Overview: Specializing in hot dogs and sausages, Hot Doug's is one of the rare, all-around superb restaurants that takes a simple concept, such as hot dogs, and turns it into something fun and gastronomically euphoric. Not only is it an eatery you must look up if you are in Chicago, it is one of the reasons you should go to Chicago. From the city center, it will take a train ride, a bus transfer, and a 10 minute walk to get to Hot Doug's, but it is worth the trip. Don't go hungry, because regardless of what time you arrive, you will be forced to wait in a slow moving line for at least two hours. The menu is original and eclectic, and always includes at least one game sausage. Regulars include "The Kiera Knightly" (mighty hot!) and "The Paul Kelly" (bratwurst soaked in beer), while daily specials range from the corned beef sausage with sauerkraut to the duck sausage topped with foie gras. Despite it's popularity, Hot Doug's is not to Chicago what The Varsity is to Atlanta. It is neither tourist trap nor over rated local hangout. It is a hidden gem that manages to be a favorite to both foodies across the nation and locals who know good encased meat. Regardless of who you are, Hot Doug's should be number one on your bucket list.
Medium Well: I am one of the most impatient people you will ever meet, particularly when I am hungry. I hate lines. I hate standing. And I especially hate groups of 19 year old boys who scream in my ear, as I stand in line for 2 1/2 hours waiting for food to fill my hollow, growling stomach. Hot Do
ug's was so good, so unbelievably good, that I will willingly put myself in this situation time and time again just to experience the hot dog nirvana that is only found in Doug Sohn's retro-style sausage kitchen. Despite it's popularity and success, Hot Doug's is surprisingly affordable to even the most frugalist of Fannies. "The Dog", (Chicago style - mustard, kryptonite-colored relish, tomatoes, pickle spear.) was my favorite, and only $1.75. The "Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris " was the most succulent sausage I have ever had and was priced at $9.00. Together our meal cost less than $20, and included 5 sausages (one that was $9.00), duck fat fries, cheese fries and a fountain soda. (Yes, we really ordered that much). Despite loving everything I ate, my favorite part of the meal had to be seeing Mike's eyes roll into the back of his head as his first bite of the foie gras dog brought him into meat heaven. Seriously... check out the pictures.
ug's was so good, so unbelievably good, that I will willingly put myself in this situation time and time again just to experience the hot dog nirvana that is only found in Doug Sohn's retro-style sausage kitchen. Despite it's popularity and success, Hot Doug's is surprisingly affordable to even the most frugalist of Fannies. "The Dog", (Chicago style - mustard, kryptonite-colored relish, tomatoes, pickle spear.) was my favorite, and only $1.75. The "Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris " was the most succulent sausage I have ever had and was priced at $9.00. Together our meal cost less than $20, and included 5 sausages (one that was $9.00), duck fat fries, cheese fries and a fountain soda. (Yes, we really ordered that much). Despite loving everything I ate, my favorite part of the meal had to be seeing Mike's eyes roll into the back of his head as his first bite of the foie gras dog brought him into meat heaven. Seriously... check out the pictures.
Medium Dead: I never thought I would I would wait in line for two and a half hours just for a hot dog. I am glad I did because this was not just a hot dog, it was 3 hot dogs and fries. The line outside of Hot Doug's on Friday and Saturday is 2 blocks long, and much of the wait is spent next to a row of dumpsters. When we finally made it inside we were greeted by Doug himself taking orders. Not wanting to stand in line again I had to order everything I was considering on the menu: 1 Chicago dog, 1 bratwurst, 1 duck sausage with foie gras, and 1 order of duck fat fries. The hardest part was waiting for the food to arrive after we ordered. I waited with the anticipation of child on Christmas. I have eaten a lot of hot dogs but this was my first Chicago style dog covered in mustard, nuclear green relish, onion, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and celery salt. The bratwurst is one of the best I have ever had, soft, juicy, and soaked in beer. The duck sausage was the highlight. Doug's describes it as a Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris. Not many people can say the first time he or she tried foie gras was on top of a hot dog, but I can and I am hooked. The silky rich foie gras is a perfect compliment to the smokey crispy skinned sausage and the truffle aiole ties all the flavors together. This alone is worth the wait. The duck fat fries were a fitting accompaniment to such a decadent and unhealthy meal. Chicago is an amazing city but Hot Doug's is the number 1 reason to go.
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Hmmmn, that first photo really hardly seems to indicate the anticipation of a child, on Christmas. Good post though:-)
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