09/05/09

Just So-So

by Pappyal

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.

07/09/09

the only pleasant line i ever waited in

by dallas_foodie

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

05/15/09

Best Hot Dog Ever!

by Metromix

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!

02/17/09

CAN'T BE BEAT

by LBS157

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

08/22/08

FANTASTIC!

by WillO8

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

05/19/08

And the Winner is......

by sgtmorrison

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

03/26/08

Average experience........

by tailgatefoodsnob

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

02/27/08

Should be called Arrogant Dougs.

by frankiemo

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...

• Pros: None
• Cons: Line was too long

10/18/07

Walk Out Happy

by elwood

On a recent trip to Chicago one of our first stops was a visit to Hot Doug's. We went early since we heard the place got busy and ended up with only about a 10-15 minute wait. By the time we left there was a long line out the door, down the street and around the corner....which I would have gladly waited in after we tasted our dogs. True to the reviews...the duck fat fries were amazing! But the most fun was to walk up to place our orders to an Elvis Costillo look-alike...who happens to be Doug. Even though this place is extremely busy...he takes the time to chat with everyone who comes in, explains the menu and makes recommendations. We ordered 2 duck fat fries...and he kindly let us know only one order would be sufficient. Our dogs were extremely tasty...and I honestly will say one of the best I have ever had. Very small place, but they move everyone thru...not rushing anyone. Loved this place.

• Pros: Food, Service, Doug
• Cons: Long lines if you come after 11:45

10/15/07

One of Chicago's best!

by patrickhayes

This place should be #1. It is an insult that it is #3 under the other 2.

Now, I spent just as much here as I did at superdawgs. the difference is I got 2 specialty dogs an duck fat fries and a drink. It was worth the 18 bucks here unlike supers. Now 18 bucks is a lot for hot dogs and fries but unlike super dawgs. Doug's has a regular dogs for $1.75 and regular fries. They also have a great selection of sausages. I wanted to order all of them. and I am sure I will because I am going back again soon and often.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: there is a line but it moves fast. and unlike places like Johnnie's beef. You get something worth waiting for.