The Other White Meat: Top 5 Best Hot Dogs in Chicago

By Camshaft on May 18, 2012

Chicago native, Jenny McCarthy, gives her dog the squirts.

Eating for a roll: Cubs fan Vince Vaughn scarfs down a dog.

How do Chicagoans do a hot dog? The absolutely, undeniably, best way.

It starts with a steamed all beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun. Topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle, tomato, sport peppers, and tremendously important, yet subtle–a dash of celery. Popular slang hails a Chicago hot dog as having been “dragged through the garden” due to it’s many toppings. The most important thing not mentioned above–no ketchup. Only mustard.

The city has no shortage of it’s classic “Vienna Beef” food vendors in almost every neighborhood. Any one of these will give you a true taste of Chicago, and it’s easy to squeeze in on even the quickest of business trips.

5. Downtown Dogs: This whole search for Chicago’s greatest hot dog began when Steel Trap and The Brophisticate (who has yet to post btw, ahem!) felt a sudden craving for a chili dog after watching 3 episodes of the 80s TV show, Hunter, back-to-back. The only hot dog stand close and open at 11pm was Downtown Dogs. Local residents have pictures of their dogs plastered all over the inside. Patio seating is nice when weather permits, and it’s right next to Pippin’s Tavern, which is visited regularly by celebrities, including the Dave Matthews Band. The Vienna Beef franks are great, if you love yourself, do NOT let them apply the squirt cheese.

4. Pro team venue: Da Bears, da Blackhawks, da Bulls… Cubs or Sox, doesn’t matter! Like Peaches and Herb, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Obama and health care, great things go together. For a traditional hot dog known for sporting sports peppers, it’s best to eat one WATCHING sports!

3. Wiener’s Circle: Looking like an old school Dairy Queen in the middle of Lincoln Park just north of downtown Chicago, lies a gritty little gem known as Wiener’s Circle. Rain or shine, snowing or sweltering, you walk up to the window to order this legendary dog. Off-peak hours, you’ll find little to no line. But if you’re drinking on Diversey ’round midnight and think you might want a quick dog, be prepared not to be the only one with this notion stuck in your head. Snide remarks from vendors doesn’t cost extra and is part of the charm. Pack an extra $20 in your wallet and be sure to ask for a chocolate shake. You won’t be sorry you asked, in a “Sour Patch Kids” kinda way.

Finally! A place to eat a hot dog while wearing leather pants.

2. 25 Degrees: Because one bite will make you say, “Motherf**ker!” Key ingredients? Take a Chicago dog, inject some steroids and serve it restaurant style… with mounds of chili! As soon as it’s being delivered to your place at the bar or table, everyone takes notice. This thing is a monster. It’s as if you won the culinary lottery. Perfect to split on a double date, order it alone if you don’t mind the Russian models across the bar secretly thinking you’re the cliched American pig.

Yep. It's a long ass line, but the dogs are cheap and delicious. Send a freshman to order you a couple..

1. Hot Doug’s: If you really want to experience something amazing, something that you truly cannot find elsewhere, and you have a few hours to spare, there is only one spot. We’re talking about Hot Doug’s.

Located in an otherwise unimpressive section of a neighborhood on the north side at the corner of Roscoe & California, it offers an affordable yet one of a kind hot dog. The owner, Doug, whose restaurant bears his name, specially orders exquisite encased meat to serve. One week his menu may offer wild boar sausage with bacon-garlic mayo and smoked gouda, and the next rattlesnake with foie gras and duck fat fries (duck fat fries are weekends only).

The wait is normally 1-2 hours on a weekend—during the week it’s much more reasonable. But, do it. You’ll never forget it.