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Hot Doug's

(Now Closed)

Hot Dog Joint$$$$

Northwest Side, Chicago

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Hot Doug's

The experts at Epicurious and Eater recommend this place

233 Tips and reviews

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ChristopherSeptember 23, 2014
It's the second to last week, expect lines for your hot dogs, even at 9am on Tuesday.
Alex D.April 16, 2013
Amazing dogs and a great space. Check out the timeline in the back, "Critical Links - A History of Encased Meats." Brilliant!
Simon & Schuster ManagerNovember 7, 2011
@MayorEmanuel says it's simply the best hot dogs and sausage you will eat anywhere served up by Doug himself, the living embodiment of awesome.
Joe DixAugust 7, 2014
Get there before October because they are closing for good. Be prepared to stand in line but it is sooo worth it!
Aaron Enequist-LeikerAugust 31, 2012
Try the Duck Foie Gras Sausage - Yes, it has become cliche, but this Foie Gras duck sausage is friggin' amazing!
Chris SnellingMarch 13, 2010
Got the duck fat fries (pretty tasty) and the Salma Hayek (andouille sausage -- super tasty) and a regular dog. Stayed in line for an hour, but didn't seem that long. Foie gras next time. Delicious! Read more
Garrett KernFebruary 7, 2010
It might not look like it from the outside or inside but this is one of Bon Appetit's 50 best restaurants in the world. Simple buy incredibly well executed concept
The Local TouristMarch 1, 2010
1. Bring cash.2. Bring friends. You will need them to talk to while waiting in line3. Share with these friends. Then you can try more.4. Don't tell any more friends. Those lines are long enough!
James LMarch 14, 2012
Been here 100+ times
If you're vegetarian, you can still mix and match the toppings from any of the other dogs. You're not just limited to the standard toppings.
Tim MesserDecember 21, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Specials are updated on hotdougs.com every day. Check out the list while you're standing in line outside!
Mark BJune 27, 2010
Cash only! Make sure to go during weekend to try the duck fat fries. To skip lines go during the week, as they can get really long. They also serve Green River soda!
Peter McQueenMay 1, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Look up the menu on your phone...they update it daily and I don't want to see you wavering with Doug in your sights.
venessa tarbellNovember 17, 2011
Family factor: Avoid the busy times, or you'll be waiting in line forever and you're kids will be very unhappy. Go at 10:30 or after 2. They close for almost every holiday so check hours.
EaterJanuary 11, 2011
Duck fat fries and encased meats? Somewhat of a no brainer. That 30-minute-plus wait every time? Totally worth it. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
Jeff OrlickMarch 23, 2014
Getting a regular dog is a rookie mistake. Get a haute dog and see what the place is all about.
Explore ChicagoJanuary 29, 2010
A Chicago-style dog is a steamed beef hot dog with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickles, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt, served in a steamed poppy seed bun. Read more
Joe GramcAugust 11, 2014
Foie gras and Sauternes sausage is a must order. Hurry, get there before they close in October!!!
Allan CAugust 2, 2013
Yum! Get the Dog with everything and try the specialty sausage. Worth the wait in line.
Joy ChenJuly 13, 2013
Reward yourself after your hour long wait with the foie gras duck sausage. The artery blockage is worth it.
TV Food MapsAugust 26, 2014
Check out Hot Doug's as seen on America's Best , Heat Seekers , No Reservations , Food Paradise Read more
Shannon LynchAugust 14, 2014
Make sure you arrive BY 4 PM. They DO cut the line and I watched a ton of people get turned away.
Michelle MichelsonSeptember 10, 2011
Get here early. Usually I'm here an hour to an hour and a half before opening. Also, get the duck fat fries. You WILL regret it if you don't!
Kilian McMahonJanuary 27, 2013
Order a rake of different ones. You'll have built up your appetite in the queue to necessitate more than one.
Aj GorczycaAugust 22, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Best corn dog I've ever had. Love the specials. So sad it's closing.
USA TODAYAugust 5, 2013
Make sure to visit on Fridays or Saturdays, when they use duck fat to make French fries. Read more
Chidu ChidambaramAugust 26, 2013
One of the best hotdog place in the us . The queue and wait time is long .
Joan MorrissyAugust 17, 2014
Didn't love my gourmet dog: drove an hour, waited 2.5 hrs, drove 1.25 hours to get home. Got it off my bucket list, was fun - I wish I just ordered a regular old hot dog
Mark BrouchAugust 7, 2014
Go on the weekend to get the duck fat fries. Be prepared to wait in line though.
Doug StormMarch 11, 2013
You MUST try the food gras dog! Sublime!
LuciMay 24, 2013
Ask for the truffle aioli as a side to dip the duck fat fries in. Nirvana.
James MasonJanuary 27, 2012
This place is the shit! I came in with $15 worth of gift certificates. My order came to 12.75. They rounded it to 10 and let me keep the last $5 certificate for my next visit.
John ThurmondMarch 22, 2013
Can't ever go wrong with a Polish Maxwell Style (and, yes, *with* the hot peppers).
Twylla DeGuzmanMarch 26, 2013
Teuben is my all-time favorite. I believe you can never go wrong with the game of the week! I love you Doug!
BravoJanuary 27, 2010
You can’t be a hot dog lover and not try this "encased meat ." With over 20 types of different combinations, you’ll die from a heart attack, but you’ll die happy. The last time I was there, I ate 11
Juan DelgadoJanuary 31, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Possibly the best hot dog spot in Chicago. Their Chicago style dog is so mouthwatering and delicous. The wait is definitely worth the wait.
Explore ChicagoJanuary 29, 2010
When visiting this self-proclaimed ‘encased meat emporium’, be sure to sample Hot Doug’s other ‘haute cuisine’ treats, like fois gras mousse and the duck-fat fries. Read more
Tony jordanDecember 16, 2011
The sausage was amazing but the duck fat fries on friday or saturday make the trip worth eating here incredible
Carla HamSeptember 19, 2013
"The next time you get a craving for an exotic hot dog, head to this meat mecca in Avondale." -Zagat
Joe MathieuMarch 19, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Simply the best selection in sausages anywhere. Doug has himself a fine Chicago institution that's worth the often hour-plus wait.
BravoJanuary 27, 2010
Hot dogs and sausages, of course. Any style without ketchup. Fried and cooked in duck fat. Friday's and Saturday's a must. -Roy Yamaguchi, Top Chef
John HildebrandMarch 14, 2012
Been here 100+ times
I eat here 4 or more days a week. The sausages are that good and there's always something new to try.
Laura RussellMay 3, 2014
We went later in the afternoon on a Friday and the wait was less than 30 minutes
Yosh25July 12, 2009
Go early to avoid the long lines. But it is worth it either way. Everything is amazing and the service is great. Fri/Sat. is fries fried in rendered duck fat. Do Not Miss!
John HildebrandFebruary 15, 2012
Been here 100+ times
Don't miss the 40-sausage chili. Each mouthful is wonderfully different. Noah's Ark in a bowl!
Steven BorrelliAugust 9, 2011
Dynamite! Totally worth the wait. But remember to BRING CASH. Highlight of my last Chicago trip.
bella dichosoSeptember 21, 2013
The only difference I found between the duck fat fries and reg fries is that duck fat fries were dry and over cooked. I don't understand. Dogs were awesome, though.. no doubt.
Ron KohudicAugust 15, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Get in line by 4:00 and you'll still get served. Get there after 4 and you're out of luck, my friend.
BennuworldMay 7, 2013
Tried the yak sausage special. The pork cracklings topping made this the bomb!
Sam OrcuttAugust 21, 2011
The "Smoked Portuguese Linguica with Saffron Rouille and Olive Manchego Cheese" was fantastic.
Chris SteeleSeptember 12, 2014
Come here before 10/3/14 or don't come here at all. Bring your appetite and maybe an AED.