After seeing Hot Doug's on the Anthony B. show on Travel Channel, two co-workers and myself decided to check it out. We drove 90 miles which was fine. Arrived at 9:55 am, street parking only and we... More

After seeing Hot Doug's on the Anthony B. show on Travel Channel, two co-workers and myself decided to check it out. We drove 90 miles which was fine. Arrived at 9:55 am, street parking only and we were about 40th in line and that was ok, we expected it and you get to chat with some pretty cool people. When I got up to Doug I cheerfully said we drove 90 miles just so we could try your place and he said "that's nothin', I had a guy earlier this week from Saudi-Arabia. (Good for you) I ordered a thuringer and it was good but it was no different than any other one I've had. The bun was very good. Overall, I rate it a 6. I also had the duck fat fries. Not that much different tasting than regular fries. I rate them a 6. Overall experience, I rate a 5. I will not drive 90 miles to eat there again. Pros: Received food quickly after ordering. Cons: Not Worth The Wait. Doug is a little arrogant.
Less

got there at 2:15 and the line was still around the corner, just like everyone said. still there was a nice breeze and no one was pushing, shoving or complaining about it. doug is an icon and a... More

got there at 2:15 and the line was still around the corner, just like everyone said. still there was a nice breeze and no one was pushing, shoving or complaining about it. doug is an icon and a colorful character, and he's surprisingly patient with those who still can't make up their mind after standing for 45 minutes. we enjoyed the chicago dog (fried & grilled) and the wild boar sausage but the elk was too gamey for its own good and could not be overcome by spices and infused bacon (yes it's wild game but there are limits). the steak fries are hot and flavorful. Pros: nothing like it Cons: it's still a long wait
Less

One of the first places I'll take out of town guests. Even though there's a long line, Doug delivers on the hype of the joint with great food and atmosphere. Pros: Doug rocks Cons: Long... More

One of the first places I'll take out of town guests. Even though there's a long line, Doug delivers on the hype of the joint with great food and atmosphere. Pros: Doug rocks Cons: Long live - but deserved!
Less

My uncle told me about this place and how great the specials were so I had to put the place to the test! Im not an expert but my taste buds were screaming for joy when I bit in! Doug has a way with... More

My uncle told me about this place and how great the specials were so I had to put the place to the test! Im not an expert but my taste buds were screaming for joy when I bit in! Doug has a way with the ingredients, brings them all together in perfect harmony. Strongly recommend going for one of the specials to try something new in the sausage world. I arrived at 10:30am on a Friday (when they open) and I had a short wait but man was it worth it! Will definately be going back next time Im in Chicago! ENJOY! Pros: Ambience, Food Cons: Zero
Less

I love this place! Doug is hilarious and the food is great. I got a huge order of fries that were crispy and perfectly seasoned. There's all sorts of unique dogs to try, but the rib eye dog is... More

I love this place! Doug is hilarious and the food is great. I got a huge order of fries that were crispy and perfectly seasoned. There's all sorts of unique dogs to try, but the rib eye dog is delicious. Yeah, there's a long line, but it goes fast and everyone around you is in a good mood and looking forward to eating. Doug treats everyone fairly, always plays great music, and prices his food well. Pros: great food, fun atmosphere Cons: can get crowded
Less

On a recent Roadtrip we made it a point to visit numerous Hot Dog places in the Chicago area and I must say that Hot Doug's is the winner. We got there before 11am and tried a few offerings and they... More

On a recent Roadtrip we made it a point to visit numerous Hot Dog places in the Chicago area and I must say that Hot Doug's is the winner. We got there before 11am and tried a few offerings and they were all great. Doug was cool and really helpful with the menu. It was awesome! I would eat there over SuperDawg any day of the week! Pros: Doug, Fast Service, Parking Cons: None
Less

Oh yeah, here. They've also been known to do pheasant, kangaroo, and, for the more herbivorous types, the best veggie dog in the city (so all my veg friends say). Doug is the Willy Wonka of Chicago... More

Oh yeah, here. They've also been known to do pheasant, kangaroo, and, for the more herbivorous types, the best veggie dog in the city (so all my veg friends say). Doug is the Willy Wonka of Chicago cuisine, happily, if sarcastically, peddling his delights personally to all who brave the line out the door at this Avondale landmark. The duck fat fries are tremendous, the standard-issue dogs (chicago-style, andouille, thuringer, etc.) are all top gear, and they carry green river, which is great if you're not afraid of it (although I am). the point is, go here, start a conversation, and don't fear the red and yellow-painted walls. it's the cheapest gourmet meal you'll get in the city.
Less

Oh Hot Dougs, you vex me so. Every time I visit Hot Dougs, I end up with a symphony of taste sitting in front of me. The creativity Doug has is out of control. He really knows how to create killer... More

Oh Hot Dougs, you vex me so. Every time I visit Hot Dougs, I end up with a symphony of taste sitting in front of me. The creativity Doug has is out of control. He really knows how to create killer options every time. Unique meats such as alligator and kangaroo often grace the menu and the duck-fat fries are unbelievable. The downsides: #1 the wait is completely ridiculous on Saturday(especially during the winter) and #2 I often get indegestion from this place. (Guess that's more a personal problem...) Still, the great tastes always lure me back for more.
Less

Hot Doug's is truly exceptional--not only are the traditional Chicago-style hot dogs some of the best in town, but they have all kinds of crazy specials that are always worth a try. Think alligator... More

Hot Doug's is truly exceptional--not only are the traditional Chicago-style hot dogs some of the best in town, but they have all kinds of crazy specials that are always worth a try. Think alligator sausage with blue cheese, or jerk pork sausage with fried plantains and spicy mustard. Everyone loves the duck fat fries but they're a little too rich for my blood, so I always come on the weekdays when the lines are shorter anyway. Doug himself works the register. He's always really friendly, and will handle unusual requests with aplomb. They also have hard-to-find sodas like Tab, Fresca and Green River.
Less

Ok, I've read the reviews and here is my "opinoin". First, I had the Chicago Dog with everything the Brat with everything and I small fry. Overall experience, average. I like the relsih and... More

Ok, I've read the reviews and here is my "opinoin". First, I had the Chicago Dog with everything the Brat with everything and I small fry. Overall experience, average. I like the relsih and carmelized onions, nice touch. Hot Dog was the smallest I've ever had, decent flavor. Brat was good, not very good. Fries were good, NOT great. Pros: Carmelized Onions and sweet relish Cons: Hot dog, and brat were avergae
Less