Where to Find the Perfect Chicago Hot Dog
Creative Commons License photo credit: Benimoto
My cousin Jarred recently visited me here in Chicago, and after a drink in Lakeview we stopped to get a hotdog at The Wiener Circle. Now since Jarred doesn’t actually live in Chicago, his order went something like this:
Hotdog Guy: “What can I get ya, fella?”
Jarred: “I want a Chicago-style hotdog, with onions, relish, and ketchup.”
Hotdog Guy: “You’re not from around here are you?”
This reminded me of how many little customs and rules we have here that are common sense for those that live in Chicago but are not known by visitors or people moving to Chicago. Sometimes I think we have our little customs just to identify out-of-towners. Or maybe we are just very serious about our hotdogs.
For the record, a Chicago style hotdog is: a kosher-style dog on a poppy-seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. And NO ketchup!
Now, you can find a Chicago style hotdog vendor in just about all the Chicago neighborhoods. There’s even one inside the Home Depot on North Avenue. But for those moving to Chicago, I want to tell you the three best places to go for the perfect a Chicago style hotdog experience:
Chicago’s Dog House – This new dog house straddles the line between gourmet and fast food. You can get a side of frips (mix between a french fries and potato chips) with a veggie or turkey dog. 816 W. Fullerton.
Hot Doug’s – Order the Keira Knightley, The Salma Hayek, or create your own celebrity hot dog at this popular sausage superstore. 3324 N. California.
The Wieners Circle – Would you like your Vienna Beef hot dog with a side of hostility? This Chicago hot dog stand is famous for its culture of obscene and abusive language hurled at the patrons as they order hot dogs at 2:00 a.m. 2622 N. Clark.
What Chicago hotdog venues would you suggest to someone moving to Chicago? Know any hidden hotdog stand gems to you want to share? Discuss below in the comments.
