It’s a burger! It’s a train! No, it’s Snackville Junction! While Snackville Junction lacks a heroic stance and a cape, it serves up super food at a good price. It is a train-themed restaurant.
Located at 9144 S. Kedzie, it is definitely an amazing place for the kid in all of us. From the railroad tracks on the floor to the antique train signs and advertisements lining the walls, this place pretty much oozes railroad.
Upon pulling up to Snackville Junction, I had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by two “railroad crossing” signs flanking the main entrance.
When I walked in, I pulled up a seat at the counter, and began to take in all that there was to see. Trains, trains, and more trains. There was a small engraving on the ceiling above the counter of a train. The floor has railroad tracks. The whole place is extraordinary.
Not only is this place visually stimulating, the food is actually very good. I indulged in the Cheddarnooga Choo Choo, which is the cheddar burger. My friend had the Coupler, which is the Italian beef with mozzarella.
My burger was dripping with juice and was extremely good. The coupler, though, was in a whole other league. It was dipped so it was juicy, but the meat was tender and not too heavily spiced. That being said, the mozzarella was a perfect complement to the beef, with all its cheesy, gooey goodness.
A cheddar burger here will cost you $5.09, and the Coupler will cost $6.49. This cost includes entertainment while you watch your food arrive to you on a small train that runs around the counter and into the kitchen.
Every time there’s food to be served around the counter, the train starts to run down the track with the food in tow as a train whistle is sounded by the waitress.
It’s a treat to watch this little train carry your wonderful meal. When the sign says “Serve by train diner” they were not joking! You really are served by train.
The one item I ordered that did not come by train, is the milkshake. The milkshake was delicious, though. It was so thick, I almost couldn’t drink it through the straw! They are made with real ice cream and flavoring, and they are just all-around a good treat to indulge in.
The waitress was very friendly, and the boys in the kitchen are really friendly when welcoming guests into the restaurant.
I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that coming here fed my inner preschooler. You will come for the novelty of the trains but stay for the food. It is a really spectacular place, and it is very reasonable for a college student looking for something fun and tasty.
Trains as far as you can see and outstanding food for a decent price? Yes. Such a place actually does exist. Snackville Junction is a truly special place if you’re looking for a good burger, beef, or just want to feed the little kid in all of us as well as your stomach.
Snackville Junction is located at 9144 S. Kedzie, Evergreen Park, Illinois. Call for hours, at (708) 423-1313.
Sam Cotugno
Features Contributor