Hot Doug's

Gotta tell you this. I just had the Atomic dog and it was out of this world with the fresh cut fries you just can't go wrong. It's al ittle far from me but worth the drive.

Had been hearing about this place for a while and knew I had to stop here on a recent weekend in Chicago. Coming from River North it took about an hour combination or train and walking to get here. When I arrived atn 1130am on a friday the line was already deep. Probably 50-60 people. A one hour wait got me inside and it was well worth it. With Doug himself taking the orders I had the Burgandy and orange pork sausage with roasted garlic aioli and topped with cheese stuffed hot peppers and an order of duck fries. Fantastic. Wish I lived closer so I could try the whole menu. Just a great place.

No joke. We waited in the wraparound line for an hour in 20 degree temperatures. By the time I got inside I couldn't feel my toes. WORTH IT. Met Doug at the counter who couldn't be nicer despite meeting and greeting the hundreds who come in to his small place each day. It was Saturday so duck fat fries were on the menu. 2nd best I've ever had. Very large menu of encased meats with an incredible price structure. I ordered the duck and foie gras sausage with crumpled foie gras on top and a black truffle sauce. Quite simply one of the greates items of food I have ever had. Mind-blowingly good. Also had the Jack Daniels and pork sausage with a bacon mayonnaise and white cheddar cheese chunks. Also great. Place is old and fun and totally worth the trip and the wait. Go on a Friday or Saturday just to experience the fries with your meat. Great selection of funy bottled and canned drinks too. Stop thinking and go now.

Hot Dougs is an amazing place to eat. My sisters and I go there with our gaggle of kids and they BEHAVE in the long line...because...it is worth the wait! You can get a regular dog, fries, and a drink at a price that won't break the wallet OR you can be adventerous and try their specialty dogs. The specialty changes every day! You can get a garlic dog with garlic chutney or a rattle snake dog or even venison. Around Thanksgiving they have a turkey dog with cranberry that is to DIE for. Then there is the staff: Doug greets everyone with a big smile. The staff and him get the order right everytime we've NEVER gotten the wrong order! I once ordered a large drink Doug convinced me to get a small because I was dining in and they have refills. Why waste the money as he put it. How many owners talk you into spending less? The only desserts are in the ice cream case...and the kids love it. Doug lets kids walk up to the front of the line (between orders) and give him the money and grab the ice cream they want. The place has good food, amazing value, and totally awesome staff!

Going on a Saturday means a guarenteed line around the corner, but stick it out. It's worth it. The Chicago-Style Dog was delicious, but I'd save the limited room in your stomach for the amazing culinary specials. The duck fat fries are a must too.

Hot Dougs is amazing. The variety of "encased meats" that are available is wide, from the vegi-dog to various gourmet dogs with amazing combinations of meats. Its crowded at lunch and closes early, but worth the wait., Plus Doug himself takes your order!

Best place around for a great gourmet hot dog/sausage. Place is a bit small, but tables move fast. No frills here, just great tast, innovative and wonderful combinations of flavors, Hats off to Doug/owner and mastermind of these dogs/sausages. I will be back, love those duck fries. Only place I do not need ketchup, perfect without. I leave there thinking of when I can come back. I live all the way in far south suburbs, so you know I like this place.