Monday, October 1, 2007
Chicago Things To Do and See
Getting Around in Chicago
Chicago streets are basically laid out according to a Cartesian coordinate system; think graph paper.
Most Chicago streets run North-South or East-West.
A few interesting streets run diagonally across the grid. E.g., Clark St, Elston Ave., Lincoln Ave, and Milwaukee Ave on the North Side. Archer Ave and Ogden Ave (mostly) on the South Side.
There are 800 street numbers to a mile, with usually 8 blocks to a mile.
(0,0) is the intersection of State St and Madison St in the loop. Street numbers go off in direction of the compass points from that intersection. Thus 800 N State St is one mile North of State and Madison. Similarly, the Illinois Institute of Technology runs from 3100 to 3500 S. State St, which works out to being 4 miles South of Madison St.
Chicago is a fascinating collection of neighborhoods: Rogers Park, Wicker Park, South Shore, Pilsen, River North, Hyde Park, etc.
However, generally, people talk about locations as being on the North Side, South Side, or West Side. What happened to the East Side? It's mostly the lake. Look at a city map, there is a smidge of an East side way down in the far Southeast corner of the city.
The Second City
The wonderful improvisation troupe.
["old town," near North side]
1616 N. Wells St (Wells at North Ave)
Chicago
http://www.secondcity.com/?id=theatres/chicago
Late Night Catechism
at the St George Theatre [near North side]
Theater -- there are many fine small theaters in the city (and suburbs)
Check out the listings in Chicago Magazine and The Reader below
Art Institute of Chicago
First rate museum with a spectacular collection of French Impressionist works.
[Downtown]
Michigan Ave. at Adams
http://www.artic.edu/
Field Musuem of Natural History
Millenium Park
Beautifully redone and renamed section of Grant Park. Home of the amazing Cloudscape.
Bordered Michigan Ave on the West, Monroe on the South, Randolf on the North, and Columbus Drive on the East. Just North of The Art Institute.
http://www.millenniumpark.org/
Museum of Science and Industry
The museum to see in Chicago, especially with kids.
Suggestions: Check out the exhibits in the various stairwells between main and second floor. For those with small kids, be sure to get to the kids room in the basement.
[Southside, along the lake]
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago
773.684.1414
http://www.msichicago.org/
Shedd Aquarium
Bahai Temple
[Northen suburb]
Sheridan Road
Wilmette
Downtown Architectural Landmarks
The "loop" elevated train
The Auditorium Theater
The Monadnock Building
The Rookery
First National Plaza (now Chase Plaza)
The Cultural Center (across street from Millennium Park)
Other Sources of Chicago Information
Chicago Magazine
Monthly magazine
http://www.chicagomag.com/
Chicago Reader
Free weekly paper.
Check out "discounted event tickets" under Theatre/Perform -> Hot Tix at their web site
http://www.chicagoreader.com/
Chicago Airport Food
O'Hare
Throughout O'Hare's terminals you can find both Chicago hot dogs and pizza. In general, the quality is not as good as their corresponding non-airport locations.
Chicago hot dogs are available at carts located throughout Terminal 1. Look for the Vienna umbrellas. For reasons not clear to me the carts serve a larger than normal dog, perhaps to satisfy those non-Chicagoans who want jumbo dogs. It works but not as well as the standard sized dog.
Fries are not available at these carts. (See Gold Coast Dogs below.) Adding more insult is that they sell only Vitner's chips. Any Chicagoan will tell you the local chip is Jay's. Shame on the owner of this concession.
Uno's pizza is usually available at a stand adjacent to the cart. For those who are vegetarians, I recommend the cheese pizza.
Terminal 1 (United) - C Concourse
C14
C26
Terminal 2 (United / Air Canada / Other)
In the main hall of Terminal 2 there is Chicago hot dog / Pizzeria Uno stand, located right next to a Cinnabon. (These concessions are located on the side of the hall closer to Terminal 1.)
Down at the Terminal 1 end of the hall, right next to the Butch O'Hare exhibit, is a Goose Island Brewery concession, which just happens to have a Vienna hot dog cart. Goose Island Brewery is a Chicago microbrewery and their beer is good.
FYI There is also a children's play area, post office, and medical center in Terminal 2, on the side closest to Terminal 3.
Terminal 2-1/2 -The Rotunda - G Gates (American)
The Rotunda, located between terminals 2 and 3, contains a food court in which is buried a Chicago hot dog / Italian beef stand. Coming from Terminal 2 in the connecting passageway, it is the first opening on the left as you enter the Rotunda. Coming from Terminal 3 you will notice the "Great American Bagel Company" on your right. (BTW, there's nothing great about their bagels.)
Gold Coast Dogs
If you really crave a Chicago hot dog, Italian beef, polish, ..., fries, head over to Gold Coast dogs. Although the quality is not the best, the staff is friendly and there's plenty of seating in the food court.
See ordering instructions in Chicago Hot Dogs and Chicago Italian Beef. (One time the guy dressing my dog started to put the wrong peppers on it. Should there be any confusion, insist on sport peppers!)
Midway
After you pass through security, Terminal A is to your left, there is a food court also to your left, and Terminal B is straight ahead of you.
Midway Food Court
Gold Coast Dogs
See entry above in O'Hare section. Have not sampled their fare here given the availability of Manny's and Superdawg.
Terminal A
Manny's Deli
Located just before gate A4, at the end of the first moving walkway, just beyond a House of Blues concession. You can easily get to Manny's and still make a flight in Terminal B.
See the entry under Chicago Other Food. It's wonderful to be able to get matzah ball soup, corned beef on an onion roll, and a potato pancake at the airport! Other food is served of course, but why would anyone order a BLT at a deli serving tasty corned beef and pastrami? (They also serve breakfast in the morning, but regrettably don't offer lox and onion omelettes.)
One advantage of Manny's at Midway over the original is that at Midway they are open for dinner.
Terminal B
Nuts on Clark
On your left as you start entering Terminal B.
Nuts on Clark sells varieties of nuts and popcorn, snacks if you will. It's been around for a long time in their original location on Clark Street, just a few blocks North of Wrigley Field.
Miller's Pub
Between gates B10 and B11.
See entry under Chicago Other Food.
Superdawg
By Gate B14.
See entry under Chicago Hot Dogs.
The price for a Superdawg is approximately $2.50 higher at Midway than at the stand. Fries for some reason are only 10 cents more.
Throughout O'Hare's terminals you can find both Chicago hot dogs and pizza. In general, the quality is not as good as their corresponding non-airport locations.
Chicago hot dogs are available at carts located throughout Terminal 1. Look for the Vienna umbrellas. For reasons not clear to me the carts serve a larger than normal dog, perhaps to satisfy those non-Chicagoans who want jumbo dogs. It works but not as well as the standard sized dog.
Fries are not available at these carts. (See Gold Coast Dogs below.) Adding more insult is that they sell only Vitner's chips. Any Chicagoan will tell you the local chip is Jay's. Shame on the owner of this concession.
Uno's pizza is usually available at a stand adjacent to the cart. For those who are vegetarians, I recommend the cheese pizza.
Terminal 1 (United) - C Concourse
C14
C26
Terminal 2 (United / Air Canada / Other)
In the main hall of Terminal 2 there is Chicago hot dog / Pizzeria Uno stand, located right next to a Cinnabon. (These concessions are located on the side of the hall closer to Terminal 1.)
Down at the Terminal 1 end of the hall, right next to the Butch O'Hare exhibit, is a Goose Island Brewery concession, which just happens to have a Vienna hot dog cart. Goose Island Brewery is a Chicago microbrewery and their beer is good.
FYI There is also a children's play area, post office, and medical center in Terminal 2, on the side closest to Terminal 3.
Terminal 2-1/2 -The Rotunda - G Gates (American)
The Rotunda, located between terminals 2 and 3, contains a food court in which is buried a Chicago hot dog / Italian beef stand. Coming from Terminal 2 in the connecting passageway, it is the first opening on the left as you enter the Rotunda. Coming from Terminal 3 you will notice the "Great American Bagel Company" on your right. (BTW, there's nothing great about their bagels.)
Gold Coast Dogs
If you really crave a Chicago hot dog, Italian beef, polish, ..., fries, head over to Gold Coast dogs. Although the quality is not the best, the staff is friendly and there's plenty of seating in the food court.
See ordering instructions in Chicago Hot Dogs and Chicago Italian Beef. (One time the guy dressing my dog started to put the wrong peppers on it. Should there be any confusion, insist on sport peppers!)
Midway
After you pass through security, Terminal A is to your left, there is a food court also to your left, and Terminal B is straight ahead of you.
Midway Food Court
Gold Coast Dogs
See entry above in O'Hare section. Have not sampled their fare here given the availability of Manny's and Superdawg.
Terminal A
Manny's Deli
Located just before gate A4, at the end of the first moving walkway, just beyond a House of Blues concession. You can easily get to Manny's and still make a flight in Terminal B.
See the entry under Chicago Other Food. It's wonderful to be able to get matzah ball soup, corned beef on an onion roll, and a potato pancake at the airport! Other food is served of course, but why would anyone order a BLT at a deli serving tasty corned beef and pastrami? (They also serve breakfast in the morning, but regrettably don't offer lox and onion omelettes.)
One advantage of Manny's at Midway over the original is that at Midway they are open for dinner.
Terminal B
Nuts on Clark
On your left as you start entering Terminal B.
Nuts on Clark sells varieties of nuts and popcorn, snacks if you will. It's been around for a long time in their original location on Clark Street, just a few blocks North of Wrigley Field.
Miller's Pub
Between gates B10 and B11.
See entry under Chicago Other Food.
Superdawg
By Gate B14.
See entry under Chicago Hot Dogs.
The price for a Superdawg is approximately $2.50 higher at Midway than at the stand. Fries for some reason are only 10 cents more.
Chicago Other Food
Ann Sather
A wonderful for all meals Swedish restaurant. Ahhh, those cinnamon rolls!
I frequented the Belmont, by the El, location.
http://www.annsather.com/
909 W. Belmont
Chicago
Frontera Grill and Topolobampo
Just get a reservation and go to one of these two co-located restaurants.
[River North]
445 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL
http://www.rickbayless.com/
Ginger's Ale House
Best soccer bar per www.mysoccer.com . To be confirmed.
3801 N Ashland
Chicago
Ed Debevics
If you want a burger, fries, meat loaf, etc, with a wisecracking attitude, Ed's is the place. Not great food, but an experience.
[River North]
640 N. Wells St.
Chicago
312.664.1707
[One other location, see web site]
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi
Manny's
One of the last Jewish delis in Chicago proper, and perhaps the only cafeteria-style one left. Over the decades Manny's hasn't changed, though the neighborhood around it has. Note that the Jefferson location is now open for dinner!
The place to go to part of a melting pot of Chicago, grab a bowl of matzah ball soup, a corned beef sandwich, and a potato pancake.
For those not familiar with cafeteria style self-service - if you want a sandwich bypass all those people waiting for hot entrees at the beginning start of the counter. Otherwise you'll get frustrated. If you don't see the sandwich you want atop the counter, yell out your request to one of the counter guys.
[Near South Side]
1141 S. Jefferson
Chicago
312.939.2855
[Also at Concourse A, Midway Airport]
http://www.mannysdeli.com/
-->Walker Brothers' (Bros) Original Pancake House
Perhaps the best pancake house in the country is the Walker Bros spin on the Original Pancake House. For those in Silicon Valley, the Original Pancake Houses out here are a pale rendition of Walker Bros.
[Northern suburb]
153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette
847.251.6000
[A few other locations as well]
http://www.walkerbrosoph.com/
Lou Mitchell's
Another quintessential Chicago place for breakfast just West of the loop. Eggs cooked and served in individual skillets. Fresh baked breads.
I remember the morning when we were standing outside in line with our then infant son. Lou came out to work the crowd and upon encountering us he commented on our cute baby and bumped us to the front of the line. The place is great even if you don't have a cute baby as a prop.
[West of the River, Downtown]
565 W. Jackson
Chicago
312.939.3111
http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/
Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse
Wow! A down home, smoked bbq joint. Not far from where I grew up. Excellent food. Very casual with picnic benches indoors.
http://www.backcountryq.com/
[West of Ridge]
6954 N. Western
Chicago
[More to come]
Downtown: Miller's Pub and at Midway Airport by Gate B9(?)
Near North: Shaw's Crabhouse
Mid-North: Cafe Bucharest
Northern Suburbs: Del Rio (Highwood)
Northwest Suburbs: Bob Chin's crab house
Various locations: Morton's Steakhouse ($$$$$) [Even in Downtown SJ, CA on Park Ave]
A wonderful for all meals Swedish restaurant. Ahhh, those cinnamon rolls!
I frequented the Belmont, by the El, location.
http://www.annsather.com/
909 W. Belmont
Chicago
Frontera Grill and Topolobampo
Just get a reservation and go to one of these two co-located restaurants.
[River North]
445 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL
http://www.rickbayless.com/
Ginger's Ale House
Best soccer bar per www.mysoccer.com . To be confirmed.
3801 N Ashland
Chicago
Ed Debevics
If you want a burger, fries, meat loaf, etc, with a wisecracking attitude, Ed's is the place. Not great food, but an experience.
[River North]
640 N. Wells St.
Chicago
312.664.1707
[One other location, see web site]
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi
Manny's
One of the last Jewish delis in Chicago proper, and perhaps the only cafeteria-style one left. Over the decades Manny's hasn't changed, though the neighborhood around it has. Note that the Jefferson location is now open for dinner!
The place to go to part of a melting pot of Chicago, grab a bowl of matzah ball soup, a corned beef sandwich, and a potato pancake.
For those not familiar with cafeteria style self-service - if you want a sandwich bypass all those people waiting for hot entrees at the beginning start of the counter. Otherwise you'll get frustrated. If you don't see the sandwich you want atop the counter, yell out your request to one of the counter guys.
[Near South Side]
1141 S. Jefferson
Chicago
312.939.2855
[Also at Concourse A, Midway Airport]
http://www.mannysdeli.com/
-->Walker Brothers' (Bros) Original Pancake House
Perhaps the best pancake house in the country is the Walker Bros spin on the Original Pancake House. For those in Silicon Valley, the Original Pancake Houses out here are a pale rendition of Walker Bros.
[Northern suburb]
153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette
847.251.6000
[A few other locations as well]
http://www.walkerbrosoph.com/
Lou Mitchell's
Another quintessential Chicago place for breakfast just West of the loop. Eggs cooked and served in individual skillets. Fresh baked breads.
I remember the morning when we were standing outside in line with our then infant son. Lou came out to work the crowd and upon encountering us he commented on our cute baby and bumped us to the front of the line. The place is great even if you don't have a cute baby as a prop.
[West of the River, Downtown]
565 W. Jackson
Chicago
312.939.3111
http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/
Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse
Wow! A down home, smoked bbq joint. Not far from where I grew up. Excellent food. Very casual with picnic benches indoors.
http://www.backcountryq.com/
[West of Ridge]
6954 N. Western
Chicago
[More to come]
Downtown: Miller's Pub and at Midway Airport by Gate B9(?)
Near North: Shaw's Crabhouse
Mid-North: Cafe Bucharest
Northern Suburbs: Del Rio (Highwood)
Northwest Suburbs: Bob Chin's crab house
Various locations: Morton's Steakhouse ($$$$$) [Even in Downtown SJ, CA on Park Ave]
Chicago Italian Beef
Chicago is home to a regional sandwich delicacy called "Italian Beef" which is marinated beef, piled onto sliced Italian bread, topped with peppers, and with "juice" as requested.
As with most Chicago hot dog stands, Italian beef stands are typically single location, sole proprietorships. There are, of course, exceptions such as Portillo's.
Code words:
sweet = add bell peppers, as in beef with sweet
hot = add giardiniera (hot pepper and vegetable condiment), as in beef with hot
wet = add extra juice (marinade)
dry = no juice
combo = combined Italian beef and sausage sandwich
Al's Beef
The original Al's is in Little Italy on Taylor St, which is an interesting, and at times a tough, place. Perhaps not the best in town, but still very good, and the Taylor St location is open late and across the street from Mario's Italian Ice stand.
[Little Italy, just Southwest of downtown]
1079 W. Taylor
Chicago
312.226.4017
[Other locations as well, see web site]
http://www.alsbeef.com/
Buona Beef
In my opinion the best beef sandwich in Chicago.
[Western, collar suburb]
6745 Roosevelt Road
Berwyn
708.749.2555
[Other locations as well, see web site]
http://www.buona.com/html/buona_companies/index.html
Mr Beef
My daily lunch for more years than I care to remember. Made infamous by various late night talk show hosts. Scala meat packing was across the street, up one block to the North.
[River North]
666 N. Orleans
Chicago
312.337.8500
[Cannot find a real web home page for them.]
http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/3663623
Portillo's
See entry under Chicago Hot Dogs
As with most Chicago hot dog stands, Italian beef stands are typically single location, sole proprietorships. There are, of course, exceptions such as Portillo's.
Code words:
sweet = add bell peppers, as in beef with sweet
hot = add giardiniera (hot pepper and vegetable condiment), as in beef with hot
wet = add extra juice (marinade)
dry = no juice
combo = combined Italian beef and sausage sandwich
Al's Beef
The original Al's is in Little Italy on Taylor St, which is an interesting, and at times a tough, place. Perhaps not the best in town, but still very good, and the Taylor St location is open late and across the street from Mario's Italian Ice stand.
[Little Italy, just Southwest of downtown]
1079 W. Taylor
Chicago
312.226.4017
[Other locations as well, see web site]
http://www.alsbeef.com/
Buona Beef
In my opinion the best beef sandwich in Chicago.
[Western, collar suburb]
6745 Roosevelt Road
Berwyn
708.749.2555
[Other locations as well, see web site]
http://www.buona.com/html
Mr Beef
My daily lunch for more years than I care to remember. Made infamous by various late night talk show hosts. Scala meat packing was across the street, up one block to the North.
[River North]
666 N. Orleans
Chicago
312.337.8500
[Cannot find a real web home page for them.]
http://chicago.citysearch.com
Portillo's
See entry under Chicago Hot Dogs
Chicago Pizza
Pizzeria Uno & Pizzeria Due
[River North, just North of downtown]
Uno's
29 E Ohio
[River North, just North of downtown]
Due's
619 N. Wabash (a block N of Uno's)
[Other locations as well, see web site]
Authentic pan-style pizza. Uno's is the original dark, cramped joint. Due's is larger and brighter. Other locations came much later.
Their frozen pizza is available at Albertson's (now Lucky's) in CA. Look for it in the refrigerated section in the deli area.
http://www.unos.com/
Gino's East
[River North, just North of downtown, off Magnificent Mile]
162 E. Superior St
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266 DEEP (3337)
[River North, just North of downtown]
633 N. Wells St (Ontario and Wells)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-1124
[O'Hare]
O'Hare Plaza
8725 W Higgins Rd
Chicago
773.444.2244
[Other locations as well, see web site]
Another fine Chicago pan-style pizza place. Lots of arguments about whether Uno's or Gino's is better. They're both good. (E. Superior location is the original.)
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/gino_p1.shtml?L+scstore+klqs0726ginosff1dae1d+1185936692
Edwardo's
[Near North]
1212 N Dearborn St
Chicago
312.337.4490
[South Loop]
521 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60605
312.939.3366
[Other locations as well, see web site]
"Stuffed" pizza is 2-3x as thick as pan pizza. Try the stuffed spinach. Per Chicago folklore the founder "borrowed and improved" Giordano's recipe.
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/a-store/edw_p1.shtml?L+scstore+pqtl8565edwardoff3bbd3b+1185941634
Giordano's
[River North, off Magnificent Mile]
730 N. Rush St
Chicago
312.951.0747
[O'Hare]
9415 W Higgins Rd
Rosemont
847.292.2600
[Many other locations as well, see web site]
The original "stuffed" pizza invented on the South Side of Chicago. (Although there may be some merit to those who claim it's Nancy's on the NW Side, Nancy's is just different than Edwardo's and Giordano's.) I prefer Edwardo's, however Giordano's is not bad.
http://www.giordanos.com/
Home Run Inn
4254 W. 31st Street
Chicago, IL 60623
773.247.9696
[A few other locations as well, see web site.]
A South Side traditional pizza place, mostly unknown to North Siders. Good thin pizza.
http://www.homeruninn.com/
[River North, just North of downtown]
Uno's
29 E Ohio
[River North, just North of downtown]
Due's
619 N. Wabash (a block N of Uno's)
[Other locations as well, see web site]
Authentic pan-style pizza. Uno's is the original dark, cramped joint. Due's is larger and brighter. Other locations came much later.
Their frozen pizza is available at Albertson's (now Lucky's) in CA. Look for it in the refrigerated section in the deli area.
http://www.unos.com/
Gino's East
[River North, just North of downtown, off Magnificent Mile]
162 E. Superior St
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266 DEEP (3337)
[River North, just North of downtown]
633 N. Wells St (Ontario and Wells)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-1124
[O'Hare]
O'Hare Plaza
8725 W Higgins Rd
Chicago
773.444.2244
[Other locations as well, see web site]
Another fine Chicago pan-style pizza place. Lots of arguments about whether Uno's or Gino's is better. They're both good. (E. Superior location is the original.)
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi
Edwardo's
[Near North]
1212 N Dearborn St
Chicago
312.337.4490
[South Loop]
521 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60605
312.939.3366
[Other locations as well, see web site]
"Stuffed" pizza is 2-3x as thick as pan pizza. Try the stuffed spinach. Per Chicago folklore the founder "borrowed and improved" Giordano's recipe.
http://featuredfoods.com/cgi
Giordano's
[River North, off Magnificent Mile]
730 N. Rush St
Chicago
312.951.0747
[O'Hare]
9415 W Higgins Rd
Rosemont
847.292.2600
[Many other locations as well, see web site]
The original "stuffed" pizza invented on the South Side of Chicago. (Although there may be some merit to those who claim it's Nancy's on the NW Side, Nancy's is just different than Edwardo's and Giordano's.) I prefer Edwardo's, however Giordano's is not bad.
http://www.giordanos.com/
Home Run Inn
4254 W. 31st Street
Chicago, IL 60623
773.247.9696
[A few other locations as well, see web site.]
A South Side traditional pizza place, mostly unknown to North Siders. Good thin pizza.
http://www.homeruninn.com/
Chicago Hot Dogs
A Chicago hot dog is an all-beef hot dog served on a poppy seed bun, with bright yellow mustard, psychedelic green relish, chopped raw onion, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport (hot) peppers, and celery salt.
Sport peppers are the only condiment that may be omitted.
Ketchup is never put on a Chicago hot dog. Anyone ordering a hot dog with ketchup in Chicago will be deemed a bumpkin.
Although tomatoes are a standard condiment, some sellers use cucumber slices instead. Tomatoes are my preference.
Typical ordering instructions: "dog with everything, including peppers." (To get the correct Chicago accent, listen to the Chicago police announcement that is played over the O'Hare PA system.)
By tradition a Chicago hot dog is cooked in hot, but not boiling, water. Some people refer to this cooking method as steaming, but others object to applying that term to this technique.
A Chicago dog should be prepared to order. There are no wrapped, ready-to-eat dogs as there are burgers at fast food establishments.
Note that you are not eating a Chicago hot dog when you get one at the ball park. Recheck the definition above.
There are two major suppliers of Chicago hot dogs to stands: Vienna Beef (primary) and Red Hot Chicago (secondary). Look for Vienna Beef signage, with big V's, which appear both inside and outside of the establishment. (Red Hot Chicago was started after a split in the family some years ago.)
Chicago all-beef hot dogs are usually referred to as kosher style, representing their origin. Long ago Vienna was a kosher meat supplier.
A few hot dog stands pride themselves on their French fries. One key phrase is "hand cut" fries.
Poochie's
[Northern suburbs]
3602 Dempster St, Skokie
847.673.0100
Note that Poochie's moved a few blocks East (@ Central Park) in 2011 to a larger space. Very nice. Bonus is more indoor seating and three large flat screen TVs. Con is that parking in more limited.
The prototypical Chicago hot dog stand. They do it right. (Also famous for their cheddarburger, though I've never had one.)
http://www.poochieshotdogs.com/
http://www.roadfood.com
Portillo's
[River North, just North of downtown]
100 W. Ontario,
-->Chicago312.587.8910
[Many other locations, including one in Buena Park, CA]
Not your typical hot dog stand, as it also offers Italian Beef, salads, and desserts, but it works.
http://www.portillos.com/
Hot Doug's (sadly now closed by Doug)
[rumor is that Doug now operates a food truck, but need confirmation]
3324 N. California, Chicago
[mid-NW side, middle of nowhere so to speak, sorry Doug]
773.279.9550
Doug, a professional chef, runs this hot dog and sausage emporium. Fries fried in duck fat on Friday/Saturday. Regular fries are superb.
The only hot dog stand that I've ever stood in line for 40 minutes before ordering. It's that good.
Note the limited hours of operation; it's primarily a lunch place.
http://www.hotdougs.com/
Superdawg
[NW side, not far from Kennedy Expy, 10 mins from O"Hare]
6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
773.763.0660
[One other location at Midway Airport, by Gate B14]
A drive-in style Chicago hot dog stand, which deviates slightly from the standard. Has call boxes, wait staff, and window trays, should you care to be served in your car. Otherwise, just go inside and order at the window. There is a modest amount of indoor and outdoor seating.
Open very late at night! Still owned by the founding family. (Hi Moosh!)
Hot dogs are served in a cool box, along with fries. (Unlike most other hot dog stands, fries are included with your dog.) Good fries, but the box doesn't hold enough of them with the dog in there too. So get another order and share.
http://www.superdawg.com/
Wiener's Circle
[Lincoln Park, Near North]
2622 N. Clark
773.477.7444
Have not personally sampled, but reviews read well.
Also, has an entry in the WikiPedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiener's_Circle
Byron's Hot Dogs
[North Side, 1/2 mile North of Wrigley Field]
1017 Irving Park
773.281.7474
[Two other locations; check web site for info]
Have not personally sampled, but reviews read well. Based on a photo on their website Byron's offers additional hot dog toppings such as cucumbers.
http://www.byronshotdogs.com/
Fred's Hots and Frys
[Northern suburbs]
1707 Chestnut Ave
Glenview
847.657.9200
Another hot dog/sausage stand of high quality.
Sport peppers are the only condiment that may be omitted.
Ketchup is never put on a Chicago hot dog. Anyone ordering a hot dog with ketchup in Chicago will be deemed a bumpkin.
Although tomatoes are a standard condiment, some sellers use cucumber slices instead. Tomatoes are my preference.
Typical ordering instructions: "dog with everything, including peppers." (To get the correct Chicago accent, listen to the Chicago police announcement that is played over the O'Hare PA system.)
By tradition a Chicago hot dog is cooked in hot, but not boiling, water. Some people refer to this cooking method as steaming, but others object to applying that term to this technique.
A Chicago dog should be prepared to order. There are no wrapped, ready-to-eat dogs as there are burgers at fast food establishments.
Note that you are not eating a Chicago hot dog when you get one at the ball park. Recheck the definition above.
There are two major suppliers of Chicago hot dogs to stands: Vienna Beef (primary) and Red Hot Chicago (secondary). Look for Vienna Beef signage, with big V's, which appear both inside and outside of the establishment. (Red Hot Chicago was started after a split in the family some years ago.)
Chicago all-beef hot dogs are usually referred to as kosher style, representing their origin. Long ago Vienna was a kosher meat supplier.
A few hot dog stands pride themselves on their French fries. One key phrase is "hand cut" fries.
Poochie's
[Northern suburbs]
3602 Dempster St, Skokie
847.673.0100
Note that Poochie's moved a few blocks East (@ Central Park) in 2011 to a larger space. Very nice. Bonus is more indoor seating and three large flat screen TVs. Con is that parking in more limited.
The prototypical Chicago hot dog stand. They do it right. (Also famous for their cheddarburger, though I've never had one.)
http://www.poochieshotdogs.com/
http://www.roadfood.com
Portillo's
[River North, just North of downtown]
100 W. Ontario,
-->Chicago312.587.8910
[Many other locations, including one in Buena Park, CA]
Not your typical hot dog stand, as it also offers Italian Beef, salads, and desserts, but it works.
http://www.portillos.com/
[rumor is that Doug now operates a food truck, but need confirmation]
3324 N. California, Chicago
[mid-NW side, middle of nowhere so to speak, sorry Doug]
773.279.9550
Doug, a professional chef, runs this hot dog and sausage emporium. Fries fried in duck fat on Friday/Saturday. Regular fries are superb.
The only hot dog stand that I've ever stood in line for 40 minutes before ordering. It's that good.
Note the limited hours of operation; it's primarily a lunch place.
http://www.hotdougs.com/
Superdawg
[NW side, not far from Kennedy Expy, 10 mins from O"Hare]
6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
773.763.0660
[One other location at Midway Airport, by Gate B14]
A drive-in style Chicago hot dog stand, which deviates slightly from the standard. Has call boxes, wait staff, and window trays, should you care to be served in your car. Otherwise, just go inside and order at the window. There is a modest amount of indoor and outdoor seating.
Open very late at night! Still owned by the founding family. (Hi Moosh!)
Hot dogs are served in a cool box, along with fries. (Unlike most other hot dog stands, fries are included with your dog.) Good fries, but the box doesn't hold enough of them with the dog in there too. So get another order and share.
http://www.superdawg.com/
Wiener's Circle
[Lincoln Park, Near North]
2622 N. Clark
773.477.7444
Have not personally sampled, but reviews read well.
Also, has an entry in the WikiPedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiener's_Circle
Byron's Hot Dogs
[North Side, 1/2 mile North of Wrigley Field]
1017 Irving Park
773.281.7474
[Two other locations; check web site for info]
Have not personally sampled, but reviews read well. Based on a photo on their website Byron's offers additional hot dog toppings such as cucumbers.
http://www.byronshotdogs.com/
[Northern suburbs]
1707 Chestnut Ave
Glenview
847.657.9200
Another hot dog/sausage stand of high quality.
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