Their burgers were just awesome. It was beyond my expectations. I also loved their onion rings and fries as well. You really need to try their burgers!!! read more

Went here after seeing it on DDD. It was solid but not sure that adding Merkt's is that transformative... the wait was annoyingly long but the shake alone was worth it. If you are lucky enough to snag a table, it's kind of semi-charming to eat it there. read more

Their hamburger was really juicy!! I wanna go again!! Please try once if you are around!! I was not sure but most people were paying in cash so I paid in cash. You may need to bring cash. read more

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Am I missing something here? Was my experience there an anomaly? We came and got the three layered fries, the char hot dog, char burger and the bbq burger. The bbq burger was the only thing that had any taste to it. Our fries tasted as if they used the spray can cheese, our hotdog wasn't even charred-- seemed as if it was just a boiled ballpark (a few other people I was with had the same issue), and the burger patty reminded me of a school lunch burger back in middle school. Maybe I've been eating burgers wrong my whole life... I don't know, but I eat burgers pretty often and this is not how I like them. The downside about coming in the winter time is that there is barely any space in there and it gets really crowded (when it's nice out, there are tables to sit at outside). On the plus side, they are very fast and efficient with the orders. The food is also super cheap (you get what you pay for though...) read more

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amazing amazing amazing. sometimes I feel like des plaines doesn't deserve a spot this good! I think this is the best burger in the chicago land area when it comes to quality and price. give me 2 of these burgers over au cheval any day of the week besides sunday and that's because they're closed! read more

"Smile, it confuses people" - what the sign above the char grill says. Love it! Can you believe it's been over 4 years since my last visit? Spooky, right? What better way to exude TGIF than visit PP on a Friday lunch break? I opted for a 1/3 lb cheddar char burger and shared a side of mozz sticks and crinkle cut fries with the p unit. Burgers are made to order, and we salivated for about 10 minutes eagerly awaiting our feast. Note that the cheddar used is Merkt's, so it's not going to be a cheese slice. Juicy, slightly greasy, and a little slippery and messy to eat describe the burger. It's definitely a good portion size, but that patty just didn't want to stay put in the soft bun! Fries and mozz sticks were A-OK: solid, but not mindblowing. Note: the parking lot is rather small and cramped, so be careful navigating your way out, in your state of food coma when you leave. If Mother Nature is cooperative, about 6 picnic tables are available outside for dining. read more

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Well I'm a DDD freak and try and hit these places up when I'm close. I have to say, this place takes a simple burger and makes it a flavour explosion! I went with the Merkts cheddar-burger with the works and fried onions! Simply amazing. Still a tad pink inside which I like. The cheddar flavour was a great surprise mixed with the fried onions. This place is a real Jem! Small oozes history and passion to the biz! Great job! read more

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Great burgers, hotdogs, fries, and just about everything else that they sell. Extremely well, organized staff in and out very quickly for carry out orders. read more

The 1/3 Char burger was cooked to perfection.My wife had theChar dog with cheese & fries which were excellent.All though we arrived at lunch hour the service was excellent and very customer friendly. We definitely enjoyed the experience!!! read more

This place has a very delicious burger. It's. It gourmet, it doesn't come with all these crazy ingredients, just a good ol cheddar char burger. A very juicy thick party wth cheddar on top. We also ordered the 3 layer fries and were also very good. This is cash only and not only is line long, but it takes a while to get your food. Definitely worth the wait though. When it's all said and done, I will have tried everything on the menu. It all looks so good. read more

Paradise Pup - Cheddar char burger - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Still the best burgers around by far. The beefs, sausages, and chicken sandwiches are phenomenal too. Beware the banana shakes. They have something addictive added to them. read more

Do you want a Burger, Polish and Fries the way its meant to be cooked and served? If so, this is the place be! The Maxwell Polishes here rival any other establishment! Many places claim to have char dogs, but nothing tastes like the char dogs at Paradise Pup! The burger, oh the burger. This is how you cook a burger! Not many places seem to get this part right as they overcook their burgers way too much. Warning - there will be some grease dripping from the burger when you are holding it too your mouth as its cooked on the grill just right! The fries are the crispy fries that you know and love! If you are up to it, try the special fries. It's more like heart attack on a platter with sour cream, cheese and bacon but DAMN delicious! I'll be back to try the Italian Beef and Chicken sandwiches. I'm sure they will be just as good or better than my favorite Beef and Chicken places! The only downside here is they are only open until 5pm, closed on Sundays and accept CASH only. Bring a lot of dollar bills and help them out with their currency. From 11am-1230pm expect to wait as all of Rosemont, Des Plaines and Park Ridge seems to want to grab their lunch here. Can you blame them? read more

Paradise Pup - Sign below counter - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I've been going here since they opened when I lived here once we moved it was always on my visiting Chicago food list normally stopping more than once while in town. We went a few days ago and the burger was dripping blood and the cheese was very light. Very disappointed. read more

My wife, oldest son, and I went to Paradise Pup on Friday. I had not been in quite some time, but I remembered the burgers as being great, and thought I should share these great burgers with them. My memories of how good the burgers are here were not incorrect. We each ordered the Bacon Merkt's Cheddar Burger ($6.29 per burger), an order of 3 Layer Fries ($4.05), and an order of onion rings ($3.50). The burgers were fantastic and we all raved about how they may be the best we have had in Chicago. The fries and onion rings were also very good. The only thing negative I can say about the place is that parking is extremely limited, there are very few places to sit, and there is often a long line. It is also cash only. However, for me, the awesome hamburgers make up for those negatives and I still think it is worthy of 5 stars. read more

Paradise Pup - The menu (May 26 2017) - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

This is hands down thee best cheese burger in Illinois possibly the country it's that great staff fantastic restaurant is clean makes you feel like a kid again not with Michelin star burgers read more

The food here is very good for very cheap. It's definitely worth trying if you're anywhere near the North Suburbs. The char cheddar burger has a really strong char flavor, and I'll never say no to a good helping of Merkts cheddar. It tastes like a really good fresh-off-the-grill backyard burger. I really appreciate that they cooked it to a medium (which a lot of places won't do) so that it retained its juiciness. That said, it's a bit much for one person to have both that and the 3 layer fries which are topped with Merkts, sour cream, and bacon. The fries were amazing for the first few bites, but I probably wouldn't tackle them alone. This is just a place where you can get an unabashedly good burger. It's not fancy, but it's solid. I even prefer this to Au Cheval's burger, but they're both worth a try. read more

Paradise Pup - 3 layer fries - ~$4 - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Best burgers in Chicago. Located next to a auto repair center. This tiny stand serves delicious cheddar burgers The patties have a nice char on the outside while the inside remains nice and juicy. Definitely worth visiting for anyone near the O'Hare aorport. read more

Paradise Pup - Cheddar burger with pickles, tomato, and grilled onions. - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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I was very disappointed - we've eaten here for decades and always been happy. But, today the char dogs were burnt to a crisp and they put mustard instead of ketchup; I was a to- go order so couldn't even get a replacement :( I hope the quality isn't in a tailspin.... read more

Paradise Pup - Too much char on char dog, lite on the Merkts and mustard instead of ketchup :( - Fast Food Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Best burgers in town. Lines might be long but the burger is worth it. Stop by and grab one it wont disappoint!

This review is only for the Chicago dogs. After a very tough time finding parking and then waiting a long time to order and get two hotdogs, I wasn't overly impressed. I guess this place is known more for burgers so I'll try that next time. If you're a fan of places frequented by celebrities (Guy Fieri), you will find some interesting tidbits and pictures. read more

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

The Pup is the place for a great meal. George is the order taker, cashier, co-owner, and gentleman. It's always a pleasure to see his smiling face when ordering. They do take a couple of credit cards now and always need singles. We started going there when it was George and his brother Tony. There are now up to 6 cooks at the grill, and someone else is there to hand out orders. Business is good, and they do not take your business for granted. read more

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

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Outstanding char flavor, deliciously soft bakery buns, and out of this world cheddar burger! Hands down best burger in town? Definitely worth the wait in line!! read more

Freakin slurp some dogs and burgs. Sit outside right next to the freakin road at a picnic table. Solid.

This must be the worse time I've visited this place with my 2 teen in tow. We drove 40 min from Northfield where we live. Majority of our visit is about the food, afterall it's a fast food so not much costumer interaction be part of their repertoire.... After we got our food we end up seating at the way back -half way enjoying our meal ... One of the owner (also a staff ) park his car with the exhaust in our face... Literally ... So I asked him by tapping his hood to turn off the engine - yet he came out with the engine continue to run in our face and has the guts to raised his voice and find me at fault by tapping (touching) his car... That person is white and we are as Filipino as you can tell... We will just be one family that's not going back no more read more

My favorite stop. Haven't had anything I didn't like. Raving fan of the char cheddar burger.

Best damn burgers in the area. They guys know what they are doing and I don't care if your 5 minutes or 5 hours away you have to try it.

Five star reviews are probably pocket change to Paradise Pup, but I can't refrain from giving them my approval. On a Saturday afternoon at 2pm, the four of us had to wait in line for almost 30 minutes just for our fair share. My char cheddar burger had an inch-thick beef patty with the necessities of rye bread, melted cheese, ketchup, mayo, pickle, tomato, and lettuce. Forget the knife and fork! Wrap your fingers around it and take one huge bite. The patty was very tender and juicy. It was loosely-fitted with just the right amount of meat and space to hold the juice. The three layer fries are not to be missed. The bed of fries was topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon shreds. Marvelous! There is very little room for disappointment. Paradise Pup has simplicity set on the brink of perfection. read more

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You know a place is good when there's seven people in line ahead of you waiting for the restaurant to open! It's small. It's cramped. But the food they crank out behind the counter is outstanding! Fresh bread, great meats, and friendly service here. You may have to wait a bit for your food, but that shows that your meal is prepared to order, and the place is very busy. I think the best item on their menu has to be the cheddar char burger. There's a nicely done burger patty, fresh tomatoes, fresh onions (grilled or raw, your choice), pickles, ketchup, and mayo. And of course, the Merkt's Cheddar Cheese. The cheese is what makes this burger one of the best you'll find in Chicago. But their Italian Beef sandwich is excellent too. It's a tender marinated roast beef tucked in a nice sub roll and dipped in au jus. You can order it with sauteed sweet peppers or giardiniera. It's not the biggest beef sandwich you'll see, but it's big in flavor and worth the price. They have french fries, mozzarella sticks, tamales, and of course, the eponymous hot dog. I like the fact that the meats are grilled, not fried. It's quite frenetic behind the counter, three or four guys stuck there cooking, taking orders, preparing sandwiches, pouring drinks and shakes, in a very small kitchen area. Outside, there are picnic tables with umbrellas. Inside, there's a narrow counter table with some bar stools. Make sure you bring cash, they don't take plastic. read more

First off I have been patronizing this establishment since 1988, So it should be obvious about the number of stars. The Wifey and I were both off of work yesterday and decided to grab the best burgers in the area. We phoned ahead. Two cheddar burgers with everything. The only different was that I get raw onions ( I prefer the textural difference) and she gets grilled. Being about ten minutes away I got there in about six, without stopping once even in downtown DP. I put on my mask and stepped up to the pick up window on the outside of the building. After the seamless payment transaction. I had my bag o burgers and fries. With no thought I drove home, again without stopping. Oh glorious day!. As I was washing my hands the wifey says something is wrong/different with our order. That never happens at Paradise Pup. George takes the order and Tony grills it. There has never been an issue. She takes the fries out of the bag and pulls out two Styrofoam containers! This is the motivation of my review. In all the time I have been coming here nothing has changed. That is part of the allure. So we were relived after discovering that the order was correct, but that the burgers came in this Styrofoam container and not the former/usual foil/paper wrapper. Also the buns also had changed. From the lighter in color with the nub on the top, to darker in color and slightly glossy. Both still had sesame seeds. The taste was still spectacular. The beef patty was grilled to perfection. The vegies were fresh and you could actually taste them. I actually prefer this new bun. Is it permanent? Only another trip will confirm. About the fries. I believe they to be average. However the Wifey always thinks that are excellent, so that is all the discussion we will have on that matter. BTW I have eaten almost everything on the menu, all flavorful and worth your time and money. Try the 'new' burger variant. It will not disappoint! read more

Great burgers at this spot. They're char broiled, not grilled on a griddle. Expect to wait a bit (there are lines), but there's plenty of parking. We sat outside - it was a really nice day out. Great fries. Recommended spot in Des Plaines. read more

Best beef I've ever had, literally. Best char cheddar burger, as well. And the people who run it are super nice. What else do you need to know? Worth the trip, no matter where you live. read more

I am not a hot dog person, but I do like their hamburgers. I haven't had one yet, but I hear their cheddar burgers are great. I have had their regular hamburger and it was very tasty. Chocolate shake was very good also. read more

Like the hot dogs, Chicago style. Only down side it's small inside and not a lot of room. Crowded with customers most of the time. Very limited space to eat and outside we are in winter so it's the car as your table. read more

The last time I was in Chicago, this little local eatery caught my eye as I drove by. It has what I call "The Look," a well worn "dive" that probably came to be accepted by locals for delivering consistently good burgers, fries, and other sandwiches. I've come to rely on The Look and I'm rarely disappointed, but on my most recent trip, I hit the jackpot with Paradise Pup. Little did I know until I rolled in and saw the sign, that Guy Fieri and Triple D had visited. As a fan of the show, I often go out of my way to visit Triple D venues, but this was a happy accident. I had the Merkts Cheddar Burger, a side of fried mushrooms, and the 3 Layer Fries, which are topped by sour cream, Paradise Pup's signature cheese, bacon, and chives if you are so inclined. But the burger is the star of the show, charred with a sear which locks in the juice of the burger. With my first bite, the inner moisture is released and meshes with that incredible melted cheese and the other condiments to create instant Nirvana on South River Road. Where does this cheese come from, another planet? Surely it can't be the stuff you get at the local grocery store, can it? I would eat this stuff by itself. On the locally famous charred burger, it is unforgettable. Even the basic fried mushroom appetizer was incredible. So piping hot, retaining the heat inside each mushroom until I demolished the very last one into nothingness. I'm anxious to try other menu items, so Chicago may be worth another visit or two. I am thankful I don't live in the Paradise Pup Neighborhood. Just driving by the place I'd put on ten pounds a month. A word about about the service. It's not like most restaurants where you make your order and cross your fingers that the barely literate order taker will translate the details to the cooks properly. At Paradise Pup, you feel as if you are in good hands, that there is a process, appropriate questions about the details of your order, and that care is taken to get it right. The guy that took my order, who may have been an owner (I checked out a video online), was articulate, friendly, and punctual. He told me that my order would be ready in about eight minutes. He handed me a pager which he said would sound when my order was ready. Guess what? In eight minutes my order was ready. Special food prepared with care, ready when promised, and offered up with pleasant customer service, what's not to like? Yes, I'll be back. read more

Used to be a good place to eat. Now they make you stand outside in winter to order. Today will be my last time. Not worth a $15 meal to freeze. read more

Paradise Pup is pretty darn good. The moment we got out of the car, you can smell the char-grilled goodness. This is a small, upbeat establishment around since the 80s with few countertop seating inside and some patio tables outside. It was a snowy day, but there was a steady stream of customers and efficient, helpful, friendly staff. I had the 1/3 char cheddar (Merkts) burger with everything, large fries, and a small drink. Came out to ~$12. Food arrived within a few minutes and was freshly prepared and tasted great. Burger was juicy and flavorful; crinkle cut fries were hot and crispy. Imho, Paradise Pup burger beats Portillo's by a long shot. Overall, we enjoyed the experience, and it hit the spot. Next time I'll be sure to try a shake, hotdog, and other sides, like onion rings or mozzarella sticks. read more

Ahh, Guy Fieri, you have disappointed me.. or I had too high expectations for this local burger joint. I ordered the char burger with a side of fries. The burger was juicy on the inside, but the outer burger was burnt and you can taste the smokiness. The fries were decent, they were salty and not soggy. Overall, the food was nothing special. I'll still come back to try out a hot dog and a shake. Bummer that it was cash only, and you'd expect the employees would be friendlier for a small local spot like this. read more

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

I asked a person I had never met before at a gathering last weekend--what's the best burger in Chicago? (This person is a foodie.) "Paradise Pup," he said. "Places like Au Cheval are good, but Paradise Pup is the real deal." Friends, I eat a lot of burgers, so when someone tells me about a place I have never heard of (given how often I'm eating cheeseburgers), I know I need to make moves immediately. My daughter and I went to Paradise Pup for lunch today. Waited in a reasonably long, cash-only line to order what look to me like a plain Jane order of burgers and fries. I'm glad to say that I was wrong--Paradise Pup IS the real deal. While it didn't threaten my #1 in Chicago, Owen & Engine, for a fast-food burger PP is a solid entry. Usually when I see diner spots try the char-grill thing, the burgers end up with a charbroil that is too "burned" for my tastes, with meat that veers into medium-well to well territory. But give PP this much--they char the sh*t out of the outside of these burgers, but they leave the meat to speak for itself, comfortably in medium territory. As a result, you are getting flavor that brings it home. The krinkle-cut fries are good but you aren't coming here for those...however, the juicy meat, Merkt's cheddar cheese, bacon and buns all work wonders here. That patty was a legit six ounces too...I damn near had a heartattack eating my bacon cheddar burger for lunch today. The hut that PP calls home reminded me quite a bit of Johnnie's Beef's digs...it's no frills, and that's putting it nicely. This is a Chicago dive through and through, right down to the lack of seating inside, although there is good patio seating outside weather permitting. And as noted above, cash only! Looking forward to a future visit. This location is a little tricky from my house--going out this way, 20 minutes from the city, but getting back to the city is a slog, and that's if you go home over the lunch hour. But if travels take you out to O'Hare and beyond, make the trip! read more

Family owned and operated, and definitely one of the best Chicago dogs available. The burgers and shakes are very good also. I recommend asking for the fries well done because sometimes they are undercooked read more

Great burger stand. The burgers are so char-y and delicious. The cheese fries are incredible. 2 burgers and a cheese fry for $20? Sign me the fuck up. Have I had better burgers? Yes. Have I had a better burger from a hotdog stand? Fuck no. Welp don't mind me, I'm just gonna go home and be on the couch for the next 5 hours with a Paradise Pup induced food coma. Keep crushing it dudes! read more