Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. Early January 2013.

Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. Early January 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Those classic American roadside drive in eatery fast food restaurants of the past, just might be making a comeback in the greater Chicagoland area. Rand Red Hots located on Rand Road, just northwest of the intersection of River Road in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois, was until recently, an independent used car dealership with an ugly mustard yellow and white exterior paint job. There was absolutely no mistaking the building's architecture, as it indicated that this was once one of those roadside drive in establishments from the 1950's and 60's era that was still standing, but serving an altogether different purpose. Rand Red Hots opened in 2012, after the owner of Bob O's Hot Dogs on West Irving Park Road in Chicago purchased this former drive in restaurant building that was believed to be a former Cock Robin Ice Cream store location, and restored it to it's original purpose as a roadside drive in restaurant. The food is good here and the prices re within reason. The fresh cut french fries alone is another good reason to dine here. Thanks. Eddie K.