My kids are huge lovers of all things trains! They especially love going out to local train themed restaurants (me too!). If you’re looking to elevate lunch or dinner with your train loving child, grab your family and chug along to one of these train restaurants.
Features like trains that deliver your food, train tables to play with, and authentic, vintage train decor make these experiences extra memorable. You’ll be sure to have a kid-approved meal that they’ll be talking about for weeks.
Keep in mind that the restaurants can get pretty crowded at peak times, so you may want to plan your outing for a less frequent time of the day. Some restaurants do recommend reservations (noted below!) All aboard!
Chessie’s Restaurant
200 Applebee Street (Ice House Mall)
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 382-5020
Slightly different than the other train restaurants, Chessie’s allows you to dine in a 1927 Illinois Railroad Car. Its a little less casual than the other train-themed options, but offers a children’s menu for kids to enjoy. This may be a more appropriate restaurant trip for your older train lover.
2Toots Train Whistle Grill
203 S. Main Street
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 213-6700
450 N. Main Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 858-4300
2Toots Train Whistle Grill still has locations in Bartlett and Glen Ellyn to delight train-loving kids. Every seat is along the train track at this grill that serves up grass-fed beef burgers and hot dogs. There is also a gluten free menu. Sign up your kids up for the birthday club to get a postcard in the mail for a free meal and dessert. Why not enjoy taking the train to Glen Ellyn on the Union Pacific West Metra Line to then eat lunch in a train themed restaurant, where a real life train delivers your food? It doesn’t get much better than that.
If you want to make a combo trip out of your lunch at 2 Toots in Glen Ellyn, check out Cosley Zoo down the way in Wheaton (not walkable from the train) and the real life caboose inside. Your train lover can climb on and walk through the caboose.
Check out Katie’s review of 2Toots Train Whistle Grill for more on the experience.
The Choo Choo Diner
600 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(224) 284-4904
Grass-fed beef burgers and hot dogs are delivered by train at this destination first opened in 1951. The Choo Choo Diner is located right off the Union Pacific North West Metra Line and would make for a great stop for your train lover.
The Junction Diner
7401 W. Madison Street
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 771-5276
Kids will enjoy having their meal delivered to them via model train chugging around the counter. After their meal, kids can also play at a large train table. If you are looking for a combo trip in Forest Park, check out the Forest Park Public Library Story Times. Seasonally they even host Storytime in the Park at the local pocket parks. Check the calendar here.
Windhill Pancake Parlor
3307 W Elm Street
McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 385-1172
Enjoy the vintage atmosphere at the Windhill Pancake Parlor. Kids can enjoy their famous fluffy pancakes delivered on a large model train. They are open for breakfast and lunch daily, and open late on Fridays. Call 815-385-1172 to reserve your train spot, as they are limited!
Tyler’s Tender Railroad Restaurant
350 East U.S. Highway 30
Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 322-5590
If you’re up for a little road trip, this train restaurant ups the ante. Tyler’s Tender Railroad Restaurant adds to the train lover’s experience with a big ride-on train that goes around its own track. Additionally there is an interactive O-scale model train, and an arcade room. Classic American menu favorites are delivered via model flatbed train car. Be sure to join their birthday club for a special gift.
Our round-up of 25 extra-fun restaurants for kids includes even more themed and destination restaurants to delight young diners.
