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.
Open since the 1950s, Gene's & Jude's is the standard atop every ranking of Chicago style hot dogs. For us in the far Northwest Suburbs, the trek to River Grove is a bit of a cruise. However, it is always worth it. Serving only three food items Hot Dog (or it's brother the Double Dog), Fries, and Tamales, it is the first sign that this place does not mess around. On a typical day, the line wraps around the large open interior free from any table. Your dinning options are restricted a small counter that lines the inside wall or your automobile.
Fortunately for us, we were there about five minutes from the 1am closing time. Running right in, we immediately placed our order for a single dog for each of us. Of course, with everything. At the moment I am sporting a pretty heavy beard, and the cashier calls it epic. One of the older gentlemen behind the counter reaches for his wallet for a picture to show me his beard from 30 years ago. The picture he pulls out is clearly a mug shot. Though I have to admit, it was a pretty nice beard. After a few more laughs, we head out to my car to feast on our late night bounty.
Unwrapping the dogs yields a mountain of fries burying the main show. The fries are simple but delicious. At an earlier trip, while standing in line, I was able to watch how they made the fries. The potatoes are placed in a slicer mounted to the wall, a lever is pulled, and the batons of perfectly sliced fries fall directly into a fry basket. It does not get any simpler than that. There is a freshness about them with just a hint of salt and oil. They are the perfect complement. Don't think about looking for ketchup to put on your fries. You wont
find any. You will be directed to the golden arches next door.
Continuing on the idea of simplicity are the condiments on the hot dog. It is a straight forward 'depression dog' with only mustard, relish, chopped onion, and sport peppers. They also eschew the poppy seed bun. None of this detracts from how great of a hot dog this is. It is the standard steamed Vienna Beef dog. However, for whatever reason, there is something about the way they do it here that makes it one of the nations best. Our theory revolves around the lingering flavors from the fries give them that extra special element. 
To begin with, we both tried to take a bite out of just the frank itself with as little toppings as possible. It is simply wonderful. It has that perfect snap giving way to the juicy dog on the inside. Without the larger and bulkier toppings, it is a little easier to eat. They went down fast. Normally, I would get the double dog (a second wiener in the same bun!) but, I don't think that would have slowed me down any tonight.There is a reason that Gene's & Jude's is and always will be the king. It was an unexpected visit and we were not fully prepared but we could not resist starting out the adventure with a late night run to the best. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Gene's & Jude's
2720 River Rd
River Grove, IL 60171
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