What should I order at The Choo Choo?
The Choo Choo
Onion Rings
Recommended multiple times as excellent and even "the best" by reviewers, praised for being thick, juicy, crispy, and well-breaded.
Burger
Frequently recommended in several forms, with reviewers saying the burgers are really good, delicious, juicy, flavorful, and cooked fresh on the grill.
Hot Dog
Mentioned as a standout item, especially the Chicago-style version, with praise for the classic toppings and the sausage snap.
Milkshake
Often recommended for being delicious and great-tasting, with one reviewer specifically praising a perfectly flavored strawberry shake.
Fries
Mentioned alongside the burgers as delicious and part of the meal that reviewers especially enjoyed.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About The Choo Choo
Kid-friendly diner established in 1951 serving burgers & other American fare on a model train.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Good for kids birthday
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is The Choo Choo known for?
It is best known for burgers served with a model train theme, especially the specialty cheeseburger, smash burger, and hot dogs that come out on the train. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the shakes and onion rings as standouts, along with the 1950s diner setting in Des Plaines.
What dishes are most recommended at The Choo Choo?
Reviewers most often recommend the cheeseburger or Choo Choo burger, onion rings, milkshakes like strawberry, and the Chicago-style hot dog. People also mention the fries and chili as solid diner-style sides, with the burgers praised for tasting fresh and cooked to order.
What is the atmosphere like at The Choo Choo?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and strongly retro, with a 1950s diner look and a train carrying food around the room. It suits families, train enthusiasts, and solo diners, but the space is small and limited seating means groups may need to wait or eat quickly at busy times.
Is The Choo Choo good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is about $10 to $20, and reviewers generally describe the food as worth it for the quality and the experience. Several notes mention fresh burgers, good shakes, and fast service, though the small seating area can make peak visits feel a bit crowded.
Do you usually have to wait at The Choo Choo?
Yes, the restaurant is listed as usually having a wait, and reviewers say the limited seating can make peak times slower. The small dining room has about 27 seats, so going at off-peak hours is the easiest way to get in faster.
Is parking available at The Choo Choo?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Choo Choo kid-friendly?
Yes, The Choo Choo is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Choo Choo in Des Plaines
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