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.
LOVE this place! If you have a train lover, he/she will love this. It is small and you are outta luck at the time if there is no available seating. I think it's neat that on your bday you get a special song... and who can resist the cupcake with a train whistle on top?
This is a fun and different experience for the kids. We live nearby but have only gone twice - for a special "treat". There are few tables so it can get crowded and you will have to wait. but the tables and count seats seem to turn over quickly. The prices are pretty expensive but it makes for a special treat for a birthday or another occasion.
This is a cute destination for kids who love trains! When my son was a young toddler, though, the noise of the model train scared him a bit. The food was really overpriced, for diner food. But the food was ok. We ate before normal lunch time on a weekday, so it wasn't crowded.
This is cute if your kids are toddlers and if they love trains. They serve food by train. It is very small, and gets very crowded, so if you don't get there early, be prepared to wait.
I know this place has historical value, but they really need to do remodeling. If you don't get there Early you will be waiting a very long time for in my opinion expensive food of poor quality. The concept is great, the idea of having food delivered by train(if ur lucky to get counter seating) is fun. Pros-fun for train happy kids. Cons-long wait, must have counter seating for train delivery, over priced for not great food, and way over crowded
My kids love going here and watching the train carry the food. It can get a little expensive. A few tips:
Go when they 1st open to avoid the lines, bring CASH (including a few quarters for the toy machines), and fill out a postcard to get a free birthday meal for your kids.
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!
