Dining Pick of the Week: Chicago Hot Dog
PICK OF THE WEEK:
CHICAGO HOT DOG
1078 N. Rancho Drive at West Washington Avenue, 647-3647
Hot dogs must be one of our major food groups. A recent food industry report shows that close to 18 billion are consumed by Americans yearly —- that’s more than 60 hot dogs for every man, woman and child. Chicago Hot Dog has been around since 1982 with its authentic Vienna pure beef hot dogs. For the record, a Chicago hot dog comes with yellow mustard, bright green relish, diced onions, tomato slices, sport peppers, dill pickle and a shake of celery salt. Besides the original, there also is knockwurst on rye, bratwurst, Polish sausage, Chicago dog with sauerkraut, Coney dog, chili dog and Jordan (as in Michael). Featured sandwiches include Italian beef, gyros, pastrami, corned beef, Reuben, peppers and egg, hamburgers and grilled chicken breast. Other Chicago favorites are Green River soda, Mary Ann and Gonnella breads, Supreme brand tamales and pizza puffs. This is a locals’ place, and it’s always busy during lunch. There are just a few tables, and the walls are covered with Chicago’s favorite sports teams: Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks. Chicago hot dogs begin at $4.29. Chicago Hot Dog is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
— Jack Bulavsky