A great place if u want some comfort food! Pricing is good! The building is always nice to be in especially to show the kiddos if they live trains read more

If you don't get this place, you should no longer be allowed to sit at the big people table. This is classic. This is old school. This is small town, friendly neighborhood, simple, real, honest ... just damn good food. The people (on both sides of the counter) are great. The food is perfect. OK, ok. A lot of praise for without much balance. So here's the reality check. There is no classically trained chef here. No gourmet recipes or haute ingredients. If you are expecting this place to blow your mind, go somewhere that specializes in that sort of thing. If you want a good burger with lettuce and tomato, belly-up to the counter and enjoy. (and no, I don't know if the tomatoes are locally sourced, nor do I care.) read more

This is absolutely one of my favorite burger places!! They have much more than just burgers on the menu. It may be VERY small, but this place packs a punch! Their burgers are always made fresh, they are huge, full of flavor, and juicy...not greasy! When I worked down the street, I would call in my lunch order and pick it up within 15 minutes. I always got the Olive Burger and Steak Fries. Hands down the best Olive Burger I have ever had. It's hard to even find Olive Burgers on menus any more. Anyway, my second visit to pick up my order and the owner remembered me and knew me by name. Such a family oriented place, and a staple mark in the community. I no longer work downtown, but I would take the drive over there on any given day just to eat here. Love it!!!! read more

Nostalgia, Fun, Greasy, Malts, Shakes, Melts, and Burger...OO the burgers.... Seating for ~12 despite a sign stating 22. Make sure you show up early or can wait for a seat. It's an extremely small place (an actual old train depot). Right smack dab on the corner of Plainfield and Leonard. Can't miss it. Parties larger than 3 may have issues. read more

The best burger in town! The staff is so friendly. Feels like you're visiting someone's home. This is a treasure!

Big portions for big appetites in a teeny space for a tiny bill Easy to find, right next to the railroad tracks. A bright red building that you can't miss. Ample parking Quint, cozy train décor I think it seats 15. Maybe. I had the Red Caboose Meal which was a cheeseburger and fries. Burgers are cooked to order and cooked just right. Filled me up all day long; no snacking needed. read more

Great local dive. I ate here while waiting for my car to be ready at Enterpise just down the street. It's a local environ with a strictly local clientele. I was the only one in there who didn't know everyone else or the owner, server, cook. Authentic place and where else can you get a malt? Seriously. read more

Very fast service. Place is small and everyone knows each other. Very comfy place down to earth. Great american fries. Friendly staff. read more

Choo Choo Grill - Great breakfast - Burgers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

One of the best burger joints in GR. I have eaten at the Choo Choo several times for lunch and have enjoyed it every time, never had a subpar experience. The burgers are nice and juicy and the buns toasted to perfection. The steak fries are excellent, I always have a difficult time choosing between the fries and onion rings which are also great. I really like the small diner feel along with the banter that goes back and forth between the folks that own/work there. Unfortunately because it is a very small restaurant, seating is very limited, only a few booths along with seating at the counter. My advice is to plan accordingly to beat the lunch crowd. read more

After years of hearing how amazing the burgers are here, and driving past the cute little building nearly every day, we finally found a chance to stop in and give the place a try. First I have to start by saying I love the building. It's well worn in a quaint, comfortable way. It truly reminds you of a bygone diner era, and doesn't at all feel like its a new place trying to recapture and cash in on that vibe -- its the real deal. After years of hearing about the burgers, we opted for burgers. I got the Depot Burger. I can't remember if the server asked how I would like it done, but I got a burger that was somewhere around medium-well. Honestly, it was bland and flavorless. It reminded me of the burgers my mom made while I was growing up -- a thick hunk of ground beef, overcooked and somewhat dry. It just wasn't good, and I say that as someone who really, really wanted to like this place. Fat Boy up the road on Plainfield or even Russ' makes a far superior diner-style burger. The food was hot and served quickly, and the onion rings were on point, but given that Choo Choo is known for it's burgers, we expected better. I asked my dining companion what she thought of the burger, and she echoed my thoughts nearly verbatim, even mentioning that Fat Boy's burger is far better, and the Choo Choo burgers were bland and forgettable. read more

The BEST burgers in GR. Just get there for lunch early or late, as the seating is so sparse as to be nearly non-existent. The menu is pretty short, and it's really tiny, but the burgers and shakes are just great. As mentioned, don't even think about dinner at the Choo Choo, since they close early. However, if the lack of seating deters you, they do takeout orders, even by phone! read more

Over rated. This place definitely has a cult following and a group of regulars that think highly of it. read more

Had a delicious, juicy 1/2 pound cheeseburger and thick-cut steak fries, which could have had a crispier exterior but were still quite good. My buddy got some onion rings which were quite crispy and tasty. There is not much seating...I believe there are 3 booths and then counter seating. We arrived at around 1pm and had no problem snagging a table but I could imagine there being a wait at busy times. The food arrived quickly and was very fresh. The place was a little cold as we were there in January and the bathroom was freezing. The knick knacks in the window by our table were a little grungy and could use a cleaning. Lots of duct tape holding the booth seats together. All in all it was a very charming little diner with quality food. read more

I had been curious about this little oddity of an establishment for quite some time given it's diminutive stature. It looks like something out of one of those miniature Christmas village things. Inside is TINY. As the name would imply, it is chock full of railroad memorabilia. There are two small booths that could each seat approximately 4 small-medium size people, and there is a counter for about 8 people. With that said, the employees are all up in your business. They have no choice. There is nowhere else for them to go. All the food is made at a grill in plain view. The owner is friendly and easy going, and you know you are supporting these people directly. With that said, the food was okay. The burgers were nothing special at all, just frozen patties but they're perfectly cooked with the edges a little crispy. The fries were steak fries from dirty grease, again nothing special. The prices are reasonable, but not "dirt cheap" as some reviews have implied. I think a burger was about $6 and fries about $3. In summary, the food was standard greasy spoon diner fare for a reasonable price and the charm is the ambience and the small town diner feel. I'm glad I went, but no need to go back. read more

The best greasy spoon in GR. A long staple of the city, get there early for lunch to get a spot. Burgers are good and the Melts.

I have been wanting to stop in here for a long time. I have heard good things about their burgers & I definitely like a good burger. I had a day off so I decided it was the time to give them a try. Even though the place looks very small it was even smaller inside than it looks from the outside! Very limited seating but it seems to work ok for them! The staff was very friendly! The burger & fries I got were just ok. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. I liked the staff better than the burger to be honest. The chocolate peanut butter malt was quite tasty! I am definitely glad I finally tried this place. I would go here again but with the hours they have it isn't likely to be any time soon. read more

I wasn't expecting much except a decent diner burger. I had heard good things though. I was BLOWN AWAY. It was the perfect cheeseburger. It wasn't fancy, but it was what you'd want if you just want a traditional cheeseburger. Plus, everyone was super nice and it is so quaint and charming. Loved everything about my visit. Def hit the spot! I found my new favorite burger place. Thanks, Choo Choo Grill! read more

Best Burger and malts in GR! A family favorite. Carry out tasted great. Can't wait for dine to return. This will be one of our first stops. read more

Old school burger joint! Very very good place to bring a friend and enjoy the environment. It is little place but the conversations, pictures around you pack a good punch like the handmade shakes. A bit small but worth a visit after peak hours in the morning and lunch. Pick the right time and day, and you will be glad you did. A gem in GR read more

I've been going here for the better part of 35 years!! And for good reason!!! Hands down best burger I've ever had!!! The staff is always great , good conversation an occasional joke!! Like having a meal with your best friends!!! Don't miss out!!! read more

Warm small-town friendly service. Very small indoors but comfortable for a group of four or less. Excellent home cooked style burgers. read more

Choo Choo Grill - Burgers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Like most GR restaurants it's overrated. It's quirky and somewhat charming. Nothing special. food is average. You can go to BK and get something that tastes better/cheaper. read more

Headed in there to meet an old friend for lunch. Didn't really know what to expect on the way there but we were immediately greeted by a very friendly and talkative man when we arrived. I ordered a melt with some fries, and it wasn't exactly the best melt I've ever had (this might be a bias since I work at a deli and make myself a pretty good one some days for lunch) but it was still great for what you pay. They're malt shakes are fantastic though, and filling. Again, the food isn't bad, but the real charm of the place comes from the small, well-themed building and an awesome staff. Worth a stop for sure! read more

First time here today. I had the cheddar bacon melt with fries & a root beer float. Considering I ate half before I took a picture I'd say it was pretty DELICIOUS! Seriously it was really tasty. The inside is my favorite mix of old decor & retro furniture. They've been around since 1946! Prices are super affordable, the staff is friendly, down to earth & I love the high top seating & watching my food being prepared. Awesome experience, awesome food, I will definitely be back. read more

The place needs a update of upholstery but best no thrill 1 lb Legend Burger and peanut butter malt Shake I had in a long time

This place is NOT what it used to be! Obviously premade frozen burger patties, on buns from meijer, with 1 of the rudest waitresses I've had in years! Needless to say, I won't be back! read more

Always a great place to stop in. Great Berger's and just some nice people that work there

Best burgers ever! Can only be topped by the breakfasts available-the Conductor is to die for!!!

Long live the Choo Choo... This is the Grand Rapids staple hamburger joint. Make sure you get your initial grip tight, because you're going to struggle to regain the beast if you ever put her down. Enjoy the best lunch of your life... PLAN to take a nap afterward! read more

Small, very small, but perfect. Burgers are great! Service is friendly. Sit at the bar if possible for maximum effect!

First time visit and last time visit, quite disappointing. Burgers were not cheap for such a small place. Somehow we thought it would be a bit more reasonable. My husband ordered the patty melt, worse one he has ever had. No onions, mushrooms, or olives, and we did request olives, just the burger and two kinds of cheese on regular toasted bread for $6.49, no fries. I had the egg salad sandwich, so bland I only ate half of it. I don't know what all the fuss is about this place, glad we finally tried it, but very disappointed. Definitely will never go back. read more

What more is there to say about Choo Choo that hasn't been already said? This is a greasy spoon that lasted the years. Places like the Choo Choo are few and far between anymore. They died out long ago, long before my time even. You walk in and you instantly feel like a regular. Its a no frills burger joint, and it does it to perfection. No fancy mango chutney or foofoo toppings. Just what you'd expect from a place like this. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I had an oliver burger and onion rings, great meal. Get there early for lunch, seating is limited. read more

Amazing food, staff, and overall homey feeling experience. My family and I were visiting the area on a work trip, we decided to find a local spot to get some home cooked breakfast and WOW! The place is small, but great for a quick meal with the family. We even went back before we caught our flight! Coffee was to die for! read more

SO SMALL!! I was amazed that we could even eat inside, but after looking on Yelp, I saw that someone had posted some pictures and sure enough, you can eat inside. We counted and I think it can sit 15 people. We went for lunch and thankfully got a booth. NOTE: There is no bike rack if you ride your bikes. Our burgers were delicious with fresh toppings. The service was great. I wanted to try a malt but will have to another time. They had big steak fries which were amazing and the onion rings were good too! About $8-10 a person depending on what you get. read more

Burgers at the Choo Choo are like the 5 star rating says, "As good as it gets!" Don't let any limited seating scare you away, the service is so friendly and quick even if you have to wait you'll still be in and out in 25 minutes. Small town atmosphere fills the room it's a must on any GR list of to-dos. Guy F. from DDD should make a stop here. read more

A Grand Rapids landmark. Great diner burger -- their grill is seasoned!! Burgers are good, but try the peanut butter chocolate shake. Tiny restaurant. They do take-out, or come before/after lunch rush. Open only till 4 pm. Breakfast and lunch only. read more

This is a vintage little burger joint with the best burger in GR. Now, if you want a fancy schmanzy burger on a pretzel bun or made of prime rib, you will be disappointed because this is good flavored meat done on a seasoned griddle and served on a soft but toasted bun with just your usual toppings... no jalapeno peppers or goat cheese, etc. No beer but they have awesome shakes and malts made of real ice cream and milk. Service is friendly, chatty and they get to know you. Yes, there are regulars who are there every day for lunch. take out is a good option if you have claustrophobia! read more

Well, in my humble opinion, this place has It's pros and cons. On one hand, they do have good food. That goes without saying is very important. But, their hours are quite short each day. Also, the place is a bit cramped. A problem that only gets further compounded during the lunch hour. What's more, I sense that there seems to be sort of something of a "clique" type thing going on with the place. Meaning, when you're not recognized as being one of the regulars, they sort of play questions with the overall vibe of something like "So, you from around here?" (Without necessarily saying it word for word like that). And, in my case... as a former Philly resident who moved here to Grand Rapids during Summer 2016... I still take the same "leave me alone" type mindset towards strangers that I did when I was living in Philly. I mean, look... what should it matter to ANY restaurant in ANY state or town who I am, who's the person that I came into the place with sitting next to me, etc. When I go to eat out anywhere, I'm the type to simply keep it simple by eating, paying for my food, and leaving. I'm not there for idle chat with anyone serving me my food. And, I'm definitely not there to socialize and make new friends with any total stranger.... even if that total stranger is the one that cooked and/or served my food. I don't know. You, the reader, might say I'm making a big deal out of nothing with things like that. But, these things matter to me, or I wouldn't feel the need to bring it up in a Yelp review. And, for any other potential people who are much like myself about things like that... you may likewise find it a bit annoying when workers behind a lunch counter sort of make you feel like besides the actual money cost of paying for the food, another part of your cost is being made to feel as if you have to play 20 questions anytime you eat at the place. Were it not for the various shortcomings I cited in this review, I would have given the place a higher rating. read more

checked out this cafe when we missed our exit to go to Panera Bread on our trip home from Chicago. I think this could be our new travel stop. Great history with the building that is grandfathered in so it retains all the original charm of the years. Lots of train paraphenalia on the walls. Perfect for the grilled burger (and grilled bun) and great malts that are delivered in the tin still. The waitress there was so friendly too! read more

A New Yorker would feel uncomfortable here - such a friendly bit of a restaurant, where the chatty conversation includes everyone. The food is good, but plain, and the prices easily double a fast food chain. I didn't mind, bc the price includes the cozy, friendly vibe you won't find elsewhere. read more