I love hotdogs! I do have a favorite hot dog place and it is Gene and Jude’s in Des Plaines.
I want to list some pretty good lesser-known runner-up local hot dogs spots to give you that hot dog fix you are looking for.
Gina’s Hot Dogs - Bensenville
This hot dog spot has been around for quite some time. They are, in my opinion, a great knock-off of Gene and Judes, even down to the fries put on top of the hot dog. The flavors are good and the hot dog itself is of great quality. I would say you really cannot go wrong eating at this place.
Lucky Dog - Melrose Park
Lucky Dog is a staple in Melrose Park. Lines form around the drive-through all the way to Lake St around dinner time and especially in the summertime. The hot dog comes with fries and is a typical Vienna beef hot dog. The flavors are really good and the quality is there. The crinkle-cut fries are the best.
Scooby’s Red Hots - Bensenville
Scooby’s is a tradition that has been around for decades. The snap when you take a bite of their hot dog is addictive and they are always fresh and tasty. The hand-cut fries are delicious.
Superdawg - Chicago
I remember my first time coming to Superdawg when I was in high school. It was late and I just wanted something to eat. I drove up to the drive-in speaker with my friends and asked for two hot dogs. The speaker replied that we do not have hot dogs here. I thought it was a joke, but the person on the other end of the speaker was dead serious. They replied, “We only sell Superdawgs here”. I am serious when I say they take that statement very seriously, so when you order make sure you say Superdawg and not just a typical hot dog. I really love Superdawg also for its old-school drive-in nostalgia. It does not hurt that their hot dogs are fantastic. I like that each hot dog order comes in a little Superdawg box loaded with fries.
The Weiner Circle - Chicago
This famous hot dog spot makes the list not so much because of the hot dogs that they call “Char Dogs”, but more for the experience. This hot dog joint will insult you brutally while you give your order. This place is kind of like Dick’s Last Resort, only worse. I will give you one piece of advice - never ask for the “20 dollar Chocolate Shake”.
Portillo’s - Multiple Locations
I had to include Portillo’s because lots of people love their hot dogs. I personally think they are very generic, but Portillo’s has a huge fan base for strictly their hot dogs. This place, more than the rest, is very touristy and massive lines are pretty much a given at all times of the day. If you are in Illinois visiting you have to stop at Portillo’s.
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