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Kid-friendly diner established in 1951 serving burgers & other American fare on a model train.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 600 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (224) 284-4904
Website: http://www.thechoochoo.com/
Menu Photos
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The Choo Choo – Des Plaines
11 am – 7:30 pm · 600 Lee St. Des Plaines, IL. 224-284-4904.
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Reviews
Elizabeth Swan
really good burger, and so fun seeing the train! this place is as classic as it gets, seemingly unchanged since it’s opened. it’s kinda small in there, so my adult bf and I ate quickly to free up room for actual families with kids but definitely recommend if you just love burgers and trains, plus it’s in a cute walkable downtown area with free parking
… moreMitchel Morrison
The Choo Choo is an escape from bland, ordinary, corporate chains full of nothingness. Truly one-of-a-kind, this is a true to form memorable dining experience kids will enjoy. Kid-friendly pony rides. The design and interior decor are true to the 1950s diner vibe. So is the food, with 100% grass fed beef burgers and chili. A chef in back cooks burgers the old fashioned way, pressed meat on the grill. They nail the blend of delicate crispness around the edges with a toasted bun and fries (photo). We finished off sipping mugs of delicious hot chocolate on a cold autumn day (photo). The service is spot on, with servers stepping lively around an open floor plan to keep your cups full and requests fulfilled as swift as the wind. Four stars because I requested a condiment twice, no biggie. Servers don’t treat you like a number. For group dining, know seating is limited to 27 seats in the whole restaurant. Therefore, they may add a minimum charge of $10 per seated customer at peak times (no charge for infants in carriers). Atmosphere is 1950s retro with a bright neon sign showing their “hamburgers on wheels” theme. Five atmospheric stars for staying consistent to theme among different design elements. The electric train is pulled by a U.S. Army locomotive, followed by 1950s Mustangs, followed by your food, and ending with a lego caboose. 1950s decor on the walls within the historic era such as Lionel Trains. A jukebox would put it over the top but the train whistle that goes “toot toot” earns a fifth star.
… morePedro Almeida
What a beautiful lovely place! As a big railfan, this was definitely on my list to visit and I’m so glad I did! The staff is super friendly, the food is great, it has that nice old style American bistro vibe and of course – it has trains! I will always recommend everyone I know to visit! Thank you so much!
Greetings from Bolt Railway Dog
… moreGreetings from Bolt Railway Dog
Conor Cook
We took the train to this restaurant on Valentine’s Day 2026, just a short half mile walk away. We really enjoyed our experience here though. It is an old 1950s styled diner (which can make the seating very limited) but both our burgers and fries were delicious, we also enjoyed our shakes, and we just loved how our food came out on a little train. It had been so long for me since I had last been here but now we definitely hope to come back in the near future. (Written 2-25-26)
… moreEdward Cheever
First and foremost, the food was great! The ingredients were simple, fresh, and well made. I had a veggie burger and the patty was cooked perfectly, which is not common in my experience. My spouse had a regular choo choo burger and the patty was clearly made and cooked fresh at the restaurant, and it was delicious.
But the stars of the show were the milkshakes and the onion rings. The milkshakes were perfectly flavored – I had a strawberry shake and it was amazing. The onion rings are hands-down the best I’ve ever had in my life. The onion was thick and juicy. The breading was a little sweet and soft inside and crispy on the outside. I think they even used a better than normal oil, I’m not sure – all I know was that it was fantastic.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is immaculate for the 50s diner experience, and the little train that carries food around the bar is adorable and fun to watch go by.
I will say that the bathrooms are a bit small (though I can only really speak for the gentleman’s). However that’s an artifact of the fact that the building is an old, small, and cozy place, and they are well-kept for cleanliness.
Honestly, I can’t recommend this place enough.
… moreBut the stars of the show were the milkshakes and the onion rings. The milkshakes were perfectly flavored – I had a strawberry shake and it was amazing. The onion rings are hands-down the best I’ve ever had in my life. The onion was thick and juicy. The breading was a little sweet and soft inside and crispy on the outside. I think they even used a better than normal oil, I’m not sure – all I know was that it was fantastic.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is immaculate for the 50s diner experience, and the little train that carries food around the bar is adorable and fun to watch go by.
I will say that the bathrooms are a bit small (though I can only really speak for the gentleman’s). However that’s an artifact of the fact that the building is an old, small, and cozy place, and they are well-kept for cleanliness.
Honestly, I can’t recommend this place enough.
George LeClaire
Had a great time with the grandkids today. The food is actually really good. The onion rings were excellent. Our granddaughter’s really liked the ice cream that comes with a whistle. And yes, a train serves every hotdog and every hot hamburger. I would highly recommend this restaurant for kids.
… moreBee A
Super cute spot to bring your little one in! Every table had a toddler with them lol.
The food is pretty good; your typical diner foods. Loved the milkshake and the burger. Smash burger style.
Quick spot to have a quick meal while your child is entertained.
Bring quarters so your toddler can ride the train and the horse!
… moreThe food is pretty good; your typical diner foods. Loved the milkshake and the burger. Smash burger style.
Quick spot to have a quick meal while your child is entertained.
Bring quarters so your toddler can ride the train and the horse!
Paul Quinones
This place is great, these are the places that made Chicago style food the best around and put it on the map, the food is amazing and the train that brings the food is classic, go in and give it a try you will not be disappointed, today(12-03-25) with my wife, I had the hot dog she had the double Chesse burger and both were great, onion rings are definitely large and taste good, once again give this place a try.
… moreMK Alberti
This has been a Des Plaines favorite since I was a child, and after bringing my godchildren here, it’s clear the choo‑choo magic is still thriving. We were thrilled to find an adult‑worthy, artisan‑type salad while the kids inhaled their burgers, we were charmed by the owner, and I was officially the hero for bringing them here. We even left with old‑fashioned train photos – a little slice of nostalgia to take home. Some places just have soul, and this is still one of them.
… moreTony Carboni
I’m writing this because I’ve been sitting here pulling hairs and lint out of the same sandwich for an embarrassing amount of time. This place is really small for being as loud as it is. The service was okay, I personally didn’t have any issues with the staff. But I really wish they had a higher standard for cleanliness.
It felt like a rushed experience because seats were filling up, and the menu explicitly states that if the restaurant gets crowded, they may put an additional $10 charge for each seat (near the train) your group is using.
(The photos don’t do justice for just how long I’ve been sitting here removing hair and lint fron this sandwich..)
… moreIt felt like a rushed experience because seats were filling up, and the menu explicitly states that if the restaurant gets crowded, they may put an additional $10 charge for each seat (near the train) your group is using.
(The photos don’t do justice for just how long I’ve been sitting here removing hair and lint fron this sandwich..)