Choo Choo Johnny's

While fundamentally Choo Choo Johnny's is a good idea, it is best not to go in with high expectations in regard to the cuisine.  While my 3 year old daughter and 15 month old son enjoyed the fun trains, rides, and arcade like games, the food was ok at best and it was difficult to eat healthy in the slightest.

First Impressions
I find it funny that they have a basket of plastic train whistles at the entrance with a sign instructing parents to feel free to take one, but to refrain from taking it until it is time to leave.  I don't blame the staff one bit for this, but you would think it would be a clue to parents that it might not be the best idea to take one home either.  We were seated by our waitress, or conductor at a counter that is shared by half of the patrons.  There is another counter parallel to this one for the other half, if it gets that busy.  When we ate there, there were only two other couples there with their children and they seemed to know each other.  Service was prompt and our drinks and orders were taken right away.

The Kids Menu
The only thing remotely healthy on the kids menu was the option of having a fruit cup instead of fries with the entree, and even that is just canned fruit poured in a bowl with sugar water.  I would go so far as to say that the choices for kids are disgustingly unhealthy from their mini corn dogs to their deep fried mac and cheese.

The Adult Menu
The adult menu is not much better than the kids menu.  I did have the "Conductor's Special," which is a char-grilled chicken breast with red sauce and mozzarella cheese on a "gourmet bun."  I requested mine with the sauce on the side and took off half of the bun, but the chicken was so dry that it needed the sauce after all.  My husband ordered the burger, which according to the waitress was the best food there, and found himself eating a processed burger paddy on a bun. 

Overall Experience
The meals were brought to us on a train in baskets and there was plenty of entertainment for the kids, but everything comes with a price.  The meals were unsatisfying and unhealthy and still cost quite a bit for what we got.  While the trains and the meal delivery was enchanting, it did not seem worth the price.  I do believe that if my daughter were to choose, she would love to go back.  If you are looking for somewhere fun to take the kids, based solely on the experience, I could recommend the Naperville location of Choo Choo Johnny's.  The wait staff was pleasant and the kids enjoyed themselves.  But as an overall family experience, I can not recommend them.

Taste:  OK at best
Menu:  Some variety, mainly processed and fried foods, no real healthy options
Affordability:  Expensive for what it is
Atmosphere:  Great kids atmosphere, friendly staff
Cleanliness:  Clean
Website:  http://www.choochoojohnnysfranchise.com/menu.htm
Rating: Two and a half stars