Fun, kid-friendly restaurant where meals are served by a train running along the counter. Menu consists of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soup/chili and desserts.
I have been going to The Choo Choo since I was 5... and I'm 30! ;) It is a nostalgic little diner located in the heart of Des Plaines that serves hamburgers, among other foods, on a little model train! The kids love it when the train pulls up with their food! There is no other place like it & it's worth the trip every time. It's fun to take the Metra train out there, as the station is right down the street.
Keep in mind... they do not take credit cards!
I thought the food was a little over priced and the burgers are just okay. I like the concept but the place is kind of rundown and really really small. You are almost fighting for a place to sit down. The service is friendly and the kids enjoyed seeing the train coming in and out of the kitchen.
The Choo Choo always had a sign in the window asking patrons to petition to 'Save The Choo Choo,' but they can't be doing that poorly because every time we drive by they are at full capacity. We would like to go there one day after the library or the History Center of Des Plaines, but there aren't any choice seats close to any of the trains ever left by mid to late afternoon
Kind of pricey and not all it is cracked up too be. The wait staff was kind of rude and they don't take credit cards. My daughter was upset that the train did not bring her her food. We were not going to wait for a counter seat. Kind of old and needs to be remodled.
Cute little place for train enthusiasts! My son loved having his food served to him by the choo choo. He loved the whistle in his cupcake just as much! Be sure to bring cash because they don't accept credit cards.
The concept is nice and I believe this place started it all but it needs updating. The train does not go by all the kids, only if you get lucky to get a seat at the counter. The outer seats do not get train-delivered food. Also, the hours are not that great. I always have to check first to make sure they are open when I think about going.
This place has been there forever. I think it is so cool that your food is delivered by train. Kids just love it. If you are in the outer seats the train does not directly deliver your food...the waitress will take it off and bring it to your table. It is small and sometimes there can be long lines. I would recommend going during the week at off times. I do like 2 Toots in Glen Ellyn better. It is newer, larger and all seats deliver your food via the train.
THis place is great!! The burgers and fries are actually really good (for both kids and adults). The food gets served by train...so fun for the kids. They have a great birthday program where you fill out a post card with your child's birthdate and they mail it to back you so that you can claim your free kids meal. They play the "fun" birthday song and the kids get a big kick out of that. The birthday cupcake are a bit on the pricey side. Something like 2.75 per cupcake (they do include a train whistle). It does get very crowded on Saturday and sunday mornings. I highly recommend going for dinner on a Thursday or Friday night as they have extended hours on these days. Same food and atmosphere but a lot less crowded.
Great place for kids. Where else can you get a sandwich delivered by train. Plus there's a free ride for the kids too. Unfortunately, it can be a little too crowded, so I recommend getting there as soon as it opens. I went there was I was young, and it's a favorite of my 2-yr-olds now.
