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We came in search of a classic but modest comestible: the hot dog. The setting for this hunt was the erstwhile “hog butcher for the world,” as the poet Carl Sandburg put it: Chicago. Now is the season of the oblong dog : baseball, Fourth of July, backyard cookouts, outdoor concerts. So, from stand to stand, steamer to steamer, grill to grill, we took a taste of the finest wieners (hold the congressional jokes, please – and the ketchup too!) that the “City of Broad Shoulders” had to offer. As for criterion, there was only one we sought in the frankfurters: it had to taste tangy, sweet and salty all in one bite. (And for full disclosure: I’m a native Nort’ Sider, born within earshot of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” of Chicago’s Wrigley Field. So, several North Side destinations are listed below.) “What you want on it?” he asks. “Run it through the garden,” I tell him. That’s shorthand for “the works”: tomatoes, raw chopped onions, mustard, celery salt, relish and a pickle spear. Outside the café, many families populate the picnic tables, feasting on dogs or other grill fare. The franks here feature a culinary wrinkle: the relish is colored fluorescent green. Maybe it’s the kids who prefer the neon over the traditional green, but I like the latter hue for my relish - call me old-fashioned. There’s another nuance to the wiener terroir: the integrity of the poppy-seed bun. This one, while fresh and soft, didn’t hold up well - so bring plenty of napkins. It’s going to get messy. The cheese fries, by the way, do make for a nice complement though. The Plaza at Park Grill in Millennium Park I went for the monster: “The Colossal Chicago Char Dog,” an 8-ounce mouthful that’s charred in the open air. The Plaza at Park Grill is an outdoor restaurant at the park. It sits in a rink that, in the winter, is used for ice skating beside downtown’s signature thoroughfare, Michigan Avenue. This wiener was a fatty - a real bun buster. The grill doesn’t have a fryer for fries, so the frank is served with southwestern-style cole slaw made with black beans, corn and chili powder. The hot dog, so big that the cook has to make expansion cuts to the skin, offers a nice crunch, thanks to the charring. But for $12, the big dog seemed a bit bland. Maybe it’s because the spicy slaw steals the show. In any event, try the local brew Goose Island 312 to wash down this meal. Wolfy’s Wolfy’s has been located in the far North Side neighborhood of Rogers Park since 1967. I remember it as a kid when I delivered the now defunct Chicago Today, an afternoon daily, on my bicycle. Wolfy’s is a colorful place, with a monumental sign worthy of a Hollywood attraction. Its interior is red-and-white checkered tile. The tiling features playful caricatures such as the American Gothic couple with their pitch fork holding a hot dog. And Wolfy itself is a cartoon wolf gone wild over the sausage-in-a-bun. The steamed dogs are nothing special, but you can’t beat the family atmosphere: grandparents, parents and kids still in baseball uniforms after a game - all enjoying the American summertime classic. Just hold the hot peppers, please. Mustard’s Last Stand (Evanston, Illinois) That’s the way manager Steve Starkman, 44, designed it: a double-boiler ensures that the all-beef dogs are cooked at a consistent temperature of about 170 degrees. Starkman won’t even set up a coffee bar as the scent would compromise the atmosphere. “You want it Chicago style?” grill master Angelo Alvarado, 41, inquires. Let’s be clear here. It’s beyond heresy to eat your hot dog in any way except “Chicago style” when you’re in Chicago. Translation: don’t put ketchup on your frankfurter. Never. Ever. Mustard is the only acceptable condiment, besides relish. The eatery, established in 1969, is so renowned that it’s in the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. It’s also the subject of a question in the Genus Edition of Trivial Pursuit, Starkman said. (Question: What food is served at Mustard’s Last Stand on the North Shore of Evanston?) The stand is also a tailgating favorite, next to Northwestern University’s football stadium, Ryan Field. One couple appeared here after their wedding, in nuptial attire. A photo of the newlyweds hangs on the wall. As for the real attraction, try the charred dog. I did. Subtly tangy and sweet - and the bun held up to tradition. |
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2 words-Fat Johnnie's
Keep wearing your a$$hats, you of little brains and less sense. Keep eating your ketchup like little children and eating at chains not knowing what is good and why. I wouldn't list My favorite places for fear that I would have to see and hear any of your supercillious prattle. Be sure to stay in your own towns and cities and leave Chicago for those who understand and appreciate it.
A trip to Chicago for hot dogs and you didn't visit Hot Doug's, Wiener's Circle, Superdawg, Gold Coast Dogs, or Byron's? For shame.
Vienna Beef dogs are good.
Nathan's Hot Dogs are great!
I have never been a fan of "Chicago Style." To me it's a form of salad.
Oh well, to each his own.
This is unbelievable...just reading thru all these comments....Why do people have to trash other people and their city and their desired tastes? I mean, I thought this was an article about Hot Dogs (Food), not politics and whose city is the better city. Come on people, stick with the subject. Also, I thought it was everyone's right to have their own opinion – and taste!? I guess not. I'm sure I'll get bashed for saying this and what I'm about to say but here goes...why not just ask Oprah? She's a Chicago girl, no? And from the looks of it, I would guess she's eaten her fair share of Chi Dogs!
:) Ok, folks, go ahead...let the bashing begin!
All about the Wiener Circle! Go there after the bars close, with $20 in hand, and ask for the milk shake. You will NOT be disappointed!
Oh, and prepare for foul language and lewd behavior during your visit.
As an ex-Chicagoan I miss most the variety of ethnic restaurants and groceries. And in an ethnic sense, Vienna hot dogs "with the works" is part of Chicago's culture. Hey, aren't there any south siders that remember the lines to get hot dogs with wonderfully immoral greasy french fries, wrapped together, as your hot dog purchase at Carl's on South Chicago Avenue? And yes, sport peppers are part of the personna of Chicago Style Hot Dawgs.
The author doesn't know his frankfurter from a Vienna dog. Seriously? A zoo and park district hot dog? Hot Doug's is the without question the best in the city – exotic encased meats and fries deep fat fried in duck fat. The best! I'll also give a shout to Wiener Circle on Clark St. in Lincoln Park, Murphy's Red Hot's on Belmont (near Racine), and Byron's Hot Dog Haus on Irving Park Rd. (b'tween Sheridan & Seminary) – order Dogzilla! God Bless America the we fans of meats in tubular form have a forum to discuss their deliciousness!
I haven't tried most of the hot dog places people are talking about here, and I'm not sure how they cook them, but I personally believe the best way to cook one is to put it on a stick and roast them over an open fire. It seems to add something to it, sometimes depending upon the wood used for the fire. Does anyone agree with me, or do you think the restaurants do it better (condiments aside)?
ABSOLUTELY agree. Charred crispy and NO condiments just a soft bun to use to take the dog off the stick. I don't use any condiments on my hot dogs because I really do like the hot dog.
BTW – pizza = crust, sauce and cheese – and it is great that way if NY style. I do love a good Chicago style "pizza" because the sausage is awesome but pizza means NY style and deep dish pizza is Chicago and they cannot compare as they are two different "foods".
The pizza served ANYWHERE in America is not fit for animal feed. Just sayin'
That's okay, cause Patrickk served anywhere is unfit for maggot feed. They'd gag on his pure putrescence and die of indigestion from the lack of wit in his brain.
As a lifelong Chicagoan my picks are Weiners Circle, Superdawg, Gene & Judes & yes...Portillos for hotdogs & Jim's Original for a great Polish Sausage sandwich. But there's plenty more place that hold up...
Chicago has great food, culture & atmosphere, but we never refer to our city as Chi-town... ew.
Whoever wrote the article didn't hit any of the places Chicagoans go for hotdogs...
I'm off to Portillo's for lunch right now!
All this talk about the "best" hot dog is just garbage. If you start with a kosher dog (Vienna Beef is my pick) on a soft bun (seeded or un) the rest is toppings and condiments. It isn't rocket science. It's a freakin' hot dog!
How can Portillo's not make this list?!
Really? No one else is going to bring it up? No jokes about this sentence in the above article? "This wiener was a fatty – a real bun buster." Maybe I'm the only immature person on here today.
On another note one of the best hotdogs I've ever had was from Paris believe it or not. Now I've never been to Chicago so I can't compare it but it was pretty amazing. Maybe this summer I can take a trip to Chicago to try some dogs.
I can't belive so many people put their drastic opinions AGAINST the way SOMEONE ELSE enjoys their food...I SAY ENjoy what YOU eat the way YOU like it...I personally love a great hot dog..and the one pictured looks awesome. I haven't yet tried a taco hot dog...would love to try one. Otherwise, I like it anyway you fix 'em...as long as the hot dog is all-beef and great-tasting. YUM-O!
I appreciate that you didn't include Hot Dougs, Superdawg, or the Weiners Circle, which, while all excellent dogs, are overcited as the exemplars. I can see the need for a downtown option–it's the Taste, tourists in town are obviously interested in food, give them an option, sure. But Park Grill? Lincoln Park Zoo? Seriously? You want to do a downtown option, go with Portillos, cited by many upthread, or with Gold Coast Dogs or something. Gold Coast Dogs is actually closer to the CNN offices at 2 Prudential than Park Grill! You want to do a Chicago Institution/Attraction option, go with Wrigley (also cited by many upthread). Or go to the source, and do the cafe at the Vienna Factory. I think Weiner & Still Champion should have been your Evanston pick. I wish you had chosen Red Hot Ranch, or another of it's ilk, to truly represent the bare bones, neighborhood hot dog stand. Wolfys is as well known for it's Polish or Fried Salami sandwiches as for hot dogs, and I think the more singularly-focused joints would have driven home the theme of what a prominent role the Hot Dog plays in Chicago. Fail.
Getting a good hot dog in Chicago is pretty easy. New York too. Would be great to see a list of other great dog places around the country.
Where I live, Patricks at Washington Square Mall has great dogs, any way you can think of.
Veggies are living things too! I play it safe and only eat rocks and gravel.
Hot dogs are garbage of the highest caliber. But then again, so is eating meat of ANY kind. You people are all barbaric.
There is only one thing that I eat!
Best screen name ever!
Thank you.
That salmonella from the fresh, organic sprouts you eat must be keeping you up at night, huh, Happy Vegan?
I'm cool with being barbaric. I love hot dogs. Not often, but they are definitely on my list of "good eats".
It's tragic that people who didn't grow up in Chicago don't know what "Italian Beef Sandwich" with sweet peppers means. Or Italian sausage with jiardinere, or a Polish with sauerkraut, or a hot tamalee, or a Vienna dog on a poppy seed bun with the works. Very sad.
All about that Italian beer with hot giardiniera!
oops...beef. :)
Does CNN pay people to write stuff this lame? In an article about "Chicago dogs that cut the mustard" the author mentions four places. One has hot dogs that are "bland" for $12, another has hot dogs that are "nothing special," and he doesn't even talk about the hot dogs from the last place. Based on the few I've read, these eatocracy articles are embarrassing lame.
I'm from Queens, but I lived in Chicago for 10 years (back in NYC now) and there is no better hot dog product in the world than a Vienna Beef Hot Dog will all the Chicago toppings. It puts a Sabrett with onion sauce to shame, their dogs are mushy. The best incarnation in NY is a Hebrew National with kraut and spicy brown mustard, but it doesn't really hold a candle to the Chicago version. When I lived in Chicago my landlord made a good point, NY'ers make one hell of a snack (thin pizza, street dogs) but Chicagoans really know how to make a meal (deep dish, Chicago style dogs). I love them all, comparing the pizza is ridiculous, apples to oranges. But toppings aside, Viennas are the best in the country.
Y'all missed Waka Dog in Mishawaka , IN. Their Chicago Dogs ROCK THE HOUSE!!!
I think that's because no one knows where Mishawaka is...or how to get there.
How about Poochie's in Skokie? It's been around since 1969. They may be the "Home of the Cheddar Burger" but their hot dogs are truly Chicago hot dogs!
Hmmm these sound good but I will take a good old fashioned Maine hotdog any day over these. We eat red hotdogs here...yes...red ones! We put on whatever condiments we like. No rules except for the color of the dog.
@ Lisa, Jordans Red Hot Dogs on a JJ Nissan Bun! had to be steamed, it was never grilled!!!!Prob wouldn't eat them now, but when I was a kid, heack ya!
HOT DOGS AND FREEDOM! USA! USA! USA!
Catholic Scientists discovered that eating hot dogs with ketchup is actually the 8th deadly sin. When reached for comment, the scientist stated, "You should never put condom-ints on your weiner."
And now back to your regularly scheduled Eatocracy...
Haha! – So as long as the weiner's clean, it's okay?
I hold my wiener with both hands.
Make sure your weiner has proper protection – whole wheat or white. And use plenty of mustard to make sure it's properly lubricated.
Lord save us! Another right-coast-centric young reporter wanders ALL THE WAY OUT TO CHICAGO to clamor about the hot dogs.
I'm sure Chicago has the best Chicago dogs in the world. But the Red Hot Weiner Sausage (the Coney Island Red Hot, the Hot Dog) was invented in Coney Island. The long, skinny Sabrett that tastes just divine on the street is not a Chicago invention, to the best of my knowledge.
And west of the Sierras, there's Pink's. Pink's dogs are so great that this ratty little stand on LaBrea has a long line from opening to 3 a.m. If I drive past Pink's and there are fewer than 20 people in line, I stop...doesn't matter whether I have tickets to La Scala (which I never have, this is for illustration purposes) or to see Blake do a 360 (if you have basketball aficion, you know who I mean...forget the Lakers, they're the Dodgers but with an honest owner). Everybody has his or her Pinks favorites, but my idea of a meal is one Johnny Grant, one 10" stretch chili dog, a cream soda (yes, they do have cream soda on the west coast...although I'd be hard-pressed to come up with another locale...almost as rare as Birch Beer and TPR out here (TPR is a Jersey thing...Taylor Pork Roll...if God made a better slice of meat, he kept it for himself...good with catsup, by the way...but I digress...) and if I'm really hungry, onion rings.
I did get an education into the flavors of bratwurst in my time in Chicago, grant you that, but our dog is as good as or better than your dog. If you don't want to come all the way out to LA to find out, you can fly to Vegas for Pink's and while you're there...well, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you have the misfortune to be doing it with a screenwriter.
So...Chicago... The next thing, CNN will start raving about the pizza. And on that topic, people who live in L.A. fall silent if they have any respect whatsoever for the real thing. Would someone please come out here and open a real New Jersey or Chicago pizzeria?
Yeah, I know we have California Pizza Kitchen, and it is not bad compared to pizza from, say, Dubuque (or cheap pizza in Italy, to tell the truth.)
But generally speaking, ordering a pizza in L.A is like ordering an "Indian taco" in Iowa. Well, maybe not quite that bad. Ride RABGRAI if you have an appetite for smiling white people, a 500-mile landscape of cornfields, and carbs galore, and see what I mean. And say hello to the successors of Mister Pork Cop.
This article was horrible. Three mediocre places at best. These places are definitely not the best that Chicago has to offer. I have to wonder if this guy did any actual research or just wrote about the first 3 places he stopped at.
Wiener Circle!!!! Wiener Circle!!!! Wiener Circle!!!!
I was enjoying until the clip showing the more-than-nasty crowd at the Weiner Circle. Hey, I'm from Jersey, and we like to shake it up and sass the waitress at the diner, knowing full well we're going to get it right back, PLUS. But the stuff those guys said to the ladies behind the counter wasn't fun, or funny.
I'll go to the hundred other hot dog places in Chicago.
Agreed.
If "Poochie" ever wants a second job, I've got a place for her in the dungeon! She is my kind of lady! LMAO!
Note to Author: "The Works" or "run it through the garden" includes SPORT PEPPERS.
You're welcome.
Signed, Native Chicagoan
Glad you said that Valerie. I'm not even from Chicago but I've done my homework. Didn't want you all coming down here and yelling at me. Also heard "dragged through the garden"
Anyone remember Bozo's Hot Dog's???? Good lord they are the best by far!!
I live in North Carolina now and the southern dog is GREAT but can't touch a good old Chicago Dog!!!
Gene and Judes, Parky's, Johnny's. And a lot more great joints than that around the city. I live in NC and the dogs here suck compared to Chicago.
Took the great Chicago dog concept and went a Southwesterly direction. Grilled smoked Polish sausage (regular dog OK, but not all beef), bun large enough to hold the "works", heated ranch/chili beans (not kidney beans), shredded cheese, chopped black olives, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce or cabbage (try the latter) and jalapeño mustard.
wiener circle
Milk shake.
You couldn't beat the Stoner Special at the now defunct Demon Dogs – two dogs, two fries for $4.20
No better place than Wrigley Field to get a dog in Chicago. I remember going in the late 80's and they had the Vance Law Dog. It was named after Vance Law, one of the fan favorites at the time. It had cole slaw on it. As a kid, it was great.
Please.
Baseball...Typically American "sport" that is best played by little girls.
Little girls like yourself, Patrickk? Better stick to marbles, since you ain't got any.
Beat it Patrickk.
"No better place than Wrigley Field to get a dog in Chicago."
I guess...That is, if you want to smell the faint odor of urine while eating it.
We've got a guy in Little Rock, AR named Hot Dog Mike that makes a pretty mean one... If you're in the South it's a lot closer! As seen on "Today"!
http://www.hotdogmike.com
WOW! Thanks Grayson. I owe you a dog.
Little Louie's in Northbrook. If you don't know it, you're wrong.
Amen brother! Not only do they offer a fantastic Chicago-style dog, but their fries are to die for. Honestly, they'll kill you, but at least they're hot and crispy!!
Arguing over the best hot dog is akin to arguing who is the best "singer" on American Trash Idol. The best garbage is still just garbage.
Go away. You know nothing!
It's like arguing over how dumb Patrickk is – He still scores negative in the IQ Test.
No Jean and Judes!!! They invented the hot dog with no ketchup, and the story is that he was sick of paying for ketchup!
For folks in the DC area, head to Windy City Red Hots. I don't know how it stacks up to the Chicago places, but it's really good.
This might literally be the WORST list ever written about Chicago hot dog joints. Without mention of the Wiener Circle and Hot Dougs, I seriously challenge the integrity of this writer's research (i.e. he did none and is living on the North Side under a friggin rock).
I'm born n raised on the near North Side (Montrose and Sheridan) very close to the lake, and I gotta say Byrons at Sheridan and Irving Park is the best dog in town. To say a hotdog at the zoo is the best dog is a slap in the face to all the standing room only joints all over chicagoland. I'll take mine with onions relish mustard celery salt and a pickle hold the tomatoes.
You sir are correct! As a fellow north sider Byron's is hands down the best in town. Anyone who visits me makes at least one trip to Byron's during their stay!
mel's red hot ranch – e. busch blvd tampa, fl. mel is a chicago transplant that brought the classic chcago style to the far south.
And don't forget Hot Dog Heaven in Orlando! Grew up with Mel's and love it to death, but live on the Space Coast now so it's HDH for me.
What about Wienerschnitzel chili cheese dawgs?
You need to be slapped
I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. My bile tastes better than those things!
for Chicago's best burgers, check out http://chicagoburgerbible.com
OMG, this "writer" claims to have grown up in Chi-Town???? Gene & Judes, Superdawg, Hot Doug's & Portillo's by far are the best in getting the Chicago dog. Going to the zoo? c'mon! And of course you have to have the Atomic Relish, or neon green, as he put it. Yes, other parts of the country have their own take & they are good, but there's nothing better than Chicago.
Hot dogs?
Please.
Typical American dish. You people deserve all the obesity and diabetes you get.
Literally LOL at the "typical American dish", 'Patrickk'. What about Germany's frankfurters? Chile had plenty of hot dogs with avocados, too. Hot dogs aren't ONLY in the U.S.
What a jolly, fun guy Patrickk must be.
You're just jealous because your country didn't think of it first. On the other hand, most countries have popular fattening dishes as well, such as the sausages in Germany, Italy, Poland, and some East European countries. Maybe Greek baklava? Some French cheeses perhaps? In essence, unless you're from Africa, your country has fattening dishes and some obese people as well, and you deserve all the obesity and diabetes you have too.
From where do you hail? I'd be happy to point out all of the equally, if not more, unhealthy food from your country. "Typical American Dish"? Sounds like typical, euro-elitism.
Gene & Jude's in River Grove, nuff said
When attending highschool in Highland Park, Ill., in the early 70s, the place to go was "Stash's Place" in Highland Park. It had to be the best Lake County had to offer.
Dude – I remember that place. Seriously – you think Stash's was good? Apparently Lake County doesn't know squat about haute (that's french for awesom) cuisine.
Superdawg!!! Got to their website. SUPER fresh made fries too!! Cut on the spot. Inspiration for the musical GREASE.
Dogs come in a little box too with the fries inside. South Side has dozens of great spots. Evanston for a dog?? College kids and rich folks. This guy still lives at home with his mom. Probably never went south of Montrose Avenue.Go SOUTH,mister
The picture of hot dog's at Lincoln Park Zoo turned my stomach. Really? That's the best CNN can do? Of course. That's what we've come to expect. Just throw in the first 5 locations that probably showed up during a google search. How 'bout they ASK readers on this one then get their butts over to Gene n Judes in River Grove for the PREMIER hot dog in all of Chicagoland. My kids rented a limo and took me there on Mother's Day last year. It's as close to a religious experience as we get in our house. lol
What, no Gold Coast Dogs? Super Dawg? Hot Doug's? Tasty Dawg? Something tells me this author just grabbed whatever hot dogs he passed by while visiting family or something.
This guy has no clue. Mention the places HE remembered as a kid. All North Shore places.
What about Superdawg?? They still even have carhops!!! Portillos.... so many and the south side has plenty just as good. Chicago is huge and and a Chicago dog is not defined by a zoo hot dog or a couple places on the near North Shore.
ANY neighborhood there has it's own Hot Dog Temple. As far as that guy in MA wrote how they do it there??? Who cares?? This is about Chigao not about New England snobs. Just stick to your Chowder ok??
Wow, this article barely scratched the surface of the Hot Dog excellence found in Chicago. Hot Doug's is BY FAR the best hot dog place in the City, and there are many other honerable mentions this article missed (and they are better than the selections discussed in this article). Weak!!!
The best dog in Chicago closed down, remember Demon Dogs?
Demon dogs...I couldn't remember the name to save my life. I kept thinking it was Devil Dogs...best dog in town IMHO
Demon Dogs is closed?!? wow, it has been a while since I've been to Chicago. I used to go there, under the L if I remember, while visiting my buddy at DePaul. not exactly gourmet, but delicious the morning, or should I say afternoon, after a night of partying.
I am from Cincinnati, when I went to Chicago , I stopped at portillos and it was the best dog I have ever had. Only thing good to come from Chicago.
Wow, you must not know anything about Chicago then!
Communist
Bob-
OK a guy from Cincinnati is explaining what is good that comes from Chicago, PLEASE!!!
Ok Bob, I'm not originally from Chicago, and I love Portillo's, so I agree, they have great food there. But living in this city now, I cringed reading your comment, because I knew the backlash you were going to get. There are some GREAT things that Chicago does, including, but not limited to, Dogs, Italian Sausage, and Italian Beef. Portillo's offers good, but not great, examples of those things.
Plus, if you're from Cincinnati, you gotta preach a little love for Skyline! It may not be a Chicago-style dog, but man are those good!
@ Bob: Wow. I live in Cincinnati (though not from there, thankfully). You and every other Cincinnatian have no right trashing other cities, fyi...you guys have your own problems, socially or not. Glass house, buddy, glass houses...
@ David L.: Please don't mention Skyline Chili in a public forum ever again. It's not "chili", it's Greek spaghetti sauce. Such a sacrilege.
I've actually never had JUST the chili, and I have no doubt it's not good by chili's standards, as I'm quite a snob about my chili. I was referring to the chili dogs, which are absolutely killer.
@ David L.: Two things you need to know about Skyline Chili: A.) They put it on spaghetti. That should be the first indicator that something's wrong. B.) They put cocoa, and I believe cinnamon, in it, among other ingredients. That should REALLY set the alarms off if the first one doesn't.
This guy might have grown up in Chicago, but I think he must have forgot a few things. The florescent relish is what we Chicagoans call Atomic relish and it is straight from Vienna itself. And why would you go looking for Hot Dogs at these major tourist attractions? There are GREAT dog stands all over the city, and you did not mention one of them. My favorite would have to be Gene & Judes in River Grove, which has won awards time after time (including Rachel Rays best dog in America not to long ago, for the first 2 weeks after they won police had to direct traffic into the parking lot) But I guess if your looking to spend a lot more money on just an okay dog, visit the places he mentioned.
Gene's and Jude's anyone?
If you want a real dog, this is where you go.
I live right down the street from them and totally agree!
That place sucks and it totally overrated.
I think i will pass for something that doesn't have 120% of my daily salt requirements. Some vitamins and nutrients might help too.
But they're SO GOOD!
Live a little, Mike.
I didn't see the Wiener Circle on that list!!
Chicago dogs are pretty good but if you want a truly unique and serious hot dog then go South. North Carolina tops theirs with mustard, chili, slaw and onions. The slaw isn't your normal variety, it is very fine chopped, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, sugar, and held together by a minimal amount of mayo. BUT... the most fabulous thing they do is butter the bun and toast it nice and brown across the top. I nearly ate myself to death!
I will agree with you. To eat a North Carolina hotdog you do have to smother it with condiments. Head to Chicago for the best tasting all beef hot dogs on the planet.
That sounds delicious, wisdom.
I'd rather have a "fried ripper" please but they are only available in Jersey.
OMG..RUTTS! I always get a ripper or two, plus one of the cremated (really charred) ones. I gotta get up to Clifton this weekend! I'm in South Jersey; the garden part of the Garden State.
This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. A couple north side places, and the grills at a zoo and millenium park? Is the city paying him to do this or something? He didn't mention Superdawg, Doug's, and many other buch better places than a freakin zoo and city park.
I beg to differ with Mustards Last Stand praise. The grilled hot dogs are blacken/burnt to the extent that it scares me that anyone would eat one. They are encrusted with so much carbon that they can be used for coal.
If I am ever in Chi-town, I would try it, but until I do, buttered and grilled new england stle roll with mustard, relish and celery salt is how we do it here in MA
I prefer my hot dogs with a slight twist. I put on Bush's Baked Beans, a slice of American cheese, ketchup, and honey mustard. That's my personal favorite.
Catsup means you're a communist. Now I know why Michigan has so many problems, it's the Catsup on hotdogs thats killing your economy not the unions.
Spoken like a true idiot who knows nothing of what is actually coming out of his mouth. Maybe if you learned to read and write and went back and graduated elementary school, you'd know why Michigan has problems. We're practically the most anti-Communist state in America. I'd hate to be where you live – you're too ashamed to even post your state with your name, if you're even American.
It's ok Ryan, it was just a joke, albeit not a funny one.
@ David L. – Yeah, you're right. I may have overreacted a little bit. I though he was a troll at first and jumped the gun. I see the joke now.
Comrade Ryan, vee missed you and your catsup at zee last party meetink.
Sounds like something a Michigander would do. I say that as someone born in Michigan (your concotion does sound delectable) and someone who currently lives in Chicago, and LOVES a good Chi Dog.
Sometimes I replace the ketchup with a sweet barbeque sauce to make it a little different as well. Normally I do that if the beans aren't available, since they're already very sweet.
Geez Ryan, when you;re done you can;t even taste the Dog.
Maybe that's the point.
In a way, it is kind of the point. I never actually liked plain hot dogs; couldn't get used to the flavor. However, I do enjoy a wide variety of sausages without anything on them. Sometimes I eat them like a hot dog (cooked over a fire and in a bun) but without many condiments. It's like burritos: would you enjoy a tortilla with some beans on it, or would you rather add cheese, tomatoes, taco seasoning, avocados, and maybe some hot sauce? Same goes for pizza – bread and sauce, or add cheese, mushrooms, olives, sausage, pepperoni, etcetera. All the flavors mixing together to make a new flavor are what makes the hot dog (or burrito or pizza) great, which is what makes it so awesome.
CNN really missed the mark on this one. No Superdawg? No Hot Doug's? No Drew's Eatery? The real "correspondents" must be on vacation.
Agreed, Superdawg is fantastic for both its charm and beef dogs.
Agreed.......SuperDawg is the best – grew up only a few blocks away, nothing compares!!
Jason
You left out Gene and Judes!!
Another vote for Gene and Jude's!! Not in the city though (River Grove), but also not far out.
Agreed – Superdawg is tops on my list. Sounds like I need to get back to Chicago and give Hot Doug's a try. For the record – the pictured hot dogs have too much mustard – a line straight down the middle is the appropriate amount.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PUT SOME OF THESE PUPPIES THRU THE COMPUTER SURE LOOK GREAT
Nicky's Red Hots at 35th and Western is the champ IMHO.
To not mention Dougs Dogs proves this person has no clue
Who the f**k goes to the zoo to get a hot dog? lol
It's right off the lakefront – so you were probably already in the neighbor and just passing through.
Was thinking the same thing, Jason. NEVER been to the zoo to get a dog or cheese fries!
You would mean Hot Doug's
I'm very surprised there's no Hot Doug's. I work across from the place and in the summer there is very often a 2 hour line- for hot dogs!
Deli/Spicy/Brown Mustard, onions (raw or sauteed). That's it.
Ok, if I'm in NYC, I'll have mustard and the red onion sauce. Still, no other vegetation.
Cheese belongs on the fries. :)
Nothing like a hot dog and an Old Style savored in the bleacher seats of Wrigley!
Don't forget Superdawg and the Wiener Circle – two other Chicago standouts.
I'll have a Schlitz and some wall ivy on my dog please.
You sir, are a genious. My favorite though is either Devil Dogs (Marine Corps. reference) under the L at Loyola or Byrons just north of the sheridan stop. Chicago style all day, Relish pickle tomatoe onion and mustard...God I miss it.
Isn't that Demon Dogs? Or am I wrong? Haven't lived in Chicago since I was 11, but I remember this place!
Demon Dogs is under the L near DePaul, and is named after the DePaul Blue Demons. Devil Dogs is a different yet another place: http://www.yelp.com/biz/devil-dawgs-chicago
You mean a "genius"? Obviously, you are not. Good hot dogs from Chicago? That's like saying Pizza from Chicago is good....NOT!!
HOT DOUG's – voted one of 50 best restaurants in the world. Anthony Boudain even said it was the best hot dog he's ever had – and he's never wrong (well, occasionally). Foie Gras on a Duck Sausage!!! What isn't to love? Ok, but if you want to stick with the straight Chicago dog – in order (and I've tried 'em all) 1) Hot Dougs – gotta have the duck fat fries 2) Gene & Judes 3) Wieners Circle
Let me join the chorus in protest at the exclusion of Hot Doug's. Now they make an amazing dog! And the fries cooked in goose fat? How did Doug's not make this article?
Must be the only thing to look forward to at Wrigley, for I have not been found there in over 100 years
The Cell is way better...Wrigley's an outdated piece of crap that needs to go. Sorry Cubs fans...Yankee Stadium got the wrecking ball, now it's your turn.
So glad wrigley's back to Vienna beef.
If you want a REAL Hotdog, you have to go to NYC .Iits Nathans kraut and mustard, the rest of the condiments are heresy., like putting pineapple on pizza.
I agree totally. Nathan's all the way. What do you expect? They are still trying to say their Chicago Style Pizza is better that NY. Delusional.
Born and raised in Chicago, live on Barry and Southport in Lakeview. No one can even come close to beating a Chicago dog! And as for pizza that NY thin stuff is like chewing on a piece of wet cardboard with ketchup and cheese! If I catch you putting ketchup on your dog on my beat I will write you a ticket!
I just don't get the preference for all-beef dogs. Good pork and beef dogs just seem to cook up better and have more flavor. My test of a good dog is to eat one plain, straight from the package. The all-beef ones, even Nathen's, just don't pass this test. But, that's just me. Many disagree and that's cool.
As usual, the CUBS SUCK!!!!!!!
Not since 1908! : )
Cubsuck!
Mustard only no ketchup....Take THAT Snowbunny! HA!
Anyone who puts ketchup on a hotdog must of been raised by nincompoop.
The minute I let your pretentious elitism decide what goes on my food, I'll eat my shoe. Until then, leather's off the menu.
Anyone who tells me how I should eat MY food needs to mind his or her own da#n business. It's not going in your mouth, it's going in MINE!
Anyone who appoints themselves as a "condiment cop" for someone else's food is a dogmatic, authoritarian dunce.
Born and raised in Chicago, live on Barry and Southport in Lakeview. No one can even come close to beating a Chicago dog! And as for pizza that NY thin stuff is like chewing on a piece of wet cardboard with ketchup and cheese! If I catch you putting ketchup on your dog on my beat in the linclon park area I will write you a ticket!
Isn't the freedom of condiments covered under the first amendment? LOL! Good thing I'd rather have Chicago pizza than any city's hot dog. :)
Ketcup is the only way to go for a grocery store dog. Grocery store yellow mustard is garbage, and you cant buy sport peppers anywhere so theres no point in trying to make a chicago dog to hide the sewer-grade mustard. No way in hell am I putting French's on my hot dog, might as well douse it in vinegar and horseradish. So without the amazing Vienna Beef yellow mustard you are left with ketchup for home use.