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Hot Doug's

(Now Closed)

Hot Dog Joint$$$$

Northwest Side, Chicago

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Hot Doug's

The folks at Epicurious and Eater like this place. Would you agree?

233 Tips and reviews

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Marco GSeptember 6, 2014
Order in a tapas style if you go with a big group. Duck fat fries are a must however the Foie Gras isn't for everyone. The Dog and Bo Derek were my fav along with the special BBQ Dog
BroidySeptember 13, 2013
Went on Thursday at noon and only had a 5 minute wait. Get the foie gras duck sausage! The jalapeño one was great too. If eating in, no need to wait at the counter, they'll come around and find you.
Serious EatsApril 26, 2013
Hot Doug's might be the best sausage shop in America, so plan accordingly. Show up early, enjoy the wait, and look forward to chatting with Doug about your encased meat of choice.
Don RJuly 29, 2013
Quite possibly the most fun dining experience I've had in years. Fun atmosphere, service and the food is unbelievably tasty. The Chicago Hot Dog and the Fois Gras dog were both amazingly delicious!
Sarah ChangSeptember 23, 2014
Big fan of the Everything on the normal dogs. Celebrity special and foie gras also quite good. Come at 9:30 and save yourself 2 hours in the line
Men's Health MagJuly 10, 2012
Order a foie gras and sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse, and fleur de sel. The result is a meaty, creamy, rich blast of flavor that never disappoints. It's a cult classic.
Jennifer FNovember 2, 2012
Absolutely worth waiting in line... Fantastic Service & Amazing Food! (Not sure what topping to add to your sausage? Ask Doug! He won't steer you wrong!) This is now my favorite place in Chicago.
Raksha RavikumarMay 17, 2014
I spent 4 hrs of my life on Hot Doug's and regret nothing even though it was 37 degrees in May. L: grilled Paul Simonon w/Portuguese Linguiça toppings. R: fried/grilled Paul Simonon w/everything.
Men's Health MagJuly 10, 2012
Order a foie gras and sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse and fleur de sel. The result is a meaty, creamy, rich blast of flavor that never disappoints. It's a cult classic.
EaterJuly 9, 2013
There's little doubt that Hot Doug's is the preeminent hot dog and "sausage superstore" in Chicago, perhaps even the country and world. [Eater 38 Member]
ElaineFebruary 21, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Without a doubt, the best hot dog spot in Chicago =) my faves are the Anna Kendrick (fire dog, nice & spicy) & the Elvis (best polish sausage EVER) I promise you won't regret waiting if there's a line
Joseph MoneyJuly 21, 2014
Fantastic hot dogs! But they close for good on October 3rd, so don't miss them. Get there well before they open, you can wait multiple hours to get seated if you wait until midday to arrive.
@ShawnyP23February 16, 2013
Incomparable hot dog and sausage quality. Some of the best this country has to offer. Well worth the wait, experience it yourself!!! A+ 10/10
Serious EatsSeptember 26, 2011
Order Duck Fat Fries. They are only served on Fridays and Saturdays and people line up for hours to get them.The distinct flavor of the duck fat adds a dimension to the starch of the fresh potatoes. Read more
Anamaria HernandezSeptember 21, 2014
Tried 6 and I recommend the Foie Gras, the Alligator, and the Rattlesnake. 6 hot dogs cut in 2 worked well for 2 hungry girls.
Kelli SullivanNovember 17, 2013
The hype is real. Make sure you take advantage of the samples. Although there is most likely to be a line, it is worth the wait. A must-do for a Chicagoan.
Christopher MarianoDecember 21, 2012
Been here 25+ times
If you were ever to make a pilgrimage for encased meats & fries fried in rendered duck fat, this is the Mecca. Come hungry & definitely be ready to wait in line. Cash only, friends.
Dianna HunterDecember 6, 2011
BEST in the city. Great staff & unreal menur. Rattlesnake anyone? I've heard fabulous things about the duck-fat fries. My big thrill is that they have Tater-Tots! Doug, himself, is a great guy too!
Lisa WMay 13, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Foie gras dog. Try it at least once, so rich and decadent. Always get a corn dog on the side, at that price you can't beat it. If you go right as they open on a week day, no line!
David StrasserJuly 4, 2014
Without a doubt one of Chicago's best and most unique restaurants. Wait in the line and order more than you think you need.
Time Out ChicagoMay 25, 2012
Doug has veggie dogs for vegetarians, bagel dogs for kids and specialities for the highbrow hot doggers. But his famous duck-fat fries are only for customers who come out on Fridays and Saturdays.-ASK Read more
Dana JensenSeptember 29, 2014
Last day. Ordered 8 different things with my lunch partner. Loved 5, liked 2, only 1 that I didn't enjoy. Those are some good odds. Glad we made the trek/wait before it closes at the end of the week.
Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
Doug has veggie dogs for vegetarians, bagel dogs for kids and specialities for the highbrow hot doggers. But his famous duck-fat fries are only for customers who come out on Fridays and Saturdays.
Jake SmithMay 6, 2013
Trust me: You're not ready to order when you get to the door. You think you're ready, but then you see the 10 various specials of the day and you have to start thinking all over again.
RCRD LBLJune 29, 2011
When we're in town for a show or festival, we always make sure to stop by this encased meat joint (try to be here on Friday or Saturday for the duck fat fries). Best dogs in the city.
Chicago TribuneJune 26, 2012
With up to 18 choices offered on any given day, deciding can be daunting. Options include rabbit, boar, pheasant, duck and kangaroo -- as well as your basic char dog and polish. Add duck fat fries! Read more
Andrea BelterSeptember 29, 2010
AMAZING!! Got a classic Chicago dog and the lamb sausage, both were delicious! Duck fat fries are worth getting for sure. Also, they have green river and dog n suds pop. What more could you want?
Fernando SosaOctober 14, 2013
It ended up being more than an hour wait.. Worth every freakin minute.. Every hot dog was amazing #hotdougs #hotdogs #chicago #chicagocheers
Kevin NewmanAugust 13, 2014
Been here 50+ times
By far the best hot dog, sausage, corn dog and 3 hour line experience you'll ever have. Enjoy it while you still can.
Time Out ChicagoSeptember 17, 2010
Laden encased meats like foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse and fleur de sel. For those, my friends, you still have to bide your time on the sidewalk. Read more
bunnieAugust 28, 2013
Gourmet hot dogs... foie gras + sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli!! The smoked pork + beef knockwurst was also good.
Dan OJuly 4, 2011
Serious sausage joint. Always changing daily specials. He uses meats that are rare, but taste awesome. Check out the website daily. They close @ 430 everyday and the line is down the block, but worth Read more
Joe LunaOctober 16, 2012
Can't go wrong with this place. As a New Yorker it's hard for me to admit it, but this is by far way better than Nathan's in Coney Island
SJuly 7, 2013
The normal hot dog was fine but get the specialty dogs. Also, I think the duck fat fries were not as great as the tips suggest. Get an extra specialty dog instead of the fries!
Michael FoehseOctober 16, 2012
Just relax and let the sausage pick you. Amazing what these guys can do with encased meats. A Chi-Town must that is worth the wait!
Stephen HackertSeptember 12, 2013
Simply awesome hot dogs beware they will be closed 9/23/2013---10/08/2013 get your duck fat deep fried French fries before they go on vacation !!!
Mark M.September 8, 2012
The wait in the line is not bad with great weather... The foie gras hotdog is simply the best and the duck fried fries is just sensational!
nicole cylkowskiJanuary 23, 2013
Duck fat fries are amazing!! Love the Foie gras hot dog and The Atomic Bomb is not for those afraid of a little heat... love this place!
Travel ChannelDecember 7, 2010
If you want a more “exotic” hot dog, come here for hot dogs made with rattlesnake or kangaroo. Try the "Mountain Man," a sausage made of antelope, elk, buffalo and reindeer meat.
The FeastJune 9, 2011
Chicago is known for its hot dogs, but Hot Doug's is a cult classic known for its "encased meats." The only hot dog stand that generates lines year-round for delicious meats and duck fat fries.
Polo TranAugust 12, 2014
Come here before they close for good! Cash only, their specialty dogs are AWESOME.
Diego RufoMarch 29, 2011
you've got to at least attempt some of the more adventurous menu items such as Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, or the duck fat fries on Fri. and Sat. Read more
Ricky SherrillSeptember 27, 2014
The "Duck Fat" fries are a must. Can't go wrong with the special dog of the day.
Fernando SosaOctober 14, 2013
It ended up being more than an hour wait.. Worth every freakish minute.. Every hot dog was amazing #hotdougs #hotdogs #chicago #chicagocheers
SheenaJune 19, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Duck sausage w/foie gras. Freaking yum. Best fountain pop: coke, cherry coke, root beer and pib! Ive had luck w/min-no line around 230-3 on weekdays. Don't forget cash!
Ghostly InternationalAugust 8, 2011
More than just hot dogs. Rare wild game, intensely flavorful encased meats and toppings. Fridays and Saturdays for duck fat french fries, and get one of the specials. Awesome.
EpicuriousAugust 24, 2010
Sure, you could order a classic beef frank with relish, but with odd, intriguing menu items like goji-berry pheasant sausage with jerk mayonnaise & cheese-stuffed sweet peppers, how could you resist?
Michael SheehanFebruary 28, 2012
We hit this place at noon on a Tuesday and zipped through. BTW, listen to the people at the counter. They know what's the best way to have your sausage.
GourmetLiveSeptember 2, 2011
Food blogger Jessica Ashley says, “Whatever delicious hot dog or sausage you choose, be sure to get a side of duck–fat fries and say hello to Doug at the counter.”
Suzanne BeckmanJuly 24, 2013
Awesome hot dogs and sausages. Try a specialty one and either the char dog or Elvis. And, remember, cash only!!

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