Though Chicago boasts some of the world’s most renowned five-star restaurants (if you haven’t splurged on Alinea‘s 20-course tasting menu, you haven’t lived), it’s the hot dog that steals the spotlight among menu items in the Second City. The Chicago-style dog, covered in yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers and celery salt, is the city’s signature preparation, but Chicago takes it a step further, and has forever changed the way foodies feel about cased meat.
These must-visit establishments deliver delicious dogs with fabulous toppings, from fois gras to neon relish. Take a tour:
Hit the self-titled ‘sausage superstore’, Hot Doug’s. Wait for the weekend, though, if you’re banking on duck-fat fries.
Take a trip out to Huey’s Hot Dogs in Andersonville.
Midnight feasts for drunken revelers at The Wieners Circle.
Five-star dining on a bun at Franks ‘n Dawgs.
Classic hot dog spot from the ‘60s: Portillo’s.
Don’t underestimate the Sonic Drive-in.
Vienna Beef is putting their name in lights in Chi-town.
Munchies after the museum at Kim & Carlo’s Hot Dog Stand.
(Images: arndog, kenyee, theimpulsivebuy, specialkrb, chadedward, johnnystiletto, evafung)
