Paradise Pup

As soon as you pull into their lot you can tell this place has been around for decades. It is sandwiched in between two auto repair shops. Paradise Pup has six picnic tables set up next to the building and along the street. Across the street is a forest preserve (nature preserve); there is a picnic area down on Touhy about two miles away. The parking has 20 spots the neighboring body shop has signs on reserved parking for body shop customers only. We were there after 2 pm on a hot Saturday afternoon, there was a small line to order and plenty of availableparking. They are know for the Bacon Merkts Cheddar Burger (Merkts is a spreadable cheddar cheese spread from Wisconsin. It is available in Chicagoland supermarkets if you want to re-create the burger ar home). As the name suggests Paradise Pup has hot dogs, but also Polish, Italian Beef, Italian Sausage, and a fish sandwich. We both went with the obligatory Merkts Cheddar Burgers and it did not disappoint; the juicy beef patty is on a bakery bun with grilled or raw onions (your choice), Applewood Bacon, ketchup, mayo, lettuce and tomato. It is a big meal and you can split it and still feel full. We also got an order of beer battered onion rings (enough for two), my friend felt there was too much batter; but I thought it was just right, crunchy and savory. All the food is packaged as "to-go" and in a brown paper bag. The burgers and fountain drinks are in Styrofoam (not a fan of that). Definitely worth a trip back to try other menu options or another cheddar burger (it was really good). There is no indoor seating and you order and pick up at a window.

I was born & raised in the city, and this place definitely feels (and tastes!) like the many local spots I grew up going to with my dad. The dogs are delicious but their cheddar burger is #1 in my house. And their banana shake is to die for! The 3 layer fries and onion rings are top notch sides. 100% recommend if you are anywhere near the Des Plaines area. Worth the drive and worth the wait (if there's a line).

For my first experience, the wait is long but soooo worth it! I ordered the BBQ Bacon Swiss Burger, fries and a Barq Root Beer Float, definitely 5- ⭐ amazing food and service. Will definitely come back, I highly recommend this place if you are or are not in the area. Worth the drive and wait.

The burgers, pups, and onion rings were really good. The red raspberry shake was really tasty. Service was okay when we ordered, and the guy that handed us our order was great. Outside tables only.

It's good. The burger was juicy and delicious. 3 layer fries are not my thing, but I like to try things I've never had. My husband enjoyed the Italian beef. We also shared a peanut butter banana shake. It hit the spot.

The hot dog was pretty good. I can't complain and I got a bacon char cheeseburger that was pretty good. The strawberry malt was really good. The cheese fries were just okay. Overall I think with all the hype from the place I was expecting to be blown away and I wasn't. It was just good food, but not great. Definitely above average though. Slightly pricier than I was expecting but not expensive really for this type of food.

Best Charburgers in the northern suburbs and the best vanilla malt I've had in years! The onion rings ate also excellent The only problems I saw was no bathrooms and the parking lot was too small for such a busy place. The people there were fast and friendly.

I visited this place while I was in town after a few friends recommended it for a good burger. I didn't realize until I reached the order window that it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. When I arrived, I was the first in the parking lot. It’s located sandwiched between two automotive businesses, and the parking can be scarce. By the time I left after placing my order, there was a line. To order, you walk up to the window, place your order, pay, and receive a receipt along with an order pager. You can then sit at a picnic table while you wait. I ended up ordering a 1/3-pound burger with cheese.