Where to Get a Hot Dog in Chicago

Chicagoans are serious about their hot dogs and when you're there creating one is like making a masterpiece. No joking. The classic Chicago hot dog is something you cannot find or create anywhere else in the world. The way you make your Chicago hot dog is just as important as where you get it from.

To make your own Chicago hot dog you need to start out with an all beef hot dog. The local favorite brand is the Vienna Beef hot dog, and in all the best hot dog stands nothing will replace this brand. Ok, so you have your dog, now we need to talk about what goes on it. Here is where the masterpiece making begins.

We are no longer talking about your barbeque hot dog folks; a Chicago hot dog requires a poppy seed bun. Once that is accomplished you can begin piling on diced onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sweet relish, yellow mustard, sliced cucumbers or pickle spears, and bell peppers in no particular order.

There is allowance given for variation, I like to add hot peppers to my dog and cut out the lettuce. On top of that I have a secret I keep from my family and fellow Chicagoans when it comes to my hot dogs. I like ketchup on mine, a big no-no in Chicago. If you are a fellow ketchup lover and would rather not attract the attention of the entire establishment when ordering grab a couple of ketchup packs and add it to your dog yourself.

Now that you know how to make your Chicago hot dog you need to know where to go to get one. The following are all great places to enjoy a hot dog in Chicago and each has a uniqueness of its own whether it is the decor, entertainment or history. So in no particular order, here they are.

Portillo's, 100 West Ontario Street

A great place downtown and a favorite of die hard hot dog fans Portillo's has moved to the city from the suburbs of Chicago. It does not matter what location you go to, the place will be packed, the drive thru will be packed and in the suburbs the local police come out during lunch hour to direct traffic. Great hotdogs and all the trimmings are available. Plus, the decor is always fun for visitors; all Portillo's have an old time gangster theme.

Hot Doug's, 3324 North California

Even though there is a lot of variation on the menu at Hot Doug's they still serve up great classic Chicago hot dogs. If you are ready for a little more though, then try one of the specialties on the menu from a sausage of sesame- ginger and duck to one with alligator.

The Weiner's Circle, 2622 North Clark Street

The hot dogs at the Weiner Circle are grilled and served well into the wee hours of the night. In fact the Weiner's Circle is a favorite spot for late night revelers and they pack the place. If you are a first time visitor do not be surprised by the guys behind the counter taking your order when they begin shouting at the crowd to order already. They do it, but all in jest.

Gold Coast Dogs, 418 North State Street

Gold Coast is popular with tourists because it is so close to all the shops that line Michigan Avenue. The dogs here are great and they are served up Chicago style so you even the tourists will get an authentic Chicago experience.