Chicago Restaurants

Hot Doug’s

#4 of 828 things to do in Chicago

#73 of 19917 things to do in USA

2 reviews | Write a review

Good for: atmosphere, food, service, Solo Travellers, Families

  • Address
    • 3324 N California Ave
  • Transport
    • 77 or 52
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 773-279-9550
  • Price
    • mains $3-8
  • Hours
    • 10:30am-4pm Mon-Sat

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Lonely Planet review for Hot Doug’s

Doug’s the man to fulfill all your hot-dog fantasies. He serves multiple dog styles (Polish, bratwursts, Chicago) cooked multiple dog ways (char grilled, deep fried, steamed). Confused? He’ll explain it all. The chatty Cubs lover also makes gourmet ‘haute dogs’ – say blue-cheese pork with cherry cream sauce or sesame-ginger duck – that have reviewers dragging out their superlatives. On Friday and Saturday, Doug offers fries cooked in duck fat; be sure to ask for them. The line is lengthy but good natured (it’s even been known to burst into a group sing-along). Cash only.

 

Traveller reviews for Hot Doug’s (2)

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    and the world makes sense again

    rachelohunter recommends this,

    I believe Hot Doug's is single handedly responsible for ending the great Foie Gras War inflicted upon the United States over the last couple years, marking a win for the little guy and foodies alike. When alderman Joe Moore declared foie gras illegal in the city of Chicago Mr. Hot Doug decided to name a hot dog in his honor which he smothered in foie gras and mustard and served unabashedly along side his delectable duck fat fries (fridays and saturdays only for the fries). Shortly after the introduction of the "Joe Moore" lawmakers realized how completely silly they looked and dropped the whole thing. Yay Doug!

    That said, this is by far my favorite hot dog joint in all of Chicago. I used to live around the corner and in a neighborhood primarily known for it's Mexican and Puerto Rican residents, a good hot dog place was a welcome break from the taquerias lining the streets. They have a "game of the week" dog which could be anything from wild boar topped with pomegranate to kangaroo covered in goat cheese (my personal favorite). Try to get there on a weekend so you can enjoy the duck fat fries, but note they are closed sundays and if you show up during lunch hour rush you could be waiting outside in the cold for a while as the line tends to wrap around the block. it's worth the wait

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

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    Hot Doug's Is The Bee's Knees

    viezbuckley recommends this,

    Whether you're looking for an authentic Chicago dog or are interested in the culinary advances of the sausage kind, you must make the trek to Hot Doug's. Sure, you can get a hot dog on navy pier, but is that really Chicago? Not so much. Doug, the store owner, is the man at the register who takes your order. This is someone who loves his freakin' job and you can taste it.

    Location is the only hinderance here...if you have a car, it's easy as all get out. Public trans may take a bit longer unless! you are staying near wrigley. There's not much else to explore in that neighborhood in this very moment, it would be a Destination Dog, so to speak.

    This place is a modern legend of Chicago Hot Dog History. You should go.

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Budget Travellers, service, Families

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