Golden Apple
2971 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL
all damned night!
(Intersection of Lincoln, Southport, and Wellington)
This one doesn't have a jukebox, but it's still definitely in my top five. Plus, the menu is huge, and you can order a beer.
One time, I asked the guy who was working there late, "So, is the Golden Apple a chain, or is it independently owned?"
He said, "Well, both. It's part of a chain, but every one in the chain is independently owned."
"And," he suddenly added, "the restaurants all have different names." He went back to the register. Then he said, without looking at me, "Now you know everything."
Further research indicates that "24 hours at the Golden Apple" was a feature on This American Life (11/17/00). Seating: counter, booths, tables in the back.
