Category: Burgers & Hot Dogs

So here I am raving about a hot dog joint again, at least that's what you might be thinking. Stop rolling your eyes! Let me assure you – this is no ordinary hot dog joint! As their moniker states, this place is “The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium” and they mean every word of it! The lines wrapping around this otherwise unassuming place in a pretty unremarkable and under developed area are reminiscent of a Russian bread line. People patiently wait up to an hour in all types of weather, just to get a sampling of some of the best sausages in the city – possibly the world! The first time I drove by, I thought the line was for the ticket broker next door, as there was no way possible people would be out in -30F wind chill waiting to buy a hot dog!

Sure, beef wieners are good and all, but Doug doesn't stop there, as items like elk, duck, lamb, pork, reindeer, chicken, shrimp, rabbit, and yes, even that major no no of an item, fois gras, make appearances on the weekly specials. Basically, if it's not on the endangered species list, Doug turns it into sausage and hocks it off to the hungry masses, huddling together for warmth and that badge of lunch time honor. The fries themselves are just as remarkable, as they are hand cut and fried in duck fat – certainly not good for you, but it sure does add a bit of flavor no other place offers. Even the occasional vegetarian will break their oath of avoiding such places, since they do offer creative veggie dogs... and some break their diets altogether, since the food is just that darned good!

After the wait that can seem like forever, the folks who opt to eat inside are well rewarded as the place operates like a well oiled machine. There is hardly ever a wait for a table, the place is brightly lit and charmingly decorated, and the music is fun and casual. All the pretension normally accompanied with game meats goes right out the door, just as fast as the rotation of hungry and loyal patrons.

And now for the down sides – and yes, Doug's has them. This place does not take credit cards and has no ATM. With the nearest ATM being at least three blocks away and the average cost being $9, there are folks who have been sent away after waiting for gawd knows how long! Also, parking can be an issue, if you are the type who likes to be right out in front. Plan on walking and then getting in line. And yes, finally, most everyone's major beef is the crazy hours this guy keeps! Be sure to find out if he plans on being open or not by calling ahead before heading out.

It’s a pay day Friday and it’s 5pm. You and your coworkers need to shake the week off, and you need some joint nearby to knock back a few. Where to go? Hit that cool Olde Englishe Pubbe - Monk’s! (Yes, the extra “E’s” are tongue in cheek.) Okay I admit it - I’m a sucker for places that ooze that old world charm chalet regalia to them. It just feels so cozy! But there is a whole lot more to be had at this place than just its looks, because the food and drinks are so on time. And throwing peanut shells on the floor is just plain fun, okay?

When you open those gigantic wooden doors and walk inside this dark, charming pub, the steel city skyline and the roar of the overhead train can feel like it’s a million miles away. You crush peanut shells on the wooden floors as you scope out a spot and snatch up a bowl for yourselves. You may then notice the glass bottles in the walls, if your eyes have adjusted to the darkness. But if you haven’t, you have at least picked up on the smell of the burgers, and of the chatter and laughter from the other Loopers who are also looking to unwind for the weekend. That’s what this place is all about, and it does a good job of doing it.

Some folks tap this place during the week for their lunch breaks, but the service is rather mixed depending on how busy they get. However, you rarely wait more than fifteen minutes to get a seat, so if you have an hour break, it works out. Most people order the burgers here, be it beef, turkey or veggie - all of which are delicious! And curly fries are just plain awesome! If burgers aren’t not your thing, you can relax, as an extensive bar menu is available to accommodate all tastes. Try the portabella sandwich - it’s incredible!

If I need to point anything out about this place is that you can’t miss it, but no one else can, either. Therefore, it’s a good idea to nominate one guy from your group to leave the office early and scope out a spot for the rest of yas, because the happy hour crowd can really pack the place. And after that first encounter, you just might have to set up a rotation on that nomination, because it might end up being your group’s regular thang!

Are you like me who have a real hankerin’ for good old fashioned fast food but, for one reason or another, want to cut out the bad stuff that makes it taste so good? Then you really need to pack up your buds and take a cruise down to the far south side to check out Veggie Bite! The guys who run this seemingly traditional fast food joint has found a way to make every single item on the menu completely vegan and taste absolutely incredible, to the point where no one would be the wiser!

The decor all blue and yellow like one would expect at any standard fast food joint to be, with traditional picnic tables and lit up menu boards. The food on the pictures look just like the real thing, too, from the gyros to the messy chili cheese fries and everything in between! They even serve soft serve ice cream and shakes, so those who are lactose intolerant can finally rejoice and indulge! Needless to say, this place sure ain’t all twigs and figs and nothing like one would expect to find at a vegan establishment!

There really isn’t a single item on the menu to focus on, since everything is sinfully divine. However, the chili cheese fries are a must do, as are the Italian beef melt and the hot dogs. I, for one, am a major hot dog snob, and somehow these guys seemed to have figured out how to make these really good!

There’s rumor these guys are going to be opening up a second location on the north side, and I for once certainly hope they do so! If and when they do, they are really going to need to take a nod from the big boys and hire up a whole lot of extra help, because the food here is really going to win over everyone who walks in the doors!

The one complaint I have is that these folks are obviously not from Chicago, since some of the items on the menu are not prepared the way they should be, but are dangerously delicious none the less. The hot dogs come with ketchup on them and the beef sammiches are not soggy from au jus and are topped with barbecue sauce. I know, blasphemy!, but like I said, they are really good anyway and really hit the spot!

Dude! Oh my Gawd this place is fuggin AWESOME! Horns way up! Not only do they mix a mean drink and serve up a nice selection of brews, but the music is pumping, the tattooed waitresses are hot and cool as hell, there’s an outdoor patio and Wow! they make some really incredible pretzel bun burgers and sandwiches named after some of my all time favorite bands! And whoa! Jack on tap? What a marvelous concept!

What’s cool about this place is that it feels so much like when I go out to a metal fest, minus the bands and vendors, of course. The majority of the patrons are guys, so those of the rockin female persuasion are that much more welcome. And tattoo flash used as wall paper in the blessedly clean bathrooms is pretty cool as well! The music is obviously Metal, going from one extreme to the other, and kept at that perfect volume, where you want to jam out and talk to the buds you came with at the same time without losing your voice.

Lots of Belgian brews are to be had here, so you beer connoisseurs can rest assured you won’t have to gulp down swill while chowing down. And yep, plenty of the hard stuff to keep the rest of yas happy, too! But it’s the food most people come for, and Kuma’s certainly does not disappoint! Why oh why are pretzel buns not the standard for burgers, because they really should be! And for folks who fear burger and bar joints are just greasy dives can relax, because just about every sandwich can be ordered up veg, many of which feature plenty of healthy toppings!

Now besides the sandwiches, those fries they make deserve some serious praise all on their own. If you have never had fresh cut fries, then you are really missing out - perfect in every sense of the word. And why on Earth is macaroni and cheese never this good when I make it? That blue box in the pantry is just simply awful in comparison! The calamari they serve is pretty good too, with a garnish of deep fried basil no one should live without trying.

Kuma’s has been getting a lot of praise lately from mainstream reviewers, so needless to say, this place gets really busy on the weekends, even in the summer when the patio is open. Even so, that 1½ to 2 hour table wait on the weekends is definitely worth it, and I admit to being a pretty impatient lady! And thankfully, street parking isn’t a pain! I just hope these guys can expand for more tables and hopefully able to start having bands play here!

When Chris Farley did his famous “Da Bears” skits on SNL - this was the Polishes he was talking about! Anyone who has spent more than five seconds in Chicago has undoubtedly heard of a Maxwell Street Polish, since that, hot dogs, beef sammiches and pizza are pretty much what we’re known for. Almost every stand offers one, but there is truly only one place in the whole world to get one, and you need to venture down by UIC to get it! It’s not actually on Maxwell Street anymore, and with so many copy cats, folks may be confused as to which one is the real deal. And besides, where else can $5 get you this full off a whole meal?

Back in the day, Maxwell Street was a pretty seedy area, and while the area has turned around a bit to accommodate the college, it still has its element. When dad said “Lock the doors, kids!” - he meant it! Even so, us white breads would make the trek out this way to get that unforgettable sammich, usually for sneaking into a Sox game, smelling up the car for days!

The Polish comes loaded with heaping piles of grilled onions and slathered with tons of mustard, served on a plain hot dog bun that fell apart within seconds. The free fries that comes with it end up making the paper bag break through, so it’s kind of important to ask for a double bag if it‘s being taken to go. Of course, most folks simply can’t wait that long, and will just eat it on the hood of their cars or on the end of the outdoor counter. Of course, this meal on a bun would not be complete without a grape pop to wash it all down. (Notice I didn’t say “soda”!) And oh yes, by the way - real Chicagoans order two!

Outside of the Polishes, the pork chop sammiches are also very popular, and to a lesser extent, the hot dogs and burgers. Actually, that’s pretty much it for the menu, but hey - when you do one thing right, that’s really all you need! If you want to make yourself feel a little bit less guilty for eating such a gluttonous, artery clogging meal on a bun, order a bottled water. But if you do, be prepared to get an eye roll from the guy in line behind you - the one with the thick mustache and the Bears sweat shirt!

No bull, just beef! At least that’s what their slogan should be! Of all the places in the city to get a beef sammich, Johnnie’s out in Elmwood Park is the place to go. The line is almost always out the door, but since people know what they want, it moves pretty fast. And people who actually take a second to read the menu will be visually smacked down by the guy behind the register! Let’s face it, the only things you should be ordering here are the beefs, the sausages, the beef / sausage combos, the fries (if you have room!) and the lemonade. If you want anything else, you should really go to that particular chain the novices rave about.

While Chicago is pretty much the only place in the world to get such a beast of a feast, there are plenty of places to go. However, just like our dogs and pizzas, there are really only a couple of joints that have perfected the art of making such a well crafted meal on a bun. Johnnie’s is so worth the drive to the border burb, though the folks who care about your health may bat a few eyelashes if you do so!

The meat itself is perfectly seasoned and literally shredding apart, the bread is gluey and thick and the peppers are definitely something to write home about. The sausages are just as perfect, unlike anything you could make yourself, and yes, they even got the au jus right! That, and the ratio to food vs. price is pretty on par. Plus, there is just something a little special about picking up greasy food from a place that really doesn’t care about setting a trend. They just are.

Folks in the know honker down for this feast on a bun, with both elbows firmly placed on the counter, so that the bread falling apart will make it to your mouth in time. This especially applies to the “soaked” orders, where the au jus almost completely replaces the bread! Now everyone around town has their preference as to how to order a beef sammich, but most want it wet, sloppy and very low brow, sided with extra napkins and wearing a shirt and jeans you don’t care much about staining. Of course, there’s the other argument on the whole sweet vs. hot peppers deal and the one about whether or not to make it a combo, but let‘s just leave that out of the equation for now.

Whether folks need a place to mull over what they did the night before over pancakes and coffee or a quick bite of good old American fare, The Hollywood Grill is the place hipsters and locals hit anytime of the year, day or night. This vintage 50's roadside diner is decked out in pink and teal vinyl, with the walls nearly covered with classic black and white glossies of popular celebrities like Marilyn and Humphrey. is located just up the street from all the hottest bars and night clubs in the Bucktown / Wicker Park scene.

No matter what time it is, and no matter how crowded the after hours people make it, some way, some how, everyone gets seated relatively quick. And no matter what size the group is, the food comes out just as fast as it was ordered - the cooks must be clairvoyant! Also, the wait staff must have been sent there by God Himself, because they are so saintly when it comes to handling the after hours people. Quick, prompt, polite and able to tackle any attitude with none of their own. These are lifers and not the Trixie twenty somethings that always screw up the orders. Big thumbs up for the service alone!

Stick with the breakfast specials like the 2222 or the pancakes or omelets, which have just enough carbs and grease to coat any ornery tummy. The coffee is average diner blend but always fresh and hot. Burgers are decent, and they side them with crinkle cut fries! Just be sure to steer away from the Mexican stuff and anything that sounds out of place. Not good.

Of course, since its location is perfect for the party goers, Hollywood makes that pending hangover worth it with all the people watching that comes with the territory. Sure the place is a bit on the load side and perhaps a little too bright, but it's just so much fun to check out everyone there! It's definitely a place to be seen at 3am!

You know what they say: if a place is always busy, there's got to be a reason for it. Just remember they only take cash, and be sure to tip your waitress. She earned it.

While some people may never venture inside because they think it's a dirty, brawly biker bar, there will be twice as many folks who wander in for a beer and a burger… and get a whole lot more! The line of bikes outside the Twisted Spoke sure can look intimidating, and that skeleton perched overhead on a revolving chopper can be downright frightening! But hey - that just means the tourists are held back at bay, along with the screaming babies who tend to tag along. And, mom will probably never want to go here once she finds out what they do on Saturday nights!

Just as one would expect, the decor is full of chrome and chopper imagery - pure Hog Heaven this side of Sturgis! In the summer, folks can climb on upstairs and hang out with their mascot, catching an eyeful of the neighborhood below. Since the staff work at their own pace and the food is made to order, folks in the know go there anticipating it will be a fun night out.

Beer and drink specials run consistently, and they serve what is probably the best tasting burgers in town, seasoned perfectly. Seriously. The Fat Boy is a 1/4 pounder, and the Double Fatty is another patty for a few bucks more! All of their items are organic, and many items on the menu are vegetarian and even vegan. (Hey! Bikers can get away with sporting pleather these days, y'know!) Another favorite is All You Can Eat meatloaf Mondays, while others would recommend the Pot Roast.

Oh, and just what exactly is Smut N' Eggs? On Saturdays at midnight, they pull the shades and run pornos on the walls while patrons dine off the brunch menu. Seriously, once mom finds out about that, she will probably never want to go there. Or Aunt Maggie. Or Nanna. Or maybe even the better half, since it really is Smut, and not the foux foux "erotic" stuff on Skinemax.

Why on Earth am I listing a hot dog stand as a place to take your date on a romantic encounter? Because quite simply, Superdawg is a one of a kind, nostalgic experience that will make your date swoon! From the car hops, to the Tarzan- and Jane-themed Maurie and Flaurie hot dog characters winking from above, to the diamond-patterned walls and right down to the "Hiya!" messages on the boxes, this is a place that creates memories for young and old alike. Both my mom and I cut our teeth at this place among millions of others, and is also one of the places I always hope to go to at least once year.

Superdawg’s kitschy menu features items like the Whoopskidawg (a Polish sausage sandwich) and the Whoopercheesie (a double cheeseburger) and also touts their Supershakes as so thick that they provide their customers with a straw, just to prove it can’t be used. Of course, what brings people back time and again is the world famous Superdawg, which has all the Chicago-standard condiments, including a bright green relish (or piccalilli as they say) and tangy, pickled green tomato wedges. I admit, I love those tomatoes so much, I tend to steal them off everyone else’s orders! All their sandwiches (sammiches in Chicago tongue) come with some of the best crinkle-cut French fries in town and are packaged in cute boxes, featuring Maurie napping on a fold-out recliner, thanking customers from the bottom of his pure beef heart for stopping by.

Some of the nicest car hops ever to exist bring out the cash-only orders and rest them on open window ledges, so dining at this location requires the weather to play along. Orders can also be taken at their small, indoor dining area or placed at the indoor pickup window, perhaps to be enjoyed at the forest preserve across the street. Catering is also available, which can rest assured make a unique impression on visiting family, clients and perhaps even those potential wedding guests. Vegetarians would find relatively few items acceptable on their menu, though even many vegans I know simply fall in love with the overall décor, as well as those fries and tomatoes!