Derek’s Dogs & Deli (CLOSED)

Derek's Dogs & Deli is now closed. From the outside, there’s nothing to denote that this hot-dog joint is anything more than a hole in a wall. But the shop’s namesake, Derek Crumpton, put in time at Kith & Kin before launching this 12-seat deli. That means many of the sausages (such as a juicy, spicy Andouille) are made in house by Crumpton and Matt Lair, and typical deli fare is supplanted by everything from Cubanos to Reubens. The hot dog “Carolina”-style (topped with cole slaw) and the hefty crab-cake sandwich (best ordered without cheese) add a welcome Southern touch to a Chicago tradition.