Hot for Hot Dogs

Is there a single type of Chicago hot dog? Is it yours?

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 12:00 PM

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By David Hammond

The Chicago hot dog is held dear by many who think they know what makes a Chicago hot dog. But is there consensus?

There’s the stripped down Gene and Jude’s hot dog, just onions and mustard.

And there’s the fully loaded Portillo’s, a poppy seed bun, onions, relish, long dill pickle and sports pepper, which is a type of Chicago hot dog, too.

And then there’s the even more fully loaded dog with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, impossible to eat without prior disassembly.

Anyway, do you have a favorite dog? Do you consider your favorite a “Chicago hot dog”?

Reader Comments

10 Comments - Add Your Comment

Comment Policy

Anne

Posted: August 7th, 2011 11:13 PM

Weiner's Circle - by far the best!

Gary Belenke from Oak Park

Posted: August 7th, 2011 8:15 PM

Having owned a hot dog stand for 8 years in the 1970's and 1980's I am entitled to my opinion. Steamed 100% beef natural casing hot dog nestled gently in a steamed poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, chopped onion, tomato and pickle only. You have to taste the garlic and feel the snap of the casing. Too many condiments is like too many notes. Sport pepper and celery salt if that is your taste, not mine. As for ketchup...never, never, never, never.

Nick

Posted: August 5th, 2011 3:09 PM

Home Depot has some pretty good dogs. Hahah! But also, Colonel Mustard in Evanston, Wieners Circle on Clark, and Portillos all have good hotdogs. Mickeys on Harlem aint bad either.

Marty J. Stempniak from Wednesday Journal Facebook Verified

Posted: August 4th, 2011 4:29 PM

Superdawg all the way.

Violet Aura

Posted: August 4th, 2011 3:42 PM

My fave hotdogs? The ones that are CRUELTY-FREE! Ahimsa, baby! Nothing with a face!!!!

David Hammond

Posted: August 3rd, 2011 5:33 PM

Ketchup on hot dogs sets some people off. In today's Grub Street Chicago, Nick Kindelsperger explains why, maybe, ketchup is so unpopular on Chicago dogs: http://chicago.grubstreet.com/2011/08/why_chicagoans_dont_put_ketchu.html

another OP resident

Posted: August 3rd, 2011 4:45 PM

Go to Weiner Circle on north Clark St. in the city and get your char dog with sass.

lolzzz

Posted: August 3rd, 2011 4:29 PM

As long as there is ketchup on it, I'll eat it. lolzz

Dave from Oak Park

Posted: August 3rd, 2011 1:54 PM

I can't name just one! I don't mind a Portillo's Dog, drag it through the garden... But I do love Gene & Judes. Oh, man, do I! Then there's always Hot Dougs... :) See? Can't name just one!

@localop_sarah from Oak Park Il

Posted: August 3rd, 2011 1:32 PM

Ok - I love the tomato and cucumber version, celery salt. "salad on a dog" version. Must be a kosher dog too.

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