The Choo-Choo, an adorable little train-themed diner just off Rte. 14 in Des Plaines, is in danger of being derailed. There is hope that it may be moved to another, more visible site, but for the time being, the Choo-Choo may lose it’s original, old-fashioned location that has drawn thousands of children and train enthusiasts for the last 57 years.

I thought I’d make a trip while I still had the chance. I ordered a cheeseburger with all the trimmings and a banana malt topped with whipped cream. Fries come with all sandwiches. Luckily, I was able to sit at the original formica counter and be served by the toy locomotive that makes a trip around the kitchen to pick up orders and stops in front of the guests to deliver its cargo. I may be an adult, but I was beyond tickled.

The burger was thin and extended way past the bun, and was topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. They’re a little stingy on the pickles, but that’s getting off track. Burgers are made by hand from fresh beef instead of factory-pressed frozen patties, and you can tell the difference. They’re messy, cheesy, perfectly seasoned, moist, and the perfect size to hold in one hand. Plus, take a look at that crisp, fresh lettuce! The fries were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, burly enough to handle a scoop of ketchup or malt (yes, I dip my fries in my malt), and only a little greasy (perfectly so, in my book). The banana malt was massive and impeded my ability to polish off the fries, but it was so creamy and rich that I brought the rest home with me. The meal was only about $10 and was enough to last most of the day.

 

If only I was ten again…kids can enter the birthday club and win a free meal. Birthday celebrants get a free cupcake too, and a birthday song punctuated by toots of an old train whistle. The cupcakes are even topped with a little toy whistle to keep! Cupcakes are for sale for non-birthday boys and girls too for $2.25.

So if you’re near Des Plaines (the diner is a stone’s throw from the Metra station), please stop by and give The Choo-Choo some love. And try to scam a seat at the counter. There’s nothing better than a meal and a show. To petition to save the restaurant, please visit the following link to leave a comment. Tootle-oo!

 

The Choo-Choo

600 Lee Street

Des Plaines, 60016

(847) 391-9815