49 Best Hot Dogs near Evanston

“Thanks for serving great food! Can’t wait to try out the cheesy grits next time.“

“Not the best dog or polish in Chicago, but definitely in the top ten. This from someone who has been shoving them into his face for over sixty-five years. I've been to 'em all on the north side - Lerner's, the Ranch,' the Pit, Sammy Skobel's, Wolfy's, Fluky's, Dear Franks', Michaels, Stashes, Mutt and Jeff's, Shmendels, and all of the Irvings. ALL of them. Little Island stands right up there. What they do have that is the best in Cook County are their fries. Best ever. They don't travel well, so have them there. Grilled polish is outstanding. And NEVER, EVER, EVER order a dog or a Polishj with anything red - ketchup OR tomato. Two stars for atmosphere - if that's important to you, go to Portillo's.“

“Corn dogs and fries. Among best I’ve had ANYWHERE!“

“I first got introduced to this place circa 1958-59! I doubt it is the same ownership but their hotdogs topped off with sliced tomatoes and celery salt brings back memories of my youth-long ago. I still go there every time I visit Chicago.“

“Great place to pick up groceries for dinner, speciality items, or a quick delicious snack from D&D Dogs or the Rollin’ at D&D sandwich menu from the deli. Although it’s the exceptional customer service that makes this spot a go to over and over.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“like a dream had went back for a second round Thanks!“

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

“I have no idea what to expect“

“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 .“

“The best burgers, hotdogs and those fabulous fresh cut fries!“

“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.“

“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.“

“This was a pretty solid hot dog honestly. Service was speedy considering there were 2 people working at the time. Dropped a star off the rating due to the usage of generative AI graphics for the menu board on the stand. Regular words on a menu board work just fine and dont misrepresent your food. Otherwise, great stand, I left pleased.“

“Been coming here since I was a kid! I moved up north and haven’t been back in years and as God as my witness it tastes like I never left. Thank you for the nostalgia!“

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

“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.“

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

“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“

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

“My FAVORITE grilled chicken sandwich! Everything is amazing! Highly recommend!“

“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.“

“tasty char dogs and delicious shakes, I had the banana and my brother enjoyed his oreo“

“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.“

“This place is the best food stop in Jefferson Park. The customer service is 10 out of 10. The food is amazing and the prices are awesome. I’m here all the time whenever I can highly recommend for real and the lady working there is super nice. You guys will see!“

“Surprisingly, one of the best hot dogs in the area, maybe the city.

Their dragged through the garden link is quintessentially a classic Chicago Dog, served with a snappy link, a salty bouquet of fresh and pickled vegetables, and a soft warm poppy seed bun. The fries are also better than most crinkle cuts, and their fountain drink ratios are on point.

Really friendly staff too.“

“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.“

“Great selection and halal!“

“Visited yesterday for the first time from NW Indiana. Great Food- Hot Dogs were great!! French Fries- OUTSTANDING Gice them a try - you won't be dissapointed. Very nice people. Very Clean!! WE'LL BE BACK!!“

“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!“

“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 🔥“

“Super cute spot with friendly staff!

Love the variety here of mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, and drinks! They have a rotating menu of specialty flavors every week for the donuts. I really enjoyed the yuzu refresher-esque drink I had! It wasn't too sweet,

They have some seating in the front and in the back. Love they also host events with various groups in the area.

Metered street parking is available and public trans is accessible.“

“Went to Little Louie’s on a whim and we loved it. We got a Cajun wrap and cheeseburger with fries. All of it was out to the table very fast and it was excellent tasting. We aren’t from the area but it will be a place we stop at when we come back thru for sure“

“Incredibly delicious Chicago dogs and milkshakes.“

“Great place to eat and excellent service .“

“Love is Love! Happy Pride!🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈“

“My sister told me to eat here even though I always drive without paying attention. Probably one of the best local burger shop in this area. Fresh cut fries and nice sloppy burger 🍔 very delicious and amazing price. For about $10, you get a huge order of burger and fries 🍟 CASH ONLY so be mindful!“

“Everything is amazing. Must try“

“Polecam bardzo miła obsługa a przede wszystkim piękne kobiety“

“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 😊❤️“

“Johnny’s has been one of our go-to places for years. The food is awesome, the service is always with a smile, the experience is genuine. Have never had anything that wasn’t delicious. Burgers, salads, gyros, chicken: we’ve worked our way through the whole menu! So happy to have this in our neighborhood.“

“10/10 pit stop for a late lunch 🥪 Grabbed a big Italian beef, dipped, loaded with spicy giardiniera, plus a side of fresh cut fries. Meat was super tender, bread held up just enough to eat standing at the counter, and the spice level on the peppers was on point. Straightforward, no-nonsense Chicago classic vibes inside. Counter staff was moving through orders super fast.“

“Great hot dogs and fries. Also loved the Chicken dinner special. This place helped me get through nursing school with cheap eats and friendly faces.“

“food is always great. service is top notch“