PATCH PASSPORT: Des Plaines Offers Historic Eateries, Award Winning Golf Center, New Casino, Tropical Evenings

Patch is your guide as you become a tourist in Chicagoland. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, check out the Patch Passport series.

With the high cost of traveling these days, many folks are looking for inexpensive ways to have fun, and sometimes that means staying local. Des Plaines has a variety of restaurants and activities to satisfy even the pickiest customers. Here are some suggestions for having fun in your own backyard. 

 Attractions

The Choo-Choo Restaurant 

Before Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, the Choo-Choo was serving burgers and shakes to kids and adults alike in a diner setting that boasted counter food service delivered on a choo-choo train. This little restaurant that could, located at 600 Lee St., is still bringing smiles and delicious food via train car to families 60 years later. In addition to classic favorites, today their menu includes veggie burgers, turkey chili, and desserts. Don't forget to take a cupcake, complete with sprinkles and a train whistle, to go for the ride home.

Des Plaines Golf Center 

Named one of the top 100 golf centers in the nation by Golf Range Magazine 10 years in a row, the Des Plaines Golf Center, 353 River Road, is a local favorite. This facility offers a heated, 3-tiered golf range, a 9-hole golf course, and GolfTEC PGA certified instructors, among other amenities. After you finish on the course, head over to the Dream Golf Pro Shop to check out the top names in golf equipment and then grab a bite to eat and a cocktail at the Club Casa Cafe. Added bonus: The Golf Center is open 364 days a year. 

McDonald's Museum

Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise restaurant in Des Plaines in 1955 and the rest is...with more than 31,000 McDonald's restaurants across the world, we're pretty sure you know the history so we'll spare you all the details. But, you should know that in 1984 the original McDonald's was torn down and a replica museum, at 400 N. Lee St., put up in its place. The inside contains original cooking equipment and two male mannequins stand at the counter in the classic uniform ready to take your order. The museum is free and open to the public through Labor Day but call (847) 297-5022 for specific summer hours. Parents: The mannequins are a little creepy looking so if the kids act up, scare 'em and tell them the museum's haunted. That should keep 'em quiet. Then when you feel bad for scaring them, take them across the street to a real McDonald's for a Happy Meal. 

Rivers Casino

It's finally here folks! Well, almost. The new Des Plaines Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, is set to open July 18. This 147,000 square foot venue offers entertainment for gamblers and non-gamblers alike. Try your luck at a variety of the newest slots and classic table games such as blackjack, baccarat, craps and roulette. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as Hugo's Frog Bar and Chop House or Flipt, for a more casual dining experience. Patrons will also be able to enjoy live jazz, dancing, an outdoor patio for cocktails and more.

Tiki Terrace

Come for dinner and stay for the show! At Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St., customers can enjoy the experience of a traditional luau right in their own backyards. Munch on Egg Rolls Bora Bora, Ono Ono Udon Noodles, Honolulu Coconut Chicken, (or a burger for less daring folks) and watch dancers perform in Hawaiian, Samoan, and Tahitian costumes. Audience participation is encouraged. Oh, and don't forget to order one of their signature tropical cocktails such as the Volcano Bowl or the Martiki-tini. Dinner and show packages start at $21.

Where to Eat

• American: Enjoy baked caramel apple crepe's for breakfast and the signature beef brisket sandwich for lunch at Katie's Kitchen, 623 N. Wolf Road or head over to the , 1494 N. Miner St., celebrating it's 90th year in business for the peanut butter French toast and endless coffee.
• Italian: Enjoy a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, and more at , 686 Lee St., a quaint eatery and perfect for a quiet night out. Remember it's BYOB though! Can't forget the wine (or you may end up eating alone).
• Japanese: At  Japanese Restaurant, 1526 Miner St., diners can choose from a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi. Not into raw fish? Drink away your fear with a bottle of a sake! Sake isn't up your alley either? Have some green tea and chicken teriyaki. The fried banana dessert is worth the trip alone.
• Mexican: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a Margarita! Head over to , 1535 Ellinwood Ave. and start with a bowl of endless chips and salsa and end with flan for dessert.
• Vietnamese: Get your spice on at , 1436 Miner St., where you can enjoy dishes such as gòi cuôn or gà kho gung.

What to Buy

Take something home from these local shops, whether it's Des Plaines flavored popcorn, a Prada purse or schnitzels!

• Come to , 36 E. Northwest Highway, for fresh cinnamon rolls and the highly recommended donuts.
• Check out , 1425 Ellinwood Ave., to get your hands on fresh carnitas, chihuahua cheese, tamales and more.
• Find pierogi, schnitzels, nalesniki, Polish noodles and more at My Polish Deli, 652 W. Algonquin Road.
• You'll find more than 50 varieties of popcorn at , 1460 Miner St., including a signature Des Plaines flavor of caramel and cheese. But that's not all! Take home gourmet chocolates and Maurice Lenell cookies too.
• Twice Around Resale Shop, 612 Lee St., offers high end men's, women's and children's clothing at a fraction of their retail prices. They've got purses, dresses, suits, jewelry and accessories for the whole family.

Upcoming Events

• Des Plaines Summer Fling - Thurs - Fri, July 21 - 22, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m./ Sat - Sun, July 23 - 24, noon - 11 p.m. Arts and crafts, food from local eateries, activities for kids, and music from several bands, including 10,000 Maniacs. $3 donation is suggested.