Paradise Pup

Paradise Pup

1724 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States

+1 847-699-8590

Fast food restaurant
(2073)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Des Plaines at 1724 S River Rd, Paradise Pup is a cherished fast food gem that masterfully blends classic American flavors with a hometown touch. This no-frills eatery delivers an authentic taste experience reminiscent of cherished local joints—places where tradition and quality meet on every plate.

Paradise Pup’s menu is a treasure trove for lovers of hearty, satisfying fast food. Whether you crave the iconic Vienna beef hot dogs piled high with your favorite toppings or the towering, juicy burgers grilled to perfection, there’s something here for every palate. Their Cheddar Bacon Burger and Char Cheese Burger are standout stars, expertly seasoned and oozing with melted cheese, capturing that flame-grilled essence that keeps patrons coming back. For a crispy side, the Famous Fries, Cheddar Fries, and golden onion rings provide the perfect crunchy complement.

The culinary craftsmanship is evident in every bite—the burgers boast a delightful char and fresh, juicy patties cooked to order by the owners themselves, who bring genuine passion to the grill. The Double Char American Burger, with its rich layers of smoky goodness, is a mouthwatering experience, while the Chili Cheese option adds a flavorful kick, perfect for those seeking a bit more adventure in their meal.

Beyond the mainstays, Paradise Pup also offers deliciously comforting treats like the chicken sandwich and indulgent shakes, including the highly praised banana and peanut butter banana varieties, each sip creamy and perfectly sweetened. Pair these with their refreshing lemonade to round out a classic American fast food experience.

The vibe at Paradise Pup is timeless and inviting—a humble, old-school joint surrounded by the hum of nearby auto shops, enhanced by six outdoor picnic tables where guests savor their food in a laid-back setting. This open-air dining element, coupled with proximity to a peaceful forest preserve, invites diners to enjoy their meal in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. It's this genuine, no-pretenses charm that has made Paradise Pup a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike.

What truly sets Paradise Pup apart is the palpable love and care that goes into every order. Longtime patrons like Viki Peer fondly recall the nostalgic feeling of dining here, likening the taste and atmosphere to cherished memories with family. Daniel F’s experience echoes this sentiment, praising the quality and portion sizes that never disappoint. Even first-timers like Melissa Martin find themselves enchanted by the juicy burgers and inventive sides, willing to try adventurous options like the three-layer fries.

It’s evident through many glowing customer testimonials that Paradise Pup isn’t just about fast food—it's about crafting moments, satisfying cravings with expertly made classics, and delivering a consistently flavorful, hearty meal that feels like a warm welcome home. If you find yourself near Des Plaines, a visit to Paradise Pup promises a deeply satisfying taste of local Americana that’s worth every minute of the wait.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Viki Peer
    1 month ago

    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).

  • Daniel F
    1 month ago

    Paradise Pup was a great stop. The Vienna beef hot dogs were fantastic—definitely get them with everything. The burgers were delicious too. I ordered way too much food and none of it disappointed. A tasty spot that’s easy to recommend.

  • Melissa Martin
    1 month ago

    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.

  • Matt Zurek
    2 month ago

    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.

  • Hagz
    3 month ago

    North Chicagoland suburb staple classic burgers joint! Rund by two brothers always there and they are the only ones that grill the burgers witch is awesome. I always get a char cheese burger single patty double is huge and very messy to eat. Burgers are cooked to order fresh! The grill flavor plus seasoning really come thur and they are always super juicy l've never had a dry burger here. 100% recommend!

  • David Slayback
    4 month ago

    Way better than it has any right to be, definitely worth the trip. Bring an appetite. Definitely go for cheese on your burger, there's something special about the cheddar they put on it. The burger and fries were , the PB& Banana shake even better. There's only one other place in the US, I'd take over this, Page's Creamery in Pittsburgh, and they aren't open most of the year. Only place in the Chicago area I found comparable is Johnnie's beef

  • Bryan Schuessler
    4 month ago

    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.

  • chef michael
    4 month ago

    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.

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