Went here for lunch and had a very easy time ordering and getting the food. It's outdoor seating only, so people wanting to sit inside might have to find another option. I got the Paradise Pup with everything on it (mustard, onion, pickle spear, relish, peppers) and a side of fries. The food came out reasonably quick for how busy it was and the hot dog was great and the fries were salted. This is a dive like place and is right off the road. Parking is tight and limited. This is definitely going to be a place I come back to when I'm in the area. read more

Delicious burgers, but outside seating only, so you might want to take it to go if it's a bit cold. I went here around 3:00 p.m. and there was still a very long line. This place is listed in some lists as the best burger joint in Illinois. It's really solid. And the shakes are very good, too. They do crinkly fries, in case that's your jam. I enjoyed the flavor of the burger, although I do wish there were more pickles. :-) We had to wait for a table outside, and it was a little bit chilly, but overall I felt it was worth it. read more

Paradise Pup - Burger and fries. The bun is a brioche bun so that's nice - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Paradise Pup in Des Plaines, Illinois absolutely lives up to the hype. The American Cheeseburger I had was phenomenal--the patty was huge, perfectly cooked, and dripping with melted cheese. Every bite reminded me why this place is a classic. Simple, old-school, and done right. If you're anywhere nearby and craving a real burger, this is the spot. read more

Paradise Pup - American Cheeseburger - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Every time we come here, I always say what took so long to return. Oh well. They are still going strong, and friendly owner George is omni-present and still taking the orders. A 1/3 lb char burger goes for $8.29 now and is as piping hot good and delicious with a fresh bun as ever. Since the Covid era, orders are now taken at a plexiglass window, and in a new enclosure. Customers are not allowed inside and near the grill anymore. There was no line when I came at 1:30pm, but I still had a modest wait as there were several call-in orders ahead of me and 4 patrons showed up right after me. No credit card fee, so yaay for that! They are a long standing neighborhood staple and continued good luck and success to Paradise Pup! read more

See all

** Worth the Hype ** This is a tough. I want to give them the crown "Best Burger". I may have to. Maybe ten more visits, then I'll decide. Paradise Pup just screams Chicagoland, John Hughes nostalgia and Djo vibes. What is it about them? Waiting in the long line while the noobs try and navigate the menu that isn't in front of them? The dude sitting at the register who you can't hear but you know he got your order right? Getting your burger and instantly making a delicious mess all over yourself. We may never know. Brought a non believer here two weeks ago, Bro's been back three times since. Don't believe me? Find out for yourself. Let me know... read more

Paradise Pup - Deliciousness about to be had! - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

One of these best grilled burger joints around! They don't have inside seating but you can order take away, or call your order in. I highly recommend anything I've tried, even fries, not usually gushing about chips but they're good. It's all good! Go! (Only complaint is the short hours of operation ). They get busy and cook fresh, so a wait is normal, but soo worth it! read more

DELICIOUS milk peanut butter & banana shake, and super tasty Italian beef sandwich - made this trip worthwhile. Friendly service - outdoor dining only, so not suitable for winter months - I loved this place and will be back! read more

Paradise Pup - Outside of restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

So we were in the area and stopped because we had seen they were on Diners, Dive Ins and Dives. We couldn't not find a parking space and it was an in between time. Like after lunch but before dinner and they were packed. The lines moved quickly so be patient. A Chicago dog, a barbecue burger and a melted Italian steak. WOW! All were amazing. I'm not kidding when I say it may have been the most delicious Chicago Dog I have ever had; so full of veggies and grilled. It held together with the copious amount of toppings. the Italian beef rivaled any. Hot peppers and dipped lightly it was delicious even later. Get here. Fast friendly service and quick. You used to be able to eat inside, but they have tables outside if that's your thing. read more

Paradise Pup - Chicago Dog - A hot dog features a sausage in a bun topped with a large pickle, slices of tomato, and other condiments. The hot dog is placed on a light-colored paper surface with some yellow and dark spots. The bun is sprinkled with black poppy seeds, and the toppings include a green pickle and slices of tomato, with some sauce or mustard visible. - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I've had this place on my list for some time now, and definitely would have been here earlier but their hours are a bit unique. Anyway, finally tried it. Ordered the bacon burger with Merkt's cheddar and grilled onions. As well as a small crinkle cut fry. The burger was good, definitely would have again. Maybe I just expected it to be out of this world based on the hype, but I would say it's a solid burger and the cheddar does make a difference. Fry was good as well. Portions are excellent. They have a few picnic tables but they were all full. Overall, my experience here was good and I will be back. 4/5. read more

See all

BEST BURGERS!!! went over there today with the fam, all of us got one of their famous Merks Chedder Burgers, i got a side of onion rings, also very delicious! recommend read more

Got the double cheeseburger. OUTSTANDING!!!!! Best I've ever had. I now have to go to Au Cheval. They're supposedly #1. Went around 12:30 and it was packed. Only waited in line around 10 minutes and another 10 for the burger. Crinkle fries ain't nothin special but who cares. Burger was charred perfectly. Double was too big. I have to get a single next time. read more

I rate them below zero.. I orded a polish sausage and two hot dogs for my husband (because god knows that I don't eat that crap) and when I got home there was only one hot dog, not two which I paid for. I went back there and the cashier was rude and belligerent to me, accusing me of trying to get a free hot dog. I'm like are you kidding me??? Why would I drive clear back here if I wasn't right? There were eight other people in the the place and I have it all on video of if him being belligerent and abusive to me. I highly recommend that you never go to this crappy place. read more

Well this place is well deserving of the hype!! I had one of their iconic cheese burgers that did not disappoint! "Caution" get A LOT of napkins. Burger is juicy AF ! Bun is soft and fluffy (no sexual overtones there?) . Line long get there early for lunch! I also had a regular dog. Nothing really special. Afterward I realized I shudda ordered the CHARDOG. Check this place out. I'm sure you'll like it! read more

Paradise Pup - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Tried a charbroiled dog and a cheddar dog and would have loved a combo of the two. Hot dog was very flavorful, plenty of parking and some picnic tables. read more

Paradise Pup - Hot Char Jumbo Dog - A hot dog features a sausage in a bun topped with mustard, a pickle spear, slices of tomato, and chopped onions. The hot dog is served on crumpled parchment paper, with a rustic wooden surface partially visible in the background. - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Great cheeseburgers. The line moved quickly with no confusion. The sleeper here is their Italian beef sandwich. A delicious sandwich better than many other beefs in Chi read more

Paradise Pup - Cheeseburger and double cheeseburger - Inside a vehicle, two people are eating burgers. One person holds a burger in a white takeout container, while the other holds a burger wrapped in paper. The car's interior, including the steering wheel and dashboard, is visible. The scene suggests a casual meal or snack inside the car. - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Very cool place. Had the char dog Chicago style. It was amazing! Fantastic dog. Also ordered the char burger merks cheddar burger. Got it with everything except ketchup. Added grilled onions. Burger was charred but not seasoned. It needed salt or something. Also the bun is good but if you are not a bread person it's way too big. I'll go back but skip the burgers. read more

Paradise Pup - Chicago char dog - A Chicago-style hot dog features a sausage in a poppy seed bun, topped with a pickle spear, tomato slices, mustard, and other condiments. The hot dog is presented on white paper, likely at a fast food stand or outdoor eatery, with visible toppings and garnishes. - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

See all

Friends always stop here when in the neighborhood. So we were in Rosemont today and decided to get a burger. Friend said let's go to Paradise Pup. I've never been so I was all for it. There is no dining inside, only picnic tables outside. They say people eat in the cars. And today being 26 degrees we ate in the car. Place your order at the window and they give you a pager when your food is ready. All Orders are cooked to order so you know it's fresh. We all ordered the bacon merkts cheddar burger. OMG!!! It was so good. Something with the Merkts cheese on the burger was delicious. The krinkle fries were good as well. But too salty. So when in the area this is the place for burgers. But in the summertime the lines are around the building is what my friend said. So best to go early or late. read more

Paradise Pup - Bacon Merkt's Cheddar Burger - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Outside seating, food was good tho and service was fast. Me and my friends think it's the top 5 best burger spot in Chicagoland area

The best char dog. There is nothing better than a char dog and crinkle fries. But if you are in the mood for a good burger they can do that too. I like mine with grilled onions. read more

Ordering at the window was easy; friendly cashier and service. You're not going for the ambiance-- you're there for the food. Was our first time here and we all ordered the char burger. Meat cooked just right. Next time I will request no ketchup. Overall we totally enjoyed our burgers. Will try hot dog on next visit. read more

Best burger in Chicago. Great staff. Long line goes fast always busy well worth the wait.

A little slice of heaven. And a great place to get a Chicago dog. I grew up not far from here and this place is iconic. Great dog, burger, polish and cheese fries topped with Merkts cheese! This is great fast food. You can't go wrong here. Prices are reasonable, staff is friendly. There is always a line, I mean always. But they have a good process and you don't have to wait too long for your food- it's worth it because it's fresh. I come here every time I am back in town- it's tradition for me. Are you craving a great hotdog? This is the place. Simple building with outdoor seating only. They have counters you can stand at inside during the winter but this is truly a take out place. I see they started selling Italian beef but I've not tried it - yet. They do everything else so well I'm sure it's great too! Want a non chain take out food and some Chicago classics? Come here. It never disappoints. read more

See all

If you want the very, very best char grilled burger in the NW suburbs of Chicago, head here!! Nothin' to look at from the outside & usually packed with waiting customers, but ALWAYS worth the wait, so if you're impatient do like me & read a book on your phone while you wait!! And the guys behind the counter hustle! I recommend Paradise Pup to everyone because it never, ever disappoints. read more

I was in search for the proverbial "Cheeseburger In Paradise", so my search continued to this little burger place in Des Plaines. The last time that I ate was about 15 years ago, so it was time to refresh my burger experience. I ordered the 1/3 pound Mercks Cheddar Burger and cheddar fries. Upon placing your order, they give you a pager so you know when your order is ready for pick-up. There are four outside picnic tables but no inside seating. The burger and fries were very tasty, I would definitely stop by here again. The only problem is that the parking lot is very small. Very limited parking. I kept driving around until someone pulled out. read more

See all

This is my favorite fast burger I've ever had! Whenever I visit Chicago, this is a must-stop! The people are nice, the service is fast (and they cook to order), and the food is delicious! I've traveled far and wide to get a burger near it and it can compete with the sit-down spots. They have bench seating outside and a walk-up window where you order. They are on a major street, so you may get some big rigs whizzing by. They kept it old school, and the smokey char on the burger made them the best around! I ordered a Merkt's Cheddar Char Burger and two Paradise Pups (their hot dog with everything, which is "Chicago Style"). The hot dogs have a great snap to them. The condiments are high quality, and the poppy seed bun is soft as a pillow without falling apart. The burger is where it's at! A delicious char from their grill sets the burger apart from most. I got the burger with everything, which included grilled onions. I've tried to find a better burger; especially hoping that somewhere is less than 2k miles away! I'm still searching after 15 years. Something else that I normally order are the 3 layer French fries. They come with Merkt's Cheddar melted on top of crinkle fries then topped with sour cream, chives, and bacon. They are great and definitely shareable if you don't want too have too much. Thank you Paradise Pup for staying consistent through the years as you bring more and more people to joy and happiness! read more

See all

Haven't been for a while. Had the 1/3 Merkt burger and bun was pillows and burger was juicy. To the point where you had to lean over your food. Fries were great. Large is definitely for two. Strawberry smoothie with real strawberries. Hit the spot. Was my indulgence day and not one crumb left. Should've taken a photo since it looked a lot better than my photo I attached year back. Course, I ate this one right away at their lot. Pricing is excellent for what I ordered. You get a lot less quality paying for more at other locations. Will be back. Strawberry shake was soooooo good. read more

I haven't been here for years so I thought what the heck. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich w/tomatoes, lettuce & Mayo w/the perfect char on the chicken. Absolutely delicious. I opted for the chicken (FIRST TIME) & it was awesome like their burgers. I usually get the double bacon cheddar burger but I thought I would give my heart a break. THE CHICKEN WAS AN AWESOME OPTION that I would definitely recommed. Hours are 11am -5pm M - F. Closed on Sunday. THIS PLACE IS A GOLD MINE ALWAYS BUSY read more

See all

I saw this cute little place and had to try it. Then I remembered they were featured on Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives. There was a little line waiting to order, which gave me more time to figure out what to order. I was feeling a little hungry, so I order a 1/3 char burger, hot dog and the 3 Layer fries. Once I placed my order, they gave me a little buzzer when my order was ready. After receiving my order, I ate in my car. I don't know if they have an indoor dining area or just closed for a day. I dug into the burger first. It was well seasoned and the bun was super fluffy. All the toppings were fresh, but I will let them know to make mine more medium next time. The hot dog was a good Chicago style dog, but the 3 layer fries were the true winner of my heart. Cheesy, gooey and loaded with bacon and sour cream. I could have made a meal out of the fries all by themselves. read more

See all

This place is THE BEST BURGER EVER. Been going here on sunny, warm weather days only for DECADES! Found this place around the corner from where I worked even before Food Network Guy F. did a piece on Paradise Pup. MY FAVE: Charbroiled Cheddar Burger -- get it with everything and switch to GRILLED onions. Please make SURE it's CHEDDAR on the burger -- makes ALL the difference. Runner Up: Charbroiled Chicken sandwich with honey mustard. SOO good! Yum! Be prepared to WAIT in line, if you don't call ahead.. read more

I like my cheeseburger well done with no pink inside. If I'm paying for my burger I expect to get it the way I ask for it. read more

Paradise Pup - What I asked for vs what I got! - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

See all

Located  on S River Rd in Des Plaines, this fast food stand is well worth the stop. If you can find a parking spot. Reasonably priced, you order at a window, then they give you a pager that will alert you when your food is ready. The food is made to order and fresh. The Paradise Pup is a typical Chicago Hot Dog and is a great choice. The Italian Beef is stuffed and served piping hot. It is accompanied by spicy giardiniera peppers. The fries are the crinkle variety. You can pay with cash or a credit card. They have some picnic tables with umbrellas. This is a great choice, and I would highly recommend Paradise Pup. Enjoy. read more

See all

Man.... I used to come here all the time in high school and I remember the burgers being delicious. I swung by earlier this week for the first time in ~10 years and got the 1/3 char burger with cheddar cheese. I really did not enjoy it for several reasons... The bun that they use is an incredible bun but it is really thick and that's what you taste mainly with each bite. Speaking of bites, one bite is all it took for the burger to start falling apart. It is super greasy and you can taste this with each bite. I wasn't crazy about the cheddar cheese, it was super sharp and pretty overpowering. Overall, the burger lacked cohesiveness and honestly, I felt like crap for several hours afterwards. With each bite, I felt like I mainly tasted bread, grease and cheddar cheese. I barely tasted the patty and all the other ingredients. I was thoroughly disappointed with my experience... read more

Paradise Pup - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

See all

Damn I cant believe Ive never reviewed this place. Used to go all the time when I worked in Elk Grove. To sum it up, great burgers and long lines. I prefer the standard cheddar instead of merkts but you still can't go wrong. Go early. read more

I had the pleasure of trying out a Chicago dog at one of the Diners, drive inns, and dives. It was busy however we were served with a smile. Everything was fantastic from the dogs to burgers to cheese fries. The strawberry shake was epic. This is a hidden gem in Des Plaines just past the original Mac Donald's that had been torn down. Even the cicadas wanted to see what the food was all about. They were flying all around. I enjoyed the beautiful weather eating my Chicago dog outside. I'll be returning again to try a burger! read more

See all

Cold bun burger quality horrible Can't never figure out why people go there for food read more

Good burgers and it seems like you'd always have to wait in line here Juicy delicious burgers Recommend their fried side of mushrooms and peanut butter banana shake. I would skip on cheddar fries and get regular ones instead as cheddar was too salty read more

See all

Amazing! Fresh burgers cooked to perfection. !! Char grilled full of flavor . Merkts cheddar tops off the cheese fries turning them into an unforgettable side . Lines are long but moves quickly and worth the wait . The best think shakes with real fruit read more

I couldn't leave Chicago without tasting one of their infamous hot dogs. I found small fast food cart a few minutes away my hotel near O'Hare airport. This street side stand had all the hallmarks of a genuine hole in wall culinary site - wow great hot dog - hot crunchy salty fries and lots of other tasty food cart meals. The service was great and now that I've completed the first part of my quest for authentic Chicago treats I'm going to search for some of their local pizza !! Bon Appetite Ronn just Ronn The hole in the wall food guy read more

Paradise Pup - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

See all

Heard about this place from my wife. We decided to try out all the hype. I had the double cheeseburger with onion rings and a banana peanut butter shake. All I can say is WOW! Great burger and everything with it!!! I absolutely recommend trying this place!! read more

Paradise Pup - Double Cheese Burger - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Great food! Waiting in line is worth the wait. The fries were perfectly salted and the tamales were delicious!