The Dogfather: Mob Dogging 7/7/14

As the Hot Dog Adventure continues, Chris and I are finding and remembering joints way off our beaten path. The Dogfather, located in Bartlett was a place Chris knew from his family. Deciding to zip over there before I had work one day proved to be more than worth it.

Tommy's Red Hots: Third Luck's a Charm Dogging 7/3/14

Sometimes life gets in the way of things you want to do. Sometimes you find two closed down Hot Dog locations in one day. Unfortunately, both of these managed to happen to Chris and me. After not being able to get together for hot dogs in a few weeks, we tried to squeeze a trip in before work one day. There was one fairly new place near where Chris works that we decided to try. We walked up to the door and it was closed. So Plan B it was. Amazingly enough, this place was also shut down. There were only two other Hot Dog joints left in the general area. Fradillio's which, for better or worse, was already covered and Tommy's Red Hots. So, without much hesitation, we were of to Tommy's.

Kojak's: Who Loves You Dogging 6/9/14

Growing up in Cary, Kojak's was THE place to go for a hot dog or really, any of the traditional Chicago fare. Whatever the neighboring towns offered, just wasn't worth it. I spent countless high school lunches piling into friends cars and flooding the small eating area with hungry teenagers. Even more afternoons after class. Recently new owners took over and instantly I felt a sense of worry. A fear of losing something that I love so much.

Fradillio's Hot Dogs: Substitute Dogging 6/2/14

For the first time on our hot dog adventure, Chris and I decided to stay local. Also, for the first time we had to call an audible. Our original plan was to head over to Downtown Dogs in wonderful downtown Algonquin. One problem stood in our way. They were closed. So I guess that is a place for another day. Fortunately, we live in an area full of hot dog joints to fill the void. Fradillio's was just that place.

Express Grill & Jim's Original: Double Dogging 5/20/14

 

There is a reason I called this page a 'Hot Dog Adventure.' This was the night that proved why. There was no decision to go get a hot dog until around 1:30am when we began to discuss how obsessed with hot dogs we were becoming. Chris knew of a couple of places near where he went to college at UIC that were open 24 hours. So off we were to enjoy dogs from Express Grill and Jim's Original.

Mr. Pup: Meal On A Bun Dogging 5/12/14

Growing up in the Chicago Suburbs, every town seems to have their own hot dog vendor. This place becomes the one and only place to get a hot dog. No one else seems to make them right. It is impossible to pinpoint what the difference is. I think it comes down to familiarity. For me, Mr. Pup in Des Plaines was this place as a child. It was the location I had my first Chicago and I knew it had to be one of our first stops.

Gene's & Jude's: Late Night Dogging 4/30/14

Originally, we had a different plan to start on our hot dog adventure. However, after a night of drinking and watching hockey, a new plan was born. We decided to make the trip to one of the areas most storied of hot dog vendors, Gene's & Jude's.

Fun On The Bun

A few weeks ago my buddy Chris and I had an idea to go on a Chicago hot dog tour. We discussed going to all the joints that are consistently ranked on all the 'Top ten places to get a Chicago hot dog!' lists. That lead to discussions as to whether or not there could possibly a bad place to get a hot dog and what makes a place good. We decided to judge the restaurant based upon the hot dog itself, the choice and quality of condiments, the ever prevalent fries, and the atmosphere.

If you grew up eating Chicago hot dogs, you know there is a certain flavor to the dog itself. Just because it is an 'all-beef' dog doesn't necessarily make it a Chicago dog. That is only part of the equation. Over the years Vienna and to a lesser extent, Red Hot Chicago have emerged as the leaders of the preferred sausage. Instantly recognized by the predominantly yellow sign, restaurants are proud to display that they are purveyors of Vienna Beef. Simply put, they dominate and define what a Chicago style hot dog is supposed to taste and behave like. Traditionally prepared steamed, a grilled dog, known as a 'char-dog', is an acceptable variation. Also, most dogs feature a natural casing causing an unmistakable 'snap.' For us, that snap is an integral part of the event.

Is anything more debated than the toppings on a hot dog? When one orders a dog with 'everything' traditionally that refers to yellow mustard, chopped onion, tomato wedges, sweet relish, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt all on a poppy seed bun. The sport peppers are completely optional and some places will omit the celery salt. I have even heard celery salt referred to as 'North Side fodder.' Seldom seen but far from an anomaly, some vendors will go even further and add cucumbers and lettuce to the dog. A simpler version but still considered Chicago style, is whats known as a 'depression dog.' Omitting the tomato, pickle, and celery salt still results in a fantastic hot dog. Oh, and no ketchup. Ever.

Like rain in the spring, fries come with hot dogs. There are many ways to make fries and none of them are wrong. I do have to admit I am partial to fries that go right from the potato to the frier. Typically though, I believe crinkle cut fries are the common variety.

The atmosphere of the establishment is crucial to the enjoyment. Standing in line waiting for a hot dog is when Chicago sports are discussed, ideas are exchanged, and tourists see the real Chicago. A little banter with the people running the show is always enjoyable. It is reasons like this that people return. Any one can make a hot dog, but the atmosphere creates the experience.

I did not plan on writing an essay but it happened. I'm sure this hot dog adventure will turn up more surprises than this. Hopefully, they will be much more delicious.

Me and Chris