4 unique suburban dining experiences to try in 2016
A night out to Buffalo Wild Wings or Chili's is always easy and reliable, but for diners looking for something a little different, the suburbs are teeming with unique experiences.
From a restaurant that delivers customers' food on a train to a popcorn shop that's barely 4 feet wide, there are plenty of hidden gems in the area.
Here's a quick look at some places worth checking out in 2016.
Port Edward Restaurant
Located along the Fox River in downtown Algonquin, Port Edward gives diners the chance to eat on a boat that sits on a water feature inside the restaurant. The nautical-themed eatery has been around for 50 years, and boasts a robust seafood menu and Sunday champagne brunch buffet. 20 Algonquin Road, Algonquin. For more information visit http://www.portedward.com/index.htm or call (847) 658-5441.
The Choo-Choo
The Choo-Choo has been serving children and adults alike burgers on wheels since 1951, and the excitement hasn't dwindled. Diners sitting in the 27 seats "along the tracks" are served their meals by a small train that runs on the counter. The menu keeps it simple with burgers, sandwiches and ice cream, and the diner has a homey feel with items like 'soda pop' and a homemade sloppy joe. 600 Lee St., Des Plaines. For more information, visit <URL destination="http://www.thechoochoo.com/">http://www.thechoochoo.com/
</URL> or call (847) 391-9815.
The Little Popcorn Store
This quaint popcorn and candy store has been around since 1921, and at its current location in a covered alleyway since 1935. It would be easy to miss the little shop if it wasn't for its bright red door. The space is 4 feet wide and 64 feet long, but that doesn't keep customers from lining up in and outside to buy their beloved popcorn and candy from store owner Bill Wakefield. 111 1/4 Front St., Wheaton. For more, visit http://www.littlepopcornstore.com/ or call (630) 690-7712.
Chessie's Restaurant
Customers can feel like they're stepping back in time at Chessie's as they have the option of eating in a 1927 Pullman train car or the 1915 train station the restaurant claims as its main dining area. The train car and station were moved to their current location in Barrington in the late 1970s, and the menu offers steak, chicken, seafood and even gluten-free entrees. 200 Applebee St., Barrington. Visit chessies-restaurant.com/ or call (847) 382-5020.