Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots
Sometimes a good hot dog comes from a good-looking, colorful restaurant like Superdawg or Portillo's. And sometimes it comes from a place like Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots.
This dilapidated shack/trailer in Marquette Park may not look like much, but it has been serving up some of the best hot dogs and tamales to hungry customers for over 30 years. Open all year, it's no surprise to see white-collar, blue-collar, and no-collar men waiting in line despite bone-chilling snow or blazing heat. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables (set up during warmer months), and enjoy your hot dog Chicago-style: steamed and topped with mustard, neon-green relish, chopped onions, cucumber, and tomato. Feeling especially hungry? Try the double dog (two franks, one bun) or a 'fat one.' The Mighty Dog (hot-dog-and-tamale combo) and Mother-In-Law (tamale topped with chili and served in a bun) come highly recommended.
Not pulling any punches here, here are a couple downsides. The shack doesn't offer fries, only chips. Also, the neighborhood is less than ideal, so most folks stop by during daylight hours. However, with a culinary reputation that has spread far and wide, it's definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.
Photo credit: LTHForum.com
Fat Johnnie's ($): 7242 S Western Ave; 773-737-6294
Mon ' Fri: 11:00 a.m. ' 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. ' 7:00 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. ' 5:00 p.m.
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 49, X49, 67
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POSTED IN: Hot Dogs, Restaurants
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