When we talk about hot dogs, we talk about Chicago-style hot dogs.
But even dogs of the non-garden variety have their time and place in this wiener-loving city.
Because our chefs respect the sausage. And when you respect the sausage, the results can be magical.
So from brats and chicken sausages to duck and shrimp dogs, here are seven high-end encased meats worth sinking your teeth into.
Charred Bratwurst at Eight Bar
Gold Coast
Maple & Ash’s more casual sister restaurant, Eight Bar, serves a take on a traditional brat with an East coast twist. The brat is cradled with soft truffled onions, dijonnaise and herbs on a poppyseed roll, and rounded out with a side of fries.
www.eightbarchicago.com
8 W. Maple St. (map)
Gerry’s Adobo Dog at Publican Quality Meats
West Loop
It’s no surprise PQM has a solid sausage on its lunch menu. Try Gerry’s adobo dog topped with chimichurri, avocado, cilantro, pickled cucumber, onion and mojo rojo on a buttered lobster roll.
www.publicanqualitymeats.com
825 W. Fulton Market (map)
Duck Fat Dog at The Duck Inn
Bridgeport
Take a trip to the south side for The Duck Inn’s namesake duck fat dog, a self-proclaimed take on the classic Chicago dog. Chef Kevin Hickey uses a Tallgrass beef in pork casing and cooks it in duck fat. The dog is done up classic Chicago-style on a freshly baked brioche poppyseed bun sourced from a local bakery down the street.
www.theduckinnchicago.com
2701 S. Eleanor St. (map)
Chicago-Style Hot Dog at Allium
Streeterville
The Four Seasons’ Allium may be fancy by nature, but that doesn’t mean they can’t whip up a take on the Chicago dog. But since it is the Four Seasons, you can bet everything is made in house, from the condiments and poppy seed bun, to the hot dog itself. Be sure to swing by during the day since it’s only available on the restaurant’s lunch menu.
www.alliumchicago.com
120 E. Delaware Pl. (map)
Smoked Chicken Sausage Roll at Frontier
West Town
While Frontier may be known for its whole animal service, it also features several sandwiches on its brunch menu including the smoked chicken sausage roll. It’s topped with giardiniera, crispy onions, and a generous helping of roasted garlic aioli.
www.thefrontierchicago.com
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. (map)
Trick Dog at Three Dots and a Dash
River North
A James Beard weekend collaboration with San Francisco cocktail bar, Trick Dog, resulted in a Three Dots and a Dash menu staple: the tricked out Vietnamese shrimp dog. The trick dog features banh mi-like toppings, including pickled daikon, carrots, and cilantro.
www.threedotschicago.com
435 N. Clark St. (map)
Sausage Sandwich at Dusek’s
Pilsen
The Dusek’s sausage sandwich, featured on both its lunch and dinner menu, is a high class on a bun. Start with a New England split bun, and top it with boudin blanc sausage, violet mustard, and truffled celery root slaw. If that’s not enough flavor, indulge in a side of hearty beef fat fries.
www.dusekschicago.com
1227 W. 18th St. (map)
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