The Choo-Choo

When it opened in 1951, The Choo-Choo was a pioneer of “fast food,” serving its Choo-Choo burgers, Dairy Cars and Train Cupcakes via model train. The barely changed diner has gone on to become a local favorite for kids and adults alike, though it hasn’t quite kept up with fellow Des Plaines burger joint McDonald’s. Of course, with only one Choo-Choo and hordes of kiddies vying to eat a burger fresh off the gravy train, the management asks that you limit your visit to 30 minutes—they don’t call it fast food for nothing.