Tasty & Sassy
Let’s face it. You can’t talk about Chicago dining without talking about hot dogs. Folks discussing where to get the best ones may soon find themselves in heated debate. One controversial contender is The Wiener’s Circle. When it comes to this Clark Street hotspot, you have to ask yourself, what are you willing to sacrifice for good food? I guarantee you, when it comes to the Circle, you’re either going to love it or hate it.
Oh sure, during the daylight hours, it looks fairly innocent. The restaurant is a small brick shack with a few picnic tables out front and about 10 (free!) parking spaces in back. Inside, a slightly-less-than-approachable staff dishes out Chicago-style dogs that have been charbroiled, making them plump and blackened, but never burnt. The burgers are wonderful as well, though you may want to skip the cheese, which is actually a sauce with questionable sources. Fries are thick-cut and served piping hot.
And that’s it! The menu is short and simple, but when you do something well, why change it?
But don’t let this greasy spoon’s small size deceive you. It takes a big personality and big bravery to visit this place once night falls. Step up and shout out if you expect to be heard. A popular late-night destination, the Circle’s (often intoxicated) clientele can get rowdy, and the staff is not beyond name-calling. For sure, this place is not for everyone. Ironically, the lack of class is what gives the place its charm for many. The Wiener’s Circle is truly unique. It can get pretty nasty, but if you’re tough-skinned and can stand your own, you’ll win the verbal battle. To the victor, go the spoils.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) ImaginaryGirl
The Wiener’s Circle ($): 2622 N Clark St; 773-477-7444
Sun – Thurs: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult; free lot
Public Trans: Bus # 22, 36, 76
4 Comments
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