45 Best Hot Dogs in Chicago

“Red Hot Ranch is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Brad is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Chicago style hot dog is wonderful. Must come back. 10/10.“

“They offer a hot dog and a double hot dog. I thought who needs a double hot dog? Well when we got the single hotdogs, it looked like a tooth pick nestled inside a bun. So YOU need a double hot dog when you order a hot dog. They have fresh cut fries, but they were a little overcooked for my taste. I had a double burger l. It was necessary to double it a single would've passed me off like that hotdog. But the food was good. The service as well. And it's very affordable, with the single hot dog w/fries going for less than $5 and the double burger w/fries going for $7.“

“Best Hot Dogs in Chicago! I drive from Indiana just for a Mighty Dog!“

“Budacki's is a classic neighborhood stop for fast eats. It boasts a broad menu of comfort food, from Polish dogs Chicago-style to gyros and Korean fare. It's not a large or contemporary space, but around rush hour, you'll find it full of regulars from blue and white collar workers to young families and school kids. If you're visiting, there are other spots that do something similar. But if you're new to the neighborhood, be sure to make the trip, and you'll easily find yourself a regular too.“

“Got The Dogzilla and The Lord Byron burger, both Byron's style. Staff was very nice and quick and the food was great. If you're ever in the area, make a stop here. It's worth it. Awesome place and good food.“

“I was only here for a few days but had to get a Chicago Dog! It was the best Chicago dog I’ve had in my years visiting. That poppyseed bun! I can’t wait to come back and try the unique dogs and sausages they offer. Cool art everywhere and just a good vibe. The pickles and the sport peppers are incredible. Highly recommend for anyone who wants an authentic Chicago dog or something even more unique! Also service was kind and quick!“

“Been going here years. Always up for a Hot soy special or a Big Baby“

“Incredibly delicious Chicago dogs and milkshakes.“

“I had to try it today before going back to FL delicious 😋.“

“friendly staff, food is always warm, and yummy“

“Ate at Jimmy's years ago . Hey JIMMY . Take some red hots to the announcers at the track this weekend . Get your name on the air . Your dad would bring Red Hots to the Field when Sal raced there .“

“They have THE BEST Chicago style hotdogs .“

“Nicky’s Hot Dog is a must-visit spot if you’re in the Hotel Central area for a business trip. I arrived around 11:00 am, and while foot traffic was light, parking was still scarce, possibly due to sharing with a neighboring business. The place is tiny and old, with no updates to the exterior or interior, but that’s not why you’re there. I skipped the namesake hot dog and went straight for the Italian beef sandwich.

They used to be cash-only, but now they accept major cards, which was a relief since I don’t carry cash. The workers are packed into the minuscule kitchen like sardines, but ordering is straightforward. Just tell the guy at the counter what you want, and he writes it down on paper. A couple of minutes later, your order is ready.

There’s nothing fancy about Nicky’s, so if that’s what you’re after, head to a major chain. I ordered a beef sandwich with fries and an RC Cola for around $14. The sandwich came wrapped in foil and paper, with the bottom half soaked in beef juice. The beef was perfect, the bread was soft, and the hot peppers were just right. The sandwich was delicious and paired perfectly with the golden fries and cola. I’m so glad these places still exist, and I have much respect for the workers who move at warp speed to handle the orders, especially as it got jam-packed as soon as I left.“

“Had plant- based and beef sausage corn dogs. Excellent. Really tasty. Highly recommend.“

“Bob-O’s is an absolute gem! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and served with a smile. Their burgers are juicy, the hot dogs have that perfect snap, and the fries are crispy perfection every single time. You can tell everything’s made with care — it’s comfort food done right.

The staff are super friendly and make you feel welcome the moment you walk in. The place has a fun, casual vibe that’s perfect for families or a quick bite with friends.

Whether you’re craving a classic Chicago-style dog or a loaded burger, Bob-O’s delivers every time. Five stars all the way — easily one of the best spots around!“

“Fantastic chilli cheese dog.“

“Chicago for life great food 24 hrs 7 days“

“The quarter lb. chubby Vienna dog done on the grill is great, the fries are great and the service is great. My second experience and they are above par. So worth the vist. A quaint place with charm and good food.“

“I stopped by J's Corner for lunch break, ordered a polish with everything, comes with free fries. THE best polish I've had in a long time. Been trying other restaurants, but nothing compares to this. 5/5 in my book, classic menu selection with good prices, will try the bulgogi that everyone raves about next time“

“I am a very huge fan of smaller scale restaurants that can be found hiding in the city. Family-owned businesses are typically the ones that have the best food because they do not necessarily look into mainstreaming menus and recipes. with smaller restaurants, you can typically find amazing price opportunities as well as some unique food that has not been released to the broad market. It almost makes locations like this become a treasure if you come across them. Huge shout-out for Lola's. Amazing dogs, burgers, shakes! give them a try when you get the chance. For me, it was worth every penny!“

“Iconic!! Came here in 2009. Great food at a great price! If you come to Chicago, you have to try Jim’s!!“

“A basic, unassuming hotdog stand right next to the Field Museum. They have the regular Chicago dog (onions, mustard, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt, pickle spear). They also have vegetarian and turkey dogs as well as polish dogs. You can have the basic toppings mentioned above as well as chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. You can also purchase water or canned soda and chips. All combos (dog, chips, drink) appear to around 10-11 dollars (prices reflect a 3% cash discount). You can enjoy one after leaving one of the museums while checking out water views!“

“Horrid! As a native Chicagoan I never expected to be disappointed by a neighbourhood hot dog stand. Yesterday, for the first time I went to Jr’s Red Hots. For starters they messed up the order of two hotdogs with fries. Instead we received two overcooked polish sausage with greasy fries. I couldn’t consume more than two bites of either. It was obvious the grill and oil from deep fryer aren’t routinely cleaned. Failed on a grand scale!!!! Never going back to Jr’s.“

“Lulu’s Dogs is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Joe is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing jumbo turkey leg. Must come back. 10/10.“

“The worker Zhyldyz was so kind and patient:). I believe she was alone but she was still kind even though being alone. She worked at a good pace and got our stuff out with good timing:). I could tell everything was made with care xD. I hope she had a wonderful rest of her day! ♡“

“The best beef polishes ever. I'm looking for the new location. I'm not satisfied and i wont settle for any other.“

“Donald's has had consistently delicious food for as long as I can remember. Their soups and chili are made fresh every day. The food is so well prepared and always hot and fresh. The service is phenomenal. You get in and out with their very friendly staff.“

“hot dogs 🌭 was good the Place is clean The service was great I will be back“

“Got The Dogzilla and The Lord Byron burger, both Byron's style. Staff was very nice and quick and the food was great. If you're ever in the area, make a stop here. It's worth it. Awesome place and good food.“

“Good food an friendly service“

“First time customer. Friendly staff and clean environment. Counter seating only. Fair prices for great quality food. The fries are great! I'm usually a skin on, flaccid fry lover (no jokes, please) but the fries here are crispy and thin without being overly salted. Gyros, off the spit, was generously portioned. Jack's is a solid choice for great Chicago-stand food!“

“The guy behind the counter was a little gruff and curt with me, but once he saw that I had my dog with me, he warmed up a bit. Otherwise, the hot dogs were tasty, but I was expecting more tots than what was served to me. Also, the way that the restaurant was shot in the photos listed online were very deceptive; way smaller space than expected, and really no place to sit and enjoy your food.“

“At first, I was a little apprehensive because this is inside the Home Depot, but the food was absolutely fabulous. The hotdog was great. It was my first Chicago hotdog and the hot peppers are very hot.! the guys behind the counter were very friendly… fantastic location, fantastic food highly recommend“

“Just arrived to Chicago !! Breakfast places were kind of packed. However, we had this place at the bucket list and decided to try it. We order the Chicago hot dog and the New York style. Please order it with the polish sausage it’s worth it. Excellent for a fast bite and great portion.“

“We decided to visit Chicago for a weekend trip from Pittsburgh. You haven’t eaten a hotdog until you’ve tried this hotdog in Chicago!!! Out of this world flavor!!! It’s a must to try if you’re in Chicago!!! We’d give it 10 stars if we could!!“

“Great dawgs. Quick service“

“Great food, friendly staff, great service.“

“More than enough for you to eat, food was definitely on point. Good customer service to all customers who comes into the establishment.“

“First time trying this GEM! AMAZING food! Never have been here before, but we'll worth it. Steak burger and a polish with fries. So good!“

“First time enjoying Alley Dogs was great. The fish sandwich was crispy and tasty with the extra tartar sauce. The fries were soft on the inside and had a nice crunch externally. The staff was enjoyable to talk to until the food was ready pretty quickly!“

“As incredibly deliciously tasty and greasy as I remember from college days and just as good as at the original on Taylor St. Fond memories of many years of studying and working fuelled by Al's!!

Get the regular combo (beef and sausage) for the best experience. The wet is good enough to already make the bread fall apart, dipped will get you a soggy mess without a fork in sight!

Keep many napkins handy and your shirt protected! Oh and get the giardiniera, hot preferred for the best pigout experience.

The handcut fries are very good, though I remember at the original they were a tad more greasy if that can even be imagined!!“

“Everything in the place I wil try“

“TRy them and you will love the food. I been recommended here by a few people !“

“I love a Depot Dog so much that I will stop here without having to need to go to Home Depot.A Chicago Dog, chips and a drink for nearly $5 - AND IT ACTUALLY TASTES GOOD - heck yeah!! I know this might sound weird, but I did stop here on our way to go-karting for my bachelor party!“