Des Plaines is a town located just north of the Chicago O'Hare airport. Along its main street are several roadside establishments including a theatre and the Sugar Bowl Restaurant. Also located in Des Plaines is the Choo Choo Restaurant.
Choo Choo sign in neon
Des Plaines, IL
Photo courtesy Dennis Dixon
The Choo Choo Restaurant has been delighting hungry customers in Des Plaines since the early 1950s. At first glance it looks like a classic neighborhood diner, but once you step inside, it becomes clear why this place has been a local favorite for generations. Instead of a waiter carrying your order to the counter, a model train does the job.
Choo Choo sign close up
Des Plaines, IL Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Opened in 1951 by James and Marilyn Ballowe, the Choo Choo has built its reputation on a simple idea that's just as entertaining today as it was decades ago. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and other favorites are loaded into little baskets and pulled around the restaurant by a model locomotive before arriving at your seat. It's a gimmick, sure—but it's one that never seems to get old.
Choo Choo Restaurant
Des Plaines, IL Photo courtesy Tony Craig
UPDATE 11/09 : Here's a close-up shot of the Choo Choo restaurant in Des Plaines. The Choo Choo has been serving its burgers using a model train since 1951. In this NBC Chicago article from a year ago, the Choo Choo was in danger of being razed to make room for a new police station. In fact, a site called www.savethechoochoo.com was created to fight the development plan that had the City purchasing the land and finding another location for the eatery. 11-09
The restaurant still holds onto much of its original 1950s character, from the boomerang-pattern Formica countertops and terrazzo floors to the vintage soda fountain. Add in the classic neon train sign outside, and it's easy to see why the Choo Choo has become one of Chicagoland's best-known roadside restaurants.
The idea of having a train deliver your meal came from James Ballowe's brother, Roy, who dreamed up the concept while serving in the Philippines during World War II. More than 70 years later, that unique idea is still what sets the Choo Choo apart. Plenty of restaurants serve hamburgers, but not many deliver them by rail.
Choo Choo sign
Des Plaines, IL Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp
UPDATE: In this latest story posted by the Journal Online on November 20, 2009, The City of Des Plaines has given up for now its plan to purchase the former Masonic Temple building downtown as well as the land of the adjacent Choo Choo. The Choo Choo Restaurant appears to be safe for the time being. Many thanks to Tammy Terwelp for updated photo and link to NBC Chicago article. 11-09
The Choo Choo
Des Plaines, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Like many longtime businesses, the Choo Choo has faced its share of challenges. It narrowly escaped demolition when the city considered the site for a new police station, thanks to a strong community effort to save it. After another setback during the pandemic, the restaurant eventually reopened under new ownership, with the trains once again making their rounds.
Whether you're stopping for lunch or just to watch the trains make another delivery, it's the kind of place that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
UPDATE: As of October 2013, the Choo Choo is alive and well. Diners were eating inside and the sign looked as good as ever. 10-13
The Choo Choo
Des Plaines, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE: The Choo Choo Restaurant is open once again after an extensive refurbishment under new ownership. The vintage neon sign still welcomes visitors, the trains are back on the tracks, and one of Des Plaines' most memorable dining experiences continues to roll along. 07-26
