Maybe you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or perhaps you’re a local. Either way, you’ve probably heard of our famous Chicago-style hot dog. So, what’s the deal with a Chicago-style hot dog? Often referred to as “dragged through the garden”, Chicago-style dogs are served on a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, sports peppers, a dill pickle spear, chopped white onion, a tomato slice, pickled sport peppers, and celery salt.
Chicago-style hot dogs became most famous during The Great Depression because being topped with vegetables made them a complete meal, when many were struggling to put food on the table. Below are twenty amazing hot dog stands in Chicago, just make sure you don’t ask for ketchup on your dog.
Beefy’s
Aside from serving Vienna beef hot dogs, Beefy’s also has ribs, rotisserie chicken, pizza, and homemade soups. This family owned eatery has been around since 1986 and offers dine-in and carry-out. If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, try Beefy’s! You’ll definitely find something on their menu to satisfy your taste buds.
Byron’s Hot Dogs
Family owned and operated since 1975, Byron’s Hot Dog’s has two locations – Irving Park and Lawrence Ave. Try their Italian beef, Italian sausage, or Philly cheesesteak sandwich. They are proud to have won the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame Award in 2006.
Chicago’s Dog House
Started in 2009, Chicago’s Dog House’s Lincoln Park location has a wide variety of hot dogs, as well as their signature Frips- a cross between chips and fries. They have unique sausages, in addition to their traditional Maxwell Street Polish sausage, they have 14 specialty dogs, including the Obama dog which is topped with pineapple salsa, bacon and teriyaki sauce, and the Snoop Dog topped with chorizo and beef chili, cheddar cheese and onions. Chicago’s Dog House also has chili, burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Clark Street Dog
Opened in 1977 and located in Lakeview, they serve their signature Clark Street Dog which is topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle and sport peppers. Clark Street Dog has a great Chicago Philly steak sandwich and a full bar featuring the famous “pickle-back shot”. For desert try some chocolate hazelnut deep fried dough bites, mini wunderbars which are cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Dave’s Red Hots
Dave’s Red Hots is Chicago’s oldest hot dog stand and holds a special place in Chicago’s heart. Located in Lawndale, Dave’s has been around since 1938 and was inducted to Vienna Beef’s Chicago Hot Dog Hall of Fame in 2010. Dave’s is known for their hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
Devil Dawgs
Devil Dogs was first started in 2010 and boasts four locations: South Loop, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast. First started in 2010 near DePaul, they serve shakes, veggie burger, organic vegan dog, and whiskey battered onion rings. Devil Dawgs carries their famous fried chicken sandwich, “The Clucker”, a hand battered and fried chicken breast on a pretzel bun. Their chicken is hormone and antibiotic free.
Fatso’s Last Stand
Fatso’s Last Stand is known for their char dogs and famous Fatso Burger which is a burger adorned with fatso sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. With a location in Ukrainian Village and another one in Lincoln Park, Fatso’s is a casual eatery serving classic Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches in a retro-inspired setting.
Gene and Jude’s
Gene and Jude’s is located in River Grove on Chicago’s West Side. Founded in 1946, they are a family-owned hot dog stand known for its simple and classic Chicago-style hot dogs with no ketchup allowed.
The Hot Dog Box
The Hot Dog Box was started by a father and daughter duo in 2020 during the pandemic. Located in Portage Park, aside from hot dogs and burgers, this joint has deep fried cheesecake, fried pickles, sweet heat BBQ popcorn. A fun place to go if you’re in the area!
Jacky’s Hot Dogs
Located on the Southwest side of Chicago, Jacky’s Hot Dogs is open until 2:00am. They have hot dogs, gyros, and burgers. If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog or burger, they also have fish sandwiches and tamales. Stop by for a late night bite!
Jeff’s Red Hots
Family-owned since 1977, Jeff’s Red Hots sells hotdogs, gyros, and ice cream. Jeff’s was featured on Chicago’s Best for their chili dog. Located on the Northwest side, Jeff’s is a great place to grab a bit to eat if you’re in the neighborhood.
Jimmy’s Red Hots
In 1954, Jimmy’s original founder instilled that you never put ketchup on a hotdog. With a location in Humboldt Park, Jimmy’s Red Hots has been family owned and operated for over 65 years. They are known for their “Depression dog” and polish sausage. They only serve Vienna beef products and their famous habanero hot sauce is made on site.
Kim & Carlo’s Hot Dogs
If you are visiting the Shedd Aquarium or Field Museum stop by Kim & Carlo’s Hot Dog stand. They are a family-owned hot dog stand serving classic Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and fries since 1995. They also have vegetarian options.
Lola’s Coney Island
Named after owner Jesse Fakhoury’s daughter in 2019, Lola’s was named by Chicago Eater as one of “The 20 Essential Hot Dogs in Chicago”. If you’re looking to try something new, try their New York-style hot dogs (sauerkraut, onions, brown mustard) or wraps. They have plenty of vegetarian options made with Beyond Meat. Lola’s also has milkshakes and a great kids menu.
Luke’s Italian Beef
Luke’s Italian Beef is located in downtown Chicago near Willis Tower. They serve Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, pizza, and other fast food favorites. This is the perfect place to go if you’re in the downtown area.
Portillo’s
Portillo’s is known for their Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dog, and chopped salad. Founded by Dick Portillo in 1963, Portillo’s first began as a small hot dog stand called “The Dog House” in Villa Park. Have a taste for Portillo’s, but you’re not in Chicago? You’re in luck! There are over 70 locations across the US.
Redhot Ranch
Since 2005, Redhot Ranch has cooked their dog in a different way, they use ceramic crocks rather than the traditional steamed or boiled method. Redhot Ranch is known for their hot dogs and famous Redhot Ranch Burger which was inspired by owners Barry Nemerow and Jeff Greenfield’s experience at In-N-Out.
Superdawg
A classic drive-in, Superdawg was started in 1948 after owner Maurie returned from WWII and needed money for college. He decided to call it Superdawg because their dogs are, well, super, rather than Chicago-style. They are proud to have two locations- Chicago and Wheeling. It’s not a Chicago-style dog, it’s a Superdawg!
Wolfy’s
Wolfy’s is located on Chicago’s North Side and has been around since 1967. In addition to their hot dogs, Wolfy’s is known for their classic Italian beef sandwich and gyros. If you happen to be on the North Side, stop by Wolfy’s.
The Wiener’s Circle
Featured on Conan, The Wiener’s Circle is known for their sassy servers or as some like to call it “street food with a side of insults”. Wiener’s Circle serves hot dogs, traditional burgers, as well as veggie and turkey burgers. Located in Lincoln Park they serve Maxwell Street Polish sausages, Char-dogs, cheese fries, burgers, and more. They opened in 1983 and are famous for their after-dark insults and great food.