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Let's Eat for $7.70: Ella's doesn't clown around

Marie Chapman  —  8/27/2008 11:04 am

Acrobats flip and twirl above our heads and clowns grin at us from all sides. Are we at the circus? No, we're at Ella's Deli and Ice Cream Parlor, 2902 E. Washington Ave.

Ken Balkin, who has owned Ella's along with his wife, Judy, since 1976, is an avid collector of antique, mostly circus-style toys, and has incorporated his hobby into the restaurant decor. In addition to the collection of animated displays inside, there's the 1972 Parker carousel out front, which delights children at 75 cents a ride. Parents can accompany for free.

Ella's makes an amazing variety of fresh sandwiches -- the Reuben is a favorite -- plus soups, salads and hamburgers. The "kosher style" deli offers several traditional Jewish foods like homemade matzo ball soup.

Of course, the menu item that kids gravitate toward is Ella's famous ice cream. Combine the treats with the overwhelming multitude of toys and games to look at, and it's no wonder that Ella's is a favorite place for the short attention span crowd.

We purchased a turtle grilled pound cake sundae ($5.95) and a cup of coffee for a total of $7.32.

Because of the fun whiz-bang toys, the deli is often packed in the summer, especially on weekends. If you don't like crowds, it's better to come on a weekday. Ella's is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 on weekends.

Why do people love Ella's so much? Catie Tollefson, who has worked at the restaurant for 18 years, said people come for the food and decorations. But another thing I will always remember about Ella's is the friendly service -- the food is always delivered with a smile. Food always tastes better when served to you by somebody who loves their job.

-- Marie Chapman

Have a suggestion for Let's Eat for $7.70? E-mail 77tips@madison.com.

Marie Chapman  —  8/27/2008 11:04 am