Insider Pages Reviews for Hot Doug's Inc.

5 Stars: Anyone know where to get a good alligator sausage in the city? (by Austin H.)

Austin H. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:47:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Who can turn down a trip to an encased meat emporium? (by Annie W.)

Annie W. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:03:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Worth the wait (by Elizabeth R.)

Elizabeth R. — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:27:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: a good neighborhood dawg (by jim d.)

jim d. — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:03:00 GMT

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.