Mustard, onion, relish, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Any true Chicagoan knows what that combination means: a good ol’ Chicago dog! We'll even turn a blind eye if you decide to add a bit of ketchup. If you’re looking to get your Chicago dog fix, here’s where you should be heading.
Updated: March 2025
6363 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Norwood Park
This classic hot dog establishment keeps the American drive-in dream alive and well. Pair that with their own namesake pure beef dog and you’ve got yourself a winner!
Photo via Facebook/Chicago Dog House
816 W. Fullerton Ave. - Lincoln Park
Chicago's Dog House took the Chicago dog and said, “That’s nice, but what if it was made of alligator meat?” That’s right, you can get a real smoked alligator sausage, amongst other wild hot dogs, at this spot.
Photo via Facebook/Gene & Jude's
2720 N. River Rd. - River Grove
After Rachael Ray named this the number one hot dog in the U.S., we think a road trip to River Grove is in order ASAP. Don't forget the fries!
1701 W. Lawrence Ave. - Ravenswood
1017 W. Irving Park - Buena Park
Byron’s has been feeding the North Side for over 40 years now, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a regular ol’ hot dog or the ½ pound Dogzilla, you’ll find it all for cheap at Byron’s.
Image Via Facebook.com/Portillos.Hotdogs
Multiple locations
Portillo’s is almost synonymous with Chicago by now. No matter what, you can always count on this local chain to hook you up with one of the best dogs in town!
Image Via Facebook.com
1250 S. Union Ave. - University Village
Tucked away in Maxwell Street Market and visible from the Dan Ryan is the famous Jim’s Original. While you’ll still find 100% beef hot dogs on the menu, they’re primarily known for their polish sausage that comes covered in mustard and grilled onions. This spot often sees long lines, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Photo via Facebook/The Weiner's Circle
2622 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
How many other hot dog places can you think of that boast about the number of fight videos recorded at their establishment? That’s right, none. Wiener Circle’s attitude (and delicious dogs) makes it an all-time favorite for many Chicagoans. And, of course, don't forget to order a chocolate shake on your way out.
Photo via Facebook/ Fatso's Last Stand
2258 W. Chicago Ave. - Ukrainian Village
1982 N. Clybourn Ave. - Lincoln Park
You better come hungry when you visit Fatso’s because its menu is as large as the mascot. You might have to roll home after eating a couple of this spot's char dogs.
Image Via Facebook.com/WolfysChicago
2734 W. Peterson Ave. - West Rogers Park
Recognize the Wolfy’s sign? That’s because you might have seen it in the opening of the classic Chicago-based rom-com While You Were Sleeping. But after you try a hot dog, you’ll realize that’s not the only reason it's famous.
Image Via Facebook.com/doghausbiergarten
2464 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
While we’re big fans of tradition, we’re still always open to trying new things. Enter Dog Haus Biergarten. The dogs come out on a bun made of Hawaiian rolls and covered in toppings like wild arugula and avocado (the Sooo Cali), pastrami and mozzarella (The Fonz) and bouillonnaise and pineapple (the Huli-Huli). If it's a hot dog, we’ll try just about anything.
Photo via Facebook/Redhot Ranch
2449 W. Armitage Ave. - Bucktown
3057 N. Ashland Ave. - Lakeview
Redhot Ranch is low key in looks but high key in taste and offerings. Add an order of the fried shrimp to your meal for the full experience.
7600 S. Yale Ave. - Auburn Park
A South Side staple, Fred & Jack’s offers a wide variety of items ranging from Mexican to breakfast to burgers and, of course, hot dogs. You’ll get your fix at this fav spot, that’s for sure.
Image Via Facebook.com/JimmysRedHots
4000 W. Grand Ave. - West Humboldt Park
Family-owned and operated since day one, the folks at Jimmy’s are proud believers in tradition. That’s why you won’t find a drop of ketchup in the joint!
2701 S. Eleanor St. - Bridgeport
Even though The Duck Inn’s duck fat dog may seem like breaking tradition to some, it’s still served Chicago-style. How about you just give it a chance? You’ll be glad you did.
2858 W. Chicago Ave. - Humboldt Park
Yes, sure this list is “Chicago’s Best Hot Dogs,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t shout out our friends from up North. We love a good Detroit-style coney dog, and Lola’s is here to fill that place in our hearts–and stomachs.
Photo via Facebook/Clark Street Dog
3040 N. Clark St. - Lakeview
One of Lakeview’s prized possessions, Clark Street Dog has been a saving grace for many inebriated patrons at 2 a.m. The Chicago dog is great, but the chili cheese dog takes the cake in our books.
Photo via Facebook/Devil Dawgs
1431 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
767 S. State St. - South Loop
937 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview
Devil Dawgs doesn't mess around when it comes to your standard Chicago-style hot dog. Things only get wilder from there though. Order your dog Coney-style, taco-style or smothered in cheddar cheese if you're feeling adventurous. The signature "Devil Dawgs" are 1/4 spicy grilled dogs with oddball toppings like Korean mustard and pico de gallo.
Photo Via: Facebook / Jeff's Red Hots
3901 N Cicero Ave. - Portage Park
As classic as a Chicago hot dog stand gets. Serving up gyros, Italian beef, pizza puffs, milkshakes, and of course, hot dogs! The special ingredient when you ask for everything... sauerkraut that adds a fermented tang that's unique to Jeff's Red Hots!
3422 W. Roosevelt Rd - Lawndale
Dubbed the oldest hot dog stand in Chicago! Dave's Red Hot keeps it simple with only five options on the menu: hot dogs, Polish Sausages, Italian Beef, salami sandwiches, and pastrami sandwiches. If asked for "everything" on the dog, the default toppings are yellow mustard, pickles, and sports peppers. A historic dog you must try.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at [email protected]!
