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    2Toots Train Whistle Grill

    3.4 (173 reviews)
    InexpensiveDiners, Burgers, American
    Closed Closed

    2Toots Train Whistle Grill Photos

    2TOOTS TRAIN WHISTLE GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    A loooong counter

    I don't even want to give one star... We arrived at the restaurant at 12:30 on a Tuesday. We had 4 adults, 4 teenagers and 2 toddlers. Right away I spotted 2 booths back to back. We were all there to celebrate our granddaughters 4th birthday. I asked the server that greeted us if we could sit at the 2 booths but she right away told us that they needed to keep one open for other people at that time I told her WE were other people and we were there. Hindsight I should have let the teens check in separately. My grandson even approached me and said they wanted to just leave and go to another restaurant but my son was upset as we were there to celebrate his daughter. Anytime we have eaten there it has always been open seating. She told us that some of us had to sit at the counter. It was extremely uncomfortable for us all as we couldn't figure out why she wouldn't let us sit at the booths. Our 4 teen grands & the birthday girl sat at the counter. It was the entire length of the counter so the teens that were in the 3rd 4th & 5th seat were totally disconnected from our party. 5 min in another family came in and sat in the booth behind us. The server finally came to take our drink orders after 10 min then when she delivered our drinks the ones that ordered a shake did not get their spoon or straw. She came to me and just dropped a handful of straws and spoons then walked away. The ones seated at the counter far from me had to be passed all the way to them when she could have easily delivered them. After finally ordering, another booth across from us opened and I asked the server if the counter kids could move but she said they were fine at the counter. I explained they were unable to talk to each other and she rolled her eyes at us. Our entire bill was $204.50. I have never paid so much money to be so upset in my life and I have never felt compelled to write a bad review ever! Good yes. Bad NO. When I got home I called to talk to the manager who was on duty and saw the whole situation unfold. He chose to ignore / not step in to assist his customers. I told him if it was his mandate to tell people they couldn't have 2 booths then he as the manager needed to step in. I also told him I had never seen the restaurant so busy yayyy him but pretty much after we arrived it started clearing out so they definitely could have accommodated our request. He was as ineffective on the phone as he was at the time of our visit. Also, one of our teens said that her fries tasted like soap and my burger had a big chunk of meat missing. All in all it's a great & entertaining place for children but... don't go with a large group and expect great service‼

    booths and counter
    Marta M.

    We loved the Glen Ellyn location so now they we've moved to south Elgin, we just had to try Bartlett for my kiddo's 10th birthday (if you join the mailing list they send a postcard for a free birthday entree and dessert). We were the only ones there for a bit (since we decided to go right after school), but it was still a lot of fun! The service was friendly and had great music. Love the old diner vibes and my kids really enjoy the train that brings you your food. Plus the ride on horse was fun too! Definitely will be back.

    a toy train on a track
    Charmaine D.

    Such a cute place. Very low key diner with basic food that tasted good. It was fun watching the train past by and then stop to drop off our food.

    Interior of Restaurant
    Reem K.

    This spot is doable if you have kids. My nephew is obsessed with trains, so he loves coming here. They just recently re-opened for dine-in if I am not mistaken. The food is average and based on portion and flavor/taste of the food it is slightly on the pricier side. However, as mentioned before the entertainment value for the kids makes it more worthwhile. The host was welcoming and the waitress was friendly and attentive. They also have a slow-moving mechanical horse, so be ready to spend some of your quarters!

    This now three year old is right where she wants to be.
    Mike O.

    My better half and I visited 2 Toots Train Whistle Restaurant this past Tuesday night. The occasion was a granddaughter's third birthday. We came in from Aurora, the birthday girls parents came in from Hanover Park and the other grandparents came in from Rolling Meadows. It seems the birthday girl had a good experience at 2 Toots once before. It was a wonderful selection. The restaurant was very clean, and the food perfect. Hamburgers are grass fed beef and they use no seasoning. Imagine that? Hamburgers with no salt or pepper and the taste is wonderful. The staff is exceptional. Manager Juan fit us perfectly around a corner so we could get time with the 3 year old. Our server, Katia, was exceptional, making sure our orders were correct and checking on our every need. This restaurant is part of a chain of restaurants, and there is one close to where we live. However, this place was worth the hour drive to get there. Bueno, Juan. Thank you and your staff for their service.

    H D.

    My family and I came here just to get a bite to eat and get out of the house on a rainy day. We weren't sure what to expect but it's actually pretty cute. Walking in reminds me of a 1950s style ice cream shop/dinner. Oldies music playing. The king himself was playing as we entered. Super cute here with booths or high top counter seating. I love that. We chose counter seating. After that you instantly notice the train! It is on the counter where you eat but there is plenty of room to enjoy food and enjoy the passing train. Your food is also delivered to you by the train. The waitress clicks a button so it stops in front of you and she serves you the food off one of the train cars baskets which is super clever. Then the train is on it's merry way again. 25 cent to machines by the door as you leave is a bit hit with the kiddos. Also 25 cent pony rides for the cow boys and girls out there! Fantastic! Food was tasty. Good burgers (grass fed beef), hot dogs(also grass fed beef) and chicken fingers. Fries are great! Chocolate malt was just like childhood. Our waitress was a doll. Super sweet and friendly and helpful. Kids loved their cupcakes with train whistles on the top. It's definitely an original place and so fun for the family or to just grab a tasty burger and fries. I'm assuming the gentleman greeting and waving goodbye, is the owner. He watched over the front and tinkered around the train tracks a bit. I like seeing the owner in his establishment ya know? It says a lot about him and his business when he takes pride in it and doing it right and making people leave his establishment with a smile. Me and mine will return! You can count on it!

    Chicken sandwich

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    6 years ago

    Cute place for younger kids. Decent food for the price. Friendly service- seems to be family run and you can tell.

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    7 years ago

    Friendly staff. Great old school burger. The train will make anyone smile. A big 5 toots!

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    Page 2 of 5

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    Review Highlights - 2Toots Train Whistle Grill

    2 Toots has the benefit of a trackside location, so kids can check out the freight trains whenever they pass.

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    Upstairs dining room area
    Upstairs dining room area
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    Photos
    Quesabirria tacos!! Amazing!!
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    Queso fundido con chorizo yummy!!
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    Chile relleno dinner! Delicious!!

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    Chile relleno dinner! Delicious!!

    2Toots Train Whistle Grill - diners - Updated June 2026

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