stevez wrote:While the burgers were cooking, our hot dogs were served. I was a little disappointed in my hot dog. It didn't seem to have the nice snap I remembered from orders past. It could have been due to the fact that it was winter time and not as many dogs were being served as in the summer months.

Steve,

Not to worry, I was there this week, snow was on the ground, and the dog was damn good, nice snap, steamed bun, onions, mustard and sport peppers. Frankly, on this day at least, the hot dog was better than the burger as my cheddar burger was well done to a grey middle and quite salty.

Enjoy,
Gary

George wrote:

YourPalWill wrote:The burger, IMO, doesn't travel well. The bun tends to disintegrate.

I heard once that the best hope against having a burger bun disintegrate is to spread a thin layer of may on the top and bottom buns. Since the juices can't penetrate the fats in the mayo the bun stays intact longer. This method may not work too well for a burger that's wrapped (and therefore steaming) in wax paper.

Yes, that is true. I believe it's a French influence but I could be mistaken. I actually believe this is the main reason why mayo was initially available on a burger. I learned this a few years back and have always prepared my home burgers in this manner, since I prefer a softer bun.

Although I have loved Paradise Pup's burgers in the past, I just can't imagine going back anytime soon. The burgers were good on our last visit a couple of weeks ago, but the cleanliness (which was NEVER their top draw) has fallen considerably. Keep in mind that I typically overlook "minor" problems that would make other folks bolt for the door.

Now, the weather was very, very cold, and the crowds were nowhere to be seen, otherwise this may have just been the aftermath of a huge lunchtime mass of people overflowing the small interior.

And I'm not trying to drive people away so the lines are quicker for myself, although don't think I haven't thought of doing that for a faster combo at Johnny's. Anyway, I'm posting just to see what other people think and if their observations are close to mine. This may have just been an anomaly.

ohfreddie wrote:Although I have loved Paradise Pup's burgers in the past, I just can't imagine going back anytime soon. The burgers were good on our last visit a couple of weeks ago, but the cleanliness (which was NEVER their top draw) has fallen considerably. Keep in mind that I typically overlook "minor" problems that would make other folks bolt for the door.

Now, the weather was very, very cold, and the crowds were nowhere to be seen, otherwise this may have just been the aftermath of a huge lunchtime mass of people overflowing the small interior.

And I'm not trying to drive people away so the lines are quicker for myself, although don't think I haven't thought of doing that for a faster combo at Johnny's. Anyway, I'm posting just to see what other people think and if their observations are close to mine. This may have just been an anomaly.

Hmmmm . . . I've never had any issues with either the food or cleanliness at the Pup and I eat there on average about once per week (of course, more often in nicer weather). I hope that if you noticed something specific that you deemed "unclean," you mentioned it to them??? They're the nicest guys and I'm sure they'd want to know. Anyway, I am not going to waste time trying to convince anyone to go to the Pup . . . I'd prefer shorter lines.

I went to the Pup for the 1st time today for lunch, with my GF who is native Chicagoan and has been dying to take me there. I was very impressed! We landed there at noon, and there was a full line inside, but it still only took about 10 minutes to get our burgers, fries, soda and shake - the banana coconut pie shake...wowza! I got the bacon cheddar char burger, friggin' perfect. Juicy, with great heaps of all the trimmings and a nice soft bun to help soak up the juice from the patty. The seasoned fries were quite addictive as well. We ate at the little counter on the window, cuz I can't imagine eating one of these beautiful messes in the car.

I'll definitely be back to try the dogs and other goodies!

Oh, and the guys behind the counter (owners and other staff) we're extremely friendly and cheery.

For whatever reason, Paradise Pup is always closed when I try to go there. Yesterday, they were closed for "Memorial Day weekend." They will be closed today, too.

LAZ wrote:For whatever reason, Paradise Pup is always closed when I try to go there. Yesterday, they were closed for "Memorial Day weekend." They will be closed today, too.

I agree - their days are strangely erratic. It took me forever to actually get to eat a burger there. Based on many unrewarding drives there, I have determined that they seem to close in a pattern that generally follows school calendars with, as you noted, some additional days.

Jyoti

jygach wrote:

LAZ wrote:For whatever reason, Paradise Pup is always closed when I try to go there. Yesterday, they were closed for "Memorial Day weekend." They will be closed today, too.

I agree - their days are strangely erratic. It took me forever to actually get to eat a burger there. Based on many unrewarding drives there, I have determined that they seem to close in a pattern that generally follows school calendars with, as you noted, some additional days.

Jyoti

Unless you're already in the area, I'd definitely recommend calling before making a trip out there. The number's (847) 699-8590, and while they're usually open 11 A.M. - 5 P.M., Mon. - Sat., they were closed for two weeks following Christmas last year, so time off can be rather extended on occasion. (Found that out luckily on a pre-X-mas trip, thankfully.)

Man, I miss Paradise Pup's burgers. I used to him them for lunch when I used to worked near Cumberland & Bryn Mawr...

It should be noted that the Pup is run by three brothers with no other employees. I think that their work philosophy is similar to that of Doug Sohn. They'll work hard during their hours of operation and take ample time to recharge their batteries after 20 years of running this place six days a week. It certainly doesn't stop folks from lining up every day that they are open.

YourPalWill wrote:It should be noted that the Pup is run by three brothers with no other employees. I think that their work philosophy is similar to that of Doug Sohn. They'll work hard during their hours of operation and take ample time to recharge their batteries after 20 years of running this place six days a week. It certainly doesn't stop folks from lining up every day that they are open.

Every time I've been there they've had a 4th guy, obviously not a brother, cooking the fries. But yea, those guys work their butts off.

Last time I was there, a couple of Saturdays ago, there was a woman there, too- looked like the wife of one of the brothers, maybe.

Has anyone tried their most recent addition, the banana coconut cream pie shake? It's really good- rich banana shake (maybe some coconut flavor in there, too) with toasted coconut flakes on top.

Other than being closed for the usual holidays and unfortunately not being open past 5pm, I haven't noticed anything erratic about their hours. Pretty much what I'd expect from a small, family-run place that puts quality first. The hours limit me to going on weekends and days off, but I think absence makes the heart grow fonder.

The Pup is running loose in my head ever since I had it about a month ago. I'm thinking of buying a time share in Des Plaines just to be close. At any rate, I heard that the Weiner Circle uses Merkt's Cheddar but my recollection, albeit intoxicatedly bias, is of cheez whiz. Thoughts?

Also I need another greasy spoon burger joint in Lake View/Uptown/Bucktown area...any?

CSN wrote:The Pup is running loose in my head ever since I had it about a month ago. I'm thinking of buying a time share in Des Plaines just to be close. At any rate, I heard that the Weiner Circle uses Merkt's Cheddar but my recollection, albeit intoxicatedly bias, is of cheez whiz. Thoughts?

Also I need another greasy spoon burger joint in Lake View/Uptown/Bucktown area...any?

Not that it has much to do with GNR Winner Paradise Pup, but yes, Wiener's Circle uses Merkt's Cheddar on their fries and burgers.

Thanks and definitely not comparing Weiner Circle's burger to Paradise Pup's...its just that one of the reasons (one) as to why I don't like Wiener Circle's burger is the cheddar and I was suprised to hear that it was the same cheddar used on the Paradise Pup burger. Aside form other variables, it may have something to do with the amount and placement of cheddar. Paradise's Cheddar is spread on the bun while Weiner Circle places it on the burger in greater amounts.

CSN wrote:Thanks and definitely not comparing Weiner Circle's burger to Paradise Pup's...its just that one of the reasons (one) as to why I don't like Wiener Circle's burger is the cheddar and I was suprised to hear that it was the same cheddar used on the Paradise Pup burger. Aside form other variables, it may have something to do with the amount and placement of cheddar. Paradise's Cheddar is spread on the bun while Weiner Circle places it on the burger in greater amounts.

I'll second that the Wiener Circle definitely doesn't use Cheez Whiz on their char-broiled cheddarburgers. The cheddar can be overwhelming (in quantity and consistency) on the fries -- as at Poochie's on Dempster -- but the greater goopiness on the WC cheddarburgers doesn't detract too much from the fine flavor for me. The Pup's proportions do trump Wiener Circle in overall taste and effect, however, perhaps due to this difference in grease.

stevez wrote:Not that it has much to do with GNR Winner Paradise Pup, but yes, Wiener's Circle uses Merkt's Cheddar on their fries and burgers.

Unless they changed recently, I don't think they use Merkt's

I paid a visit to Paradise Pup yesterday. I'm happy to report that despite ongoing flood clean-up efforts elsewhere in Des Plaines, Paradise Pup is open and doing as much business as ever.

Paradise Pup 10/3/08



Not much has changed, except that they are no longer serving Red Hot Chicago natural casing dogs, opting instead for natural casing Viennas. The food is a good as ever.

Paradise Pup


Swiss Burger


I'm happy to report that the GNR Plaque is proudly on display right next to pictures of their Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives appearance and just above The Hungry Hound.

Paradise Pup Wall-O-Fame


Paradise Pup
1724 S River Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
847-699-8590

stevez wrote:I paid a visit to Paradise Pup yesterday. I'm happy to report that despite ongoing flood clean-up efforts elsewhere in Des Plaines, Paradise Pup is open and doing as much business as ever.

Actually, they seem to be doing more business than ever. I was dropping a friend at O'Hare, so we stopped there yesterday also. At 1:30 pm, the line was out the door and around the corner of the building. We just gave up.

d4v3 wrote:Actually, they seem to be doing more business than ever. I was dropping a friend at O'Hare, so we stopped there yesterday also. At 1:30 pm, the line was out the door and around the corner of the building. We just gave up.

Hey, that's just about the time I was there.

I don't believe they are doing any more business than they typically have done. I think the problem is that service has slowed down considerably (some would say that's not possible because it was always slow), and as a result, I cut back from my once a week visits to once every two to three weeks (I find myself going to Bob-O's more often . . . which I like less, but I'm happy to say that their freshly cut fries are crispier and better than ever). It's now rare that I can get there, order and get my food in less than 30 minutes.

Perhaps the problem is that one of the guys who was a fixture at the place for as long as I've been going there (more than 10 years) has not been seen in months (not sure why, although there seems to be someone new working there), and the seasoned fries also seem to be on the lam (I prefer the plain ones, but the absence of seasoned fries has caused some of my friends a little pain).

Now what they do serve is still as good as ever in terms of quality, but be forewarned that the service is slower than ever and I really hope they deal with this issue because it is very frustrating and the Pup has always been one of my favorite spots for lunch.

BR wrote:I don't believe they are doing any more business than they typically have done. I think the problem is that service has slowed down considerably...

That theory makes sense. Where (what) is Bob-O's ? I am always looking for an alternative place in the area to stop for a (quick) bite on the way to the airport. Stopping at the Pup used to be a ritual, but the service is sometimes so slow, I end up driving like a madman so somebody doesn't miss a flight.

I believe the Bob-o's (or however it is spelled) referred to here is on the north side of Irving Park a couple blocks east of Cumberland. It is not in the same league as Paradise Pup, but its decent enough in its own right, and there is rarely much of a line.

-ramon

Ramon wrote:I believe the Bob-o's (or however it is spelled) referred to here is on the north side of Irving Park a couple blocks east of Cumberland. It is not in the same league as Paradise Pup, but its decent enough in its own right, and there is rarely much of a line.

-ramon

You're correct . . . Bob-O's info is as follows:

8258 W Irving Park Rd. (just west of Cumberland),
Chicago, IL
773.625.9840

Bob-O's is also mentioned on the first page of this thread.

There is never a line and there is seating along a long counter inside, and picnic table seating outside. Parking is also very easy (unlike the Pup) . . . there's parking on both sides of the building and lots of parking on the side street just north of the restaurant.

I like their Italian beef, cheesy beef and fries the most. They make a decent chicken teriyaki sandwich and a pretty good Polish. Bob-O's is definitely not in the same league as the Pup when it comes to burgers or teriyaki chicken, but blows the Pup out of the water with respect to french fries and I actually prefer Bob-O's Italian beef too.

rdstoll wrote:Have not yet unclogged enough space in my arteries to wolf down an order of three-layered fries (sour cream, cheese, bacon) but look forward to doing so shortly.

I had these once, ages ago, and might be going back today, now that you mention it. I've been telling Pie Dude about these for years. Don't miss 'em!

Paradise Pup is not in my normal travel pattern, so I hadn't visited until a week ago. My friend wanted to try the hot dogs, and I had the same. The wait in line was 30+ minutes - and not justified for me by the dog that's served. Even if I lived in the area I wouldn't wait in line that long for the food. The burgers did look inviting. The dog was no better / no worse than what you can get in other places around Chicago. The fries were substandard but the onion rings were okay. Given the fact that it's a 30-minute ride from where I live - I won't be visiting once again any time soon. A GNR? Maybe the definition of "Great" has changed - but I don't see it.

I know it's counterintuitive that the burger is the thing to have at a place called Paradise Pup, but the burger is the thing to have.

If you get to Paradise Pup and the line is too long or they are closed, Mrs. V's, just north, is a very good diner. Not fast food, so it won't help the folks who need a quick lunch, but it's a good sit-down option if you'd rather not stand in line.

I've had a pup jones for a while, and every time I see that line snaked out the door, I usually give up. I stumbled upon Evan's on Touhy, just west of River Rd. They satisfied my burger jones. Their IB isn't spectacular, but ok. I've been meaning to give their gryo's a try, they are heavy on greek specialties.

Bob-O's is ok, but its farther out of my way, I prefer Frannies on River Rd in Schiller Park. I've been pretty happy with whatever I've gotten on their menu.

fearlessfitz wrote:I stumbled upon Evan's on Touhy, just west of River Rd. They satisfied my burger jones. Their IB isn't spectacular, but ok. I've been meaning to give their gryo's a try, they are heavy on greek specialties.

I like Evans for their kabobs . . . chicken and pork. They're nicely seasoned, served with rice or fries (I don't like the fries), two very nicely griddled pitas and tzatziki sauce, and onions and tomatoes (which are largely raw, and I wish they were grilled a little more).