Paradise Pup

Tucked away in the back of a small strip mall, this place would be missed unless you were actively…read morelooking for it. Me and my teenage boys just happened to be in the area looking for fried chicken sandwiches. We saw a Chik-Fil-A nearby but thought, "hell, let's try something new." Yelp took us to Nash Bros. Upon entering, the menu looks a little intimidating. From burgers to hot chix sandwiches, to tenders, loaded nachos, loaded fries, and even Bubble tea. Sometimes a big menu at a fast casual spot can be a bad sign, just trying to do too much. The good news is that the staff member patiently took us through the menu and asked us what we liked, and what heat level we were comfortable with. Between us we got a hot chix sandwich, chicken tenders, seasoned fries, and where else could you get chicken and waffles in the middle of the day? First off, there are a number of sauces to choose from. And the fries came out crispy and well seasoned. Both good signs. But most importantly, the star of the show just has to be the chicken. Specifically that unique Nashville style of chicken with that unique Nashville cayenne-based seasoning. Ok...so the chicken tasted incredibly fresh, it was thick, juicy, and meaty. There was no way it spent any time under a heat lamp. The spice level at a medium worked for me. A slight glisten of sweat on the ol' forehead. The flavor was there, keeping in mind this isn't a drown your chicken into a pit of bbq sauce type of place. It's a dry rub Nashville heat. So be mindful of that. I am used to Nashville chicken having an oily finish, but this didn't have that (which didn't bother me). The place appeared 5 stars clean. The service was 5 star fantastic. And the food was 100% fresh tasting. Technically, I give it 4-1/2 stars for two reasons. A half star off only because they really are missing a drink station with a sweet and non-sweet tea option for some authenticity. Also because the sauces didn't "Wow" anybody. And sauces that punch you in the mouth can really make a place stand out. But I'm pushing out 5 stars because of the service, the cleanliness, and the freshness. Recommend a stop-in if you are craving that unique Nashville hot chicken flavor.

I checked out this restaurant for the first time recently as we were in the area and wanted to grab…read moredinner. So we decided to give Nash Bros a try. We got here about 30 minutes before closing time. The restaurant was somewhat busy w/ dine-in and carry-out orders. I ordered their original Nashville Hot fried chicken sandwich made Xtra Hot based on their heat level offerings (which was the highest heat level) and my wife ordered their Honey Butter fried chicken sandwich with mild heat level. I also got their House Fries that were seasoned crinkle cut fries. We asked for cups of water but were told that they were out of cups, so either buy water or can of pop. They did not have fountain drinks. The food came out shortly. My etra hot sandwich tray was tagged as 'Hot' w/ three symbols. I asked them if that meant the sandwich was just 'Hot' and not 'Xtra Hot' and I was told that if I ordered extra hot then it meant it was extra hot. My sandwich was really delicious. The flavor was good and the texture was nice. The Xtra Hot flavor was not overwhelming but also it did not seem like the extra hot they said I should be mindful of because it was going to be very spicy. My sandwich was decently crunchy and the pickles and coleslaw had a tad bit of sweetness that went well with the heat of the fried chicken. The Brioche bun was well toasted. The fried chicken patty was decent in size. The Honey Butter fried chicken was a major letdown. It's a sandwich in Brioche bun w/ fried chicken and only spicy honey butter (no pickles or slaw). The bun and the fried chicken were drenched in melted butter but there was no taste of sweet heat or just sweet honey. The fried chicken patty didn't have any flavor either. We mentioned it to the staff members and they apologized for the way it turned out for us. The crinkle cut fries were okay. They were soft and unevenly seasoned. The seasoning was decent in taste. Overall, we had a decent experience. The service was okay. My original Nashville hot chicken was delicious but the Honey Butter chicken sandwich was anything but delicious. The restaurant aesthetics were decent. They have a live band performance area. It's a nice, friendly restaurant with a decent menu variety. We weren't wowed by the food but I would say that the original Nashville Hot fried chicken sandwich was worth trying.

Smashville Double Cheeseburger

See all

Double Smashburger

Rand Red Hots

4.2(428 reviews)

1.9 mi

Im originally from around here. But moved further south and can't get a Maxwell or Fresh Cut Fries…read morenear me. It was delicious and very nice size portions. I did not know my Maxwell came with fries so I ordered a side of fries. Oh boy! I received a large bag full of fries. Next time I will know dont order extra fries. I had it delivered and it was packaged well and still hot when it arrived. I will definitely be ordering again when im visit my family next time.

As you walk up, you'd think that it was just an everyday 50's restaurant. But, it's far from…read morethalove going to Rand Red Hots. This place is a classic 50's style Chicago restaurant. I always order a chardog with the fries on the side. A chocolate cone as a treat, and sometimes a shake. They are always super nice and fast! The food is fresh and made to order. There's lots of seating inside and outside. And, it's always sparkling clean! CharDog-This hotdog is absolutely perfect! I savor every last bite of it. It's a Vienna Beef hotdog. So, it's the real deal. It's not the traditional Chicago dog. So, don't expect that. This hotdog is juicy, smokey, and charred with a bold beef flavor. Loaded with mustard, sports peppers, relish, and onions. On a nice plush bun. I personally get it without onions. And, it's heavenly! Chocolate Cone-If you're in the mood for a creamy, dreamy, and delicious cone. Then, make sure to get this! The chocolate is nutty and bold. I love this tasty treat. It brings me so much joy! I every now and then will treat myself to this family sized cone. And, I happily finish every last lick of this. So, next time you see Rand Red Hots. Make sure to stop here! You won't regret it!

Drive through

Chargrilled Polish was fantastic! My favorite spot

See all

Mustang!

Portillo's & Barnelli's Niles

3.3(711 reviews)

2.0 mi

Portillo's is a must-get Chicago-area institution. This time we ordered to go. Eating there is…read morepreferred over to-go, especially with the lightly dipped Italian beef sandwich, which we got. Still good at home, but better in person. Food: * Italian beef (lightly dipped): Good to go, better in person. * Fries: Crispy right out of the bag, but a little soggy by the time we drove home. The cheese sauce is one of my favorites though, so don't just order the fries. * Cake shake: A full slice of chocolate cake blended into a milkshake, so lots to enjoy in one small cup. Make sure to share. Not to be missed. Unless you're on a diet in which case, look away now. We ordered for pickup and there was some kind of mix-up (someone took our order?!), but the restaurant staff was so helpful in remaking everything and packing it up for us to go.

My favorite Portillos! They are always clean, fast, and have plenty of parking. Employees have…read morealways been great to us too.

See all

Bumper 2 Burger

3.1(28 reviews)

1.7 mi

Juicy fresh burgers and chicken with that amazing Bumper Sauce--total game changer! Fries are…read moreperfectly seasoned and everything is made to order. Fast, friendly service and pure flavor. Highly recommend!

I don't normally leave negative reviews, but this experience was unbelievable…read more Three of us came in for dinner and spent around $60. Two of my friends ordered their burgers with the bumper sauce on the side. When our food came out, there was only one cup of sauce for both burgers. My friend politely went up to the counter and explained that both burgers were supposed to have the sauce on the side. That's when Garrett, who identified himself as the manager, turned what should have been a 10-second fix into an unnecessary confrontation. The most unbelievable part was watching another employee try to make things right by handing us a full cup of sauce, only for Garrett to take it away, pour some of it out, and hand us back a half-filled cup just to prove a point. I've honestly never seen a manager act that petty over something so insignificant. Seriously...what kind of business sense does that make? Three customers spend $60, and you're willing to lose them over sauce that costs less than a dollar? Instead of taking care of customers and supporting his employee, Garrett chose to argue over a condiment. This wasn't about trying to get something for free. We were simply asking for what was ordered. A good manager understands that customer service is what keeps people coming back. Unfortunately, Garrett showed the exact opposite. The food itself was good, but customer service can make or break a restaurant. Because of how Garrett handled such a simple issue, we won't be back, and I certainly can't recommend this place to anyone looking to be treated with respect.

Dining area

Boosted Bumper Fries

See all

Exterior

Kickin Burgers & Wings

3.8(75 reviews)

2.5 mi

The food is delicious , Come, it's very tasty to cook The food was amazing and the service was…read moreexcellent. Everything was fresh and delicious. The staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was nice and comfortable. I really enjoyed this restaurant and would definitely come back again.

Now don't get me wrong the only reason this place has a three is not from my experience alone. The…read moreservice is wonderful very inviting and attentive. The ambience is smooth and friendly vibes. I mean it , the TVs aren't too loud , the lights aren't bright it's cool and relaxing. Now the food is a different story. There's a whole halal menu I didn't get to try. I wanted something that was fast but not too fast so I settle on a burger. The bun was decent but the patties looked preformed and kinda bland. There's a whole leaf of lettuce ( iceberg lettuce) of course on top. The tomato slice was double the thickness of a nice slice you would get at any other place. I asked for grilled onions and got this 1/2 thick slice slightly charred whole onion piece like a piece of tree with all the rings. When I tell you about the flimsy over pickled pickles , it was all down hill. Overall their burgers aren't the greatest but there's a whole other side to the menu . So you let me know if it's worth going back .

Small traditional wings in Kickin' Bulgogi sauce. Nice flavor. Little sweet, little tangy and a slight heat to the sauce.

See all

Takito Grill Mex

3.4(5 reviews)

1.5 mi

Friends were here so we went. Looking at the menu nithibg beats $3 tacos and they are pretty good…read moretoo. The nachos is yummy. There seems to be only 1 server but she really worked hard to provide good service. The place looks big and clean. The server said there is dancing on Fridays.

I went here with a friend for dinner and drinks. There always seems to be a new place at this…read morelocation so we figured we the newest one, Takito Grill. We sat at the bar and were served right away. Service was friendly and prompt. J had a simple cheeseburger when Coke, my friend had a few beers. The place was pretty full, and looked pretty much the same as the last few incarnations. Overall it was an enjoyable experience.

Strip mall storefront.

Steak Burrito

See all

Zee menu 7/9/25

The Works Grill

4.1(341 reviews)

3.5 mi

I've had gyros from a lot of places, and while they can often taste pretty similar, The Works in…read moreGlenview truly stands out. The gyro meat has a unique, delicious flavor that keeps me coming back, and the pita is exactly how it should be, soft with just the right amount of crisp. Their fries are consistently fresh, perfectly seasoned, and always served hot. What makes this place even more special is the service. You can tell the staff genuinely cares about the customer experience. On my most recent visit, Verda was exceptionally kind, patient, and welcoming to every person who walked through the door. I was especially touched by how warm and thoughtful she was with my sons. That level of genuine hospitality is becoming harder to find, and it made our meal even more enjoyable. Great food brings people in the first time, but outstanding service is what keeps them coming back. The Works delivers both. It's the kind of local business worth going out of your way to support. I highly recommend it, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit with my boys.

The Works has been around for several decades, and I tried The Works again, shortly after ownership…read morechanged hands, and they updated the decor and removed the newspaper clippings that mentioned a wrestler named Steve Austin and Marlee Matlin visiting the restaurant. And actually, Marlee lived in the area close to The Works when she was growing up. Anyway, during both visits, I found the meat to be dry; it had flavor, but no moisture. The staff was friendly and the place was clean; so, 3 out of 5 stars.

Decor

See all

Taco Maya

4.1(663 reviews)

2.9 mi

Locally owned & operated

9 years in business

The burritos were super delicious!One special person I have to mention is the gentleman Yash G. He…read morewas super friendly and kind when I first came in. I was a little confused because it was my first visit to this restaurant. I heard from my friend that they have halal food here.Yash G. understood from my face that I was looking for halal food I was reading the halal certificate on the stand, and he helped me choose something delicious for my hungry and poor stomach. The pink drink was delicious too, although I forgot the name of it! I will definitely come back again because I loved the food, especially the chicken burrito (halal)! And the other gentleman, Ginuse, was great too. He looks like a cute cactus^^.He was very nice and friendly!Thank you so much for the great service and delicious food! I will definitely come back again! My wallet will cry again, but it's totally worth it!

Solid Mexican place with delicious food and decent service. I thought the salsa bar was kind of…read morecool and the place itself has the most beautiful murals. You can order at the front or on an app at the table. They don't have servers/waiters. They also have a drink bar and free refills which was great. Plenty of free parking. Food was yummy and very filing. Great portions and good price point. I love the to-go bags too! Minus one star- wish there were paper towels in the bathrooms.

See all

American Wildburger

3.9(586 reviews)

0.5 mi

First time eating here and loved the food! My new favorite place for a burger. The double patty…read moreBuild Your Own Burger was juicy and very tasty. Thank you for only serving high quality grass fed beef. We didn't try the fries but really liked the Cole Slaw. Service was friendly and very attentive. Will return. I'm not a big fan of TVs so atmosphere wasn't for me. Neither were the hightop tables. Yet they had ample regular seating. Still gave you 5* for that awesome food!

I Tried the Year of the Goat Burger. The burger was pretty good but on the smaller side, and it…read moredoesn't come with a side. They also charge extra for any sauce. The Cajun fries were basically regular fries with seasoning sprinkled on top, but the sweet potato fries were good. It's a self-serve setup,you order, pick up your food, and clean your own plate. They also don't have fountain drinks, only cans, so no refills. The place was pretty empty when I went. Overall, just an okay spot. Nothing terrible, but nothing special or memorable either.

Seating area

Extra Pattie

See all

Go Army Rangers!!

The Gyros Factory

3.7(107 reviews)

3.4 mi

The gyro sandwich is amazing. Not sure if it's homemade or just a really great brand. Traditional…read moretomatoes and onions with sauce on the side makes my taste buds happy. The Greek flavors come through strong with this sandwich. They are not skimpy at all. I tried their avgolemono soup which was tasty. I'm going to try their other Greek specials and the ribs look good. Great job people keep it up

We went for the first time to the Gyro factory. I got the Gyro sandwich and Saganaki. I really like…read moreSaganaki. This one not so much. I thought the piece was pretty small and the Taste was not up to par. The gyros was OK. Not more than OK though Now this is where the trouble began. I went into the restroom. When I got up off the toilet, my foot caught on a tile that was coming up off the floor. I went down on both of my knees. I also braced myself with my arms. I'm just grateful that I didn't hurt my knees or dislocate my arms. I did let the cashier know about it. One of the people in the back went in and did something. Unfortunately, it was a little too late to help me.

See more unrecommended reviews

Gyro

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

128 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Peter P.

10 years ago

Over the weekend I went over to Paradise Pup for my food review. When you first go to Paradise Pup it looks like a small little building with some tables on the outside. Paradise Pup is located on 1724 S River Rd and many people will look at a place and not think much of it due to the appearance but personally when I see a small little building like that I tend to assume that they make some pretty good food. When you walk into the building there are no tables on the inside, just some chairs to sit while you wait for your food. By the entrance you could see some pictures on the wall of celebrities that have been to the place and you can also see that the restaurant has been featured on "Food Network" so you can already assume that the food is pretty good. The feel I get from the place is that it is a fast paced restaurant because inside unless you have a window seat you just go and wait for your food then go outside. You can see all the workers cooking up your food. Many people tend not to care whether their food is made in front of them but me personally I like to see my food being made in front of me. You can smell the food being grilled and everything just looks really good. The menu is made up of burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches and some sides. When I got I tend to get the Char Cheddar Burger ($4.49), and Cheddar Fries ($2.35) which comes out to a total $6.84 plus tax. The cheese on the fries looks like it is just melted on and the taste isn't too overwhelming of cheese. The texture of the cheese is soft and it is very viscous. The man who took my order was polite and seemed in a bit of a hurry. The food itself took a decent 10-15 minutes to be cooked and ready to serve. The Char Cheddar Burger had a great taste to it and was one of the best burgers I've eaten. The burger had a thick meat patty covered in the same liquid cheese that is on the fries. Along with the cheese there is also bacon and grilled onions if you choose to get them. My overall review of the restaurant I would say it is a very welcoming place that serves outstanding food. Not only does it taste really good but it also fills you up so you don't feel like getting more food for a decent amount of time. The only problem is that due to there being few seats inside along the windows, this isn't a place you would tend to go to if it's packed during cold weather unless you're going back to your car. The food isn't too expensive because I get a filling meal for around $7 which is generally cheap. Overall I would rate Paradise Pup a solid 9.5/10 and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good burger/hotdog joint. read more

James T.

2 years ago

Paradise Pup is truly a Chicago-area treasure and absolutely lives up to the hype. This tiny roadside stand might not look like much from the outside, but don't be fooled -- the food coming out of that kitchen is the stuff of burger legends. If you're anywhere near Des Plaines, this is a must-stop spot for any foodie, burger lover, or anyone who just appreciates great, honest comfort food done right. Let's start with the star of the show: the cheddar char burger. It's hands-down one of the best burgers I've ever had. Perfectly grilled beef with that flame-kissed flavor, smothered in ooey-gooey aged Wisconsin cheddar that oozes over the sides -- it's rich, juicy, and downright addictive. Add grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a soft bun, and you've got burger perfection. It's messy in the best way possible. And it's not just about burgers. The hot dogs are classic Chicago-style with all the right toppings, the Italian beef is bold and satisfying, and even the fries are golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. You can tell everything is made with care and top-notch ingredients. Yes, there's usually a line -- but it's 100% worth the wait. The staff work fast and efficiently, and despite the rush, they're friendly and make sure you get exactly what you ordered. There's limited seating, so many folks eat in their cars or take it to go, but honestly, the food tastes amazing no matter where you enjoy it. Paradise Pup captures what's best about local eateries: small, unpretentious, and obsessed with quality. It's no wonder it's been featured on TV and loved by locals for decades. This place isn't just good -- it's unforgettable. I'll definitely be back every time I'm in the area. read more

Sarah B.

17 years ago

OH MY GOSH!!!!!! Burgers are fine and all, but I would generally say I can take 'em or leave 'em. HOWEVER, Paradise Pup is the exception. As others have mentioned, I heard about this place on DDD and knew I wanted to try the cheddar burger. The burger (meat) itself is really good. Although the place smells REALLY smokey when you drive up to it, the burgers don't have any crazy smokey/greasy taste. It tastes fresh and delicious. The cheese curd they put on the burger is beyond yummy. (The guy who said they put fake cheese spread on the burger is a complete idiot! It's soft cheese curd that is somewhat spreadable, especially when you put it on a burger right off the grill. AND he said his drink had no carbonation...again, IDIOT, some of their drinks are not carbonated...and they're delicious. I'll talk about that later.) Add some grilled onions, and a really good, fresh bun and you have the most perfect burger I've ever had. I truly cannot imagine I'll ever have a better burger in my life. I LOVE fries, and we got some with cheese curd, bacon, and sour cream. They were fantastic, but the burger was sooooo good, that I barely touched the fries. My husband couldn't believe first that I ate the whole burger, but second that I sucked it down so quickly. It helped to have a really delicious black cherry drink with it. It was not carbonated and it was ICY cold, which was the cherry on top of a wonderful experience! It's a long drive for me, but so beyond worth it. Hmm, maybe I can pack the baby up and go right now. read more

sean s.

16 years ago

The Paradise Pup is easily one of my favorite places to eat. They have the best burgers I have ever eaten and some of the juiciest dogs you can find. I first heard about the paradise pup when watching the food network one day. I saw how they made their delicious bacon burger and was blown away by the simple addition of Merk's spreadable cheese, instead of a slice of cheese. (BTW the cheese makes the burger!) So when I saw at the end of the show how close the restaurant was to my house, I had to stop by. From the first bite I was hooked, and now I stop by every time I'm coming back from O'Hare. Not only was the food good, but so was the service. They were very friendly and helpful with your decision making (because there is a lot to choose from). They are also very flexible with your orders and are welcome to combining a few of their items. One helpful hint, don't show up right at the lunch time rush unless you're willing to wait a while, because a lot of people know about these burgers. There are few things you can do while you wait, like take a glance at the menu because it is all over the wall of the restaurant. You can also listen to the cubs game, or boo the cubs, which ever you choose. The Paradise Pup has my favorite burger of all time and I would encourage anyone to come and try the burger no matter where you live because it is worth the trip! read more

Samantha E.

102

10 years ago

This small mom & pop burger joint probably make the best cheddar burger I have ever had. Even though it has inconvenient hours, terrible parking, long lines, no credit machine, I will always stick it out for their cheddar burger. If you haven't been here and would like to come before the lunch period begins, because the line will quickly go around the building at this time. Also, parking here is very difficult, you might want to car pool with someone to avoid the headache of having to drive your own car here. They say the best things in life are the simple things, and Paradise Pup is great on delivering the simple burger. They use high quality beef and merkts cheddar. When you bite into a juicy cheddar burger with caramelized onions, soft sesame seed bun, and crisp tomatoes, it feels so smooth in your mouth. The burger just seems to melt away effortless, giving you the sensation that you really aren't chewing your food at all. Like always, the three of us got a cheddar burger and enjoyed devouring them. Not much more I can add about this place other than this place will have my business as long they want to keep the doors open. read more

Gene K.

4 years ago

Wow! That's an amazing place. I haven't been so amused with a restaurant before in my life. With great selection of food and drinks, especially the burgers and various kinds of sandwiches, this is worth your money. I think I had the best experience and feeling while eating my delicious food. It was so awesome that I can come back again and again. The staffs were so friendly and very accommodating. They were very attentive in every detail that I gave them. They respect privacy of every customer. Very cozy and the food will never disappoint you. The place is very clean and follow health standards, since it's pandemic. The overall service was excellent. I am a very satisfied customer and I will recommend Paradise Pup to all of my friends. So, what are you waiting for? Let's dig in! read more

Dom K.

11 years ago

This is my go-to spot for Burgers. In my opinion, much better than any of those fancy burger spots in the city. I've had burgers from many places and have never came across a place with a better burger patty than Paradise Pup. The beef is so fresh and juicy and all of the toppings taste fresh. I am a huge fan of Merkt's cheddar and get it anywhere it's served, I even buy it from the grocery store for home. Having a place like this with amazing Merkt's cheddar burgers and fries is heaven. Not every place does Merkt's right but that isn't a problem here. --cash only read more

Adem Y.

1 year ago

There was a man with glasses at the counter. I asked him where the sink was, and he told me. After we finished our meal, my spouse and I went there to wash our hands, and he yelled, "What are you doing here? Why did you come in here? This is a private area!" I told him, "The restroom is over there," and he said, "This is a private area, you can't come in here. I only allowed you once." He was the rudest restaurant employee I've ever seen in my life. read more

L G.

11 years ago

Preface: CASH ONLY! Be prepared before you go. My husband and I set out to try all of the hot dog places in Des Plaines and never made it farther than Paradise Pup. Every time we think to try another we end up back here because it is SO good. The Merkts cheese is a perfect combo with their burgers and fries...oh, those loaded french fries! I've eaten them as a meal all alone smothered in cheese and sour cream and bacon. read more

BadMojoBelly G.

9 years ago

I've been going here since 1990 and it remains my favorite burger. How good is it? I bumped into Guy Fieri in the Mykonos airport. He was not very engaging. . until i mentioned the Pup. Then he lit up. His crew (who were with him) lit up. And he asked me if i wanted a picture with him, while he and the crew raved about the burger. All of this is real. . . don't sleep on the polish sausage, or the milkshakes either. read more

Lana T.

3 years ago

I have a lunch at Paradise Pup and it was quite good, with casual and inviting ambiance. Of course, the highlight of it was burger with many cheese, as i like. The patty was juicy and cooked to perfection with tasty toppings. The service was friendly and attentive but there was too much people and we waited a bit. Despite that, the overall experience was enjoyable and i would recommend you to visit this place. read more

Alan M.

10 years ago

2017 i'm visiting the states again to see family in New Berlin W.I, Now after watching Drive ins, diners and dives my main purpose is now the 2 hour drive to taste your burgers - looked amazing and youre getting a 5 star rating before ive tasted because i could almost taste and smell them through the TV set, ha ha ! i'll be in for a large one in the summer get them ready!!! best regards Alan C May York, England read more

Roberta C.

18 years ago

I love the cheddar burgers at this place. Make sure you check their hours though. They aren't open on Sundays and they are only open throughout the rest of the week 11am to 5pm, I think. Anyway, get there early or get there late but don't even try going there during lunch hours because you will wait in a heck of a line. Also, try the chocolate & fresh banana shake, they are really good! read more

Angela M.

12 years ago

Best burger, hands down. Sure, it comes from a shack off River Road, but the service, quality and price are unbeatable. You can typically be greeted by a long-ass line outside, but even these frigid temps still don't deter a mass of people. Try the Cheddar Burger (with Merkt's Cheddar), some triple layer fries and wash it down with their homemade soda or a yummy chocolate malt. Delish! read more

Lisa L.

6 years ago

AmaIng food and the two brother running are great also. They do what they can to love the line which there is always a line cold or hot rain or shine so be prepared. There burgers are amazing and there cheeee fries. They use great quality products and you can taste it. Make sure to get a grape soda bring you back to your childhood. If your anywhere near desplaines it a must to stop here read more

Amy J.

19 years ago

The fries are the best I've ever eaten, and I've had lots of fries! The cheddar burgers are made with REAL cheddar and loaded with fresh ingredients. Absolutely amazing. The shakes are incredible, to die for really. The only problem with this place is lack of seating, but that's noi big deal because when you're eating their burger you're in Heaven anyway! read more

Mitch W.

8 years ago

They have mastered the art of char grilling meat in a tiny yet cozy shack on River Rd. The smell coming from this place is amazing! I love the burgers with Merkts cheddar cheese, the 7 layer fries and the char cheddar dogs. No, this isn't a diet place! Yes, it is cash only. Who cares, it is great Chicago fast food for a good price. read more

Daniel C.

4 years ago

Delicious bacon cheeseburger & onion rings! The Burger here was outstanding! Beautiful soft bun and juicy delicious Burger with chopped up bacon and grilled onions. The Onion rings were also outstanding. Not much of a place to sit because of the small location but it was a nice Saturday afternoon so sat at the tables and ate. read more

Emily B.

16 years ago

We absolutely LOVE this place and go there a few times a month. Their burgers are to die for. Juicy, cheesy and delicious! Gotta make it in early though because they close at 5pm on weekdays and are not open on Sunday either. The italian beef and hot dogs are good though, but the char burger is out of this world!!! read more

Tuy Anh P.

675

218

1892

11 years ago

When it comes to burger joints around America, this is always one of the few that land at the top of the short list - each and every time! Burgers are the top staple for any diner, so it's essential it's done right always. This diners Char-Burgers and amazing Three-Layer Fries are winners! read more

Paradise Pup - hotdogs - Updated November 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Coffee near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Restaurants near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Pizza near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Desserts near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Things to Do near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Burgers near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Parking near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Takeout near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Smoke Shop near Paradise Pup

BEST of Des Plaines, Illinois Mall near Paradise Pup

Best of Des Plaines

Things to do in Des Plaines

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Paradise Pup also viewed

Meetch’s Wings & Things

4.7

(62 reviews)

Give this place a try!…read more Look, it's a fast food vibe but the wings are excellent! Meaty and flavorful. No disappointment here. I'm from out of town. There are plenty of options in the area. That said, if you're looking for something quick, easy, and terrific then try this place. Service was friendly and on top of their game. Food was amazing. I had the Mango Habanero Wings and Fries. Did not disappoint. This place might do a lot of take out. I don't know. Either way, it's worth trying. I left completely satisfied and felt I got my money's worth.

I drive by this spot often and wanted to give it a try for dinner so I walked in to place an order…read morefor carry out. The individual at the counter was very friendly and gave me recommendations after telling him it was my first time. I love buffalo wings, and he recommended the smash burger. Food wise, it's not bad, but it's not great. I personally prefer my wings to have the crispy skin exterior where theirs is made with what seems to just be the chicken+sauce. Reviewing a spot like this is interesting since for me personally I take into account how much I paid for the meal compared to how good it is. For this burger and 6 wings, the total came out to be $24.68. If this meal somehow could be closer to something like $15-$20, I'd probably give it four stars and return some day. I get it's a difficult in this economy, but I've had better for cheaper.

Brennan's Gourmet Burger Shack

4.7

(57 reviews)

This is located inside the Emerald Isle which is your typical nw Chicago Irish bar. You place your…read moreorder at the bar and they bring the food out in just a few minutes. The service was great and the workers friendly. 3 of us went and we each ordered a different burger. We had the Plain Jane, House Burger and Too Goulda be True. On my house burger I opted for the extras, bacon and caramelized onions. For me, the bacon was too thick. It made for a pull instead of a clean bite. I took it off the burger and ate it by itself. It was delicious! The burger was great. It is probably the juiciest smash burger I have tried so far. This is a nice little neighborhood spot that you should go support.

We were lucky to get a parking spot. We had their hamburger that they're famous for with grilled…read moreonions. Very tasty. And the cheese chords were flavorful , especially with the dipping sauce which was a LITTLE SPICY!! The glass of draft wet your whistle and help cool down the dip. Music was loud and customers too. A swinging place to enjoy 4 choices of burger with a side and a glass of beer. A rustic atmosphere that everyone should try. Plenty of napkins.

Rand Red Hots

4.2

(428 reviews)

Bob-O's Hot Dogs

4.0

(225 reviews)

Stopped in for a lite bite…read more Had a burger with lettuce tomato and grilled onions cooked to perfection. Had a tamale Never a disappointment Thanks guys

Bob-o's is a staple of the Chicago Italian beef circle. Brought my daughter today for her first…read moretime and it's now her #1 beef. Quick service, stool/counter seating indoor and quite a few tables outdoor. No public washroom which would be nice simply for washing hands after such a juicy tasty beef. But being on the corner of a CTA bus stop along with the bathroom behind the counter I get it.

Scooby's Red Hots

3.8

(91 reviews)

Hot dogs, amazing. Fries, better than amazing. Pizza puff, top notch. Great spot for lunch and will…read morebe back.

Very much exactly what you see from the street--a hole in the wall spot that you think will be…read moretrashy and cheap but let me just say, you can't judge Scooby's until you pull off the mask. . .go inside! The chef and counter staff are super vice, there is plenty of clean seating, and delightful hot dog and Scooby Doo stuff everywhere. And my Italian sausages (served at my request completely Chicago style) were extremely tasty! You won't want to bring a date here, not until they are hooked on you. But once you're comfortable, this is a great spot for a quick, delicious bite to eat!

Bubby's Beefs and Red Hots

4.6

(106 reviews)

Best Italian Beef Sandwich in Elk Grove Village BY far and the fresh cut fries are delicious. My go…read moreto for Italian beef.

Let me start by saying the owner gets 5 stars for being so engaging with every customer! The hand…read morecut fries are the star of the show both in taste and portion size. I enjoy a good Italian beef sandwich and here are my thoughts on the one I had here. The bread was strong enough to hold a dipped sandwich, the beef itself was heavily seasoned, every bite you took you could smell the spices, as for texture the beef was leaning towards being over cooked, you can tell as the beef begins to curl up. The sweet peppers had a lot of the same seasoning. All that being said I give the beef a 6.5 out of 10

Bob-O’s Italian Beef

4.2

(54 reviews)

WOW, what a beef and fresh cut fries!! I took my cousin to the one on Milwaukee, and he loved it…read more The beef was huge, along with the generous portion of sweet peppers. We both had it ez dipped as well. And how about those fries!! What a great complement to the big beef. Oh, and they had a big squeeze bottle of ketchup for the fries so no dealing with little packets. ITs the small stuff that goes a long way at Bob-Os!!

Gear spot for an Italian beef - I live their gravy - doggie bread! I was always a fan of the…read moreoriginal one on Irving - glad they opened this location

Superdawg Drive-In

3.3

(566 reviews)

Man, this place is unique. From the exterior design that evokes memories of the 1940s and 1950s to…read morethe nice service inside? The place just has a certain presence that you have to appreciate. I walked in with my hubby and nephew - the nephew was visiting from Southern California, California and wanted a true Chicago dog! Of course, Superdawg was on the menu! We stopped in - we went inside to order - and we were immediately struck by an expensive $9.30 short, hot dog with some french fries - though the french fries were good, there weren't very many of them. The hot dog came - as all good Chicago hot dogs should - with sport peppers, chopped onions, fluorescent, relish, mustard, and what appeared to be an unripe green tomato piece. The latter just seemed out of place. OK - I get that inflation has been a pain. But let's be honest - all the ingredients in this hotdog likely never cost more than two dollars in total. And since the food cost at a restaurant should never exceed 30% of the price, what explained the over nine dollar price tag? I can only call it greed. There's no way this should've cost so much. Eight bucks would be pushing it. But as it is? It's way too expensive for an encore. OK- the french fries were great- but believe me there were not many of them in the box. The hotdog was pretty good in my mind.- my nephew thought there were too many flavors going on - and a bit too sour for his taste- hence the one point demerit. I may come again with an out-of-town visitor. But I think they need to revisit their pricing because it's too high for what it is at this time.

Wow, apparently it's been 6 years since my last visit to Superdawg! I was enticed to return because…read morethe restaurant partnered with my local library for a fundraiser that I wanted to support. I'm glad I did, because the food was better than I had remembered. I had the Superfish sandwich which was served with fries, tartar sauce, a green tomato and pickle. The sandwich was large and tasted great. I am particular about fries, and I even liked theirs. Our food took several minutes to be prepared, but we weren't in a rush. We snagged the last table, but the countertop seating was completely unoccupied. I was tempted to try one of the many desserts on the menu, but my meal was plenty filling. I'll have to return for sweets another day.

Redhot Ranch

3.9

(65 reviews)

Amazing french fries and hot dogs. A cheap but fulfilling meal and to top it off, service is great.read more

This place is half Redhot Ranch and half ice cream shop. The ice cream shop takes credit cards, the…read moreRedhot Ranch does not, but there is a weird ATM there to get cash if you don't have any. I have passed by this place so many times, so I was happy that I finally had a chance to check them out. The Redhot Ranch side is a no frills industrial design. And they are smashburgers, which I didn't know ahead of time and wish I did as I would have skipped it. Nothing says a good burger like smashing the ever lovin' crap out of it and getting rid if all the flavor, slapping a couple slices of cheese on it and whatever toppings you want to disguise the flavor of the meat. It was a messy burger. The fries were okay as well. Nothing to really say that I'm itching to go back. With so many burger shops around, skip this one.

Portillo's Pickup

3.2

(71 reviews)