FOOD VIEW

By CHris Murphy

Fast Eddie’s is the most legit place, successfully operating in the same place longer than any other restaurant in town. Best of all, it’s a drive in. A few years ago, “Fast” Eddie Gibson was ready to retire and fortunately, he had some fans. Most importantly a fan that loved Fast Eddie’s and everything about it. When Eddie said he was going to retire, Robert Wilson decided it was too good of a place and he needed to keep it alive, and make it better. These locally owned historic places are the gems we need to support and enjoy so check it out. Before we move on M.O.A.B. is Meal On A Bun.

“I grew up in this neighborhood, this place was part of my childhood”, notes Robert. This is an iconic place, loaded with great memories, a giant fish tank, airplanes, games, booths and bicycles hanging from the ceiling and Modesto memorabilia everywhere. It is pure fun, so if you are with kids, there is so much to look at, if you are with relative or friends, so much to remember.

I visited Fast Eddie’s with my grandson and he was mesmerized, from the planes, to the fish to the pinball machines. Pinball? Yes, a whole room full of them. More on that below, so let’s get to the food.

First, very important, the original burgers are still the same so you can get your fave Fast Eddie M.O.A.B. Special. Robert took his experience at his other place, the Devine Swine, and looked to make some new burgers that will excite any foodie of any age. The new ’52 M.O.A.B. is a bacon cheeseburger, with a special sauce, loaded with bacon, American and Swiss cheese and a pure Angus burger. He has taken burgers to the next level with a Napoleon Dynomite, loaded of course with tots and a creamy jalapeno sauce, and the super tasty Mama Mia, with mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce. Also look for the Crunch Burger, and the Nacho Libre burger. Wow these are amazing and you are going to have to work your way through these. Hot Dogs? Yes, they have an amazing loaded Chicago dog on a nice big bun. Philly? Yes, they have a delicious cheese steak. Chicken? They got you with a variety from Teriyaki to hot and spicy. Did we mention that there are both fries and tots? Regular fries, spicy fries, curly fries, tots, and even some fried veggies.

What’s new?

First up, you can get a beer or a glass of wine with your Fast Eddie’s special. There are some of your indie micro faves on the menu in a new glass beer chiller. Of course, they have the macro beer faves as well in regular and light versions. Beer and burger is one of life’s great combos, especially with a side of fries or tots.

What’s next?

Shakes. Yes, fresh ice cream shakes. The strawberry shake is a refreshing dream, but don’t forget the Oreo or the Butterfinger. New this month will be a new fresh Banana Cream Pie shake. We will be back to check this out.

Eddie’s loves kids. So much so that every kid’s meal gets a real genuine Hot Wheel car. A good kid’s menu can be make or break on an evening out and Eddie’s has you covered with grilled cheese, M.O.A.B. Jr burger, chicken strips or mini corndogs for only $8.

Pinball League

If you remember in American Graffiti, Curt and the Pharoahs (Faros) took a break to “play” pinball. Well friends, Pinball is back and there is a whole new Pinball League at Fast Eddie’s. Robert is a huge pinball fan, so much so that he loaded his dining room with a full wall of pinball machines. They have Star Wars, Foo Fighters and more. On Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm, is league play. They pick 4 machines, and each player gets ONE full play on each, and they add up the scores. This is a simple and fun way to play pinball and hang out with your friends. League is $20 to join + cost of individual play.

There are so many reasons to enjoy Fast Eddie’s. “So great to see the younger people coming in along with our regulars that have been coming for over 50 years. So great to see these traditions live on”, Robert muses. We agree, fun is fun, good food is good food and our traditions make Modesto special, especially in Graffiti Summer.

Fast Eddie’s M.O.A.B.

1228 Tully Rd.

Modesto 209-522-9069

Monday – Saturday 11 am to 8 pm www.fasteddiesmoab.com

@fast_eddiesmoab