Gene & Jude Red Hot Stand

The place was recommended to me. I was looking forward to this experience. I walked up to the counter and orderd a hot dog with fries. I was pleased to pay $2.20 + tax. I asked for ketchup for the fries and was denied. No ketchup at all in the place. I walked to the eating counter area and took the food out of the bag. I ate the hot dog and five cooked fries. The rest of the fries were uncooked with an enormous clump of raw potatoes. I threw out the remaining fries. Next, talked to the person next to me and proceeded to walk out frustrated. If I wanted raw food I would have ordered sushi. In the future, I will ask them to cook my food completely. Also, bring my own ketchup for the fries.

I grew up in the Chicago area and now for the last 30 yrs living in Baltimore, Maryland, so going home to visit family always means a visit to Gene & Jude's. I began eating here in the 1970s & during high school this was the place to go grab a cheap bite of food that is simply unquestionably the best HotDog & Fries experience in the region. Yes, there are other hot dog joints but NONE can topple the matchless wonder of the iconic Gene & Judes, which if you're from Chicago, you say really fast and kinda meld into GeneJudes. The hotdogs are some kind of all beef lean weiner and the casing cracks when you first bite it, unlike imitators in NYC, which sorry Big Apple are NOT as good as Gene&Judes dogs. Simply ask for the relish, onion and mustard, a pox on any ketsup eaters, and then tear into those dogs and fries. If you're a calorie counter, just don't eat for a couple of days before you visit or a few after. Like any TREAT you eat here until your pants are ready to split like a well cooked hot dog. Then you return like I do even if it means 980 miles and the hassle of O'Hare Airport. The fries are as good as everyone raves about and delicious despite the anti-obesity campaigners like Dr. OZ and all the other shamers out there. When I was still 98 lbs. I could pack down 3 hot dogs from here and now at considerably more and a lot older, I strive for one dog and fries and a corn wrapped tamale.

Out of towners, trust this out of towner - these are the best hotdogs in the land.

Thank you Gene & Jude. We love you.

Many regards,

In Baltimore [what a hole].

Earl is crazy. These dogs taste great. They have snap and the toppings are enhancements and do not bury the dog in other flavors. The fries are fresh cut while you wait. Everyone I know agrees.

Pros: Simple hot dogs that taste great with awesome fries!

Cons: No dine in.

This place may be original Chicago because it has been around forever, but the dogs are just plan nasty. They use the smallest diameter hot dog manufactured. Put it on a bun, some old oxidized onions, mustard and a toping of fries that are so greasy that Willie Nelson could make enough bio fuel to drive from here to Dallas with one order. Did I mention the intestinal distress about two hours later. Skip the hype, go to any other dog house that says they have chicago style dogs. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Pros: Fry oil gets changed once a year when it floods

The Best Dogs West Of Chicago

Pros: Pros: The Taste Is Out Of This World......

Cons: Cons: Variety of food / Ambiance

Amazing Dogs

Pros: Very Tasty Dogs

Cons: no ketchup for the fries

I was weened on Gene's & Judes be eating them since 1962. There is no other hotdog PERIOD!!!

1) The hot dogs are the best I've ever had - even after living in a few states, they are the gold standard. Nothing has measured up yet, after 20 years.

2)The prices are unbelievable! When I was a poor college kid, I could still get a meal. That hasn't changed!

3)The fries - too bad they can't mail-order them to the East Coast.

Pros: The ENTIRE menu

Cons: none

This is a no nonsense best foor best price establishment that has been around longer than most. (there is a reason for that) All I can say is go there, get two dogs with fries w/everything on them. Eat-- that will be all the evidence you need to agree.

Pros: Best Hotdogs-Best Employees-Best City

Cons: Not close to where I live

My parents came here in the 60's when they were dating, now I'm come here with my kids. Love em' can't get anything like these ANYWHERE in WI. I will continue to drive 290 miles to get these bad boys, as long as they keep on making em!

Pros: Fast & Cheap

Cons: Can't think of one

Hot dogs 2 die for. I'm taking the 40 minuet trip there later this week, I can't wait!! I've never had the tamales before, but I'll give it a try this time.

Pros: Best hott dog I've ever had

Cons: No sitting... oh well

When I was a little girl, my parents would get my little sister and I together and we'd go out for Gene and Jude's. There was something so exciting about going there. Its always been busy, whether its midnight or noon. The hot dogs taste the same as they did ten years ago and are delicious. Awesome salty fries and tamales. Its a no frills hot dog place. You can't miss this place.

When I was little it was my mom and dad's favorite thing to do. We would all pile into the car and drive to Rubber Dogs (also known as Gene and Jude's) The only thing was I hated hot dogs and always ended up running next door to McDonald's or across the road to Cockrobin (which is gone now). On the rare occasion my sister and I did decide we wanted a hot dog we peeled off all the french fries and ran next door to get catsup. Did I mention I swore up and down as a little kid that I would never ever drag my children to get a hot dog, especially at midnight. But now it's my favorite thing to do to.

It's a wonderful little hot dog joint with the best rubberiest hot dogs ever (no catsup served) and they pile homemade fries (seriously, you can watch them chop up the potatoes) on top of your dog and wrap it all up. The best part is the tamale. Actually, they are kind of the worst packaged and steamed tamales ever but I LOVE them better than any other. Then there's the grape kool aid which I always have to get with my meal. There is this guy who's always been there and I think he looks like my Uncle Bubba but with a lot of tattoos. He seems like the tough as nails type on the outside, but I'm pretty sure he's just a big teddy bear. He is always laughing and joking with the customers and seeing him always makes me smile.

Rubber Dogs has been a family for three generations. I used to go there with my Guppy and Pa all the time and then go to CockRobin for square ice cream. A lot of the times my Grandma June and Grandpa Tony would come with us. Even though they are all gone now and there's no more square ice cream, Gene and Jude's will always hold a special place in my heart. My husband and I love to go out for the occasional midnight hot dog (you can't do it too often or it's won't be special anymore). And despite the fact that I whined and complained and swore up and down that I hated it and was never dragging my kids there...I can't wait to share it with our baby!

Pros: Great atmosphere, eating in your warm car with lots of family! Old Fashioned!

Cons: Too far to drive to

First of all to "ilovehotdogs" it's not dirty it's old! Second of all it's a hot dog stand for take out only. Do you complain about pizza places that are take out only? Now to "timloveshotdogs" if you think that the positive reviews are shillings then you must be a competitor with inferior hot dogs because I grew up here and live in Las Vegas and this is the first place I want to go when i visit here! Now for "ourmilitaryisevil," your name says it all. This is an old time hot dog place and that's old time hot dogs don't have chilli or cheese or ketchup. Get a clue you anti-American!

Pros: The food is top notch!

Cons: No cons except that they are not in Las vegas where I live now.

This is NOT the only great hot dog place in the area. It is dirty, you can't sit down, there is no ketchup and the employees don't seem to care.. There is a BETTER PLACE IN NORTHLAKE. It is called Winking Dog, 100 North Ave (between Mannheim and Wolf, next to the shell gas station). The hot dogs are EXACTLY LIKE GENE AND JUDES with the fresh fries put on top. You can sit down and eat, use the drive thru and PUT KETCHUP ON ANYTHING YOU WANT. They have a big menu (burgers, salads, subs, beef, GYROS, polish sausage, etc. etc. etc.) They have THE BEST PRICES IN THE AREA. Try their 2 hot dog deal ($4.00). The employees are really nice and care. You should also get their soups that are made fresh (not canned) and are DELICIOUS. The Greek Chicken is to die for !!!!
GIVE THIS PLACE A CHANCE. IT IS WORTH IT !!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: none

Cons: DIRTY, No place to sit,

I can't even describe how good these are. A family favorite for sure. I have not lived in Chicago for almost 20 years now, but each time I go back, I make sure that I get to Gene and Jude's. The last time I was in Chicago I took checked in at the airport for my DEPARTURE, then took a cab to get a few of these wonderful dogs!! Every friend I have every taken there, loves the place. The fries, fresh cut, and served on top of the dog is unbelievable. If you are ever in Chicago, you need to go. I literally have had dreams about these hot dogs many times over the years!!

I love Gene and Jude's. I've been out of Chicago and living in lake county for almost 15 years now, but every time I visit my family in Chicago I have to stop at Gene and Jude's. These are the true Chicago hot dog's I grew up with. The hot dogs in my area were just no comparison.... no fresh cut fries, no natural casing..they don't know what a true hot dog should taste like. Recently, a buddy told me about a new place that opened up here...and he said they tasted just like Gene and Jude's. I didn't beleive him. After years of searching to have a good hot dog in my back yard...but I went, I tried it, and Wow....it's just like Gene and judes. The place is called Droopy's and it's in Winthrop Harbor on Sheridan Road. So for any of you in the far north suburbs, if you want a tast of home you should definetly check it out.

If you want a true Chicago dog, this is the place. As a follow up to another review, yes it is a simple menu - it's a hot dog stand. If you're looking for an extensive menu then go to a restaurant. My friends and I make the forty minute trek at least once a month for this hidden treasure. So, if you want to pop-in for a root beer and a couple of the best dogs Chicago truly has to offer, do not miss this historic landmark.

Word to the wise: leave some of the fries on your dog, don't forget the sport peppers, and if you require ketchup - grow up.

For what it's worth, the place does have a rich history (pun intended, the owners are millionaires), having been around since the late 50's. My dad went there with his buddies when he was a kid.

Here's the skinny: As for the hotdogs themselves, they're great. The menu, perhaps what has made the place infamous, is quite simple. All they sell are hotdogs, fries, tamales, and drinks. Nothing more. (No beefs, hamburgers, italian sausage, you get the hint).

A hotdog and fries is $2, which is a nice bargain. The fries come piled high ontop of the hotdog and are wrapped up with it. In my opinion, the fries aren't all that great, but some people love homemade potato fries. They can be soggy and although you can reheat the hotdog later, the fries usually are just mush and I throw them out.

As mentioned above, the place is a goldmine and is open long hours, usually to about 1am. When I say there are lines literally out the door, they can literally be out the door. I have seen upwards of 75 people (give or take) in a line once. The line usually moves quickly, but the massive amounts of people inside can irritate you, especially on a hot day.

There are no places to sit inside, they have some window "tables" where you can stand and eat. I recommend either getting the food to go, or eating it in the parking lot. Which leads to this...

This place, over the years, has also become a "hangout", a lot of high school and maybe college kids just standing around eating in the parking lot and basically loitering and looking for trouble. Especially being open late hours at night - do the math. This may be a turn off for some people. I'm in my 20's, and I have gone there several times with friends just to get food and have come out walking past dozens of younger people loitering, smoking, or girls just looking for "attention." This is usually only in the later hours of the evening though.

The place has great HOT DOGS and I'd recommend overall.

Pros: Rich history, great HOT DOGS, economic prices, nice hangout (for younger crowd)

Cons: Long lines, kinda dirty/messy inside, average fries, and a 'hang out' at night.

I've gone to this place several times. It was never good. The positive reviews are either shilling for the place or they don't know what a good hot dog is.

The dogs are small and they don't have a full range of condiments. You can find better dogs at many other places.

Bottom line: Skip the hype and patronize your local stand. Unfortunately for the folks in River Grove, their local stand isn't very good. They are the only ones who should travel for a hot dog. Don't waste your time or gas to go to this place.

Pros: Can't think of one

Cons: Too many to list

After reading that Gene and Judes was a "noteworthy" hot dog stand in the Chicago area in the recent issue of TimeOut Chicago, i eagerly drove from the city to the quaint neighborhood of River Grove to check it out for myself. In this day and age, with channels like the food network and growing interest in the ART of cuisine, it is unfortunate that anyone could ever claim that Gene and Judes is any good. Sure the hot dog was good vienna beef and it filled my stomach, but to write about this in a magazine is a waste of print space. They don't even offer chilli on the cheese dog. This place is pathetic. The only reason to go there is to observe the patrons, who are a diverse group (when i was there i saw kids in apocalyptic, black shirts with the name of metal bands or just macabre phrases like "Death is Me", and then a group of police officers in white shirts and black pants in another corner and a jewish rabbi as well. The hot dogs were serviceable, but not spectacular. Parky's is much better. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a fine philosophy for G & J's , but that doesn't mean that what they're doing there is anything near extraordinary. It's so basic in terms of what's offered that it's food does not deserve any mention. As a place to get a quick, reliable bite and mingle with people from different backgrounds, it works.

Pros: The Crowd

Cons: The Offering, and no darn place to sit

I don't know where chicago style dog lover ate - maybe outta the dumpster in the back - but these are by far the best CHICAGO style Dawgs around. I grew up closer to SuperDawgs and still made the journey to Gene & Judes.

I lived here for over 25 years and went to Gene and Judes after all the hoopla on the Food Network. I was a little disappointed to say the least. The dogs were small and there seemed to be more fries then dog. My husband was raised here and had eaten there before but hadn;t been in a few years. Even he was disappointed. He says the fries are not the same and the dogs don't taste the same either. We moved backto Chicago after being in Texas for 5 years, and the one thing we wanted most was a Chicago Dog, I guess our next adventure will be to SuperDog.

I have been eating at this hot dog stand since I was little my cousins owned it a while ago but I still enjoyed eating there. Everytime I eat a hot dog it reminds me of what chicago is all about, and I recommend it to all my friends and when my family comes in from other states I tell him they can't leave until they taste a "rubber dog" from one of chicago's best hot dog places. I rather eat there then any other place that selling hot dogs, they are nice respectful people they are down to earth and funny, they make it worth the long lines to get these tasteful dogs. Everyone should visit this place there ain't no other than Gene & Jude's Red Hot Stand!!!

Pros: this food is like no other

Cons: better park down the block cause they get busy

ok so this is not a typical chicago style hot dog, but it is SOOOO much better! i could live on these hot dogs. this is an amazing place to go to grab some food and socialize. and for those who want ketchup HA HA ur crazy and will be laughed at and i would laugh at you. THIS IS CHICAGO!!! we dont do ketchup with hot dogs. stop complaining and deal with the experiance. EH and for those who thinks this is expensive then stick with the dollar menu on mcdonalds i guess...this place is SOOO well priced. i remember going once with a couple of friends and litarly 2 guys had 2 double dogs and me and my friend both had two hot dogs, we all had drinks and it comes with the best fries and it came out to like $20, compared to any place downtown then this place is a steal....go downtown and you will be paying triple for all that....idk what these ppl are thinkin when they give this place a bad review, its kinda upseting. i now live in california, and every time i visit right after gettin off the plane i go to gene and judes and have a great meal!!! everyone should go at least once.....you dont know what your missing

Pros: parking, cheap, late night, friendly, funny

Cons: N/A

I live in upper wisconsin (5 hours from Gene and Judes) and drive there and back just for these hot dogs. They are talked about like a god here. We buy 15 dozen at a time sometimes and people look at us like we are nuts but they are awesome and way worth it. I wish there was a way to have them shipped directly up here......
or
just open a Gene and Judes up here somewhere (ha wishful thinking)

The long line is worth the wait (especialy if you drive 5 hours to get there). Best Hotdog Ever!!! No complaints!

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

This place is a let down! I heard how good this place was, and then when I went there, they didn't even offer a Chicago Style Hot Dog. There is only one way to enjoy a hot dog when you are living in Chicagoland, and this place does not know how to make a Chicago Style Hot Dog!!!!

When I arrived and asked how they make their dogs, making sure it was Chicago Style, they did not have the right answer. Superdawg or Portillos , now those are the places to go for real Chicago Style Hot Dogs! But not this place. I will never be back again!!!

As a former Rivergrover,who could not love Gene and Judes.I dont think because the dog does not have pickles and tomatoes,it does have the green relish Chicago dogs have.And as a former reviewer said when did Vienna quit makeing all beef hotdogs? I can't wait till they open in Addison IL this summer.

Who cares if it's not "Chicago Style"? If you want a Chicago Style dog go somewhere else. If you want the best dog and fries ever go to Gene and Jude's. When I was growing up we would drive from LaGrange to River Grove just to get them, and we would always bring back a bag of 15-20 plus an order of fries. Anytime I am in the area I get 'em. Get over the lines, the menu and the fact that you expected a Chicago style dog and enjoy the best hot dog ever. I've packed these in ice and brought them back to the East Coast with me and everyone always agrees that these are the best ever hands down.

Pros: Great dogs and greasy fries

Cons: none

This place is not recommended.It's not a true Chicago-style dog,no tomatoes,or pickles and it was not even filling.I was told you have to order the double dog for a big dog,if you have to order a double dog that tells me the original is not filling sorry guys bad dog.Not true Chicago-style

Pros: Parking,Ambience

Cons: the hot dogs

I really don't know how this place got first place.

First it is not a Chicago style dog.

It is not an all beef dog. And it does not come with a tomato or pickle.

The price is ok and the hot dogs come with fries. Who ever said in their review there is a special there they are wrong. There are no specials and all they really have are hot dogs.

I would rather make my own hot dogs at home then go out of my way to eat here. If I was driving buy. I might stop but I did see another hot dog joint down the block.

Best hotdogs ever nothing bad at all!!! I have been coming to gene and judes since i could sit on the counters.to all the people who dont like it good more for me theres not ketchup deal with it ur not going to die w/out ketchup. plus they keep the air on all year round. hey i would too if im near a hot fryer all day long. great frys best in all chicago i never want this place to go away!!!

Pros: hot dogs,frys,people

Cons: there isnt any

ive had gene and judes for as long as i can remember. when my family used to live in river grove thats all id ever want to have haha. once we moved out here to hoffman estates, i made all my friends go and buy it. and i love how no one can describe what about it that makes it so amazing. no hot dog place anywhere can beat these hot dogs, i dont care what you say. and the fries just top everything off. just do notttt ask for ketchup on your hotdog. everyone knows not to do that haha. then everyoneee knows you are definitely not from the area and you will pretty much be laughed at by everyone working there. =]. its definitely worth the hour drive there and back for them. no matter what time of day haha. and they are open till 2 am. you cant beat that.

Cons: there are usually long lines, depending on the time of day. you just have to find the right time =]

I don't have too much to add to the comments that have already been made. Everyone describes this place pretty accurately. No frills- hole in the wall- not a typical "Chicago" hot dog, yet still a quintessential Chicago hot dog. I love the "no ketchup" policy, although I do believe it is perfectly acceptable to put ketchup on french fries. Still, I can see where they don't want to take a chance it might end up on the dog.

I admit the first time I tried them I was underwhelmed. I couldn't see what the fuss was about. But then I found myself wanting, really wanting, another Gene and Jude's dog. They are really addictive! It must have something to do with the greasy, seasoned, fresh cut fries they pile on top. Whatever "it" is, it sets this hot dog apart from the ordinary.

Pros: Addictive dog and fries. No Ketchup.

Cons: Long lines.

Hot dogs are good and the fries are horrible I can't believe they got voted for Top 10. The service is OK its good place to go late night.

Hot Dog, Double Dog, Fries, Tamale. Thats the menu right there. The dog's and fries are unbelievable! The Juicy hot dogs, cooked perfectly are rolled with fries. The toppings are Mustand, Onion, Pepper, relish. The price is unbelievable, under $2 can't beat that price. I can't put this place into words for some reason...but the other reviews do more then enough to justify a drive from anywhere to enjoy these dogs! There is no reason not to, they are open until about 2:00 even night....so just give them a try and see what you are missing!

Seriously, the best hot dogs of all time. They're perfect! Try eating them late at night... they're exactly what you need. We used to drive an hour there and an hour back just to get them some nights. The fries all wrapped around the hot dog... it's so greasy and so, so good.

And anyone who complains about lack of ketchup is NOT FROM CHICAGO. CHICAGO HOT DOGS DO NOT HAVE KETCHUP. GET OVER IT. Seriously, don't even ask for it. Because you will get yelled at. And you will deserve it. Particularly if you are from Chicago.

I go to school in Boston now and this is seriously the thing I miss most about Chicago. Even more than the pizza, and we all know that's saying something.

I'm lucky. I've been practically weined on these dogs and no one else has come close. The guy that owns Jimmy's lives down the block from G &J's. His dogs are okay. He tried to copy these guys, but it's just not there. I now live 3 minutes from G&J's and have been eating there for over 40 years. I remember the old "shack" before they built this place (1969). I don't care what any non River Grover thinks about this place. It's ours and it's been a staple and will continue to be for a long time. Just go there any day of the week and see the long line and the packed parking lot. People always come back to Gene and Judes. This is a slop dog at it's best with a tamale and Pepsi. My parents, sister, wife, inlaws, kids, grandkids all love this place. What does that tell you? And they're open early and late.

Pros: Best I've ever had.

Cons: Long lines, but pretty quick. People order a dozen at a time.

OK not a traditional Chicago dog more like the original blue color working mans Chicago Dog. Thats Mustard, relish, onion, & sport peppers WITH hot fries ON the dog before wrapping (keeps em warm). The menu does not have A hotdog it is dog and fries. The modern Chicago Dog (adding slices of tomato, dill pickle etc) is just a fancy up grade with no fries on top; which is OK too as long as they remember NO ketchup on dog, fries, or tamale. And yes anyone that uses ketchup on any of those is simply not qualified to review a hot dog, certainly not in Chicago!
Best of all is the FRIES, not rigid and burned like standard fries with a bit of salt they are soft and steamy like a finger food version of a baked potato fantastic.

Pros: Freash Cut Fries as you watch - No additives here

Great no frills Chicago-inspired dogs (not exactly the traditional Chicago dog, but a very neat interpretation of the culinary legend). BTW, I see that someone has written an unfavorable review about no ketchup. That is one of the things I love about Gene and Jude's...any classic Chicago hot dog stand isn't going to offer up ketchup, simply in fear that uninformed morons will put it on their dog...something that is severely frowned upon by any proud Chicagoan. I don't buy it that the reviewer is a true Chicagoan as this is common knowledge.

So many people told us to try Gene & Jude's. So when guests from Bellingham, WA asked for a Chicago hot dog, it seemed the right place to go. Not only was our hot dog not everything we expected from a Chicago dog, we asked for ketchup for our fries and the help was NASTY...."we don't have NO ketchup"!!!!! Yikes! We were outta there. We still laugh about the experience, however we won't be back. Raised in Chicago, we have other places that really out-do Gene & Jude's for a good Chicago hot dog. Don't be fooled...

Cons: Not Good, Expensive, No Ketchup

G&J is hands down the best place to eat hotdogs. I have lived in AZ my whole life but my parents grew up in Chi and I still have some family back there. Everytime we fly into town G&J is the first stop off of the plane. I have 3 hotdogs and fries everytime off the plane. In a week of being in town I eat around 25 hotdogs. We go there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snack. There isnt one day that we are there that we dont eat there. I just cant get enough of that place. 1 year the owner let us buy some frozen to take back to AZ. I'll be flying in on the first of June this year and guess where we will be stopping first. Thats right Gene and Jude's. HECK YES!!!!!!

What splended memories When I used to cause a ruckus next door at the now torn down "Thirsty Whale" we would walk across the lot and grab a few dogs and coagulated fries yes pull one frie out you get the entire bag .. If your from Chicago or the Local Burbs this is it ......makes me say JIMMY WHO (thats another story we wont go there (hint)

Pros: Parking, shakes, ht dogs - fries

Cons: pricy

Eating hotdogs seemed weird to me until I had a Gene & Judes Dog. Originally from California I met my husband in 1999, and soon after discovered the best city ever when it came to food. The year I lived in Chicago, I went to this hotdog haven several times a month. Since moving out of Illinois my husband and I have conversations all the time about our G&J hot dog cravings. We come back 2 times a year and go at least 2 times, most of the time right after we get off the plane. I can't believe it's not rated #1, this place is heaven. Definitly what I would eat if I had one last meal on earth!

Word of advice- eat the fries on the dog, no need for ketchup!

Pros: Quality of food, Inexpensive, Salt in Mason jars!

Cons: 2000 miles away, Line is usually long, sometimes parking