Cicero's roots entwined in restaurant

But in a town where businesses sprout up along Cermak with such names as El Chisme restaurant and Armando's Produce, Frank Saballus is doing what he can to retain Czech culture.

[Brian]

"...was formerly known as the Bohemian Wall Street because of the number of Czech businesses."

It was called the Bohemian Wall Street because of the large number of Banks and Savings & Loans,(in Cicero and Berwyn) suggested the stereotypical thriftiness of the local Bohemian residents.

[Czechs wife]

That's right, Brian. And there was no "brothel" inside of Klas. It was gambling that occurred upstairs.
And the bread is still the best around. We don't eat anything else.

[Tim1979]

With Chicagoans of Bohemian descent scattered so much throughout the Chicago area and no longer clustered so much in Cicero, Berwyn, Stickney and Riverside Townships, I'm sure it's a challenge for Mr. Saballus to market the business. I'll bet many younger and middle-aged Czech descendants are not even aware that Klas is still open. So many other Eastern European restaurants in that area (such as the Bohemian Dumpling House and Alice's Moravian) went under and were replaced by Mexican restaurants (and very good Mexican restaurants, I hasten to add). Hopefully, Mr. Saballus is utilizing 21st century technology and mining data bases to find potential customers and reach them. Good luck, and may Klas survive and thrive for decades to come!

[Jayelem]

"Czech-Mex."
Not sure if I want to try that.

[Mark]

I wouldn't go to dinner in Cicero if I had an armoured car to go in.
One of the wort areas in Chicagoland.

[Jayelem]

Mark wrote:

I wouldn't go to dinner in Cicero if I had an armoured car to go in.
One of the wort areas in Chicagoland.

Oh stop it !!!!!

Really ..........

You must not be very familiar with the area , eventhough much has changed , you would be very safe going to Klas restaurant.

If you're that cautious then go during daylight hours.

[Brian]

Mark wrote:

I wouldn't go to dinner in Cicero if I had an armoured car to go in.
One of the wort areas in Chicagoland.

Quite a statement from someone who lives in the city of Chicago.(P.S., it's "armored" car.)

[FreedomofSpeech9 11]

Jayelem wrote:

<quoted text>
Oh stop it !!!!!
Really ..........
You must not be very familiar with the area , eventhough much has changed , you would be very safe going to Klas restaurant.
If you're that cautious then go during daylight hours.

I love Klas!

[Rich]

It appears Mr. Saballus is more concerned with $$$ and not the preservation of cultural heritage. If not, then WHY begin to serve Czech food with a mexixcan twist? I guarantee a mexican restaurant would NOT accomodate the Czech culture in this manner. I haven't been to Klas for many years because the food is NOT what it once was. There are plenty of other Czech restaurants to visit throughout Chicagoland and DuPage County. Cicero's Czech culture is GONE, all you need to do is drive through town to see that.

[Greg]

Mark wrote:

I wouldn't go to dinner in Cicero if I had an armoured car to go in.
One of the wort areas in Chicagoland.

A comment like yours really shows ignorance. I am a resident of the area and, while the flavor of the community has indeed changed, it is certainly still a vibrant, thriving community, and is certainly NOT a slum. One would think you would applaud the fact that a remnant of Cicero's history remains, instead of being the bearer of gloom and doom. I am proud of the fact that they remain, and a visit there is certainly worth the trip.

[Greg]

Rich wrote:

It appears Mr. Saballus is more concerned with $$$ and not the preservation of cultural heritage. If not, then WHY begin to serve Czech food with a mexixcan twist? I guarantee a mexican restaurant would NOT accomodate the Czech culture in this manner. I haven't been to Klas for many years because the food is NOT what it once was. There are plenty of other Czech restaurants to visit throughout Chicagoland and DuPage County. Cicero's Czech culture is GONE, all you need to do is drive through town to see that.

The food DEFINITELY is worth a visit to Klas. I've been there with friends three times in the past two months and, each time, everyone hasd been more than pleased with the food and service.

[cimbalok]

I work at Klas (I play accordion there) and I can assure you, Rich, that Frank Saballus is not more concerned with $$$ than the preservation of cultural heritage. In fact, I was after them for a long time to raise their prices! It was and still is the cheapest and best Czech food you can get. Their svickova (pickled beef) is the tenderest I have ever had. If Frank wants to experiment in order to accomodate the locals, that is no sin.

Mark from Chicago (but probably originally from a far-out suburb), don't be afraid to go to Klas. Cermak Road is a safe drag and Klas has ample free parking. I have never had a problem in the 4+ years I've been playing there.

[Andre-Paris]

Frank Saballus,you must preserve your cultural heritage and you must explore other cultures. the world is did of diversity and fraternity! good luck i am whith you! a.

[Just saying]

I agree that Klas food is not what it used to be. It is still a fun place to go. The decor is like a walk going into the past.

[Pforet]

Czechs wife wrote:

That's right, Brian. And there was no "brothel" inside of Klas. It was gambling that occurred upstairs.
And the bread is still the best around. We don't eat anything else.

Actualy there were several rooms upstairs that served for that purpose on the upper floor of the building. The rooms are still there, they were used during prohibition when Al Capone frequented this restaurant. Get your facts together.

[MrSkinCicero]

People seem to forget that Cicero was on the Top 20 Safest US Cities in 2011, the only IL entry. If you are going to talk trash, you don't live here.

My neighborhood is safe, fairly quiet, and I have never had anyone look at me funny or try and break in. Cops respond in a heartbeat, and the only gang on my block are a bunch of punks who spend their time smoking weed and playing XBox Live...

Klas will stick around. They are only open Thurs-Sun for summer hours though...