Paradise Pup

On the surface, there is no reason to think that Paradise Pup should even be brought up in the same sentence as Kuma's Corner, or Burger Bar, or DMK Burger Bar, or Bad Apple. It's a small hamburger (and hot dog) stand out in the burbs (Des Plaines) run by a couple of brothers for the last 24 years and located next to a garage. It's also under one of O'Hare Airport's landing paths. It has indoor seating at a counter for about 10 people and about 6 round picnic tables that will seat about 6 each but if you come hear for lunch which is the only time it's open, frequently, you will see a line out the door and a wait of at least 20 minutes before ordering. It doesn't look like much, but it has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and by Andrew Zimmern. While there is something to be said for all of their food, what they are famous for are their burgers, specifically the bacon cheddar char burger, a 1/3 pound burger chargrilled and served on a challah roll with grilled carmelized onions, merkt cheddar, 2 slices of applewood smoked bacon and the typical lettuce and tomato. The fries, which you have to order separately, come plain, with cheddar, or three layer which is bacon cheddar and sour cream. When I go there, I figure if I'm going to eat heart attack food, I might as well go all the way. If you happen to be in Des Plaines around lunch time check this place out.