Wiener Circle

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Step up to the counter and shout out your order, or you could be standing empty-handed for a long time at this bustling neighborhood joint. And that would be a shame--the char dogs rank among the best in Chicago. It's as popular for its trash-talking staff as it is for food. Line up at 4am on a weekend night with other late-night revelers, and you're sure to hear interesting conversations.

The Food
A dog with the works comes loaded: two juicy dill pickles, three ripe slices of tomato, and plenty of raw onion and relish. Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of toppings--they're all fresh and each lends a distinctive flavor. The well-dressed dog itself is plump and blackened, but not burnt. Be sure to complement your dog with a cold lemonade and an order of fries, which are thick-cut and served piping hot in an overflowing container.