The owner and daughter are sweet. I went there during the late afternoon & it was filled with Christmas decor and spirit. Also there was a menorah. The veggie burger was alright. Good fries & onion rings. Strawberry malt was pretty good. The train was entertaining. It's a cute place to bring kids... Or a Sheldon Cooper. read more

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We have been coming here for years. The prior owner took great pride in the quality of the food and the fun experience for the kids. My grandsons knew when the postcards came in the mail they were going for a yummy and fun birthday lunch at the choo choo. We went to celebrate my grandson's first birthday and were so disappointed. My daughter and I had a bowl of tasteless chili that cost nearly 9 bucks per bowl a couple kids hot dogs and a kids cheese burger a blt and drinks the bill was nearly 85 dollars. The once homemade cupcakes with butter cream frosting were clearly store bought and the chocolate shake hardly had any chocolate in it. I squeezed out some ketchup for the kids and a few tablespoons of water came out first and now in the basket getting the fries all wet. Just an awful experience. Never again! read more

I was prepared to find the Choo Choo Restaurant mediocre. When they send your food our on a boat, conveyor belt or a toy train, I get skeptical about the food. But wrong I was! I ordered a burger with onion rings and a strawberry milk shake. Because if you are in a restaurant that has a choo choo train, it is appropriate that your dinner beverage is a milk shake. Which from what I could see was made with ample strawberry ice-cream and served in a tall metal cup. Beverage and dessert in one! The burger was old fashion and buttery goodness. The beef patty was pressed flat and thin on the grill giving it a beautiful sear to the patty. The bun was buttery, fluffy, and toasted to perfection. I ordered mine with raw onions but grilled onions is an option as well (both are free options)! Lettuce, tomato, and pickles included. I upgraded the crinkle fries for the onion rings with no regrets. As I'm eating I see the window sign "Hot Coffee served with Heavy Whipping Cream". And there you go! Food done right but enjoy in moderation. Non-Food Related Notes: - Free kiddie train whistle with purchase of milk shake, ice-cream, or cupcake. - Sit around the counter to have your food delivered by train! You are never too old for this! - Parking lot and street parking available. - Sign up for the birthday club and your child gets a free meal for their birthday. - Cash only. Food Related Notes: - Made to order! - Kids meals available. - Small menu. Come to Choo Choo Restaurant! It's not just for kids!! read more

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The experience was worth the wait. My BLT was great and the strawberry milkshake was epic.

I had this place bookmarked for years to check out, and when we noticed we were within 8 miles of the Choo Choo and hungry, we headed over. The place was fairly small with seating for about 50 with 11 counter stools. The decor was not terribly historic or interesting and the counter seating was a bit uncomfortable. Maybe if you were a kid it would be comfortable, but as an adult there was nothing to rest your feet on and you couldn't cross your legs because there was a bar underneath the counter. The ladies' room was 1970s grade school era retro, which while very tiny, it was well preserved or updated and I found charming. The restaurant had a good vintage feel, the model train delivering meals was the main star of the show, and the food was quite tasty. The made-from-fresh beef burger patty was smashed out so thin that the edges of the beef were like lace hanging off the edge of the soft, slightly sweet bun. This was a burger made with care. The lettuce was also surprisingly fresh. No limp iceberg lettuce there. The fries were crinkle cut and piping hot, and perfectly salted as far as I'm concerned. And the Pièce de résistance was the cupcake. I'm a sucker for cupcakes, and who wouldn't like a cupcake with a train whistle on top?? The cupcake itself was small (but perfectly appropriate for Betty Crocker's era), which I appreciate because I don't like to feel like a pig hoisting up some half pound cupcake to my lips after eating a burger. The cake was moist and springy, the icing was thick and fluffy and festooned with tons of sprinkles. Holy cow! Lunch (burgers and sides) for two with iced teas and desserts ran about $35, and they did not accept credit cards but there was an ATM on site. Kids were understandably enthralled with the train, and our server was terribly friendly and seemed to enjoy her job, from taking orders down to tooting the big whistle during a birthday song for one of the customers. The restaurant also houses a vintage coin operated Milwaukee Road train ride for kids, which was a neat piece. If your kids love trains, you love trains or you just like unique dining experiences, the Choo Choo is worth a stop. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Plenty of sprinkles! - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

The food and the service was Awesome. I loved seeing a train deliver my great tasting meal. Bring my Grandson next time. He's gonna love it and the ride'm train. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Here come the food !!! - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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I have loved taking my kids here for years until today. I brought my boys for their birthdays as I do every year and the man who runs it, was so rude he made my son cry. We were waiting in line just after they opened with only a couple people in front of us. He asked us to move up but there was a floor vent that we would have been stepping on so we stayed right behind it. He then told us to move up again so my son moved up and part of his foot was then on the vent. The man walked back over and said do you like the air? Then very loudly , in a stern voice said, "GET OFF MY VENT". My son's eyes filled with tears and I said that wasn't nice to speak to a child like that he was simply there because you kept moving him up and you could have said that nicely. His response was "what did I say? And oh I had a smile on my face" which he absolutely did not. This was the second time this man was rude but I overlooked it as before covid the people there were some of the best people and made it such a great experience. I don't want to loop anyone else into this poor experience but if this is the owner, he should be ashamed of not only embarrassing a kid, but ruining his bday tradition. He is not a nice person, and a better role model should the face of that restaurant. read more

Went here today with the grandson. The service was excellent, the food was excellent, the atmosphere was excellent. Our server was Marla and she was awesome. The patience of Jaime was off the charts as a few other customers were being a pain as some can but Jaime handled it very well. This is a place you go to for the experience. The train, the pics, the whole package. All in all it was an excellent experience. Thanks for a fun time, killer strawberry shake, a few laughs. Definitely will go back read more

I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food is here, and to top it off it's brought to you on a train! I think I was was more thrilled by the train and the whole cool diner experience than my kids, grinning like it was my birthday and I was 5 the whole time. You know? Screw the young ones! Go here because you, as an adult who deserves a freaking break in this world, want old school basic diner food done from scratch the right way. They only take cash, so bring enough to drop the pedal to the floor. Because when you go here, you need to try everything. Look at their online menu so you know what prices to expect. Their burgers here are a serious contender to Paradise Pup. They are really that good. My wife, who almost never orders burgers, exclaimed that it was the best she'd ever had. The waitress told us that the beef was fresh and never frozen. Another reason they are so tasty, I believe, is that they use a decades old seasoned flat top grill, which sears the loosely formed patty quickly, sealing in the juices. The crisp exterior is something to write home about. And go old school and get it with cheese and raw onion, cause the balance of onion acidity with savory crisp meat and creamy cheese is real artistry. The fries were crisp and delicious, as were the hand made onion rings. The malted chocolate shake was the most flavorful and best I've had in a couple decades. If they ask you if you want whipped cream on top, shout "Heck yeah!" because it's the real thing. Real whipped cream, not that factory stuff made out of petroleum or artificial guar gum. Those massive cream molecules will undoubtedly race straight to your arteries as the malted sugar high revs your brain to 11, but it's worth it now and then right? You freaking deserve this, the shit you put up with. If you have room for desert, or even if you don't. Get the apple pie, because it's the perfect blend of flaky crust and sweet sour apples and brown sugar carmelization. And get it with their premium a la mode ice cream, because you deserve it. You really do. The shit you put up with. read more

How cute is this place! ALL ABOARD! I was looking for a fun place to take my visiting niece and nephews, and my non-Yelper friend (shudder the thought) steered me to this location. I'm so glad she did! It's simply adorable. And I also have to thank Eduardo E for his great review and tips. :-) I agree- sit at the counter so the mini train delivers its food directly to you and there's more train interaction for the kids. No touching! ;) It's a small diner so you better like who you're with or be able to handle them for at least a half hour, but the decor, staff and train make it super fun. The burgers and dogs were good and tasty, no complaints from the kiddos, but nothing too special, though very fresh! I loved me those hot, fresh, crisp yet tender fries, which they happily accommodated my request of no salt. Kids loved their root beer floats and since I'd been spoiling them with sugar all week, I opted to split their floats, with minor protests, but it was just the right amount. Even better, it came with a whistle for each child. Yup, that's fun all the way home, boys and girls. Yikes. Lol Oh, and adults don't skip that amazing apple pie. Omg, classic and yummy. The prices are fairly affordable (CASH ONLY) but probably a definitely more than your average dog/burger joint, but I'm willing to put in a few bucks more for the ambience, experience and smiles on those faces. I think we paid $60 for 5 meals with beverages, and 3 desserts, plus I tipped heftily, as it was well-earned. We even traversed the Des Plaines flooding (spring 2013) to find the joint and I'd do it again. I love the retro checkered decor and appreciate how sweet, patient and friendly the lovely servers were as we decided on our meals. I mean, if I had to wait on screaming kids all day, I'd want these people out of there ASAP- not that mine were screaming; proudly, they all did very well for Aunt Tina. Yay! But even when busy, the servers took our pic and without prompting, called the train back over in front of us. Nice touch! Thanks for a great experience, Choo Choo! When my Dad visits next, you can bet we will be making that stop again. You will know it's him cuz he will be wearing his conductor hat. No, he was never a conductor, but yes, he owns the hat. :-) read more

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My little guy LOVES trains so for his 2nd bday party we made the longish drive to the Choo Choo restaurant in Des Plaines. It did not disappoint. I highly recommend celebrating your bday here. That is if you're under 5 yrs old. We arrived before 5:30pm and just in record time. There's only a few booths that the trains deliver food to and we were lucky enough to score one of them. Just 10 minutes later we would have "missed the train" because the restaurant filled up fast. We were greeted by lovely woman who placed orders for 2 kids grilled cheese and a turkey chili for my husband. Fancy bday dinner! I decided I'd nibble on the kids food and eat later at home. Any excuse to nibble on grilled cheese. It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes when the train pulled up to our table with all of our food. The kids were oh so excited! And everything tastes better when it's delivered by a train so they gobbled up their grilled cheese and fries, which were quite good. My husband seemed to be a fan of his chili as well. Once everyone finished their meals the real fun began. We placed an order for a bday cupcake and an ice cream sundae for the bday boy's big sister. The ice cream was just hand delivered by our waitress (boring), but the delivery of the cupcake made up for it. They started playing a happy bday song and everyone in the restaurant started cheering. Then came the train...with a cupcake (complete with a candle and train whistle). If possible, I think my son was even more excited for the train than the cupcake because he could not keep his eyes off it. All this bday fun for under $25! However, it may being even more affordable next time because we signed up for the bday club (oh yes we did) where kids eat for free on their bdays. On the way way out we treated our kids for a rides on the play train up front and then headed home. I've already promised both my kids that we can go back again for their next 10 bdays. While I can't say I want to celebrate my own bday at the Choo Choo, I can't think of a better place to celebrate a kid's bday. read more

Disappointed overall. The place was packed, which is fine. IF they were organized, which they were not. There needs to be a number system in place as we saw two arguments as to who was there first. Food was decent, service was good. Prices a bit high. For four of us, two kids, two adults, the bill was $45. That's a bit steep in my opinion for a greasy spoon joint. Cute concept, but if you don't get a table where the train passes, it's kind of not worth it. (We did get the last booth in the far back corner) It is not clean by any means, I'd hate to see what the kitchen loss like. God forbid if a fire broke out. Way too crowded to escape. Parking is very limited, but a lot is available across the street. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Okay choo choo! I want to take the train far away from your restaurant because I'm sorry, we were quite disappointed. I came with my friend and our kids on a week day to hope for less people to be able to sit by the tracks right when they opened which we did. The one lady who greeted us and took our order seemed very nice. My friend who is a vegetarian asked for a bunch of things that they had on their menu like the egg salad or the chili and she kept making excuses "oh we don't have the chili yet" or the "egg salad hasn't been made yet" what do you mean it hasn't been made yet, the restaurant is open, why hasn't it been made yet. Bu whatever we gave them the benefit of the doubt and I got some burgers for my kids with fries and my friend got the veggie burger. Ten minutes later they bring out the burgers but not my friends veggie burger and they say "sorry our frier broke now, no fries" my kids only eat fries at these kind of places so what a bummer. My burger was gross. The meat didn't look legit at all. Maybe they were having an off day or what not but when another lady came in I had politely asked "will the fries be available later on" she rudely in front of my kids responds "I don't know can't you see we are trying to fix it" wow, that is not the attitude you should have when working in the restaurant business but more importantly when working around kids all day long. I get things go wrong, that's not my beef, but be a little nicer. We are paying to eat crappy food so our kids can watch the food go by on the train. The place really could use an update and although my girls liked the train, which then broke half way through as well, I doubt that we would be back here. On top of it all, my friends veggie burger took wayy too long to get there as well. The fries finally came out after an hour when we were about to leave, and they looked good so if you come probably order those. What I did find was cute about this place was that they make a cute choo choo noise for the bday kid but again I only saw that for one kid as we were about to leave. Choo choo I really was hoping for a better experience. read more

I was nearby on a weekday morning and just looking for a cheap knosh. This place fits that bill. Too many reviewers seem to be looking for something beyond what they offer here, run-of-the-mill diner food. This place can only handle what little kids will eat and not much more. It should be good for them and their patient parents. I had a cup of their turkey chili (accompanied with "all natural oyster crackers" by Westminster Crackers, "baked in Vermont), which was hearty and tasty, and a tall cup of carbonated beverage. The diner is small, maybe a total of 6 tables besides the 8 counter stools. There were three groups there, all with kids. They all ordered sandwich items, which gets the show started, as those are delivered out of the kitchen on a Lionel-sized train with customized diner basket gondolas. The train then continues around the inner edge of the counter and back into the kitchen. Because I didn't come with kids and didn't order a sandwich item, the chili was just served to me by one of the waitresses. The entire place is adorned with railroad paraphernalia, particularly those related to the diner's history. On the north side is a kid-sized diesel engine that a child can sit on free. Yes. Their prices are not the cheapest, but everything that I saw or tasted was homemade, which doesn't come cheap these days. And you do have other choices nearby: a modern and a vintage McDonald's, several Mexican places, other ethnic choices, and coffee shops as well. Choo Choo has a "birthday club" that you can fill out a card for a child to get a free meal on their birthday. Some reviewers have warned that the place can get really noisy when one of those parties happens. But since the place is essentially a glass box on three sides, you can scope that out (and if there might be a wait line) before dropping in. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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If you or your child or a family member or friend are fans of trains then this is the perfect restaurant for you! It was worth the 40 minute wait for us but I have to keep in mind that it is two days before Thanksgiving and a lot of the schools were on vacation for fall break! by the way the food was really good and I didn't bring anything home with me I ate everything there I love the fact that the menu was not too long or too big or too hard to choose from it was simple but you did have a small selection to choose from and it was to the point. For the first time I gave a $8.00 tip. That's big for me. The burgers were well cooked and it even had a little crispy around the burger on the outside I love the look of it I could smell the burger that's how I knew it was done once again the food was good. The children loved looking at the train go round and round as they ate their food! read more

Today, I had an afternoon doctor's appointment. There was absolutely no traffic on the way home, so I was able to try a restaurant that I've been wanting to check out for lunch. This brought me to the Choo Choo Restaurant. It is a cute restaurant that is a throwback to a 50's diner. The menu is basically burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes. Those sitting at the counter have a toy train bring them their food. I was already thinking of bringing my Godson and his sister on another occasion. I ordered a cup of chili, a double cheeseburger, which comes with fries and a vanilla shake. The vanilla shake was fantastic! The chili and cheeseburger were bland and not as savory as I hoped. The fries are frozen crinkle fries. I ate all of the burger but had to take most of my fries, shake and chili home. I could have been fine without the chili, but seeing as I love chili, I wanted to try it even if I didn't finish it. The young African-American lady who attended to me most of the time was wonderful! After I packed up all of my food, an older lady with white hair and a black shirt, who appeared to be the owner or manager, took my bill and brought my change back. She appeared nice. As I was walking out she said, "You ate a lot! I was wondering if there was someone else with you." I was about to reply and figured I would just leave and write this review instead. As she saw, I took food home with me. And even if I didn't, I spent $25, not including tip. I can't question that lady's motive or heart, but I will say, she ought to be careful with statements like that. It was offensive to me, and I thought she would be happy given the business I just gave them. Unfortunately, that shake is not worth me returning as the food is mediocre at best. And that foolish statement at the end sealed the deal of me never returning again. read more

Finally took my daughter who is almost 3 and my 10 month old son. She loved watching the train deliver food! "Picnic train". The owner was very nice and friendly. Grilled cheese was good! We will definitely be back. read more

This is a fun place to take the kids. If you sit at the counter, a Lionel train brings out your food. If someone is celebrating a birthday, they play Happy Birthday on the sound system and bring out a cupcake for the little one. The burgers are actually pretty decent. They're the kind where a ball of ground beef is smashed on the flat top. read more

This is a classic choo-choo cafe perfect for the kids. I hate to admit it, but I've actually been here without the kids (-: Their burgers and shakes are really good. The wait can be long if you really want to sit rail side where the food is delivered by train. I would say its worth the wait. I have a 2 and 5 year old and they love it. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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The food was awful, even the fries were terrible. Their burger patties were so thin, the edges were crispy!! I have never seen anything like that before!! I have been alive for almost 4 decades and lived on all continents and have never seen crispy burger patties in all my years! The dude who comes by with the balloons, bless the kids heart, but be aware of your surroundings and don't have your butt in a patron's face as they try to keep their "meal" down! It's a cash-only restaurant and thankfully, they have an atm located onsite for the patron who did not know this, since it's not posted anywhere for one to see. And I would know, having to stand in that small nook behind the door waiting for a spot to open up. The guests were left to organize themselves. You might get a booth, you might get bar stools, WHO KNOWS?!?!? And that ATM, the reason why I had to give the place 1 star, it only gives you a $20. You can't get $40, just $20, with a $3 surcharge. God help you if you have a bill over $20 like we did, because then you'd have to withdraw another $20 and pay another $3 surcharge!! Even my 3 year olds hated the place! They said they needed earphones next time because the happy birthday music was too loud! Bless their hearts, they think there's going to be a next time... read more

We took our 18 mo old granddaughter here Saturday when they opened. They have tracks that run by every seat in the house. Little ones like her are better off in a booster in a booth. She loved it all and we had a nice lunch of egg salad, chicken breast sandwich and she had chicken nuggets. GREAT strawberry shake made the old fashioned way read more

Food was great! The Veternan guy and 1 of the waitresses was amazing But one of the waitresses was absolutely rude! My daughter has an eating disorder and wanted Mac n cheese and she refused to let her order it. read more

The Choo Choo restaurant hits the spot when running around with the kidos. Tiny little diner with just a handful of tables and a bar that features a cool little (working) train that pulls the food to you. Be prepared to wait a while (esp on the weekends) and don't expect quality food. It's for the kids after all. If you're on the north suburbs near Des Plains, u have to try this joint. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Really fun place for kids and train lovers. Diner food, vintage train decorations. Come early on weekends and school holidays or be prepared to wait. read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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The best diner burgers, the best milkshakes I've ever had, the kindest staff and owner... choosing to support this local diner is a no-brainer. Plus if you take your young children here for their birthdays... they will never forget it! read more

This is such a great place to visit if you craving a hamburger. Their hamburger here is quality, fresh, big, and delicious. Lots of their customers keep coming back just to order some of it over and over. They have other offers that are really nice. Their menu is huge. Everything was on point, especially the hamburger and fries. You can absolutely find all of the food here satisfying. Really worth trying offers. I loved everything I had the time I visit their place. Very affordable and fair. Perfect place to bring your friends and family. Wonderful spot. The Choo Choo's location is very easy to find and you can visit them anytime. They are also near other well-known spots here in this area of Des Plaines. The whole place is organized, clean, and decent. The interior has a great vibe and it is very relaxing. The exterior also has a nice and refreshing view. The Choo Choo has plenty of seating inside and outside. Their parking lot is also big and enough for a few cars to park properly. Their staff is good, professional, and very decent. They were also well-dressed and presentable. All of them are working so fast and they all know how to treat their customers so well. Great customer service. No wonder why this place is always busy and full of customers most of the time. They have the best hamburger in town! Such a gem spot! Definitely worth a try! It is so much fun here and it was a pleasure for me to experience how great their service is. Awesome place with a great ambiance. Professional staff with a good heart. Also great offers at such a good price. I would definitely go back here again! Thank you, The Choo Choo. You are the best for me! Kudos to everyone who works here! Keep it up! Well done, guys! read more

Came here for the atmosphere, and was pleasantly surprised by the food and hospitality. We had a great time! Counter seat for sure-because you want that train to bring your lunch. Veggie burger was very good-generous in size and I finished it all! My guest liked her hamburger as well. Cupcake was delicious, fresh, and cute! We celebrated my companion's birthday and hoo-boy were we surprised. Made us kids again. The nice woman waiting on us checked many times to see if we needed anything. I am going back on my actual birthday-can't wait! PRO TIPS: *Go at off times to avoid the wait, but check their hours! (maybe avoid weekends if you're sensitive to waiting) *BRING CASH *It's not cheap, but you are supporting the business including fresh food made to order-you are not going to pay fast food prices-duh. (and that train probably needs frequent maintenance) One-way Streets in Des Plaines can throw you off, but there is now parking in an attached lot surrounding the restaurant. *Enjoy the atmosphere and the old diner machines. This is a throwback to an earlier era which can be appreciated. read more

Hands down, this quaint little Jewel of a restaurant in Des Plaines has the best burgers in the area, in my opinion. The meat is seasoned well and cooked with just the right amount of crispness. It's hard to mess up fries, so theirs are on par with other restaurants, but I liked the fact that the burgers and fries came out at a good temperature and were neither soggy or cold. The ambience is light and family oriented and kids love the little train that makes it's rounds every few minutes. They are delighted by what we, as adults may see as antiquated (the train ride and quarter machines), but they see as something they can manage themselves. My daughter waited in anticipation for a year to get her postcard in the mail for her birthday - a chance to hear the birthday song and have the train stop at her table with a cupcake and candle. Simple, but so special to her. I have been here on days where it is really busy and we had to wait a few minutes get a table that would accommodate our group (during typical business lunch hours) and I've been on days at times where seats were a'plenty. The space is small, but I think holds a fair number of patrons comfortably. I prefer the booths to the bar (for the kids). The stools are pretty high. The staff is always friendly and warm. I wanted to write this in hopes that when you want to take your kiddos to a place where great simple food can be ordered and yet still feel like you are in your (or your grandma's) kitchen, you will choose them. Worth the drive if you're in nearby 'burbs. Forget the chain establishments! Cash only. ATM on site. read more

Such tasty food!!!! Grass-fed beef, great chili, honestly everything we ordered was great!!!! Such a friendly owner who made everyone feel welcome!!! Every seat is seated along the tracks, so the train brings everyone's food. My grandson LOVED it!!! But honestly, the food is so good and the atmosphere inviting that I would recommend it to anyone-- old or young!!! read more

We have been coming here since I was a child and have been a few times since with our son. Every time we go the customer service lacks but come back for nostalgia and for our son. we waited 25 minutes and finally sat, the rest of our party was meeting us and parking, however the staff made us get up and move / asked us to leave because there's a sign saying will not seat you until the whole party is here! I was clearly nine months pregnant and they we're so rude - the line got longer so we had to leave regardless. After saying I'd never go back again - we did for our son again on his birthday and we were treated very poorly. I can honestly say I'll never go there again. Really sad - you would think a mom-and-pop type a place like this would have better customer service And respect for their customers.... read more

Very nice servers, cute atmosphere, great burgers, great coffee, and train themed restaurant?! I definitely enjoyed my experience here. this place is definitely a fun place for you to take your child/sibling for some cute dessert or tasty food. read more

Came here on a Saturday at 11:30 for the first time with my 18 mo old and 3.5 year old. We walked in and was able to get a booth right away. There was still space at the counter and the server offered it to us but I knew my younger one would be a terror in a high chair. Love the train that goes around and it amused my boys. They of course wanted to ride on the little train ride right away so I had to use that as bribery to get through the meal and to treat them to the ride at the end. The place is very small and was filling up within 15 minutes of us being sat. Food arrived within 15-20 minutes. My sloppy Joe was excellent and my husband said that while his burger meat was thin, he enjoyed it. He also had onion rings which we both thought was delicious. I wasn't a fan of the crinkle cut fries and neither were my kids. Price is okay, a little pricey...for two kids meals, and two adult plates with 2 cupcakes at the end, we paid $42. Overall I would recommend the place at least for the old school diner feel and for children. No one seems to mind when kids are screaming there which I appreciate! read more

Great fun for Grandkids birthday the burgers for the adults were pretty good as well. Hope they reopen

It is pricey but cute for kids. I went there when I was a kid and so did my uncle and mom. But the prices are high read more

Choo Choo Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

This a cool throw-back place to bring the kids to watch the trains. Just be warned, it's small and the lines are long, especially on weekends and days when school is off. And it's CASH ONLY. No credit / debit cards accepted. (The true sign of a frugal business, because they don't want to pay credit card fees.) Regardless, the food is pretty good, and for adults, I really liked the sloppy joe sandwich. You wait in a line by the door and it is crowded. Sometimes the line is out the door. Not good in winter! When seats open up, you sit yourself. Of course my kids love the trains. There are booths by the windows that are not served by trains, so if your kids want the trains to roll right up to them, you have to wait a bit longer to get seats together at the counter where the train tracks are. One interesting thing I noticed while waiting in line: The owners have a weird fixation on rules, and have signs all over the place to keep you in line. In fact they even have the rules posted on their web site. But the servers were nice and I never felt like they were 'enforcing' anything. Some other reviewers report differently. One last thing: They have the smallest bathroom I have ever seen. Take a small powder room, cut it in half, and you have their bathroom! All in all, this restaurant is an interesting historical place to bring the kids, but it's tiny and quirky. If you don't have kids I don't really see a reason to go here. But my kids did enjoy it. read more

The choo-choo is an amazing little time capsule. It's been in Des Plaines for years and has been making kids smile for generations. They survive great burgers fries milkshakes and more, deliver them on a choo-choo train. It's a great place to get a good little Smashed Burger and feel a bit of nostalgia. I love bringing my grandchildren in!! read more

Pros: - my 4 yr. old daughter loved this place so I loved it - The food is surprisingly good. The burgers were really good. In fact I should've gotten the cheese burger but opted for the sloppy joe. - Sloppy joe was good and reminded me when my dad used to make this stuff using manwich sauce from the can. - An actual toy train delivers your food right to you IF you are seated at the counter. Cons: - The wait kinda sucks when your trying to get a seat at the counter. Although there's always seats available if you don't mind getting your food delivered to you the old fashioned way by your server. - Wish the seats at the counter had foot rests. It really a complaint but more of a preference. All in all this place is great for families to take their kids to. read more

Don't mistake the Choo Choo Restaurant as a kids place only. Yes, it has kid appeal with a little train car seat and the model train track that circles the dining counter, bringing food to customers. They got serious food that appeals to both kids and adults. First off, their burgers are great. They are pressed thin, grilled crisp around the edges, and a rich meaty flavor you'd expect from Smashburger or Meatheads. Want bacon or other toppings? You can request them and customize it to your liking. Not in the mood for burgers? Try their turkey chili. I never thought turkey chili, which is usually more bland than beef chili, could taste so good. Fries are plentiful, which is a good thing with my younger son. And if that's not enough, try their apple pie. It's a huge slice with a small scoop of ice cream. Sugar sprinkled on top gives it the home-made touch and in the words of my 10 year old, it was "the best apple pie ever." And did I mention hey have ice cream sundaes and cupcakes too? Check it out. Got no kids? Come for the food. By the way, it is best to come early (11 AM) or closer to 1 PM and beat the crowds that can line up past the door. If you got kids, be sure to sign them up for their birthday meal with the Choo Choo during your visit. read more

I was prepared not to like this place. The attraction is a model train that runs the length of the counter, back into the kitchen, and delivers food in baskets. Always thought it was too cutesy a concept. But, to my surprise, it's rather charming: a throwback to the small '50s-era diner (perhaps b/c it was opened in 1951). Menu is basic: burgers, hot dogs, some sandwiches and desserts. My cheeseburger was decent, and tasty fries were salty and plentiful. The ice cream sundae was simple but good. Service was very efficient: had my order in around 10 min. But the food is beside the point here. Choo Choo is like dinner theatre for the 10 and under set. Every child is given a cardboard train conductors hat. I saw one boy, maybe 4 or 5, kneel on his seat for the entire meal - the better to watch the train come 'round. You wouldn't think such a simple novelty would capture kids' attention. But it did! Lots of sprites, just grinning ear to ear. If you come on a Saturday, be prepared to wait (and to vacate your booth in 30 min. - a sign notes that management strictly enforces that time limit during busy periods). Cash only, no reservations accepted. There is a large free parking garage directly across the street from here. Check it out at www.thechoochoo.com. read more

My son and I are regulars at this place. It's basic diner food but super yummy. I LOVE their Francheesy. It's a heart attack on a plate but it's so good. It's a huge hotdog, slit down the center and stuffed with cheese and a thick piece of bacon. It's good beyond words. I rarely deviate from this when we go but I have had the grilled chicken sandwich and it was pretty darn good as well. Their turkey chili is amazing and you absolutely have to get a cupcake when you're there... oh and a shake! Needless to say, this is not the place to be if you're on a diet but it's good old fashioned comfort food at it's finest. Oh yeah, the trains. Kids love them and it is pretty cute. How could you not love a train with baskets attached to it that bring your food around. A word of caution. This place can get REALLY loud during crowded times so if you're prone to migraines or hostility when placed in a small, crowded room with a bunch of rugrats with loud music blaring, this probably isn't a good place for you. A little tip for ya. If you can, get there no later than 11. I know this is an early lunch for some but you'll be guaranteed to get a table near the train or a seat at the counter. Once 11:30 approaches you'll have to wait and if you come later than that, expect a line outside. Oh and they do NOT accept credit/debit cards. Cash or check only. read more