The 24 best hot dog stands in Chicago, ranked

What is it? A drive-in hot dog stand inspired by the `40s.

Why we love it: Despite a renovation in 1999, this hot dog drive-in is still as old-fashioned as ever, with uniformed servers bringing your order directly to your car window. Apparently scared of copycats, the owners have trademarked almost every dish, the main draw being the namesake “Superdawg,” an all-beef frank so plump it’s hard to remove it from its cartoon-covered box. 

Time Out tip: After a meal of hot dogs, fries, burgers (try the delicious, double-decker “Whoopercheesie”) and “Supershakes” (actually not very super), expect to literally roll yourself home.

Address: 6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-1am; Fri, Sat 11am-2am

What is it? An iconic Chicago hot dog stand, opened in 1946.

Why we love it: Don’t ask for ketchup when you order one of the legendary dogs that come topped with a fistful of fries at this standing-room-only institution. The surly types behind the counter at Gene & Jude's don’t go for weak stuff like that. Order your dog with everything, then count your blessings for the wax paper–wrapped bliss that lies before you.

Time Out tip: Claim your place at the end of the perpetually long line and entertain yourself by watching potatoes being cut and fried into perfect greasy strips while you wait.

Address: 2720 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30am-1am; Fri, Sat 10:30am-2am

A little walk-up shack on the UIC Campus with no seating, Jim's Original doesn't look like much. But a solid rendition of a Vienna beef Chicago-style dog with fries sets you back just a little over $6, and the grilled onions are a nice touch. Open until 1am, Jim's Original is just as good for lunch as late night munchies. A second location is now open in Bucktown.

The folks behind the counter at this classic roadside shack have had enough of drunk yuppies' crap. So much so that they’ve developed their own brand of smack-talking that’s now synonymous with a late-night dog run here. Get your Chicago red hot with the traditional fixings—mustard, onion, neon-green relish, pickle spear, tomato, celery salt and sport peppers—an order of thick-cut fries, a big, fat lemonade and some verbal abuse. And don't forget the chocolate shake.

The M.O. at Redhot Ranch is minimal selection and flawless execution. Juicy depression dogs (a stripped down version of the Chicago-style dog gussied up with mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers) are topped with a handful of fresh-cut fries that are crisp on the outside and pillowy inside. Dining with a group? Toss in a pound of fried shrimp for the table. It’s all served until midnight every day.

What is it? A family owned hot dog and sausage spot lauded for its top-notch Vienna beef dogs.

Why we love it: Like Gene & Jude’s, Jimmy’s Red Hots is a purist’s hot dog stand. No seating, no char-anything, and for crissakes, no ketchup. You’ll find nothing but tasty Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polishes served on steamed buns with loads of greasy, hand-cut fries. This spot is open late, which is the best time to catch sketchy parking lot antics.

Time Out tip: As a consolation for the much-maligned ketchup lover, Jimmy’s offers a decent house-made habanero hot sauce. 

Address: 4000 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60651

Opening hours: Daily 10am-1am

What is it? Hot dog stands located inside Home Depots across Chicagoland.

Why we love it: Any contractor or DIYer who’s been to a Home Depot in the city has probably seen a hot dog stand located near the exits. What you may not know is that the stands aren’t run by the hardware giant. They’re a part of a mini-chain, dubbed Fixin’ Franks, found only in select stores around Chicago and the suburbs. 

Time Out tip: The quality will surprise some, but it shouldn’t—the dogs are made with products sourced from Makowski’s Real Sausage in Bridgeport. There are also additional goodies like Polish sausages topped with J.P. Graziano giardiniera.

Address: 3500 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm

This Lincoln Park shop serves a by-the-books Chicago dog with all the standard toppings, but we're always eyeing the cheeky specialty sausages. The Tijuana Street Dog is topped with melted chihuahua cheese, bacon, onions, jalapenos and hot sauce, while the Midway Monster Dog comes loaded with colby cheese, giardiniera, bacon and barbecue sauce. And then there's the Snoop Dog—a beef chili dog topped with chorizo, cheddar cheese and onions.

What is it? Dick Portillo's massively popular fast-food chain.

Why we love it: There’s no denying that this über-efficient local chain serves a damn good wiener. With city locations in River North, the South Loop, Avondale and beyond, Portillo’s pays homage to the Midwest with classic Chicago-style hot dogs as well as chili-cheese dogs and a char-grilled Maxwell Street Polish sausage.

Time Out tip: Order a side of their perfectly cooked crinkle-cut fries for the full experience.

Address: 100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Daily 10am-1am

Why we love it: In business since 1938, it feels like nothing has changed at Dave's Red Hots in decades, with flyers tacked to the wall and yellowing menus. The lineup stars Vienna Beef links (they've been inducted into the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame) slicked with mustard and decorated with a thinly sliced pickle and peppers, with relish and onions only by request (as several signs remind you). The fries are hand-cut and have a crisp edge, and the steamed bun is soft and pillowy. 

Time Out tip: To eat, squeeze into the tiny wooden booths or hop on one of the stools by the counter.

Address: 3422 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60624

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-5pm

What is it? Kevin Hickey’s neighborhood gastro-tavern offering a host of Midwestern comfort fare.

Why we love it: From fried cheese curds to an irresistible Duck Inn Dog, the menu at The Duck Inn is mouthwatering. The sausage is a blend of all-natural beef and duck fat, and it’s garnished with Chicago-style toppings such as house-made relish, beer mustard, tomatoes, onions, pickled serrano peppers, a dill pickle and a dash of celery salt. There are also chicken and vegan variants of the dogs. Duck Inn Dogs are available to purchase at local grocery stores and online, too.

Time Out tip: If you feel like really indulging, add shaved black truffles for an extra $35. 

Address: 2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri 5-11pm; Sat 10:30am-11pm; Sun 10:30am-10pm

What is it? A classic hot dog stand opened in 1975.

Why we love it: Grab-and-go spot in Lakeview and Ravenswood Byron's Hot Dogs dishes out Vienna Beef hot dogs, Polishes and bratwursts with killer French fries—crispy, salty and packed with grease to help wash down whatever it is you ordered. 

Time Out tip: Be prepared to pick your toppings, or if you're just not sure, get everything. You won't regret it.

Address: 1017 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10:30am-9pm

What is it? A hot dog stand serving dogs across the city and North Shore of Chicago.

Why we love it: Devil Dawgs is here to tempt you with a laundry list of loaded hot dogs. They've got Chicago dogs, Coney dogs, New York dogs and even Icelandic dogs, which are topped with dijon mustard, ketchup, house-made remoulade, shallots and onions. 

Time Out tip: Pick your poison and toss in a fresh strawberry shake while you're at it.

Address: 767 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-10pm; Fri, Sat 10am-midnight

What is it? A hole-in-the-wall shack that's been around since the `70s.

Why we love it: Fat Johnnie's Hot Dogs proudly proclaims its dogs are “fit for a king.” You don’t have to be royalty, though, to tell that these dogs are some of the finest around. And they’re available every which way, from the traditional red hot to double dogs smothered in chili. 

Time Out tip: For something truly unique, order the Mighty Dog—a glorious combo of hot dog plus tamale on a bun finished with cheese, chili and other fixins’.

Address: 7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm

What is it? A fast-casual restaurant with some of the best hot dogs on the north side.

Why we love it: In the pantheon of Chicago hot dog stands, Wolfy’s deserves a seat on the dais. The room is sparkling clean and the staff is sweet—think of it as the anti-Wieners Circle. Although it offers a lot more, take a cue from the iconic signage (an impaled hot dog on a sparkling fork) and stick to the sausages. The Vienna beef char-grilled Polish is near perfect, but it’s Wolfy’s hot dog, one of the best in the city, that will make even the most jaded hot dog fan smile.

Time Out tip: The cheese fries and gyro sandwich are not to be missed!

Address: 2734 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-7:30pm; Sun 11am-4pm

What is it? A Portage Park eatery serving hot dogs and char-grilled burgers.

Why we love it: From the outside, this looks like your standard Chicago red hots joint. The menu will make you feel like it too (keep it simple, a Chicago-style dog with fries and a soda will do you right), but the inside feels like there's just a tad more care, with a neon sign over the food prep line and yellow accents throughout the dining room. Locals know this joint well, with their regular lunch orders—you'll feel like you may have just stepped back in time.

Time Out tip: We love Jeff's Red Hots for a quick bite, thanks to its fast service.

Address: 3901 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm

What is it? A family-run burger and hot dog joint.

Why we love it: Hiding in the basement of a Lakeview building, Flub A Dub Chub's means business when it comes to ketchup prohibition. If you have the gall to ask for your dog with red stuff, the clerk will take your mugshot and stick it on the Wall of Shame. What you do want in your bun is a Chubby, a plump, quarter-pound Vienna Beef with the Chicago-style works. As you eat, check out the children’s doodles of anthropomorphic hot dogs that paper the walls. 

Time Out tip: Our fave is Hot Dog Elvis, who's really worried about spilling condiments all over his blue suede shoes.

Address: 3021 N Broadway Basement, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

What is it? Lakeview's popular late-night hot dog stand.

Why we love it: Located at the crossroads of Clark and Halsted, Clark Street Dog’s flashing, sausage-shaped sign beckons Cubs fans, concertgoers and hungry patrons, usually in various states of intoxication. The location serves up a familiar menu, replete with Chicago-style hot dogs (even of the meatless variety), Italian beef sandwiches and crispy fried shrimp.

Time Out tip: Start (or end) your night at the adjoining spot Clark Street Bar.

Address: 3040 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-1am; Fri, Sat 11am-2am

What is it? A hot dog joint and food truck serving Detroit-style dogs.

Why we love it: Although it’s not nearly as contentious as the rivalry between the Blackhawks and Red Wings or deep dish and Detroit-style pan pizza, hot dogs are also a point of debate with our neighbors across the lake. But despite where you stand on the matter, this Humboldt Park stand is here to please. We recommend going with the Chicago meets Detroit dog, a Detroit-style Coney but with a charred Vienna sausage. 

Time Out tip: For Chicago-style loyalists, the charred Vienna Beef jumbo dog doesn’t disappoint.

Address: 2858 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8:30pm

What is it? A burger and hot dog stand with locations in Lincoln Park and Ukrainian Village.

Why we love it: True to its name, Fatso’s Last Stand isn’t for the faint of heart. The menu is rife with stoner-friendly fare like smash burgers, milkshakes, mac ‘n’ cheese and a loaded Italian beef. The hot dogs here are charred instead of steamed, evoking memories of backyard barbecues and summertime pool parties.

Time Out tip: They’ve also got a deep-fried veggie dog on the menu, so even the vegetarians can get in on the fun.

Address: 2258 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8pm

Why we love it: Whether you're looking for a sandwich, a grinder, a burger, a hot dog or an ice cream sandwich, you'll find some great options at this family-owned Irving Park spot. The menu at JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop is vast, but there aren't really any duds among the offerings. The Scooby Dog is topped with Frito crumbs and pimento cheese with a sweet and sour drizzle while classic Coney and Chicago-styles are still available for the purists. 

Time Out tip: See if you can save enough room for a generous serving of chili cheese fries, a corn dog to-go or a even scoop of ice cream.

Address: 3970 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm

What is it? An elevated Irish pub in the heart of Wicker Park.

Why we love it: At this bar by the owners of the now-shuttered Bar DeVille, “bangers” stand for sausage (we dig the Chicago-style Vienna Beef over the fancier brat sandwiches), and “lace” for “Brussels lace,” i.e., beer foam on the edge of a glass.

Time Out tip: Next time you're at Bangers & Lace, opt for a veggie dog or give the classic corn dog a try just to switch it up.

Address: 1670 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-1am; Fri 1pm-2am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-1am

What is it? An unfussy, cash-only, 24-hour hot dog and Polish sausage joint on the south side.

Why we love it: You can smell the unmistakable aroma of sautéing onions at this 24-hour joint from across the street, so you better believe each menu item is imbued with that sweet fragrance. Take on the namesake Polish sausage topped with onions and sport peppers, or a classic hot dog. One of the last 24-hour spots around the city, Maxwell Street Depot is the perfect destination for any post-club grub or just a midnight dog craving.

Time Out tip: They only accept cash, so don't forget to stop at the ATM on your way here.

Address: 411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

What is it? A Korean corn dog and hot dog chain.

Why we love it: Korean-style corn dogs took Chicago by storm in 2021 and became a viral sensation on social media. Leading the way was local chain Kong Dog, which now has several locations in the city and surrounding suburbs. The concept is simple: a wiener (or mozzarella stick) is battered, deep fried and then coated in an eclectic variety of ingredients and sauces. 

Time Out tip: Channel your inner child by decorating your dog-on-a-stick with fried potato, cereal, ramen crumbles, Hot Cheetos and more.

Address: 77 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-8pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9pm