Paradise Pup - Des Plaines, IL

Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on March 22, 2011 9:34 AM

When Chicago food authority ChiTownDiner talks about great Roadfood in his own town, you know it’s going to be beyond incredible. So when we arrived at Paradise Pup, we knew exactly what to expect. Paradise Pup and Char Grill, so named on their awning, is one of those Chicagoland gems where people wait up to an hour-plus in this tiny building for some of the best burgers and dogs in the Windy City. Chicagoans are very opinionated about their food because they demand the highest quality, and Paradise Pup has stuck to their guns in offering only fresh, homemade fare with no compromises.

Wisconsin’s Merkts Cheddar Cheese Spread is used liberally in two magnificent ways: the Merkts Cheddar Burger and the 3 Layer Fries. The one-third-pound burger is cooked to order—pink if you like—and the tangy Merkts, spread on a pillowy, bakery bun, melts unctuously onto the warm patty. Add long-sautéed onions for the ultimate treat. The fries are crinkle-cuts topped with Merkts, sour cream, and crumbled bacon. The sharp cheddar really makes a difference in both of these items, and it’s this forward-thinking that wraps a lunchtime queue around the building.

The hot dogs are also well-made and tremendously tasty. The Chicago dog, with relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, celery salt, and a pickle spear, is a worthy example of this garden-dressed style and can effortlessly compete with the same from Superdawg, Poochie’s, Wolfy’s, Weiner’s Circle, and others. The milkshakes are rich, creamy, and bursting with genuine flavor—nothing artificial here—and the raspberry option is an absolute must-try. Paradise Pup is truly heaven on a bun, whether you choose burger or dog, and our only regret is that we couldn’t possibly try everything on the menu in one visit. Paradise Pup is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed Sunday.

Overall Rating

Milkshake

Cheddar Burger

Chicago Dog

3 Layer Fries

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Posted By Don Clay on April 11, 2011 8:05 PM

Over two days I made my way to Paradise Pup and Gene & Jude's. Both were terrific but I will never forget my burger and fries topped with Merkts cheddar.

Overall Rating

Cheddar Burger

Chicago Dog

3 Layer Fries

Milkshake

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Posted By morgan ridell on April 11, 2011 4:49 PM

Crinkle cut fries? The cheapest commercial fry available, no thanks.

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