My daughter is at that perfect age where she loves going out to restaurants (me too!) If you’re looking to change things up and elevate lunch or dinner, 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 vintage diner 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. All aboard!
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.
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
The Naperville location has closed, but 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. Sign up your kids up for the birthday club to get a postcard in the mail for a free meal and dessert.
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
After being closed for kitchen updates, the Choo Choo diner is back open! Grass-fed beef burgers and hot dogs are delivered by train at this destination first opened in 1951.
Windhill Pancake Parlor
3307 W Elm Street
McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 385-1172
Enjoy the Victorian 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.
Tyler’s Tender Railroad Restaurant
350 East U.S. Highway 30
Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 322-5590
This train restaurant adds to the experience with a big ride-on train that goes around its own track, an interactive O-scale model train, and an arcade room. Classic American favorites are delivered via model flatbed train car. Be sure to join their birthday club for a special gift.
Chessies 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.
Our round-up of 25 extra-fun restaurants for kids includes even more themed and destination restaurants to delight young diners.
