50 Best Hot Dogs in Chicago

“A no frills experience but a very good burger, especially for the price. The food was very good, I had the RHR double cheeseburger, it was moist, greasy, and really tasty. The chips were good and it was a big portion. You can choose what you want in the burger and service was quick. The train is VERY loud going overhead but it gives the place a Chicago charm. Would recommend and will visit again. It's cash only, ATM charges $2 for a withdrawal.“

“The hamburgers melt in your mouth and the hand cut fries are absolutely delicious. They never disappoint me and the food is always ready in a timely manner. I always order the hamburger with the special sauce, trust me u won't regret it...... yummy“

“When it comes to hidden gems in The Windy City, Budacki's Drive In can be counted among them. It's practically tucked away in the Ravenswood neighborhood near a school, but quite an awesome find for quintessential Chi-Town staples such as the Italian beef and the red hot.

I have a cousin who grew up within walking distance of Budacki's so it's a huge part of his life story, even after he moved to the suburbs. That said, he tends to take me or my older brother here whenever either one of us come to visit from Texas. It's safe to say that we share his immense love for the nearly 50-year-old hole in the wall.

Up until Thursday, I had two visits. For my most recent one, I ordered the Letter A , or the red hot combo. Aside from a pair of what I believe are the best hot dogs in the world, the meal comes with fresh cut fries and a drink. I confess that I didn't get a good look on the price, but I can assure you that you get your money's worth.

Each of the red hots was made fresh and specific to my request. I wanted them dragged through the garden, and the kitchen staff delivered. What I sunk my teeth into are a Vienna beef decorated with a tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, onions and hints of salt and mustard. All of which are held together in a soft bun.

The dogs were paired with a delicious, abundant amount of fries. They were so good that I finished them even before the tube steaks themselves. In Chicago, it's nearly a law to keep your red hots free of ketchup and on your fries, but I ate my long taters without ketchup. That's how tasty they were. Before I forget, I should mention that there's an outdoor dining area for customers to enjoy their food at.

The neighborhood Budacki's is in has gone through several changes, but the restaurant has withstood the test of time. Sadly, however, the heir to the business, Jae Lee, recently passed away. And this review is dedicated to his memory.“

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

“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.“

“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 .“

“Allll I have to say is YUMMMMYYYY to my tummy“

“It was a very good place to eat for lunch and respectful workers“

“I have no idea what to expect“

“Incredibly delicious Chicago dogs and milkshakes.“

“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.“

“Excellent food and exactly the kind of atmosphere Id expect in a small hot dog place.

Everything we got was top notch and cane or quickly. I think my only complaint is the dog doesn't come with fries and at $8 I feel like it kinda should.“

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

“Absolutely loved everything about Nicky's! From the moment we walked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better. The restaurant was spotless, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

The food was outstanding, and the hot dog was easily one of the best I've ever had. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and prepared perfectly. Between the delicious food, exceptional cleanliness, and fantastic customer service, Nicky's is a true hidden gem that shouldn't be overlooked. I highly recommend stopping by—you won't be disappointed.“

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

“It’s good..I recommend you try it..“

“The Best! The best fries, the best steak sandwich, the best hamburgers, the best everything!“

“Fantastic chilli cheese dog.“

“This is MUST any time we're around town.
The guys have been consistently making the best food and best conversation for 50+ years. My dad brought me as a kid and now I'm bringing mine.
This place is a REAL, ungentrified chicago eaterie.
Do not miss it!“

“This is a neighborhood staple! Good food great people!“

“Total child hood nostalgia for anyone who has grew up in the area. The food tastes the same as it did in the 90's, and is my go to fast food joint. Hotdogs, gyro, bulgogi, are among my faves. Definitely give it a try if you're ever in the area.“

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

“The hot dogs are one of a kind, OG Chicago beef“

“In its category in Chicago this is the BEST we had. Absolutely excellent Italian beef with great fries. Gentleman at register was also very nice and informative about what we can get.
It was a raining cold spring day 2026.
4 star instead of 5 is because we wish there was a bit more seating inside.“

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

“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.“

“Fast and friendly service. Food was amazing and at a great price. Definitely a new favorite spot!“

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

“Italian beef with the hot peppers and meatball sandwich were terrific! If your near Chicago Little Italy grab a sandwich.“

“Delicious food and great customer service!“

“We came here for lunch a few days ago unplanned after doing some work Resolution. I’m glad we did!!

We had a few dogs and I tried their gravy bucket which was amazing. Yes it was 90 degrees the other day but whatever, it was fire. Chili and Tamale in a cup. Super. The dogs were tasty and the fries were crispy.

The staff were friendly and the seating has a few booths. My big hang up was parking. It was limited on a Wednesday afternoon at 1p.

I can’t wait to come 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.“

“Great food, friendly staff, great service.“

“This was absolutely the most inhaleable italian beef I had during my stay in Chicago. Their au jus was also thick with spices so no wonder the italian beef is so delicious here. Somehow their dipped sandwich is perfectly soft and tender. You can literally sit there and breathe this sandwich in to consume it. Staff were very friendly and kind. Loved it here. Teared up seeing Anthony Bourdain’s face too.“

“Great selection and halal!“

“I love you all but today we ordered shrimp and got no dipping sauce, it is not the same 😒 this dry ass shrimp we eating . A lil upset but man these shrimp hitting rn 😩😒 next time I want my sauce pls.
Update: they were sweet & gave me xtra dipping sauce a few days ago, they also gave my pretty friend a free lil chocolate smoothie🤭“

“We often stop by this diner when we’re out running errands 😊🍽️ It’s a great little spot for a quick and satisfying bite without any hassle. My husband and I really enjoy coming here because the food is always consistent and tasty 👍✨
Their gyros are especially impressive - big in size, juicy, and full of flavor 😋🥙 The shoestring fries are always perfectly crispy and fresh, just the way we like them 🍟🔥 It’s hard to stop eating them once you start!
For the kids (and honestly adults too 😄), the corndogs are a popular favorite 🌭👏 and the Chicago-style hot dogs are also really well made and delicious 💯🌭 Overall, it’s a reliable place with good food, quick service, and a relaxed diner vibe that keeps us coming back 😊❤️“

“Went for a late weekday lunch. Just ordered the Chicago dog, fries and soda. Hit the spot! More of a takeaway place for locals. No real parking, only paid street parking. A small counter to stand and eat if you'd like (I did). Nice owner.“

“I've never had a Korean dog so decided to give this place a try. The fruity pebbles coating stood out as a major oddball but I was feeling adventurous today. After talking to the guy at the register, he said it was similar to a chicken and waffles sweet and savory combo if I opted for the beef dog. It would solely be a dessert if I chose a mozzarella stick. So I did the half and half.

I'm gonna tell you right now. That was a good move. It was good!!! Sweet and the mozzarella mellowed it out a bit. Then the hot dog came in to give it a more salty twist and that just added to it. I'd absolutely order it again. Definitely give this place a shot.“

“Incredibly delicious Chicago dogs and milkshakes.“

“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“

“BOIIIIIIIIII TTTSSSS HOUND DOG BURGERSSSS WAS SOOOOO TUFFFF 😂😂🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥 ME AND DA BOIIISS WENT AND ORDERED THE HOUND DOG MEAL WIT MUSTARDD AND MA MOMMA AITE FRIES AND IT CAME IN JUST 6 7 MINUTES 🔥🔥🔥🔥 AND THEN ELVIS PRESLEY HIMSELF CAME AND SANG DA HOUND DOG SONG 🔥🔥🔥😩😩“

“Very tasty, super moist and juicy without being difficult to eat in my car, friendly helpful staff. Definitely a great find in the burger desert that is Chicago. Way too expensive, but that’s because of the moron in the White House, not the business. Highly recommended.“

“Stopped by for a quick lunch after grocery shopping. My friend ordered the Saturday special—the Super Burger, a massive ½‑lb burger served with fries. I wasn’t as hungry, so I went with the patty melt instead.

The Super Burger lived up to its name and was topped with grilled onions and mozzarella cheese. My patty melt was spot on: crispy bread and a perfect burger‑to‑grilled‑onions ratio. I also grabbed a large fountain drink, and refills were $1.

The interior has been recently updated, and they’re clearly making good use of the space, including a half‑booth facing the window. The booths were comfortable, making it an easy place to sit and enjoy lunch.“

“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!“

“Simply delicious In Italian ice is heavenly, especially in the summer Burgers and everything else delicious Or a piece of heaven, Next Door“

“I’ve been going there for 35 years and I’ve never had a bad dog from this place. And the fries are made fresh in front of u. Always crisp. I believe that if u want a 20 dollar gourmet hotdog this ain’t the place. U wanna hood Chicago dog the way it’s suppose to be made, Jacks got it.“

“Oh my God, if you want a great, fast food in Chicago for all you out of town that come from everywhere, choppers is One of The best fast food restaurant You can go the best burgers and the best Italian beef. Oh my God, let's not forget they famous Banana shakes the one I love and they famous steak fries 😋choppers for me 😋😋😋 fire 🔥“

“I had such an amazing experience at Chicago’s Dog House! Everything was absolutely delicious, especially the hamburgers they were SO good and cooked perfectly! The food, service, and atmosphere were all amazing.

Francisco honestly the best! He made my experience even better with his amazing service and positive attitude. He really went above and beyond and made me feel welcomed and taken care of the entire time.“