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Hot Doug's3324 North California, Chicago, IL | Directions 60618
41.942676 -87.698042 View Website
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“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.”
“Hot Doug's has specialty sausages you wont find anywhere else and his fries are outstanding!”
“The menu has a huge variety and your almost tempted to order them all.”
“great place to go for the best hot dogs in the city!”
“tend to shy away from Hot dog joint because the service usually sucks and they aren't very clean.”
“Doug treats everyone fairly, always plays great music, and prices his food well.”
“doug's a cool guy with great taste in encased meats (and music--long live the WAZ!”

The inventive sausages may draw you in, but the classics will keep you coming back. The bratwurst is a nearly perfect sausage.

There's always a line down the block for friendly Doug's encased delicacies. The menu is lengthy, but I recommend opting for the "game of the week" special. Duck fat fries are only available on Fridays and Saturdays are a totally necessary indulgence.
After one of these dogs you will be wondering what the crap was that you were eating before!
LOOOONG LINE WORHT THE WAIT.
What could possible be different and so exciting about a Hot Dog? Well, if that is what you think (which trust me, it is exactly why I used to think before coming here) you have to taste the famous Hot Doug's recipes.
There are 2 things you need to keep in mind:
1. There is going to be a huge line. We waited for nearly two hours before they served us.
2. Be open minded about the flavors because you will see all types of mix and matches that might sound weird but are DELICIOUS.
That being said, if you are ever in the Chicago area close to 3324 North California, Chicago, IL 60618, definitely plan a stop here.
Just So-So. 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.
the only pleasant line i ever waited in. 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.
Best Hot Dog Ever!. 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.
CAN'T BE BEAT. 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!
FANTASTIC!. 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.
And the Winner is....... 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!
Average experience.........
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.
Should be called Arrogant Dougs.. Went there for a Chili Dog, and upon not seeing it on the menu board, I asked Doug if they had Chili Dogs. The response was arrogant to say the least and went something like this: "We have Hot Dogs, we have Chili, you do the math". Never again. Not that big a deal anyway...
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