Joe's Hot Dogs

Read a lot of good reviews about this spot and decided to make the trek from Chicago to check it out. Turned out to be a good move. I ended up ordering two hot dogs and one would've did me. The fries came in a small brown bag and that reminded me of a spot I used to go to for lunch back in high school. The hot dog was put together pretty good, the fries were nice, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Two hots dogs, small fry, and a Coke hit my pocket for 9 bucks and some change. Looks like is a pretty popular spot too, and one I'll hit up the next time I'm in the area.

So I've been to this location twice. The first time I had a hot dog and cheese fries. The hot dog was pretty good, not outstanding but pretty good. Like if I was passing this place on the way somewhere I'd grab a hot dog. But I wouldn't go out of my way. The cheese fries though were delicious. The fries were a huge serving more than I could eat but the cheese sauce is what made it a hit! The second visit I had an Italian beef, dipped well with American cheese and hot peppers. The beef sandwich was a no for me. The sandwich was dipped a little but I had to pour on on au jus gravy to make it as wet as I wanted it. Also the peppers came on the side. This was all ok but I would rather not have to do any work and just eat the sandwich. But I poured on the extra gravy and peppers. Looked so yummy! However I was disappointed by the Quality of of the beef. It was Sliced thicker than I'm used to, kinda leathery. The flavor of the gravy though was delicious. I just couldn't get past the meat. With every bite I had to take some of the beef out of my mouth because it had that stringy fat..and I couldn't eat it. I eventually pulled a of the meat off and ate half the sandwich with just the peppers and cheese. I threw the other half of the sandwich away.

I've been eatin' Joe's Dogs since the early 1980's, when they sold them from a window in a house, and they were advertising on the Polka music shows on the old WJOL radio. STILL great Chicago PUSHCART style dogs! If you want that over spiced Vienna taste, go to portillo's and pay extra for the "atmosphere". If you want a real "Chicago Street Dog" go to Joe's. Please don't change a thing.