Where do you even start when it comes to judging Chicago hot dogs? That’s an honest question we had to ask ourselves. It’s a daunting task, and one we’ve never tackled - until now. We went out and ate more hot dogs in a few days than you’d want to eat in a lifetime. And we learned a lot - mostly, that one hot dog a day is awesome, two hot dogs a day are even better, and ten hot dogs a day will worry both your mother and your doctor.
We also learned there are 15 important hot dog stands you should visit. Why these 15? For a combination of reasons that include quality of the food, importance to the neighborhood, and overall history. Welcome to our Hot Dog Hit List. Make it a point to hit all of these spots this summer. Just don’t do it in one day.
the spots
What To Get: Red Hot, Mother-In-Law (tamale in hot dog bun with chili), Mighty Dog (hot dog & tamale in hot dog bun with cheese and chili).
What To Know: A tiny trailer with only a walk-up window, opened in 1972, cash only.
Morrie O'Malley's Hot Dogs
What To Get: Hot Dog, Polish, Soft Serve Ice Cream.
What To Know: Opened in 1989, patio seats available in summer, close to U.S. Cellular Field.
What To Get: Hot Dog, Polish Sausage, Fried Shrimp (seriously).
What To Know: A block away from U.S. Cellular Field, picnic benches out front, cash only.
Johnny O's
What To Get: Hot Dog, Polish Sausage, Mother-In-Law (tamale in hot dog bun with chili, onions, tomato, sport peppers).
What To Know: Present location open since 1970, walk-up window plus a small outdoor patio with tables.
Jim's Original Hot Dog
What To Get: Polish Sausage with grilled onions and mustard.
What To Know: Opened in 1939, claims to have created the original polish sausage, open 24/7.
Express Grill
What To Get: Polish Sausage with grilled onions and mustard.
What To Know: Located directly next to Jim’s Original, also claims to have created the original polish sausage, also open 24/7.
What To Get: Char Dog, Cheddar Fries.
What To Know: Late-night antics aside The Wieners Circle has good food, picnic benches out front, open until 4am during week and 5am weekends.
What To Get: Char Dog, Cheese Fries, Chocolate Cake Shake.
What To Know: “Original “Dog House” stand opened 1963, current location opened 1994, family-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a national chain but still a classic.
Original Jimmy's Red Hots
What To Get: Red Hot with fries, Polish with fries.
What To Know: Opened in 1954, they really hate ketchup, cash only.
Redhot Ranch
What To Get: Hot dog with fries, side of cheese sauce for the fries.
What To Know: Open until 4am during week and 5am on weekends, cash only.
Murphy's Red Hots
What To Get: Red Hot, “Screamin’ To Be Eaten” Polish.
What To Know: Close to Wrigley Field, a few tables inside.
What To Get: Hot Dog, Bratwurst.
What To Know: Opened in 1975, close to Wrigley Field, a few tables outside.
Wolfy's
What To Get: Hot Dog, Double-dog, Polish.
What To Know: Opened in 1967, family-friendly, seating inside.
Gene & Jude's
What To Get: Hot Dog with fries, Double-dog with fries.
What To Know: Opened in 1945, no seats, no ketchup, cash only.
What To Get: Superdawg, Whoopskidawg, Sundae.
What To Know: Opened in 1948, classic drive-in, the plastic hot dogs on top represent original owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman.
