Chicago and the hot dog. Have you heard that story before? Like the Beauty and the Beast, it’s a tale as old as time.
As a refresher, a Chicago style hot dog is comprised of: a hot dog (often Vienna Beef), sport peppers, mustard, bright green relish, tomatoes, a dill pickle, and onions all on a poppyseed bun. (and perhaps a dash of celery salt)
The collection of all these toppings is commonly referred to as "dragged through the garden."
It's inconic. I actually think the Chicago style hot dog is why half the city still lives here.
And please, hold the ketchup.
Here are 5 great throwback hot dog spots in Chicago(land):
Gene and Jude’s
Gene and Jude’s, located in River Grove, is the fundamental when it comes to depression dogs. Their limited menu would make In-N-Out burger blush. Basically you can only get hot dogs (with fries) or a tamale. The first Gene and Jude’s was originally opened in Chicago in 1946, and relocated to the current location in River Grove in 1950. Their slogan on their website reads “No Seats No Ketchup No Pretense No Nonsense.” On that they deliver.
Pro tip on Gene and Jude’s, it can get really crowded on the weekends. Instead, if you’re in the area, pop in for a dog at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon on a weekday.
Gene and Jude’s is located at 2720 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171.
Wolfy's
Located in the northern part of the city, Wolfy’s is famous for it’s iconic sign. Opened in 1967 by Mickey Becker, he operated this institution until 1999. Wolfy’s has a varied menu these days, but the Vienna Beef hot dogs are still the star.
Wolfy’s is forever enshrined in the opening credits of the movie While You Were Sleeping. We’re confident that Sandy B is a fan.
Wolfy’s is located at 2734 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659.
Superdawg Drive-In
Superdawg is located about as far northwest of downtown Chicago as you can get, and still be in Chicago. The iconic drive-in has two hot dog caricatures on top, with blinking red eyes. They’re originals from the 1940s. They’re kind of creepy. But they’re more awesome. Superdawg serves up more than hot dogs, as people also love their burgers too. That said, it’s tough to beat a Superdawg, or it’s big brother, the Whoopskidawg, which is covered in a special sauce. Oh yea, they have delicious homemade fries too!
Superdawg Drive-In is located at 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646.
Jimmy’s Red Hots
Jimmy’s Red Hots, as they say, is “a purist’s hot dog stand.” At Jimmy’s you won’t find any seating, any char-ing, and again as they say, “for crissakes, no ketchup.” Perhaps the most vintage hot dog “stand” of all the hot dog stands in Chicago, Jimmy’s serves Vienna Beef Polish Sausages, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, and tamales on a bun.
Jimmy’s Red Hots is located at 4000 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60651.
Portillo’s
Is this cheating? I mean they have like 60 locations in like 8 states. Before all that growth though, Portillo’s had incredibly humble beginnings. Founder Dick Portillo started Portillo’s in 1963 after getting money from his brother Frank. Frank ponied up enough money that Dick could buy a 12 foot trailer, that had no running water and no restrooms. They called it “The Dog House.”
Despite, 4 years of struggle, Dick kept at it, learned trade secrets, and rebranded as “Portillo’s.” After that, growth continued, and by the late 1990s and early 2000’s Portillo’s became the power house Chicagoans know it as today.
They reportedly made $337 million in revenue in 2017. I’d say this qualifies Frank Portillo as one of the greatest investors of all time.
While the hot dogs are of the highest quality, each time I visit Portillo's I'm faced with a more pressing question. Chocolate Cake Shake or not?
Portillo’s downtown Chicago location is located at 100 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL 60654.
If you’ve made it this far in the article, well, quite FRANKly, I’m impressed. It took everything in my power to not go grab a hot dog before I finished writing this!