Chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomatoes, pickled sport peppers, a dash of celery salt, and of course, mustard: To an outsider, this is an unlikely medley of toppings to put on a hot dog. To a Chicagoan, these are the flavors of home. Whether you’re a Chicago native, transplant, or are just here for a weekend, Chicago is teeming with both traditional and modern takes on the Chi-town classics that everyone must try (just please, don’t ask for ketchup).
For a not-so-traditional hot dog, head to The Duck Inn for their tribute to a Chicago classic. With all natural-beef and duck fat grilled to snap heaven, you are sure to get the perfect bite. It has received numerous accolades including being named Top Dog by Food Network.
This Lincoln Park staple serves up the classics like the Chicago Style Hot Dog and the Maxwell Street Polish, but you do not want to miss out on their specialty dogs! The Snoop Dog is a smorgasbord of homemade chili, colby cheese, and onion, while the T Frank Hot Dog is a palette perk of cream cheese, avocado, bacon, and homemade hot sauce.
From the basic hot dog and fries to the double char cheddar dog, Fatso’s Last Stand in Ukranian Village has a perfectly-cooked dog for everyone. Open until midnight Sunday-Thursday, and until 4am on Friday and Saturday, you can treat yourself to a hot dog and their famous milkshakes at any time of day!
Ramon Gomez, The Gwen Hotel
“It doesn’t get better than a Chicago style dog from Byron’s! Right off the Sheridan red line stop by Wrigley Field, this spot even has President Obama’s stamp of approval! Anywhere that caters picnics at the White House has to be amazing, right?”
Written by: Lauren Mochizuki