The Chicago Traveler

Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to the ‘T’.
8. Superdawg Drive-In. The winking hot dogs on the roof will be a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Huey’s Hot Dogs. While serving up great dogs and burgers, this eatery is also well-known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes.

6. Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Both the nostalgia and …read more

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Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

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Despite what the name might suggest, Big Chicks is a north side bar that mostly caters to gay men and is miles away from the Boystown scene, both literally and figuratively. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, the bar features plenty of unique artwork and often has a crowd as mixed as its drinks. From preppy boys and jocks to blue collars and “bears,” everyone is laid back and attitude-free.
This watering hole is more than just a few bartenders slinging drinks. Big Chicks often hosts community events, raffles, and free Sunday barbecues. This small bar gets crowded on the weekends, …read more

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The Italian Beef is a simple sandwich that is unique to Chicago, and there are several places in the city to find this great dish. Of course, just as is the case with pizza and hot dogs, Chicagoans can debate for hours on who has the best. I’ve tried to be as fair as possible with this ranking order, but I’m sure there will still be contention. Be sure to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail, and let me know what you think!

8. Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage. For decades, generations of loyal customers have been enjoying this …read more

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The namesake reigns supreme at the small but popular Tony’s Italian Beef. Since 1975, this quick stop has been serving huge portions of food for cheap. Long lines can be found virtually any time of day, as customers come for the breakfast subs in the morning to the burgers and hot dogs in the afternoons and evenings. Indecisive types may want to go straight for the Italian beef; otherwise, they may find themselves overwhelmed by the massive menu of available dishes, including breaded steak sandwiches and “Chickalinis” (breaded chicken breast deep-fried and smothered with tomato sauce and cheese). Whatever you …read more

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Sometimes, taking kids out to eat is an incredible chore. You have to get them dressed, order food they won’t scoff at, and keep them entertained throughout the meal. A few restaurants in the Chicagoland area though are perfect for children though, playing on many of their fascinations with trains.
One of the oldest eateries in the area serves up its food with a little help from an electric toy train: Snackville Junction in south-suburban Evergreen Park. Kids today love it just as much as when it all began 60 years ago. With the sound of a deep whistle and …read more

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If you want a hot dog that packs a punch, head to Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston, where the cartoon wiener over the door is sporting a pair of boxing gloves. Anyone who’s been here will be sure to tell you that these franks are champs indeed.
Inside this simple storefront, patrons of all ages come to enjoy the Chicago-style dogs, along with fresh-cut fries that have been raved about since the place opened in 1975. Wiener also offers honest-to-goodness corndogs. It’s amazing how something so simple can hit the spot so perfectly. And they’re only a buck with any …read more

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I like spicy foods, but I can’t handle nearly as much kick as some people can. If you’re looking for a heat that you’ll never forget, check out Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap.
This sports bar (a block north of Pinnacle Tower) with a relaxed atmosphere may seem a bit out of place amidst the glitter and shine of the swanky restaurants in the Gold Coast neighborhood. However, it may be just the place you need after a long day at work or at play. Rustic stone accents, dark wood features, and neon beer signs will have you feeling comfy and cozy …read more

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So you want to go out and experience Chicago. You don’t want to just eat Chicago food… you want to feel Chicago. It doesn’t get much more authentic than Portillo’s Hot Dogs. There are several locations all throughout the suburbs, but the one in downtown Chicago (near Fogo De Chao and the Original Gino’s East) is an experience to be had.
Nostalgia fills the cavernous two-level space, gathered in an eclectic collection of ‘30s and ‘40s memorabilia. Period lamp posts light the room, complete with an old Coca-Cola ad, the 1938 Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup banner, and a 1928 Thompson submachine gun. …read more

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If you’re in the mood for a hot dog, don’t go to the restaurant standing at the corner of Milwaukee, Devon, and Nagle Avenues. Because ever since 1948, Maurie and Flaurie Berman have not been selling frankfurters, wieners, or red hots. Their delicious pieces of beef on a bun are known as Superdawgs.
The winking larger-than-life male and female hot dogs standing on top of the Drive-In have been a part of Chicagoans’ memories for decades, including yours truly. A definite local favorite, Superdawg is a flashback to the days when girls donning skirts and skates delivered your food to your …read more

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