Take This Chicago-Style Hot Dog Trail For The Most Mouthwatering Hot Dogs In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published June 29, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
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I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
If Illinois is known for one thing, it’s the Chicago-style hot dog. These classic all-beef frankfurters are topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. Although many places serve this mouthwatering favorite, we have put together a Chicago-style Hot Dog Trail with some of the best around the state.
We are aware we haven’t included all of the best places, so if your favorite isn’t included, feel free to add it to this interactive Google map and follow along on this tasty trail!
The first stop on this Chicago-style hot dog trail is Ringo's, which serves up some great food no matter what you order. But the hot dogs are truly incredible and come with Ringo's signature fresh-cut fries. To learn more about this restaurant, visit the official website.
Luichi's Hot Dog is considered the best place in the Rockford area to get a Chicago-style hot dog made with Vienna hot dogs. It also serves Italian beef, pizza, hamburgers, gyros, and more! To learn more about Luichi's, visit the official website.
The Dog Hub is known not only for its delicious Greek food but also for its hot dogs. Get your Chicago-style dog the classic way or with cheese, chili, or chili and cheese. Learn more about The Dog Hub on its official website.
At this mom-and-pop style restaurant, you'll have your choice of 39 different Chicago-style hot dogs, all named after different cities across the U.S.A. But of course, The Chicago dog is the original. Learn more about The Dog House in our previous coverage.
At Mack Dawg's, you can order just a plain hot dog, a classic Chicago-style, or a specialty dog like the Frito Pie Dog with chili, cheese, and crushed Fritos. Or try the Fiesta Dog with taco meat, onions, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. Learn more about Mack Dawg's by visiting the official website.
At a place with the word "pizza" in the name, you may not think about ordering a Chicago-style hot dog, but you should definitely consider doing so. Order either a Chicago-style dog or a chili cheese dog for an awesome meal here. For more information on Johnny's Pizza, visit the restaurant's Facebook page.
Chicago Style Grill dishes up some awesome Chicago-style hot dogs along with other classic local Illinois favorites, including Italian beef and corn dogs. Learn more by visiting the Facebook page.
On a Chicago-style hot dog trail, how could we not include Portillos - and the original one in Villa Park, no less? This Illinois-based eatery put the Chicago dog on the map and has expanded its franchise with numerous locations around Illinois and around the country. And it all started in 1963 with a man named Dick Portillo. Learn more about Portillo's and find a location near you on the official website.
With Tom & Jerry's extensive menu, it may be easy to miss the selection of Pure Beef Red Hots. But once you find them, they are definitely worth ordering! Get one with a basket that includes a drink and a choice of fries, salad, chips, soup, or chili for a fantastic meal. Learn more about Tom & Jerry's Restaurant on the official website.
Are you ready to embark on an adventure for your taste buds on this Chicago-style Hot Dog Trail? Are there any other hot dog joints you would add to this list? Please let us know in the comments.
