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Hot Doug's
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Hot Dogs Fast Food, Hot Dogs [Edit]
3324 N California Ave(between Henderson St & Roscoe St)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: Avondale
(773) 279-9550
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 4 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1933 reviews for Hot Doug's
Review Highlights
"The duck fat fries were outstanding as well."
(in 754 reviews)
"Doug's visionary encased meats can't be beat."
(in 203 reviews)
"The Foie Gras was amazing and creamy."
(in 428 reviews)
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1932 reviews in English
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Review from Alex C.
Cypress, CA
2/8/2012
After a night of stuffing myself full of chicago style deep dish pizza, I decided to have a light lunch at Hot Doug's.
Being from California, I am an absolute wuss when it comes to the cold. I guess the other people in line could hear my teeth chatter when they reassuringly told me that the wait was worth it. For all our sakes, I hoped so.
1 hour and 20-odd minutes later: Finally entered zion and it was warm.
It was a saturday and they were serving french fries cooked in duck fat. it goes without saying, but i ordered that along with a turducken dog.
the guy at the counter was really chill when taking my order. i could tell he was definitely relaxed in his environment. not saying he was lazy or complacent. he was...chill
the fries and hot dog were both very very good.
anyways, in sum: long wait, chill service, good food. you'll walk out feeling like a champ. a glutinous champ. -
Review from august b.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
Kind of the place everyone wants to go to cause everyone says its great so then it must be great or else anthony bourdains and half the city wouldn't wait in line to eat a hot dog from a place that accepts cash.
Worth the experience...but maybe not worth the wait. Still four stars cause I'm man enough to say I could be wrong.....it's just not all that. -
Review from Andrew G.
2/7/2012
Awesome. Great food, fun atmosphere. I got the Foie Gras dog, and it was sooo delicious. I was expecting a token amount of Foie, but the dog came topped with two huge slices on it. Highly recommended, and even at $9, it was a steal. We were there on a weekend, so naturally we tried the duck fat fries, and they too were fantastic. I don't think I have ever had fries that tasted so rich.
To top it all off, Doug himself took our order. He seemed like a nice guy, and the fact that he was there on a Saturday show how much he really cares about his restaurant.
I was just in Chicago for a visit, but I am moving there in a few months, so I will DEFINITELY be back to work my way through the menu. -
Review from Meghan K.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
Oh yes, Hot Doug's is the best. Their fries are unbeatable, the sausages are unique and too good for words. When eating the delicacies, my boyfriend and I usually don't say anything, except "Oh my God." and "What is this?????" I wrote a full review on my blog -
http://2012infood.word... -
Review from Matt B.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
Easily the best saussage i have ever eaten. and no matter what i order, i am always pleased!
i tell all my friends that it is worth the 30 minute wait, but smarter people just wait until either almost closing or not friday or saturday. but when you crave it, i'd personally wait an hour.
Doug is the hostess with the mostess and a very kind and friendly guy. the best part about hot dougs is that no matter how long the line is, there will always (typically) be a table for you! -
Review from Erni V.
Miami, FL
1/31/2012
If youre gonna have a chicago real deal dog, you will have to trek on out to Hot Dougs! its way out there, and you will wait on a line(luckily it wasnt freezing cold this day) and they close at 4pm(that and far location prevented me from giving them 5 stars!) and if you go on the weekend you can get the fries cooked in duck fat, my heart skips every time i remind it!
prices are great, dogs are even greater! -
Review from Ericka A.
Updated - 1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love big, saucy sausages!
Hot Doug's and I started our affair exactly a year ago. I came on MLK Day and I am happy to announce that the sausage emporium only gets better with age. It was a gorgeous 45 degrees and the wait was maybe 45 minutes, too.
Raul B. helped me pass the time in the line and we ended up splitting a large Cheese Fry, which I washed down with my Birch Bark Beer. I still can't wait to try Duck Fat Fries, but I have yet to return on a Friday or Saturday. That's OK, I've got Doug's encased meats to keep me satisfied when I do show up. This time I ordered the Merguez Lamb Sausage with Spicy Harissa and Haloumi Cheese. It wasn't extremely spicy, but it had a nice bite to it. I really enjoyed the cilantro sauce!
Since not everyone is as willing to schlep from the burbs for ground lamb as I am, Joanne W. and I made a deal that I'd bring her back a dog if she picked up cupcakes for me. She requested the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel, and I'm happy to report that from 1-9pm (after a drive then being put in the fridge and chilling in the car) it held up better than a Dolly Parton facelift. No soggy buns here!Listed in: 100 Yelps in 2012, Meat: It's What's for…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/17/2011
I'll keep this short and sweet, the opposite of what I've heard the line to get into this place is… Read more »
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Review from Rob M.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
Duck. Fat. Fries. Nuff said. Love this place- friendly staff, low prices, and fantastic food. Cash only and time it right- lines are around the block most of the day.
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Review from Jeremy G.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best Sausage and Hot Dogs in Town TRUELY my favorite The "Tessio Sausage" is my favorite Eaten here to many times I LOVE IT
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Review from Valerie G.
New York, NY
1/20/2012
I have no issue waiting over an hour for a derishuz meal - but my parents do. Good thing they're very good natured (& that there were 3 very rowdy and slightly tipsy Giants fans providing entertainment behind us!). We patiently waited just under an hour in the 16 degree Chicago weather for some famous Hot Doug's! (We did get here smack in the middle of lunch time so try to get here a little early. Coming right before they close doesn't seem like a good idea bc the line will just build up).
Their seating system actually makes a LOT of sense. You can't go in and reserve a table before you order. Miraculously the minute after you order with Doug (he's friggen awesomesauce btdubs), a table will open up for you! Mind blown.
We ordered 3 items off the special menu & a Chicago dog. Got the foie gras duck sausage (obvs), the pesto sun dried tomato pork sausage, and then one who's name escapes me. We also had an order of duck fat fries (only available on Fri & Sat).
TBH I don't exactly recall what anything tastes like because I was legit ravenous after my long trek over here from NYC, but I do recall being pleasantly happy afterwards :)
P.S. Agua is freeeee! -
Review from nick g.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Chicago Style dog - 5 stars
Merguez Sausage - 4 stars (the cold cheese cubes did not have the texture i was looking for with the sausage and harissa)
Duck fat fries - 5 stars
Overall vibe - 5 stars
Wait - 4 stars
I would definitely go back again and again if i had time...i would like to try all of the dogs
and doug is a totaly down to earth guy who runs a tight ship
thanks yelp for helping me find the perfect lunch spot on a quick 1 day visit -
Review from Adam T.
1/19/2012
I'm pretty sure that no matter what time of the day you show up here your going to be facing a line that is far out the door. Don't be deterred, it is worth the wait and the line moves fast. When I went the line came out the door, turned the corner and went all along the side of the building and then another length of equal distance. I was ordering within 30 minutes.
I went here as a vegetarian and was all set to get their veggie dog, but when I saw the wild game menu I broke-veg hardcore. I got one veggie dog to try it out, but then I also got a wild boar sausage and some fries. Everything was delicious! The wild boar was perfectly seasoned, garlicy, peppery, and oh so meaty. The veggie dog was also delicious and made me feel kinda guilty for breaking-veg. If your vegetarian this place will still satisfy your deep down desires for hotdogs. Get it with the works!
Fast efficient service + good prices + a delicious and ever-changing menu = The best hotdog place I have ever been too (including Pinks and Oki Dog in Hollywood, and Papaya Dogs in NYC). -
Review from Janel J.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
As the 1900th review, there is at once high standards for and very little need in writing a review articulating all the reasons that Hot Doug's is a big fuckin' deal.
My friend and I walked into Hot Dougs, a beacon of comfort and culinary joy after an extensive trek through public transportation + a mile long walk through the blustery Chicago winter. Since this was a Tuesday at 3PM in a snowstorm, there was no wait (phew). We shared large fries and five hot dogs between the two of us, which led to immense stomach pain and lethargy but zero regrets. I doubt you can go wrong with any of the specials. It's BYOB, and all of the people who work there are really (almost suspiciously) friendly. -
Review from Ashton M.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2012
I don't even know where to begin!! Not only I had the best hot dogs/sausages of my life here, it would not be an exaggeration if I said it was one of the best meals I've ever had!
Waiting in a line that was going out and almost around the block for more than 45 minutes was absolutely worth it!
We put a lot of thinking into which four from the amazing options to pick and one turned out to be more delicious after the other!
I consider it almost a crime against humanity that they don't open other branches elsewhere!
A must to check out when you're in Chicago!
Just make sure you don't put any catchup on your hog dog, because Chicagoans don't take kindely of such! -
Review from Rahul S.
1/18/2012
Was this place worth waiting outside in the frigid Chicago weather for 45 minutes until we finally get to order worth it...YOU BET YOUR ASS IT WAS!!
Divya M and I were visiting our friends at Kellogg and we thought this would be the perfect Saturday breakfast/lunch. I refrain from calling it brunch because I usually consider eggs a necessity for the term "brunch". Our friend Ben S. drove us, so I can't be of help in terms of how easy this place is to get too without a car. It's cash only by the way, so come prepared.
We obviously got the duck fat fries and they were outstanding! For the hot dogs, I got the foie gras hot dog, the rattlesnake hot dog (game of the week) and the Spicy hot dog (named after an actress that I am forgetting the name off).
Hands down the spicy hot dog was the best. The rattlesnake hot dog was right up there and so was the foie gras dog, but the spicy hot dog was the clear cut winner. The foie gras dog is rich and delicious, but I would recommend splitting it because by the end it's a bit too much. The rattlesnake dog was amazing and although I am not sure if I was actually eating rattlesnake, I like to think I was...and I loved it!
The service here also needs to be mentioned. Doug is the nicest guy and very excited about the hot dogs you are choosing. The busers are extremely friendly and they are the ones who bring you the food, so you should be nice to them as well. Lastly, we ordered hot dogs to go (when placing our original order) and Doug just told us to let him know 5 minutes before we were leaving (we ate inside) so he could make sure the order was hot. Seriously, I hope this place is here forever...I am thinking of making more trips to Chicago to just eat their hot dogs...not to visit my friends, but to eat at Hot Dougs!! Sorry Ben! -
Review from Anna K.
1/17/2012
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pork Sausage with Pesto Aioli and Burrata Cheese
Ginger-Spiked Rabbit Sausage with Pumpkin Creme Fraiche and Goat Cheese
The Cheesy Atomic: Damn Spicy Jack Cheese-Stuffed Pork Sausage with Spicy Passion Fruit Mayonnaise and Habanero-Jack Cheese
Spicy Thai Chicken Sausage with Sriracha Mustard and Sesame-Seaweed Salad
lamb gyro (the description has completely escaped my mind)
duck fat fries
one of the many "must-try" establishments
on an ever growing list
i was glad to finally scratch this one off.
lucky for us, the wait was 55 minutes
outside on an atypical 50 degree january afternoon.
inside, much more warmth is greeted
along with the classic friendly chicago demeanor
ready to chat up with each individual customer
upbeat conversation intermittently laced with a full smile.
order your food then proceed to obtain a table
you would doubt this method but it works
hence their strict adherence to the policy.
wide variety of flavors packed up in sausages
sweet, savory, unique, spicy, weird
various types of meats are available
for the traditional to adventurous.
too much flavor to write. just go yourself. -
Review from Tori T.
1/10/2012
I thought Hot Doug's was a real treat on my last visit to the Windy City... worth the hour it took us to get there from our hotel in the loop. I'm already quite the hot dog fan... but HD's take hot dogs to a whole new level!
This semi hole in the wall joint, you wait in line to order at the counter. Unfortunately, there is no menu posted outside for you to peruse while you wait. And if you didn't already know, Chicago could be described as somewhat cold in the winter. Better bundle up while you wait!
I got the foie gras dog after reading my fellow Yelpers recs. And the SO got something like garlic pork dog with fruit chutney and manchego (or something scrumptious like that!) Nom Nom Nom! Both were equally delicious!
I will say I was pretty jazzed about the duck fat fries... however, they didn't taste any different to me than any other fries. I'm probably gonna be thrown off the Sears Tower for saying that!
The place is a bit hectic, so don't go there if you're not in the mood to stand in line, or if you're looking for ambiance, or if you don't want to feel a little rushed! I really wish Doug would get his rear and his sausage down to Dallas stat! -
Review from E D.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
Amazing. Been here many times...try something new each time. Haven't been disappointed yet!!!
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Review from Danny K.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2012
This place deserves a five. There's just some sort of vibe that this place gives whenever I go. The anticipation of eating here builds as you're forced to wait in line. And when you finally do get to order and eat, you're not let down. I've been in this line during hot summer days, beautiful spring and fall days, and one really cold winter day. Yes, the wait sucked, but it was worth it. It's weird how that works.
Some notes...
I highly recommend that you get an order of the duck fat fries AND the regular fries. The difference is subtle and you won't appreciate it without a reference.
Doug himself is going to take your order at the counter. Yeah that's him. I've never seen him upset or be unfriendly to a patron. He's just been a happy go lucky guy whenever I go.
Check the website before you go. The place does close on occasion for the holidays and for vacations. The place is usually closed around the same dates every year though.
You may think you won't get a seat. But you will. I know, you feel like you're back in the lunch cafeteria at school as you gaze across the full tables and strange faces. But it'll work out. You may end up sharing a big table with some other people, but that's not such a bad thing. You will probably have the ultimate ice breaker with you, duck fat fries... Share some, and make some new friends over encased meats. -
Review from Jason H.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2012
I have never had encased meats like I've had here, that's for sure. The hour wait is long but hey take it as part of the experience. I tried bites of 3 different dogs and the fries. All of them were prepared and cooked perfectly. Plus they have very reasonable prices for being in such high demand.
Awesomely, the place has ambience too. There's paraphenalia of encased meats plastered over the walls and the music pumpin is pretty awesome too.
Bottom line is: If you want a real unique Chicago dog, this is where you should be. -
Review from Steph C.
1/24/2012
The day after Alinea, Hot Doug's assured me that my palate had not been ruined by its brief frolic with culinary heroin. Sure, foie gras hot dogs are not quite the Food of the People, but hey, that was my least favorite dog. I'm still cool, guys. I know hot dogs only cost like $20 or whatever.
We meant to line up at 10:30, but we got out of bed about three hours too late. Lucky for us, the shit weather kept the line reasonable, and we only waited about 20 minutes before placing our orders. Half of that time was spent waiting inside.
I loved the cheery interior, which was decked out in primary colors and hot dog kitsch. I enjoyed scanning the collection of hot dog memorabilia, and I chuckled at the historical hot dog timeline occupying a large portion of the main wall.
Service was friendly and fast, and due to a well asserted rule that you could only sit after ordering, seating was easy to come by. Our food came out quickly and we were out the door soon after.
The dogs were delicious. Michael K. and I shared four, and split an order of duck fat fries with Janice K. Mike and I agreed that the top dog was the chardonnay and jalapeño rattlesnake sausage with berry-currant mustard cream and trugole cheese. I've had two rattlesnake hot dogs in my life, and so far it looks like I love those disgusting animals as long as they're well encased. The sausage here was snappy and ideally firm, and it brought a nice balanced heat. The sauce was perfect, and I loved the shredded cheese, which seemed to melt into it with each bite. Where chardonnay swayed us, sauternes fell short. The foie gras and sauternes duck sausage came with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse, and fleur de sel, and despite and because of the overload of fancypants ingredients, the dog ended up falling flatter than its siblings. The sausage was overwhelmed by the cold rich cream of several discs of foie gras, and though the truffle aioli helped ground the flavor, it also didn't help cut much fat. The dog didn't taste bad - in fact for a bite or two, it was quite good - but I wouldn't order it again. We had one more dog with elaborate trimmings in the Uber garlic pork sausage with smoked gouda, roasted garlic cloves, and smoky bacon sauce. This was a success, with a juicy link and, well, garlic and bacon and smoky melting gouda on top. Though the special dogs were delicious fun, we couldn't leave without getting the basic Dog - Chicago-style with mustard, caramelized onions, relish, tomatoes, pickle, and celery salt. This was cheap and fantastic, and just as interesting as its more unusual cousins. I'm not used to having pickles right on my hot dogs, but the phallic layers do go together well. As we wolfed down our dogs, we also dug into the duck fat fries. They were nice, well seasoned and golden-brown, if not quite the reason to stand in line.
When we left after 3PM, the line looked about the same as when we arrived. Out the door at all hours, I suppose, even in the bitterest cold. I can see why. Hot Doug's is a fun restaurant with an approachable price point, and most spots that fit that description don't offer delicious delicious sausages. Next time I'm back in Chicago, I'll try and tack myself onto the end of that line.Listed in: Make Me a Sandwich, Going to Chicago / Sorry, but…
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Review from Jacki A.
Glen Ellyn, IL
1/4/2012
I've only been to Hot Doug's once, but once is enough to give it 5 stars.
If I were in the city more, I would go every time.
Yes, the lines are long but the wait is worth it.
I went with a group and we shared everything, and it was very good.
Definitely a place you have to go to. Especially if you're only visiting Chicago. -
Review from Rashmi P.
Lake Mary, FL
1/18/2012
One bite of my Foie Gras and Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli; I was literally in decadent hog heaven. Yes!! It was absolutely worth it. And my snooty ass will withstand any long line for another bite, any time.
Details at http://theprimlanikitc... -
Review from Lucas S.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
I've been here several times and I cant get enough. I love the duck lard fries. The wait in line sucks but its totally worth it.
$$$ only -
Review from Sara M.
Naperville, IL
1/18/2012
If you're a travel channel junkie like myself, then you've probably see Chicago's very own, Hot Dougs, showcased on Hot Dog Paradise. Hot Dougs brings a new twist to the world of encased meats. Don't be fooled by the "hole in the wall" demeanor; this place will have you lining up around the corner. Literally. If you want to experience the hot dog heaven that is Hot Dougs, be sure you get there before they even open at 10:30 AM. They have a small window of operating hours, so it's best to get there as soon as you can. Either way, you'll be standing in line, but I promise, it's worth it. Make sure you bring cash though, they do not accept credit cards.
Hot Dougs provides specialty sausages, game meat of the week, and regular good old fashioned hot dogs. I took a chance on a sun dried tomato stuffed pork sausage with pesto aioli and burrata cheese. My boyfriend decided to be more adventurous and went straight for the Chardonnay and Jalapeno Rattlesnake Sausage with Berry-Currant Mustard Cream and Trugole Cheese. Both, interesting and wonderful. The specialty dogs may be a bit pricey at $7-9 each, but you can always opt for a good old fashioned hot dog or sausage ranging from $2-4. Duck fat fries are only available Friday and Saturday, but their normal fresh cut fries are piping hot with potato-ey goodness.
You'd would think that since Hot Dougs has such a great food reputation and long lines to back it up that the staff would be less than pleasant, but that's far from the case here. Doug himself will be there to greet you at the counter with a smile and friendly suggestions. You can tell he loves what he's doing and he loves sharing his ideas with his Chicagoans. The personality you see featured on food shows will be the same guy you meet in person.
Hot Dougs is a Chicago gem and worth a wait in line. They are to encased meats what peanut butter is to jelly. They just work. So if you find yourself with a day off, get up early and head out to Hot Dougs. In fact if you're a Chicagoan, put this on your bucket list. -
Review from Imrickjamesbc h.
Chicago, IL
11:50am on Monday. Easy free parking right out front. No line. Perfect
I've been here several times before and this isn't normal. My Paul Kelly and the Thuringer were absolutely tasty. As I was leaving, there was the typical line. -
Review from Amanda B.
Champaign, IL
1/15/2012
Let me start off by saying, I love hot dogs. Like, more than any human being should. I had an afternoon free in Chicago and had been dying to try this place. It was everything I had dreamed it would be. As they say, there truly are no better words than "encased meats"
This place has every kind of encased meat you could ever want and more. On top of that, the guy at the counter (Doug, is that really you??) was so super friendly and seemed genuinely nice.
The only bad thing I can say is that they put grilled onions on their Chicago dog instead of raw onions, so next time I'll have to ask them to substitute that. Even so, it was still a delicious dog. If I had more cash with me (Cash only) I would have tried something fancier than the Chicago dog.
I guess that will have to wait until next time...I think Hot Doug's and I are going to have a beautiful future together. -
Review from Noah H.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
Delicious sausages and hot dogs every time. Everything is fresh and awesome!
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Review from Jeff S.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
I'm not sure what all the hype is about this place. I'll go ahead and say that all I had was their regular hot dog, but I thought it was very average. The atmosphere was great, but I think the hot dogs are very overrated.
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Review from Tim Y.
Manhattan, NY
12/22/2011
Whooo best hot dogs I ever had! Got the Steve Swisher (Italian style), the Mountain Man Sausage, Lamb/Pork Sausage, and the Foie Gras Duck Sausage.
Steve Swisher: A solid classic Chicago style-esque dog
Lamb/Pork Sausage: A lamb-pork sausage with the artichoke-lemon pesto really does make it taste like a gyro if not for the Haloumi cheese.
These two dogs were good, though wouldn't be worth the half hour wait (much less the 45 minute wait on a day when the weather isn't cold and sprinkly). But hold your judgement until you hear about the next two dogs -
Mountain Man Sausage: Probably the most awesome sausage filling ever created - Elk, Antelope, Buffalo and Venison all in one tube. The sweet Pomegranate-Fig Mayo contrasts very nicely with the savory, hearty sausage and Hickory-Smoked Rambol Cheese. A very unique taste and aggressively pleasant experience. One of the few instances in which meat and sweet match each other perfectly.
Foie Gras Duck Sausage: This flavor of this sausage is just as rich as it sounds on the menu - "Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel". Yes, that's duck in a tube covered with fat liver, fat liver sauce, fragrant truffle mayo, and fancy salt that lingers as you chew. This may have been a prescription for an extra hour (probably two) at the gym, but believe me, it's soooo worth it.
Even better, many places with business like this are either a little pricey and/or have rude service because they have the luxury to be. This is neither. Doug himself took our order and was charming and showed the utmost Midwest manners, and the prices are cheap cheap cheap. Foie Gras Sausage was the most expensive at 9 bucks (but cmon, a 5 star item at a 3 star price? Can't get better than that), but the classic Chicago dog would be just a measly 2 bucks, ALL including tax! -
Review from Ali H.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
A true Chicago icon. I've been here a handful of times. Each experience has been roughly the same:
Wait in line for an hour.
Order cheesy fries and a hot dog or two.
Pay in CASH only.
Take a deep breath and pray that the weird sausages that you ordered will be delicious.
Bite in!
I would have to say that I've loved about half the specialty dogs that I've gotten and been nauseated by an equal number. The foie gras dog was great. Their regular hot dogs are great. I've had a bunch other that I adored.
Then there were some of the game-y ones. I'm a midwesterner that has eaten her fair share of game. There are also only two items of food that I've ever eaten in my life that I really despise: my mother's ham and parsley casserole, and shitake mushrooms. (I say this to demonstrate that I am a good eater and usually can find a way to like everything that I shove in my mouth). However, I think it was a goat sausage that I had once here, with an incredibly stinky brie or similar cheese, and a hot-pink prickly pear jelly that just about made both me and my dining companion gag. It was terrifying! Stinky cheese, super sweet jam, extremely gamey goat...
Not my cup of tea. This has happened a few other times; I try to be adventurous and end up regretting it. Which makes me a little less encouraged about spending an hour waiting in line to come here the next time. -
Review from Derek S.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
This is THE best place to have a hotdog in Chicago! They have an assortment of gourmet dogs. Anytime I have someone in town I take them to Hot Doug's, and they always want to come back. I have had almost every dog on the regular menu and assortment of the specialty dogs. My personal favorites are the uber pork and buffalo sausages.
It is cash only and if you are going Friday or Saturday be prepared to stand in line for an hour or two, but it is more than worth the wait. -
Review from Alicia C.
Berkeley, CA
12/31/2011
Fun yum!
The honey and I dragged my dad to Hot Doug's, and even he (the old-fashioned foodie curmudgeon that he is) loved it!
We tried the foie gras duck sausage, the swiss cheese stuffed pork and beef knockwurst (surprisingly, this was even more overwhelming and rich than the foie gras) and some large (unfortunately not duck fat) fries.
All were delicious. I love that all of the encased meats seem to be made in-house. Price point for non-specials is excellent. ($2 for a Chicago dog!!) Mr. Hot Doug himself took our orders and he was patient, kind, and humble when the honey mentioned that we've been wanting to try Hot Doug's for a long time!
I'm a fan. Go! -
Review from Alexandra R.
New York, NY
12/19/2011
What she said.
And duck fat fries. In the words of the ever so poignant Cherish, "Do it to it" -
Review from Andre M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/5/2012
Went to Hot Doug's for late lunch around 3pm- place was packed like always-
i had a Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel ... only one the best hot dogs i've ever had. for real....
also had the chicago dog just called the dog here and it was great also...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/28/2011
hot dougs! takes chicago doggs to higher level- yes the hot dog!! you can get all kinds of diffrent… Read more »
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Review from Brad P.
11/28/2011
Doug is some sort of strange sausage wizard. He is the Gandalf of hot dogs. I've never seen so much innovation in the realm of encased meats.
Because I love to wake up early and punish myself, I ended up taking a cab from the loop to Hot Doug's and was lucky enough to be first in line. After I sat down to wait for my food, a nice man who works for the establishment interviewed me about how and why I ended up there. He gave me a coupon which I used to purchase my 3rd helping of encased meat(therefore stuffing my gourd way more than needed). So, word to the wise - if you are first in line, you might get some free stuff.
Anyhow, I was a little disappointed by the foie gras and duck sausage. The foie gras mousse on top was overwhelmingly thick(which I expected) but apart from being extraordinarily rich, I didn't feel it had much flavor.
I cannot say the same about the rattlesnake sausage, which really impressed me. There's something about deadly animal meat that makes it all the more succulent. It was topped with something I can't remember but it was kinda sweet and all delicious.
I also had a shrimp sausage of some sort and it was really good.
Honestly, the damn menu here changes so much that it is probably pointless to look at reviews for specific suggestions. It is best to just head out yourself and wing it. -
Review from Hung N.
12/18/2011
Great prices, great dog variety, awesome fries...basically kicks ass. Did the chicago, foie gras, and a pate dog...all were pretty dang good. Pate one had some crazy unique Mediterranean-like flavors from that butter.
Only thing that sucks is the hour and a half line...Why do you have to close so early (4 pm) and closed on Sundays?...they would be ba jillionaires if they were 24 hours. -
Review from Alexander R.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
Why it gotta' be this way? A great place should be busy with the people but why's it got to be busy with the hipsta nation?
I hope it was just my visit and the crowd is more diverse than the action I ran into.
Well, the dogs were so good and diverse I sorta' wished I could stomach more than two, sorta' wished i could have come back for rounds two and three.
YEAH! That good! Result: I am a big fan! -
Review from Heshan W.
Anaheim, CA
12/30/2011
So this was my first visit to Hot Doug's. I came on cold Fri morning around 10:45am and was in line what seemed like forever! Actually I got to order my Hot Dog (The Mountain Man Sausage (A Damn Tasty Combination of Elk, Antelope, Buffalo and Venison) with Pomegranate-Fig Mayonnaise and Hickory-Smoked Rambol Cheese)) and the Duck Fat Fries (only served on Fri & Sat.) by 1145am.
Overall, I thought the Mountain Man Hot Dog was very good and it was not too gamey in flavor, which I personally don't like. The addition on the Pomegranate-Fig Mayonnaise and Hickory-Smoked Rambol Cheese gave the hot dog a sweet and mild spicy flavor.
The Duck Fat Fries were very well fried and crispy and were solid fries overall. But nothing really special about them. Eat them with a cheese dip (upon request, its free), which really complimented with the duck fat used to fry the fries, lol.
I would have given 5/5 stars, if they served beer or wine, but they don't. I did beer and wine while I was in line. So maybe this place is a BYOB?
Did I mention Doug the owner took my order, really friendly guy and they play a very eclectic selection of music ranging from 80s rock to old Brazilian Bossa Nova:D -
Review from Laura L.
12/15/2011
I am late to the game on this one, but better late than never, right? FINALLY I made the time to try some of the delicious pieces of heaven sold at Hot Doug's.
Between 2 of us, we ordered 4 sausages and an order of duck fat fries. A little gluttonous, but how can you blame us! It was way too hard to choose! Every single one was DELICIOUS. Everything about it - sausage was perfectly prepared and cooked, the toppings/meat ratio was perfect, the bun is impressively soft and the fries were sneakily amazing too!
I want so badly to go back, but it is such an investment of time. It is only open for lunch and there is always a line on weekends so I doubt that will happen anytime soon since we are approaching hibernation season. However, if I am home on a weekday anytime I am definitely making my way over there!
BEWARE - check the website before you go. I tried to go awhile back with a friend of mine and it was CLOSED! They close anytime the owner is not there and apparently announce when they are closed on the website.
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