If you thought that New York was the hot dog capital of the world you’d be wrong. Sure, everyone loves a good old-fashioned New York Style dirty water hot dog, but Chicago dogs are in a league of their own. The crunch and texture of a Chicago hot dog are unbeatable, and when you take a bite of the delicious pork filling you will quickly realize why hot dogs are so beloved. Be sure to stop by one of these famous hot dog joints the next time you are in the Windy City.
1. Fatso's Last Stand
This hot dog spot is practically a Chicago landmark. It’s busy and bustling every night as Chicagoans and tourists head here for a world famous char dog. It’s the perfect place to stop after a Second City show or Cubs game. Classic Chicago toppings like tomato and mustard cover the delicious frank. The crispy dog has perhaps the best snap in the city, and the strong charcoal flavor really sets this hot dog apart.
Fatso's Last Stand
Address: 2258 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Website: Fatso’s Last Stand
2. The Duck Inn
Just thinking about the Duck Fat dog from the Duck Inn in Chicago will make your mouth water. This hot dog offers up a new twist on this classic Chicago dish. This gastro pub cooks up a hot dog with all the classic Chicago toppings, but instead of an all beef sausage there is a duck and beef sausage instead. The toppings have a twist to them, too. Instead of plain mustard it’s beer mustard, and all the fresh veggies are homegrown.
The Duck Inn
Address: 2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Website: The Duck Inn
3. The Wieners Circle
At the Wieners Circle you will get a great tasting hot dog, but the service certainly isn’t the best. In fact, it’s downright awful. The servers and cooks will yell and insult you. However, that’s part of the charm. It’s worth it for juicy char dog with plenty of snap and flavor.
The Wieners Circle
Address: 2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
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4. Redhot Ranch
The line ups are long at this classic Chicago joint that offers up one of the finest dogs in the city. It’s cheap, fast and simple. This is a pure Chicago dog like they have been serving since the 1920s. Fries and fried shrimp are welcome side dishes.
Redhot Ranch
Address: 2072 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60647
5. Super Dawg
This drive-in is pure Americana. On top of scrumptious char dogs with the perfect amount of snap, you can also enjoy shakes and fries. Simply pull up and car hops will come right to your car just like it were the 1950s.
Super Dawg
Address: 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA
Website: Super Dawg
6. Gene and Jude's
There is a reason why Gene and Jude’s has been around for so long. It has been a staple of Chicago dining since 1946, and the simple approach to the Chicago hot dog makes it a winner. The “Depression Dog” is topped with mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers. Of course, there is absolutely no ketchup here. You can’t even get ketchup for your fries. That’s the Chicago way.
Gene and Jude's
Address: 2720 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171, USA
7. Hot "G" Dog
Hot “G” Dog offers a classic all beef Chicago hot dog, but the menu is more varied than many other Chicago hot dog stands. They also have a spicy fire dog, beer bratwurst and, in keeping with Chicago’s Polish roots, there is of course a polish sausage on the menu. Fries cooked in duck fat accompany any dog perfectly.
Hot "G" Dog
Address: 5009 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Website: Hot “G” Dog
8. Duk's Red Hots
This tiny hot dog stand has been around since 1954, and Chicagoans love coming here for a late night snack. It also has a wonderful atmosphere thanks to the retro look of this small shop. The red hots are simple and delicious, which is why it is a favorite with so many.
Duk's Red Hots
Address: 636 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
9. Byron's
The Vienna all beef hot dogs at Byron’s have the perfect balance of texture and taste. The pickled toppings make this classic Chicago hot dog stand out. Even President Obama has enjoyed these amazing hot dogs. The award-winning fries are great on the side or piled on top of the hot dog.
Byron's
Address: 1701 W Lawrence Ave, and 1017 W Irving Park Rd
Website: Byron’s
10. Allium
This by far is the most upscale hot dog on the list, and at 16 USD it’s also the most expensive. What else would you expect from this prestigious restaurant at the Four Seasons. Great pride and detail go into making this dog. Everything is made from scratch, including the condiments.
Allium
Address: 120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Website: Allium
Chicago is the hot dog capital of the world
Hot dogs are quintessentially American, so it would make sense that the best hot dogs would be found in what many would consider to be the most American city of all. Chicago hot dogs are unlike any hot dog you might have had before. They are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They must be cooked on a grill, and they are never steamed. Ketchup? No way. Who needs ketchup when you have a nice tomato slice, mustard, onions, pickles and peppers. The final ingredient is a dash of celery salt. It’s all served on a poppyseed bun. The next time you find yourself in the beautiful Windy City be sure to grab a bite at one of these excellent Chicago hot dog stands.