Hot Doug's Inc
(773) 279-9550
3324 North California
Chicago,
IL
60618
41.9432
-87.6864
Neighborhoods: Roscoe Village, North Side
Reviews & Ratings for Hot Doug's Inc
46 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 46 reviews
the only pleasant line i ever waited in
by dallas_foodie
July 09, 2009
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
Best Hot Dog Ever!
by Metromix
May 15, 2009
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!
CAN'T BE BEAT
by LBS157
February 17, 2009
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
FANTASTIC!
by WillO8
August 22, 2008
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
And the Winner is......
by sgtmorrison
May 19, 2008
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
Anyone know where to get a good alligator sausage in the city? by Austin H. at InsiderPages
Contributor
April 14, 2008
Oh yeah, here. They've also been known to do pheasant, kangaroo, and, for the more herbivorous types, the best veggie dog in the city (so all my veg friends say). Doug is the Willy Wonka of Chicago cuisine, happily, if sarcastically, peddling his delights personally to all who brave the line out the door at this Avondale landmark. The duck fat fries are tremendous, the standard-issue dogs (chicago-style, andouille, thuringer, etc.) are all top gear, and they carry green river, which is great if you're not afraid of it (although I am). the point is, go here, start a conversation, and don't fear the red and yellow-painted walls. it's the cheapest gourmet meal you'll get in the city.
Who can turn down a trip to an encased meat emporium? by Annie W. at InsiderPages
Contributor
April 14, 2008
Oh Hot Dougs, you vex me so. Every time I visit Hot Dougs, I end up with a symphony of taste sitting in front of me. The creativity Doug has is out of control. He really knows how to create killer options every time. Unique meats such as alligator and kangaroo often grace the menu and the duck-fat fries are unbelievable. The downsides: #1 the wait is completely ridiculous on Saturday(especially during the winter) and #2 I often get indegestion from this place. (Guess that's more a personal problem...) Still, the great tastes always lure me back for more.
Worth the wait by Elizabeth R. at InsiderPages
Contributor
April 12, 2008
Hot Doug's is truly exceptional--not only are the traditional Chicago-style hot dogs some of the best in town, but they have all kinds of crazy specials that are always worth a try. Think alligator sausage with blue cheese, or jerk pork sausage with fried plantains and spicy mustard. Everyone loves the duck fat fries but they're a little too rich for my blood, so I always come on the weekdays when the lines are shorter anyway. Doug himself works the register. He's always really friendly, and will handle unusual requests with aplomb. They also have hard-to-find sodas like Tab, Fresca and Green River.
Average experience........
by tailgatefoodsnob
March 26, 2008
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
a good neighborhood dawg by jim d. at InsiderPages
Contributor
March 23, 2008
deffinitly the place to go when in chicago, go early the place fills up fast,when inside
the menue is amusing and all the dawgs are great especially the daily special and don't miss the weekend french fries cooked in duck fat on then weekend.








