Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken: Illinois' Top Hole-in-the-Wall Spot

This unassuming Alton chicken joint has built a decades-long reputation for some of the best fried chicken in the state.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken, a neighborhood joint in Alton, Illinois, has been serving up delicious fried chicken since the 1970s. While not affiliated with the famous Fast Eddie's Bon Air bar in the same town, this fried chicken spot has built a loyal following for its light, crispy, and juicy fried chicken that has remained excellent over the decades.

Why it matters

Hole-in-the-wall restaurants like Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken have found a niche in American culture, providing excellent comfort food in unassuming settings. This story highlights how a family-owned business can thrive for generations by staying true to its roots and continuing to serve high-quality, beloved dishes.

The details

Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken is not located at the same site as the famous Fast Eddie's Bon Air bar in Alton, but it is connected through the Sholar family. Eddie Sholar Sr. opened the fried chicken joint in the 1970s, and his son would go on to establish the Bon Air bar, while the senior Eddie continued running the fried chicken spot. The chicken joint has remained in the Sholar family, with Eddie's daughter now operating it, and has maintained its reputation for delicious, light, and crispy fried chicken over the decades.

  • Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken opened in the 1970s.
  • Eddie Sholar Sr. founded the fried chicken joint.

The players

Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken

A neighborhood fried chicken joint in Alton, Illinois that has been serving delicious fried chicken since the 1970s.

Eddie Sholar Sr.

The founder of Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken, who opened the joint in the 1970s.

Eddie Sholar Jr.

The son of Eddie Sholar Sr. who went on to establish the famous Fast Eddie's Bon Air bar in Alton, while his father continued running the fried chicken spot.

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The takeaway

Fast Eddie's Fried Chicken is a testament to the enduring appeal of high-quality, family-owned comfort food establishments. Despite changes in the local landscape, this unassuming joint has maintained its reputation for delicious fried chicken for decades, proving that mission-driven, community-focused businesses can thrive even in the face of larger industry shifts.