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.
Fun place for the kids if your in the neighborhood.
Food isn't that cheap though, and the wait can be annoying, if more than a couple people, you have to wait in doorway/outside..
Can't wait to use our birthday gift of free food. We fill out a card every year. Yeah its small and only the seats at the counter get train delivery. Knowing this and cash only never keep me from a visit to this original concept. City of Des Plaines wants the land so lets Save The Choo Choo!
This is such a fun place for little ones to eat, but it can get pricey for a whole family! If you want to sit by the train, get there when it opens and have an early lunch! Be sure to sign up for the free birthday burger when you are there.
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.