Mario Lopez Surprises Fans at Chicago's ‘Saved by the Bell' Pop-Up Restaurant
Lopez played A.C. Slater, Bayside High's star quarterback on the iconic '90s television show
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Fans of the iconic '90s show "Saved by the Bell" have flocked to "The Max" since it opened in June, but on Friday they got a special treat when A.C. Slater himself stopped by the pop-up diner in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. [[392253601, C]]
Mario Lopez played the role of Bayside High's star quarterback on the show, and even coined the term "preppy." While he was in Chicago on Friday, Lopez visited the restaurant, reminiscing and meeting fans. [[392253481, C]]
"This is trippy," Lopez said in the first of several videos of his visit posted to Instagram. The actor checked out the replica of his character's locker (he liked the Elvis picture but was confused by the "baby jersey"), shook hands with customers, and posed for photos. [[392253581, C]]
"Check out the menu," Lopez said, pointing out the "A.C. Sliders" named after his character. "I heard those are the bomb, and then look, I got my own drink - the Albert Clifford. Why's it gotta be a margarita?" [[392253561, C]]
This isn't the first time the restaurant has welcomed stars of the show. Ed Alonzo, who played Max the owner of the "Saved by the Bell" diner, stopped by for the restaurant's opening in June. In July, Dennis Haskins, who played Bayside High School's principal Mr. Belding, was the featured guest at a special brunch.
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Take a sneak peek inside Chicago's new "Saved By the Bell"-themed pop-up diner opening Wednesday.
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Fans of "Saved By the Bell" will recognize this booth as the place where the show's characters would hang out.
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Fans of the show can come get their fill of 80s and 90s nostalgia with a trip to 'Saved by the Max.'
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The diner comes with a pink neon sign for "The Max," which was shown as a transition shot whenever the characters would gather there during "Saved By the Bell."
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Inside the diner is an area recreating the lockers at Bayside High.
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Trophies and signs sit atop the lockers.
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A recreation of Kelly Kapowski's locker, played by Tiffani Thiessen.
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A jukebox and arcade games adorn the main dining area.
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Another view of the main dining floor.
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Groovy shapes and loud colors reminiscent of the 90s are scattered throughout the restaurant.
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Behind display cases, you can see the original show's menu and script.
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You can also see other bits of memorabilia, including "Saved By the Bell" dolls, t-shirts, and more.
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Other bits of fan memorabilia are on display at the diner.
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Bar stools and replica jukeboxes line the counters on the sides of the diner.
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The diner serves food and alcohol.
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Signs for the Bayside KKTY radio station are seen in the diner.
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The eatery will be open nightly through Aug. 31, and the owners are considering staying open past the end of the summer.
"The Max," located at 1941 West North Avenue, is open nightly for ticketed dinners and offers walk-in brunch and late night service. In June, the diner extended its stay in Chicago through Dec. 31 thanks to high demand.
