like model trains, and especially HO scale trains, you must visit this place: Not only is the selection of merchandise impressive but the owner, presumably Mr. Zientek, is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and most willing to offer sound and honest advice.

We will be returning there, I'm sure, many times for the trains... and I'll likely sneak by on my own now and again for some realistic autumn shrubbery and a Bud...

Antonius


Zientek's Model Trains
2001 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
312- 226 - 9720

Daily: 11:00- 6:00
Closed Sunday

* In common parlance, this area is referred to by many as Pilsen but it is in fact the Hear of Chicago, with Ashland being the western border of Pilsen and the eastern border of Heart of Chicago.

I was a little startled to see this post on Zientek's because only last evening a couple of us were speaking of the place (but hadn't yet visited). It's one of my favorite Chicago business combinations, right up there with home brewing and pet grooming at Bev-Art.

For those who enjoy drinking in the presence of model trains (and who doesn't?) the only other local spot I can think of is Flossmoor Station, the brew pub in Flossmoor's old train depot. They may skimp a little on the trains, there's only a single one that circles the bar room up near the ceiling, but the beers are a big step up from Budweiser. I was a little worried when brewmaster Todd Ashman left for Titletown but after tasting their entries in the recent Wood Aged Beer Festival, I think all might be well in Flossmoor.

Can't wait to visit Zientek's.

Flossmoor Station
1035 Sterling Av
(steps from Metra Electric's Flossmoor stop)
Flossmoor IL
708-957-BREW

I don't know if they have a liquor license (edit: they don't), but there's always the Choo Choo Restaurant in Des Plaines.

Choo Choo Restaurant
(847) 391-9815
600 Lee St
Des Plaines, IL 60016
http://www.thechoochoo.com/

And Fast Track for a hot dog

Fast Track
629 W. Lake St
Chicago, IL
312-993-9300

IIRC there is a restaurant in the Beverly neighborhood with a train.Help!

IIRC there is a restaurant in the Beverly neighborhood with a train.Help!

Snackville Junction, 9144 S Kedzie, Evergreen Park. No alcohol.

Thanks.Someone told me about it but could not recall the name.

A,

Thanks for the heads-up on what sounds like a very interesting place to enjoy a brew and some iron horse action. I was never into model trains (I was more the slot car type), but this sounds like an excellent joint to enjoy a beverage and a different perspective.

I have to believe your young man would love it.

Hammond

I don't know if they still have the slot car track up but we used to love watching them race at Tom Thumb.


Tom Thumb Hobby and Crafts
1026 Davis
Evanston,Il.
847*869*9575

Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2004 5:14 am

sheesh, go to sleep

The slot cars have been gone from Tom Thumb since the early 90's at the latest, more lke the late 80's IIRC