Fast Eddie's Bon Air in Alton, Illinois

Fast Eddie’s is perhaps one of the hottest bars in the Midwest.

It has been noted as one of the best bars in the St. Louis area.

SIGNATURE DISH: ½ pound Fat Eddie Burger & Big Elwood on a Stick

Hours
Monday - Thursday: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Address
1530 E. 4th St., Alton, Illinois 62002

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Website
FastEddiesBonAir.com

Phone
(618) 462-5532

trip advisor certificate of excellence 2015 for Fast Eddie's Bon Air
yelp 5 star graphic for Fast Eddie's Bon Air

On the weekends, it is standing room only at the busiest times. Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is known for the cheap food that tastes great. You can eat for under $5. They are famous for their ½ lb. Fat Eddie Burger. They also have peel and eat shrimp, homemade bratwurst, Big Elwood on a Stick (marinated tenderloin) and pork kabobs.

food being cooked in the kitchen at Fast Eddie's Bon Air

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air has a storied history that dates back to 1921 when beer giant Anheuser Busch decided to open a drinking establishment in the picturesque river town of Alton, Illinois. A few years later, Busch had to sell the tavern due to a change in the statutes, which prohibited breweries from owning drinking establishments. Sam Balaco, and later his son Lotteo, owned and operated the Bon Air for 50 years. Then in 1981, Eddie Sholar (alias Fast Eddie) purchased Bon Air. Over the past 30 years, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air has quadrupled in size going from 80 chairs (and a few beer cases) to over 400 chairs. Over 4,000 half barrels of beer and thousands of cases of cans, bottles and liquor quench the thirst of our patrons every year. The legendary food aspect, serves an assortment of grilled burgers, shish kabobs, bratwurst and boiled shrimp all sold at low prices.

Fast Eddie’s has won statewide praise and is a recipient of an “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” award. Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is among a select group of Illinois establishments to receive the unique designation.

brick exterior of Fast Eddie's Bon Air illuminated with red neon signs