Crazy Joe's, Ava
AVA, Ill. - This week's road-tripping adventure is definitely a destination to keep in mind.
Crazy Joe's Fish House, located at 693 Suchman Road southwest of Ava (due northwest of Murphysboro in Jackson County) serves up some mighty fine food. The eclectic decor will keep you highly entertained while waiting for your dinner.
Some of the eclectic decor
Unlike any establishment I’ve seen, it appears to be two separate buildings and no greasy odor. You walk into a breeze way and place your order and they hand you a ticket stub with a number used to track your order.
The menu!
You turn around and go in another door and order your beverages at the bar, whether it be a soft drink or something stronger. Find yourself a seat and your food will be delivered promptly.
Seating at Crazy Joe's
Owner Bob Martin tells me the place has been there since 1995, although he has has it for eleven years. It isn’t going anywhere, Martin said, since it will be passed down to his son one day (who also happened to be the bartender that evening.) He also owns the famous Mary Lou’s on the strip in Carbondale.
Catfish strip basket with most of the trimmings
I enjoyed the catfish strip basket which came with Texas toast, sliced white onions if you want, coleslaw, and french fries or Joe's fries, which are their homemade potato chips.
Alaskan White Fish dinner (catsup optional; not included in basket)
An outside patio is available also. The restrooms are outside-inside type. The women’s has a bikini on the door and the men’s has swimming trunks. The staff was so nice and attentive and helpful showing me around and even giving me a better parting directions than what my GPS gave for my arrival (I swear that thing hates me sometimes).
