Oso planning to go pro
I just had a chili dog last night! High quality natural-casing hot dog from a company called Hofmann's (they sell 'em in 6-packs at our local Publix, but here's a link: https://hofmannsausage.com/just-german-franks-small.html) ... topped with my wife's home-made chili (we had a big bowl of it the night before, but I made sure I put some aside cuz I knew I was gonna have a chili dog the next day) ... chopped onions ... shaved cheddar ... on a quality hot dog bun.Wow, it was good.Otherwise, when no chili is available, I'm a basic guy -- spicy brown mustard, sweet relish, onion. Sometimes I'll dice a tomato and throw it on there, too. Never ketchup, though I have nothing against those who use ketchup; several of my family do.+++Related ...When we lived in Chicago, my son worked at a Lincoln Park place called America's Dog, right across the street from the Children's Hospital. Started as just a peon when he was a teen but eventually became asst manager and then manager for a couple years. Their schtick was that they had dogs from all around the country (supposedly): Chicago, NY, Philly, Buffalo, Detroit, etc, etc, etc. I tried a few and they were all good -- as good as any in town -- because they used very high quality dogs and fresh buns. Great onion rings, too. When Children's decided to move downtown, the owner knew his main clientele would be gone, so he ended up getting out of the business. We didn't live far from Hot Doug's and I liked their dogs but I thought they were a little overrated. I mean, they were hot dogs, certainly no better than where my son worked. Their schtick was that on Fridays they had duck-fat fries. People would start lining up when they opened on Fridays for those ... but I thought they were very greasy and somewhat limp. I like a nice crisp fry.Wieners Circle's dogs are fine. And they certainly have their own schtick. I always thought Portillo's served a solid dog. At lunch time, the Vienna Beef place on Damen served dogs - quite good.
-If you grew up in Chicago or the burbs, the best hot dog place will always be the one you went to as a kid. For me, that was Tommy’s in Glendale Heights. Recipe is still the same today as it was 30 years ago. It’s not the best, but for me, I enjoy still because it’s a total comfort meal.
You really just wanted a Hummel's hot dog.🌭
Can't believe we lived down the street from you and never heard of Tommy's.What was your opinion of WeeDee's Wienies?
We lived in Glendale Heights until I was 10, then moved to Carol Stream. WeeDee’s (assuming the North Ave location, there’s now one in St. Charles) was pretty good if memory serves me. Scooby’s was always ok, and over priced. Although their raging war war with Cascade Drive In was always funny.
I know it’s hot dog toppings as the topic, here’s my unofficial Chicago hot dog place takes.-If you grew up in Chicago or the burbs, the best hot dog place will always be the one you went to as a kid. For me, that was Tommy’s in Glendale Heights. Recipe is still the same today as it was 30 years ago. It’s not the best, but for me, I enjoy still because it’s a total comfort meal.-To me, SuperDawg is the best hot dog in the Chicago area. Fries are so key to a good dog, SuperDawgs doesn’t disappoint.-Portillo’s dog is solid and reliable, has more snap than most other places.-Gene & Judes gets my “Overrated” chant.-My wife (when we were dating) lived by the old Hot Doug’s location (before the fire burnt it down). Always thought the hype was too much, and while good, not worth the wait.-Paradise Pup in Des Plaines is quality.Places that wrap the fries in the hot dog, I don’t mind getting just ketchup on the dog then. The heat from the dog/fries melts the ketchup into the fries, it’s enjoyable in my opinion.
Gene and judes is overrated as a dog but so many great memories there.Agree on superdawg Anybody been to Woolfys? Pretty solid
Gene and Judes is highly overrated, Superdawg is fantastic because of the fries. Woolfy’s is well above average, but Mickey’s in Bellwood, (and to a lesser extent, their Villa Park location) is the best hot dog I’ve had in the Chicagoland area.
Yep, that's the one.Hopefully the place got your date in the mood!
Most interesting regional hot dog I have ever had is the Seattle Hot Dog with Cream Cheese & Sauteed Onions + Sriracha. Weird as hell but it works and is good.
How about Sonoran Dogs? They are popular in AZ, Mexican style hot dog, wrapped in bacon in a bolillo roll with beans, jalapenos or salsa verde, avocados, etc. Can't go wrong with anything wrapped in bacon.
Busch Stadium in St Louis has bacon wrapped hot dogs with french's onions and bbq sauce. Really good.
No fake white cheese tho?
f-ing provele. most disgusting food adjacent item ever. vile vile vile sh!t.
Love Superdawg but hate that nuclear green relish.