Lunch Adventure Shorewood Hills Pool

Sometimes we find ourselves in odd places where a salad isn’t available, and situational constraints require creative action to avoid eating out of a vending machine. Other times we just need to escape the stuffy confines of traditional restaurant dining, so we embark on Lunch Adventures.

Shorewood Hills Pool

Why you’re really there: It’s wicked hot and time for a swim. The pool is for members only, but somehow you’ve cadged access through a day pass, a relative in Shorewood, or even a real membership. The heat of the sun, the scent of tanning oil, and, most of all, the cool glimmer of the refreshing water all build to a crescendo of fun, at which point the gang feels like having a snack.

You won’t find this in most restaurants: Low, low prices are what The Dive-Inn is all about. Bagels with cream cheese are $1.25, granola bars are $1, hot dogs and hot pretzels are $2, and nachos are $2.50. Fair Trade coffee is a buck and slush puppies are $1.50.

Delightful discovery: It’s nice to see carrots on the menu for $1. But while not as healthy, a robust selection of frozen confections—Drumsticks, Choco Tacos, malt cups, Push-Ups and more—is more thrilling and provides a welcome opportunity to cool off while snacking out.

Signature selection: The melted cheese sandwiches are a point of pride. These are, in fact, not made with cheese at all, but by melting Velveeta into toast on a grill. “The cheese sandwich? Solid,” enthuses one member. “But you’ve gotta put ketchup on the side. That’s real living!” Indeed, dipping the bread-enveloped, hot cheese product into ketchup produces an amazing white trash taste sensation which quickly turns into compulsive gobbling.

Chance of a return visit: If there is a membership involved, a return visit is certain. But even those conning their way in will surely try the same trick again.