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Category: Hot Dogs
Neighborhood: University VillageMon-Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
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It pains me that there aren't more places like this in Chicago. Super cheap, super fast, and extremely delicious. You walk up and there is only one thing to order (they offer other items, but why bother?). The guy sticks out a bin in which you put your monies. He then returns the bin to you with your change and food. Polish and fries? 3 bucks and change? Yes please.
This place, I think, is also open 24 hours. If I lived closer, or was in any state of mind to drive most weekend nights, I would be here every Friday and Saturday like clockwork.
"No sauerkraut?! COME ON! "
GOB Bluth.
To be fair, I was in a sour mood when I ordered my Maxwell Street Polish Sausage. But regardless, I will enjoy food no matter how crappy of a mood I am in... With that said, let's just preface the fact that maybe I really just don't know how to appreciate Chicago's food.
I've already made it clear that I hated the dipped Italian beef sandwiches.... never was too fond of Chicago dogs (in California), but you know, I figured maybe it's because I've never had it from CHICAGO. I love me some good polish sausage and hot dogs, but sorry, Chicago folks.... I was not impressed.
My boyfriend and I ordered Maxwell Street polish sausages with fries and a "can of pop" (I actually asked for a can of Coke). We ate them on the way to the bus stop, and hey, I'm totally down to eat food while walking or on the go, but.... even sitting down, I couldn't enjoy this thing as much as I wanted to. Yes, I love grilled onions... yes, I love mustard.... but I'm sorry, I really tried. I couldn't finish it and ended up tossing the entire thing out.
Then I went home in a terrible mood (unrelated to the food, though).... wish I could've liked you, Jim.
OMG. This is seriously the best "greasy spoon" in Chicago. It's open 24/7 and it's located right off the Dan Ryan (going south). There is no quick or easy way to park so you just double park in the middle of the street and run up to the counter. I've never been here before midnight so I'm not sure what parking is like during the day.
The polishes are AMAZING. You HAVE to get it with the works at least once. TRUST me. The fries are fabulous. Just thinking of Jim's makes me want to hop in my car. MMMMMMMMMmmmmmMMMMM
If, after a night of drinking - in or around the South Loop vicinity near the UIC or Rush campuses - you find yourself craving the following items:
- Polish
- Onions
- Fries
- a "Can of Pop"
- Cheeseburger
- Onions
- More Fries
Then run (don't stumble) to Jim's O.G.!!
Upon arrival, you'll immediately be under the influence of the incredible aromas wafting out of the kitchen - polishes, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, pork chops, caramelized onions and fries - and you'll want all of it!!
Jim's can't possibly be beaten. It was quite an experience at 2:30 or so in the a.m.. CORRECTION: It was an extremely gratifying, delicious and satisfying experience especially for 2:30 a.m.
Jim's is THE premiere hot dog eatery in Chicago-if not the entire Midwest. Since the 1930's, Jim's has been feeding the populace of the Chicago with homemade sausages and meat products that are hard to beat.
Here are a few things you need to know before ordering at Jim's:
1. You're going to get Fries with every order. Even if you don't want them.. lol Don't argue about it. Just accept it, and you will be fine.
2. Soda pop is not called "soda pop" in the world of Jim. Soda is referred to as a "can of pop."
3. Don't be surprised if someone tries to sell you some socks (yes, socks) while you're eating. The "sock people" are as much an institution in the area as Jim's. So you may have the opportunity to tell your friends you had some socks and sausages at Jims.
4. THE TRAFFIC SUCKS!!!!! Jims' is located right next to the Dan Ryan "Expressway" (a true contradiction) making a trip to Jim's a real experience if you decide to go during rush hour....
5. Jim's is open 24 hours... Need I say more...
Despite what many of you will say, there is no place like this in the SF Bay Area... The closet maaaaaay be NATIONS or the MERRITT BAKERY in Oakland. But that would still be a looooooong stretch.
Do you ever get a craving for a filet-o-fish?
If you don't know what I am talking about, stop reading this, now!
If you do know what I speak of and feel not satisfied even after a mikey d's run...you need to check out this place, immediately.
Jim's verision of a fish sandwich is a filet-o-fish on steriods topped with grilled onions and you have to add a slice of cheese. It will leave you satsified and almost craving another one after you finish your first.
I have never seen a place with a walk-up window have cars (multiple cars) double parked ordering food especially at the restaurant awkward hour of 3 pm? But once in this line you will understand why that happens on a regular basis. This place is known for their dog, polish, pork chop w/ bone and even cheese burger - all with grilled onions and mustard; however the hidden gem is the FISH sandwich also with grilled onions but no mustard instead a tasty tarter sauce.
People line up to eat right on the counter that they have created along the wall and they are quite from stuffing their faces with the extremely tasty and cheap eats. In my head I kept hearing,"give me that filet-o-fish, give me that fish", which also made me smile as I ate.
While eating there I saw a bum asking for a free meal, posing as an employee at the local starbucks armed with the story of leaving his wallet at home and that he would gladly pay on tuesday for a cheeseburger. The cashier that looked and acted like "chef" the southpark character dropped him some knowledge and politely asked him to keep on moving along. It was one of those times that I should of offered a helping hand to a bum that was genuine about looking for some food but I had my hands covered in tarter sauce and mouth filled with delicious fish and grilled onions and by the time I swallowed that bite and looked up, he was gone. And I thought to myself that he also probably had that same song signing in his head as he walked away, "give me that filet-o-fish, give me that fish" but with a less joyous tone than I had in mine, sorry Mr. bum, next time.
If you are in need of a quick munchie fix before or after a Sox/Bears game, going out of town or want a nice Chicago welcome back, need a late night or early morning hangover fix and you're around downtown or further, think of Jim's. They are right off the expressway and open 24/7.
If you don't like grilled onions, I feel sorry for you. The menu is limited and you can have those grilled onions on your dog, polish, burger, chicken, pork chop and even the fish sandwich. The Maxwell Street Polish works best with those onions, some mustard, a few sport peppers if you wish. It is an unbelievable experience that cannot be gotten any place else cause it is a family blend, not your typical Vienna. If the sausages have been sitting around awhile, it may not be as pleasant, but if you are lucky to get one perfectly cooked, man oh man. One time I ordered a polish and the onions weren't cooked enough, got watch these guys before they get it in the bag. They have two counters so he stole a few from the other side.
I've tried everything except the chicken and fish. I can recommend the Vienna dog and the pork chop sandwich. Again, if the chop has been sitting around awhile, it might be a little dried out. Sorry, I can't remember how the hamburger is, it has been some time.
The fries come large to almost super sized in a separate bag with your order and I would say that they are better than most, good to great. They even stick a few ketchup packages in the bag without you asking. One time these buttheads from I don't know where took that ketchup and put it on their Polish, it practically ruined my whole meal.
Anyway, as for washing down all that grease, just cans or bottles. They have the Wildwood brand, I usually go with the grape.
The times that I do go, it usually is easy to find a 15 minute courtesy parking space on Union. You never go into the place, it's a stand and they have stainless steel counters to chow down on. On a hot day with the sun out, they really heat up and certainly come in handy on the cool ones.
This is one of those places that I would love to love - bright lights, big lines and historic foodish vibe and almost under a freeway - if only the food tasted good.
But it kinda doesn't. Maybe it's because even when I'm usually these late night kind of places, I'm rarely drunk. I'm just fat and would like a deliciously greasy treat when I should instead be sleeping. Cause that's how I roll(s)...
Everything is just pretty average - except for the onions, which are delicious. The polishes are really disappointing - I was expecting a giant sausage, charred to perfection with grease all dripping off of it and stuff, but they seem like jumbo hot dogs instead. The pork chop sandwich is ... odd - like a giant pork chop bone on a crumbly, too small bun. The fries are okay, almost batter dipped type.
It is 24 hours though.
There are plenty of reviews extolling Jim's virtues. I was eating at this place since the 70's, but only recently have I been to the new location. All I can say is wow has the area changed and thank goodness the pork chop sandwich has not. If you have not been to Jim's, you need to go, now (although after a night of drinking would be a good time too).
To-die-for pork chop sandwiches and Polish dogs with extra caramelized onions (with free fries) -- all under $10. That's all I gotta say.
Yes, it is cheap street food - but in a league of its own. It's mighty tasty (esp. as a late-night grub) and not too greasy like the other cheap stuff.
Friendly folks that run the place, too. I'm definitely a fan. Go Jim's!
Forever known to my as the dirty hot dog stand. I was a loyal patron here even when Maxwell Street was a scary place to be...minus the coffee shops and townhomes...plus the homeless guys selling porn & socks all in the same sales pitch on the street.
You get a free set of fries with every sandwich ordered and if you're a UIC student you'll also score a free can of pop. Hot dogs are crisp on the outside, moist on the inside and the fries are freakn addicting!! So if you ever find yourself hungry for great fast food at 3 in the morning-head over to Jim's!
Heard about it from a few friends over the past few days since I've been at UIC. I needed something to eat over the weekends, so I headed over there for lunch on a Saturday. Got a polish there, and it was great.
The meat tasted so good, the onions were great, and the service was really fast. You can't beat the price - $3.25 for a polish with fries.
I went back and tried the pork chop sandwich. It was kinda dry, so it was really hard to bite through. Someone else warned that this might happen if it's not busy and you get one that's been sitting around. It was slow when I went, so I guess that explains it.
So, if you go, get a polish and you're in for a treat. Just don't go when it's not decently busy.
Pork chop sandwiches and the polish dogs are amaizing at this place. Love it.
Ate at this place last year during my first visit to Chicago for Lollapalooza 2008. This place was packed as it is one of the few 24hr hangouts. Walked a couple of miles late a night with my girlfriend and good friend to eat the hot dogs and fries at this place. Good stuff. I had a polish and a regular hot dog and fries. Next time I will take the taxi and get to savor the flavor of the dogs a little better.
The king of all late night eating joints in the city! This is one of the places in Chicago that should be considered to be a landmark. This place has been around forever. Open 24 hours and you can smell the onions if you are on the 90/94 expressway. You have your choices of hot dogs, polishes, cheeseburgers, pork chop sandwich, chicken sandwich, etc...
This place always hits the spot after a night of drinking and partying. This place was always the place to go for cheap eats before all the big corporate brands and new condo high rises hit the area. Prices have gone up a bit. 2 years ago a cheeseburger loaded with onions cost $1.80, now it will run you about $3. In the summertime, you can buy your eats and go to your car and sit there and shoot the breeze with friends or other patrons that are just standing around.
Truly love this place and has been a nightime savior to me on many occasions!
I walked by this place, and was craving fries. OK, I might not have been actually craving fries but when I smelled Jim's greasy goodness, I craved them. Crunchy, flavorful, and a "small" was huge. I can't recall any better ones. I don't know if it's cooked in the same oil as the meat (I don't remember seeing any fried chicken or fried fish on the menu), but this was a time I didn't care. I wanted fries. I wanted Jim's fries. I gorged myself and then got my healthy crap at Whole Foods up the block.
As I said, i hate to write bad reviews but understanding that this is a landmark in Chicago... well its so over rated.
Honestly the polish that i had tasted like rubber and the casing... GROSS
Just straight up dirty...
The guys who you order from are honestly weird.
The best thing that i had there were the extra grilled onions... those were AMAZING!
Ill give them credit on there pork - chop sand which it was not bad.
I know its just me and there are many people that love this place, but there are defiantly better places that are more famous in Chicago and a lot cleaner with better service. Even the walk - up hot dog stands.
Hello, FOOD SNOB here. Yes the best polish I have ever tasted. No places like this in NW Indiana. The fries are just like the old fashion kind you use to get when you were a kid ( not all would know what I'm talking about). This old Maxwell st. establishment has lived up to its tradition.
Oh watch those HOT peppers they give you. HOT is the word.
So my boss says to me today, "Want to go to lunch?" and I say sure. But little did I know that I was in for a Chicago tradition on this beautiful day in November.
First, let me let you in on a little secret. I don't eat hot dogs. Yeah- I know- how un American of me. But as a child I found a blue button in one and pretty much swore off of them for life.
Until today - when I visted the the hot dog stands of Maxwell and Taylor Streets.
My boss said he'd order for the two of us and came back to the counter (yes- there are no seats here- just an aluminum counter running along the outside of the building) with a couple of greasy bags.
As I peered into mine- I asked what it was. And he said a "Polish" (like that was going to mean something to me!) Not only was it a "Polish" (sausage)- it was smothered in grilled onions and mustard on a very soft bun.
As I bit into it- all I could think was "Where has this been hiding all my life?" OMG! Greasy, crackly, meaty sausage with tons of onions (I can only hope that my meetings for the afternoon have been cancelled!) served with more grease in terms of fries.
This place is cheap (about $3.50 for a "Polish and fries") cash only, and just ignore all the no parking signs around. Everybody does.
I should be glad Winter is coming as there is no way that I would stand outside on the service drive to the freeway eating a "Polish" in the snow so my waistline will remain intact.
But for this one amazing November day, with the sun shining in my face and the sound of tractor trailers whizzing by- I ate a "Polish". And I'm happy to say that that "blue button" is but a thing of my past!
I stopped here last week for a Polish easy onions hot peppers on the side. The service was quick and the food was great. I only wish the peppers were a little riper. I washed it down with a grape soda. "When in Rome, act like the Romans!"
Love this place for what it is.. cheap, greesy and good...
Is it the best food ever, no, but it is damn good fast food. I was never a huge fan of Polish Sausage, and I didn't like onions or sport peppers on my food, then I came here, and now, I am in love...
I have been disapointed before with the burgers, but I came at a weird time (4 pm) so they were probably old...
When you are here when its busy and the food is fresh, it's so good and you will be comming back for more...
There's the Chicago dog... and there's Jim's Polish dog with loads of grilled onions smothered on top.
This is where I go to take friends and family who are visiting from out of town. Oh my goodness...
You're bloated the next day but it's worth it... totally...
Damn, where'd the roach coach go? I miss seeing that and all the crazy folks lined up along the side of the road, trying to get some late night grub on.
If you have issues with your cholesterol, don't come here.
The place is dripping with grease (but that's what makes it so good). The polish is hearty and a fairly good portion. The fries are hot and fresh.
The prices...well you just can't beat it.
Nothing like going here after getting lit.
If your from the Chi, and you like to get your eat ON? Head to Jim's!
If your not from the Chi, and your visiting? Head to Jim's!
Cheap and ummmmmm good!!
Cheap and greasy (just yo mama... awww snap).
But this place is damn good. Good spot after a night of partying up.
Maxwell style polish is the best.... grilled onions and mustard. thats all you need to know
Absolutely genius. Jim's has been a Maxwell staple for years and it's still just as good as it used to be (ask my dad!).
There's nothing especially great about the atmosphere - it's a standard walk-up hot dog stand on a weird street that borders 90/94. At night it's a pretty ridiculous place to be, especially between midnight and 5 a.m. You can buy a hot dog, fries and a pop for $3 AND get a bootleg DVD from some guy who sells them from a giant duffel bag. This is as good as it gets. The food is always delicious and freshly prepared. Some of the guys behind the counter have probably been there since the place opened, which is great. The owner is often hanging around just supervising, which is cool to see.
AND contrary to popular belief, the food is good sober and drunk (but especially better when you're drunk).
Also: look out for their lunch specials. Often, the stand will run specials that include an entire meal for $2 or something like that (they have a Black History Month special, lunch specials, etc.).
45 reviews for Jim's and 6 for Express Grill is about what the scene looks like between the two neighbors out in front. I think it's mostly because of Jim's orientation as the northerly of the two places on a one way street heading south with identical menus and prices.
Union St. serves as a frontage road to I-94 and is one way heading south. So if you're travelling through at any time of day or night you can jump off at the Taylor / Roosevelt exit and get back on again in either direction about as fast as any drive thru even though you have to get out and order at the window.
They hurry you to the counter and once you've ordered it's usually less than 30 seconds before you have your food and change in hand...every time. Don't make it a habit 'cuz it's real greazy. It's a late night last resort for me...not bad but not my favorite. One of the stars is for catering to my impatience during these times. I used to like it more.
There is a tale of two feuding brothers as the sign claiming 'no affiliation...' in front hints at. Admittedly I've never tried the other one. I'm not sure what the status is as of today but there's an effort taking place to stop Express Grill from opening up another location at 18th and Halsted.
My roommate and I came here for some chow at 1:30 am last night (this morning) and that wasn't such a smart idea. I was supposed to be in bed and my roommate was supposed to be packing up for his trip out to Puerto Rico.
But no, out of nowhere, he blurts out, "a hot dog sounds good right about now" and I find myself nodding in agreement. Five minutes later, we're in line w/ the locals who also had the same bad idea as us and we're ordering Polish w/ fries.
If you like a mean Polish and have never been here, you're seriously missing out. The cooks here drench the Polish w/ so much oil, the sausages are literally swimming in the stuff on the grill. Yeah, did I mention this wasn't such a good idea at 1:30 in the bloody morning right before you're supposed to be in bed?!
The food is cheap. Dogs are sub $4 INCLUDING fries and are definitely worth ruining your eating patterns for.
ps: Their peppers are the hottest I've tasted anywhere. You'll only need one even though they'll give you a bunch.
Arrived at Chicago Midway airport right around midnight. And what is the first thing our friend makes us get within 30 minutes of landing? Chicago style sausages of course!
Sausages here were excellent. I got a polish sausage from this street side vendor and was very pleased. All the fixings please! And the peppers...oooo...dem was sum hot peppers! But back to the sausage....taste was great and the size was nothing to laugh at, excellent girth. Is it weird that I just used the word girth? I hope not...
The included fries were an added bonus. Not the best fries I've ever had, but pretty damn good. Big and thick fries with lots of salt, yum.
Jim, would you like to move to California?
Ugly people, greasiest food i've ever seen, and the best Maxwell street polish in the world.
I remember going there when I was in high school when this now-snotty University Village was called "Jewtown" and Maxwell Street was a total run-down but frequented "bartertown" where you could get cheap deals on anything while the Sunday Maxwell St. flea market was going on.
The food? One of the best Polish Sausages you can score in Chicago. And unlike Portillo's overcharging for mediocre "Chicago-style" chow, Jim's is priced right. Try the pork chop sandwich too. You're in grease heaven. Grease is the word...
The pictures here on Yelp show the way Jim's used to be before the richies moved in and created the Naperville-esque cookie-cutter "neighborhood" with just about every bad chain food establishment you could imagine on Halsted south of Roosevelt. I actually read in the Trib that the newly transplanted residents were trying to have Jim's closed down due to the smell of the grilled onions emitted into the air. Aren't you vapid yuppies more concerned about the emissions from 90/94 and the BNSF railroad tracks (both 1/2 block away) harming your spoiled toddlers? Stupid yuppies... Don't try to ruin yet another Chicago tradition!
Great place to go after a night of drinking! Favorite thing for me there is the cheeseburger with relish. YUM. Sounds kinda weird but try it!
Love their polish and fish sandwich too. Sounds crazy, but I haven't tried the pork chop sandwich...heard amazing things so got to try that next time!
Be warned, there's always bums around asking for your change. Girls, get your guy friends who came with you to order the food. :P
Jim, I love you as much as Mr. Doug but in all honesty, I met Mr. Doug first. This hot dog shack has as much charm and pizzazz as Alinea in my book. There's a wonderful feeling when you see if off the highway and the light is on, beckoning you to come and stand for a spell. Who needs Carnivale or Zocalos? Not I said the fly. I need me a Maxwell St. Polish with sauerkraut, hot mustard and sport peppers. My mouth waters now thinking about it-dreaming about it. It haunts me in my dreams I tell you!
This is a great place to take a girl out for a first date. We went to see the CSO and instead of going to Rise or Shine, he took me to Jim's. Jim's. And I fell in love with him. And Jim's.
Nowhere else can you meet a range of people in all kinds of different tax brackets come together to sink their teeth in a polish, pepper juice dripping down their wrists, and washing it all down with orange soda. Shame on me for not singing their praises sooner.
Good polish, an over abundance of grilled sweet onions, a squirt of yellow mustard, a side of deliciously battered fries, potent hot peppers, and a cold can of pop to wash it all down. The month of February was paying tribute to Black History, and all sandwiches were $1.50. What a deal! Credit card is also accepted; just park on the curb, get your food (only option is to go), and eat in your car. Open late, fills the tummy with some greasy goodness, and you're good to go. Right off the Taylor exit, just go straight onto Union.
Maxwell Street Polish - comes with mustard and grilled onions. The polish was unbelievable - hot… Read more »
I simply love the polish here. When family come to visit, we drive directly there from the airport. Yummy fries, greasy polish, onions cooked perfectly. I can't bring myself to try Express Grill, it would be like cheating.
I got a craving last night at midnight, and got myself a Polish. I can't really remember the time I actually had a Polish sausage, but for some reason, I felt like I needed something sausagey so I took advantage of the 24-hour sausage-related resources in Chicago. but I was pleasantly surprised. Amazing sweet onions, tons of mustard, hot peppers, and free but GOOD AND CRISPY-WELLDONE NOT-SOGGY fries? And packets of that shitty ketchup with the picture of a chef on it? Sign me up.
Ok, so is Jim's equal to Alinia? L2O? Come on, you can be a 5-star establishment and not be required to rock a suit and tie in order to enjoy some delicious food. That being said, everyone eats here and there's no reason not too. The moment you lay your eyes on that beautiful mountain of onions, it's like paradise my friends. Everytime I find myself at Jim's, I forget everything I've previously said about switching up my standard order the next time I'm there. Get the pork-chop sandwhich, get a Polish. Fries are free and so is that big, bag of peppers you'll discover when you unleash your food from the bag onto your kitchen counter. You gotta eat the peppers, even if it's just for story-sake.
While I miss the former Jim's location on Maxwell Street, the new incarnation still produces the best Polish sausages and pork chop sandwiches in the city, without any question. I've tried its rivals and found them to be lacking in comparison. The fries are nothing special, but that's not why you go here anyway. This is perfect street food -- inexpensive, filling, and unlike anything you'll encounter elsewhere.
hands down..the greatest place to be at when you are drunk....let me tell you something..you get in line..you know damn well everyone else in line is either drunk or a cop....you starting smelling the mound of grilled onions, watching them take the steamed buns out of the steamer...you start getting closer to the front of the line...everyone in line is talking about how good their food is going to be...you finally get to the front of the line (after 30 people deep and you get to the front in like 3 minutes) and you order
"2 pork chop sandwiches w/ grilled, 2 polish's w/ everything (everything consists of onions and mustard)....and make sure you get those peppers in there"
they respond
"$8.00 or some crazy low price"
you laugh and begin to go home and drill the pork chop sandwich and polish and free fries they give you with your order when all of a sudden some random dude comes up to you and says..i got porno and socks..what you want...come on porno and socks baby...
and then you get home and put your porno on..your new pair of socks..and eat 1 pepper...and you will not be able to breathe the rest of the night..its unreal...the pepper makes the whole meal...they are the hottest peppers i have ever eaten from a hot dog stand..i love it.
do this place asap
Neighborhood: University Village
Category: Hot Dogs
Neighborhood: West Pullman
Category: Hot Dogs
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Category: Hot Dogs
Chicago, IL
Category: Hot Dogs
Neighborhood: South Loop
Category: Local Flavor
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