We were in the area and wanted some Chicago Hot Dogs and this spot was bookmarked. Small spot with patio seating only and very limited parking. We parked on the street around the corner. They had a long line a little after 1 on a Friday afternoon. Took about 45 minutes to get to the order counter so would definitely call ahead although maybe the wait is part of the experience. I was talking to a group in front of me that recommended the Char Pup so ordered a Char Jumbo Dog and a double Pup. Also ordered a 1/3 pound Char Merkt cheddar Burger. For toppings, we got everything and grilled onions on the Red Hots and both were excellent! Some of the best we've had. The surprise was the Burger (which we saw was highly rated). It had that flame grilled tasty beef and we got it with everything and grilled onions also-simple. delicious Burger and just the right size. They also have Italian Beef as well Italian and Polish sausage. Service at the counter was friendly and quick-food was ready about 15 minutes after ordering. A Triple D favorite that lives up to the hype! read more

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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

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

Showed up at the perfect time, 3:45 on a weekday. About a 10 minute wait for a double burger, 2 reg burgers, 2 cheese fries & 1 three layer 3 fry, not bad! Classic walk through with a few tables. A little more expensive than I expected but not by much & still not bad. Burgers are AMAZING!! Fries weren't my favorite but my husband loved them. Terrible parking & pulling out is awful but it is what it is. Will definitely be back! read more

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Great, local, Mom and Pop hot dog spot. Pup as be around for a long time. Be careful turning in the parking lot, cars behind. Limited parking but worth it. Offers include fries, mushrooms, dogs, sausages, burgers, ROOT BEER Floats, shakes. All great on a summer day. No inside seating so be aware. I was not a fan of the cheese sauce for the fries. I think the cheese is more of a sharp cheddar so it might fancy others taste buds. It is a must. read more

Classic hot dog stand! Be prepared to wait in line for your food, but I think it's worth it. This little restaurant was pretty good! The hot dog was classic, the milkshake was very good and creamy, and the fries and Italian beef were very good too! read more

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

** 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

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

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Amazing burgers and a variety of sides. Parking can be tricky but worth it for the food!

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 - 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

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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

Cheddar polish was great with grilled onions. Friend had burger and said it was awesome. Took 30 minutes of standing in line on a Friday at lunch time. 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 - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Great Italian beef sandwich. Ample parking. Good prices. Fast friendly service. Picnic tables with umbrellas. Only minor annoyance is traffic noise. But over all great experience. 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

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 - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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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

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

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 - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Horrible place does not get your order right and when you call to fix it they tell you that its your fault.

So disappointed today! Ordered to Merks Cheddar burgers on dark rye. Asked 5 times for medium. They were very well done. Tasted all dried out. When I asked them about it, they responded how busy they are????? As I said, so disappointed today! read more

I love the Chili here with cheese and onion and the Chicken Cesar Salad is so yum! Of course a Chicago Dog!! Shakes of course! I actually just talked myself into ordering it again!!! lol! 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

Love their Jumbo Chicago-style char hotdog and cheedar fries. Hotdog was over an inch thick. It was a filling meal

Best burger ever and they even use Merkts cheese! Been eating here for years! Just know that you will be sitting at picnic table l es outside! It adds to the ambiance! read more

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

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

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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

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

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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 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

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As soon as you pull into their lot you can tell this place has been around for decades. It is sandwiched in between two auto repair shops. Paradise Pup has six picnic tables set up next to the building and along the street. Across the street is a forest preserve (nature preserve); there is a picnic area down on Touhy about two miles away. The parking has 20 spots the neighboring body shop has signs on reserved parking for body shop customers only. We were there after 2 pm on a hot Saturday afternoon, there was a small line to order and plenty of availableparking. They are know for the Bacon Merkts Cheddar Burger (Merkts is a spreadable cheddar cheese spread from Wisconsin. It is available in Chicagoland supermarkets if you want to re-create the burger ar home). As the name suggests Paradise Pup has hot dogs, but also Polish, Italian Beef, Italian Sausage, and a fish sandwich. We both went with the obligatory Merkts Cheddar Burgers and it did not disappoint; the juicy beef patty is on a bakery bun with grilled or raw onions (your choice), Applewood Bacon, ketchup, mayo, lettuce and tomato. It is a big meal and you can split it and still feel full. We also got an order of beer battered onion rings (enough for two), my friend felt there was too much batter; but I thought it was just right, crunchy and savory. All the food is packaged as "to-go" and in a brown paper bag. The burgers and fountain drinks are in Styrofoam (not a fan of that). Definitely worth a trip back to try other menu options or another cheddar burger (it was really good). There is no indoor seating and you order and pick up at a window. read more

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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

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Phenomenal food. Always good. Never had a bad meal here. Made to order and not sitting on a warmer like McDonald's. Prices are fair. Nice place for sure read more

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 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

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

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