The Chicago Traveler

Byron’s Hot Dog Haus

by Matt B on August 23rd, 2007

Fine dining is all good and well for some folks, but some people love to experience the unpolished side of Windy City feasting. For an experience that is uniquely Chicago, swing by Byron’s Hot Dog Haus.

Upon first glance, this “haus” doesn’t look like much. The small building looks worn around the edges, is painted inside with an almost obnoxious mustard yellow, and the only seating you’ll find here are the red picnic tables outside, usually surrounded by hungry pigeons. But trust me, within those four walls is hot dog heaven.

There are hundreds of these little hot dog shacks around the city, but Byron’s is different for one main reason: they’re good. Many of the restaurant’s regulars would be willing to pay a pretty penny for the excellent Chicago-style dogs, but the prices here are beyond cheap. If “Chicago-style” isn’t your style, there are plenty of toppings to choose from, including oddities like lettuce, green peppers, and cucumbers. In fact, there are a whopping 11 toppings on the “Byron’s dog,” so be sure to take plenty of napkins. Or if you’re really hungry, see if you can make a dent in the well dressed half-pound hot dog.

Byron’s has a lot more than hot dogs too. Burgers, gyros, Italian beef, pizza puffs, veggie burgers, Italian sausage, tamales, and of course, a big bag of greasy fries are all options here. Mmm… Sitting outside with your delicious loot in hand(s) and listening to the eL trains’ wheels overhead: this is Chicago.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Andrew Huff

Byron’s Hot Dog Haus ($): 1017 W Irving Park Rd; 773-281-7474
Mon - Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 80, X80, 151 or Red Line train (Sheridan)

Related Stories

Chicago’s Ten Best Hot Dogs 2007
Hop Haus
"Top Chef: Chicago" Bears the Elements
"Top Chef: Chicago" Tailgates
Gino’s East

POSTED IN: Hot Dogs, Restaurants