Chicago's hottest dogs
The Windy City may have banned foie gras, but there's no putting the kibosh on their hometown franks. T+L found the best in town, bite by bite and the stands that sell them -- have become central to the city's food infrastructure. Chicago hot dogs aren't just served; they're built. A red hot sits on a bun beneath a specific layering of condiments, with lots of colors, textures and mingling flavors. If you want it all, order your dog dragged, walked or run (depending on who you ask) "through the garden." For around $6, it's an inexpensive meal found in humble surroundings, but that's no reason to settle for just any wiener. T+L set out to find the best of the best, for the dog days of summer. startclickprintexclude--> very 21st- century as imagined in the 1940s -- at Superdawg drive-in (6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Gladstone Park; 773/763-0660). The 12-foot-tall fiberglass hot dog couple on the roof is an homage to founders Maurie and Flaurie Berman, high school sweethearts who married in 1947. some say outright rude -- counter help trying to keep the rowdy post-bar crowd in line. they are direct descendants of those served at the original trailer stand, opened in 1963. laden with homemade chili con carne. Spicy sausage GET IT HERE The iconic 40-foot fork spearing a red hot at Wolfy's (2734 W. Peterson Ave., West Rogers Park; 773/ 743-0207) was featured in the film "While You Were Sleeping." BEST BITES You can get every breed of dog here, but the real star is the Char-Polish, a well-seasoned all-beef sausage with crackly skin, adorned with grilled onions, mustard, tomatoes and pickles. Garden variety GET IT HERE Go beyond the conventional concoction and choose from an array of fresh toppings at pared-down Byron's (1017 W. Irving Park Rd., Lakeview; 773/281-7474), tucked away in a neighborhood setting with shady outdoor picnic tables. BEST BITES Salad-like add-ons such as cucumbers, curlicues of lettuce and green peppers give at least the appearance of a healthy dog. |
