Rating The Wieners Circle's outdoor eating space

2622 N Clark St (773-477-7444)

Everything there is to know and say about the Wieners Circle after midnight is well-known and way-too-oft said. Which makes it all the more exigent to sing the praises of visiting this hot-dog stand in the daytime: The char dog is classic, the cheese fries are epic, and chilling with everyone from stroller pushers to blue-collar workers at one of the picnic tables along Clark Street makes for a quintessential Chicago afternoon.

FOOD 10 Seriously, we go there for the food
DRINKS 3 No booze, and no BYOB—probably for the best
CROWD 6 Not the drunken assholes you’ll find at night
VIEW 9 People-watching on Clark Street—underrated
SPACE 7 Can’t argue with picnic tables
TOTAL 35