Paradise Pup has been doing Chicago-style fast food the right way since 1985 from a small roadside shack on South River Road in Des Plaines, Illinois. It appeared in Season 2, Episode 9 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “Family Owned,” aired November 23, 2007 — and Guy Fieri called the Char Cheddar Burger the “mac daddy of all burgers.” That’s high praise from someone who has eaten a lot of burgers, and the line that regularly wraps around the building confirms the locals agree.
This is an 800-square-foot operation with a walk-up window, outdoor picnic tables, and a kitchen that char-grills everything to order. No dining room. No shortcuts. Just great food served fast.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Paradise Pup
City: Des Plaines, Illinois
Cuisine: Burgers / Hot Dogs
DDD Season: 2
DDD Episode: 9
Episode Title: Family Owned
Original Air Date: November 23, 2007
Address: 1724 S. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-699-8590
Status: Open
About Paradise Pup
Paradise Pup opened in 1985 and has been a Des Plaines institution ever since, operating out of the same small shack on South River Road with the same straightforward approach: char-grill everything, use quality ingredients, keep the prices reasonable, and let the food do the talking. The Merkts cheddar — a spreadable Wisconsin cheddar cheese spread — is the secret weapon on the signature burger and the ingredient most people mention when they describe what makes it different.
The operation is cash preferred, walk-up only, with picnic tables outside for seating. It has won multiple Silver Platter Awards and been named one of the best burgers near Chicago by multiple publications. The DDD appearance brought national attention but the line was already there before Guy Fieri showed up.
What to Eat at Paradise Pup
The Char Cheddar Burger — a one-third pound patty char-grilled and topped with Merkts Wisconsin cheddar, served on a bakery bun — is the dish. It’s what Guy called the mac daddy and it’s what regulars order every time. The Italian Beef stuffed and served piping hot with spicy giardiniera is the other standout. The Paradise Pup — a classic Chicago char-dog — is the hot dog version of the same approach.
The Three-Layer Fries — crinkle fries loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream — are the side that turns a good meal into a great one. The Banana Shake is the dessert regulars won’t skip.
For a taste of Flavortown in your own backyard, grab More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for 60 more great stops, or pick up Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Dry Rub Variety Pack to season your own burgers at home.
Plan Your Visit
Paradise Pup is open Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Sundays. Walk-up window only. Cash preferred. Call ahead if you want to order before you arrive.
Address: 1724 S. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-699-8590
Status: Open
Flavortown Approved
The Char Cheddar Burger energy deserves to carry into your kitchen. Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Dry Rub Variety Pack is the starting point for anyone who wants to bring that backyard char-grill flavor home.
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Paradise Pup appeared in Season 2, Episode 9 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Family Owned,” originally aired November 23, 2007.