Superdawg

In May of 1948, Superdawg® was established at the corner of Milwaukee, Devon and Nagle in Chicago. Superdawg® continues to be family owned and operated in the same location today.

Maurie Berman, a recently returned G.I. from World War II, married his high school sweetheart Florence (Flaurie), in August of 1947. Maurie was attending Northwestern University, studying to be a CPA, while recent Northwestern grad Flaurie was teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. With their "school-year" schedules, the newlyweds wanted to open a business that they could operate during the summer months. Many other returning G.I.'s were opening roadside hot dog carts and Maurie and Flaurie decided to open their own roadside hot dog stand, one that would be as unique and distinctive as they were.

Maurie designed an architecturally distinct, 20' x 12' building topped with two 12 foot hot dog icons to beckon hungry passersby with their winking and blinking eyes. Maurie and Flaurie then created a proprietary, secret recipe to set themselves apart from the other hot dog stands popping up around the city. With a distinctive look and delicious recipe, they were almost ready to open. All they needed was a name. Inspired by the superheroes featured in the newly-created, popular comics of the '40's, Maurie and Flaurie named their signature product and restaurant. It was not a wiener – not a frankfurter – not a red hot – but their own exclusive SUPERDAWG™.

In 1948, Milwaukee and Devon was the end of the streetcar line. With the forest preserve and Whealan Pool across the street, the area was a great destination for swimming families and cruisin' teens. Kids could ride the streetcar for a nickel, and stop at Superdawg® where a Superdawg™ sandwich and drink cost only 32 cents. Many times, on their way home, they would stop and ask what they could buy for a dime. If they were a few cents short, Maurie and Flaurie would give them what they wanted and told them to bring the money back the next time they stopped, which they never failed to do.

In 1950 Maurie passed the CPA exam, but he and Flaurie decided to keep operating Superdawg® and to open year-round in order to retain the outstanding personnel that had become so invaluable to fulfilling the Superdawg® ideals. When Superdawg® first opened, the electronic speaker system had not been invented. Carhops went out to the cars to take orders and customers signaled that they were ready for their trays to be picked up by turning on their headlights. In the early 1950's the "carhop in a wire" electronic speaker system was installed, and Maurie designed the glowing blue "control tower" where the carhop sits to answer the switchboard and take orders. As Superdawg® grew into a successful business, Maurie and Flaurie found time to raise their family of three children (although not on Whoopercheesies® alone).

Throughout the years, small changes have been made to the menu, like the addition of the Whoopskidawg® in 1989 and the Superchic™ in 1991. However, the Superdawg™ recipe, the original trademark figures (continuing to flirtatiously wink at each other), and the drive-in concept have not changed. Customers can still order from their car and have a carhop deliver their order on a tray. Maurie and Flaurie’s attention to quality products and service, preparing each customer's meal to order, affirming the belief that the customer is always right, and insisting that the customer should always be treated as family continues today.

In 1999, Superdawg® underwent a makeover while retaining the original building and spirit. The classic '40's drive-in was updated with the addition of neon-studded canopies across the parking lot, a crisp new speaker system and a cozy, indoor dining room. The original rooftop figures were refurbished so that they can continue to serve as a Chicago landmark for years to come. In 2003, Superdawg® opened a second location on Midway Airport's B concourse, servicing Southwest Airlines.

Since 1948, Maurie, Flaurie, their children and grandchildren have scrupulously adhered to one goal: "always to serve you in a manner that will make you want to return – and bring your friends, and new generations, with you".

From the bottom of our pure beef hearts... THANKS FOR STOPPING

Wiener Circle

2622 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773-477-7444


They're sassy and they're Very-spirited, but because Wiener's Circle staffers serve some of the best franks and fries in town, people usually forgive them. The chili fries are an especially decadent treat. This Lincoln Park landmark is just a simple little hot dog stand, but at 3AM it's a godsend for local bar hoppers. On warm nights, diners can linger outdoors where a smattering of picnic tables are available.

So What Exactly is a Chicago Style Hot Dog?

So What Exactly is a Chicago Style Hot Dog?

Before we explain what a Chicago Dog is and what makes it so special, let's take quick look at what a Hot Dog is. If you look up the definition of "Hot Dog", you will generally see the following:

hot dog or hot·dog (hot'dôg', -dog')
noun.

A frankfurter, especially one served hot in a long soft roll. Also called red-hot.
A type of cooked meat in the shape of a sausage; it is usually served in a long bun.
One who performs showy, often dangerous stunts, in order to attract attention

A Dog With a Difference
A Chicago Style Hot Dog is more than just a Hot Dog; it's a taste sensation with the perfect blend of toppings. So, what exactly is a Chicago Dog? A Chicago Style Hot Dog is a steamed all beef Hot Dog topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear or slice, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt served in the all-important steamed poppyseed bun.

The toppings are just as important as the order they are applied to the Hot Dog. Add toppings in the following order:


Yellow Mustard
Bright Green Relish
Fresh Chopped Onions
Two Tomato Wedges
A Pickle Spear or Slice
Two Sport Peppers
A Dash of Celery Salt
Remember: When adding toppings, dress the dog and not the bun!


Why is the placement of the toppings so important? If your Chicago Dog has been made properly, you will get a taste of each ingredient in every bite.


A Chicago Style Hot Dog is never boiled, but slowly simmered using steam heat until the hot dog reaches approximately 170-180 degrees. Although steam is the preferred method to heat the Hot Dog, grilling, heating in water or using the microwave are also acceptable. Since Hot Dogs are pre-cooked all you need to do is heat the dog.

Fluky's (a Chicago institution since 1929) provides these instructions for heating your Hot Dogs: Bring the water to a boil, turn the water down until it stops boiling, or a slight simmer. (DO NOT COOK HOT DOGS IN BOILING WATER). Place desired number of hot dogs into water and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.

Vienna® Beef Hot Dogs are probably the best tasting dogs you will ever experience. Over 80% of hot dog street vendors in Chicago proudly serve Vienna® Beef Hot Dogs.

Where's the Ketchup?
As mentioned earlier, the toppings are just as important as the Hot Dog itself. If you look at the required toppings for a Chicago Dog, you will notice that Ketchup is not listed among them. Ketchup is an ingredient frowned upon by Hot Dog aficionados. Although ketchup remains one of the most popular condiments on Hot Dogs, "properly made" Hot Dogs, like the Chicago Style, usually lack the condiment.

Those who consider themselves Hot Dog connoisseurs are often vehemently opposed to eating (or even witnessing) Hot Dogs with ketchup; they think the flavor of ketchup overpowers and destroys the taste of the Hot Dog instead of complementing it. Nowhere is this difference in opinion more apparent than in Chicago.

The inclusion of ketchup on a Chicago Style Hot Dog is a controversial issue. Most adult Chicagoans will shun ketchup. Chicago Hot Dog stands will not, as a rule, put ketchup on a Chicago Dog. Some stands will provide ketchup although you are responsible for defacing your Dog.

"You know what makes me really sick to my stomach? It's watching you stuff your face with those Hot Dogs! Nobody - I mean nobody puts ketchup on a Hot Dog!". - This is a famous line from the movie Sudden Impact starring Clint Eastwood.

The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, in its recommendations for proper Hot Dog Etiquette capitulate only slightly to the public's general regard for ketchup, saying "Don't use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.".

Learn the Lingo
"The Works" - When ordering a Chicago Style Hot Dog it is important to understand the terminology. Probably the most important word is "works". For example, the proper way to order your Dog is to say, "I'll take a Chicago Dog with the works". First of all, it is important to say "Chicago Dog" when placing your order. This sends a clear message that you want an all beef Hot Dog served on a steamed poppyseed bun. When you say " with the works" you are saying that you want "everything" (yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt) on your Dog.
Tip: When it is your turn to order you better have an idea of what you want. Hot Dog establishments are usually very crowded and very fast paced. The person behind the counter expects you to know what you want. If you are not ready, let the person behind you place their order first.

"Snap" - When biting into an all beef Hot Dog, there should be slight resistance from the casing. The resistance is referred to as the "snap". For example, "it has the nice 'snap'.". Next time you have a Chicago Dog, impress your friends and family by taking a bite and commenting on the "snap".

"Dragged Through the Garden" - Chicago Dogs are sometimes described this way because of all the vegetables.

Ambiance
Don't be too concerned about the appearance of the place you get your Dog from. For me the ambiance is important and contributes to the overall Chicago Dog experience. Some of the best Hot Dog joints are probably considered "dives" by most people's standards. Don't expect a typical sit-down restaurant with a well-appointed interior and full menu. Many don't even have any place to sit while other places are not much more than an order counter and some stools to sit on (the round ones are my favorite). Typically, there is always a deal that includes fries and a drink. Fries complete the package.

We should mention that you should also try a Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich. If they have great Dogs, they should have great Italian Beefs.

Give Us a Sign!
One thing for sure in the Hot Dog business is brand loyalty. Places that serve Chicago Style Hot Dogs are proud of the brand they sell and that should be apparent (in most cases) even before you walk through the door. If there are no signs on the outside indicating the Hot Dog brand served, there had better be some indication on the inside. Be skeptical of any place that claims to serve a Chicago Dog and gives no indication of their brand affiliation.

The Cart Experience
Nothing compares to getting your dog from a Hot Dog cart. There is something special about the Hot Dog stand that creates an indescribable feeling of intrigue. Even people who don't usually eat Hot Dogs can't resist the urge to eat one when they see a Hot Dog cart. I think that Louie DiRaimondo, president of All American Hot Dog Carts in Miami, said it best when talking about the carts they sell: "We create an experience, not just a product". That is so true!

Relish Your Dog
Next to the Dog itself, the most important ingredient of a Chicago Style Dog is the Relish. It is certainly the topping that either makes or breaks your Dog. Classic Chicago Dogs are famous for their bright green relish. Although standard relish can be used, nothing compares to the taste and look of the neon colored green relish. The neon green relish was introduced in the early 1970s by Fluky’s, an original west side Hot Dog vendor

Wanna read more check them out
www.hotdogchicagostyle.com

Hot Doug's...The Sausage Superstore

Welcome to Hot Doug's!
The Sausage Superstore andinfo@hotdougs.com
Encased Meat Emporium
3324 North California, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 279-9550
Fax: (773) 279-9553

One of the Best !!!!!!

The Dog
Chicago-Style Hot Dog with all the trimmings: 'nuff said.
$1.75

The Elvis
Polish Sausage: Smoked and savory - just like the King.
$2.50

The Paul Kelly
Bratwurst: Soaked in Beer – sort of like Paul.
$3.50

The Frankie “Five Angels” Pentangeli
(formerly The Virgil “the Turk” Sollozzo and the Luca Brasi)
Italian Sausage: Keep your friends close, your sausage closer.
$3.00

The Keira Knightley
(formerly the Jennifer Garner and the Britney Spears)
Fire Dog: Mighty hot!
$2.50

The Salma Hayek
(formerly the Madonna, the Raquel Welch and the Ann-Margret)
Andouille Sausage: Mighty, mighty, mighty hot!
$4.00

The Game of the Week
See the special's page for this week’s game sausage.

The Marty Allen
(formerly the Don Rickles)
Thuringer: Hello der beef, pork and garlic.
$3.25

The Pete Shelley
(formerly the Steve Diggle and the Howard Devoto)
Vegetarian Dog: Meatless . . . and delicious!
$2.75

The Dave Kingman
(formerly the Shawon Dunston and the Rick Reuschel)
Chicken Sausage: Classic Italian-style or zesty Sante Fe-style
$3.50

The Sally Vega
(formerly the Ace Patrick and the “Psycho” Ronnie Raines)
Corn Dog: Deep fried to a golden splendor – it’s corntacular!
$1.50
also: Veggie Corn Dog: $2.00


(So far still Just) The Charlie and James Sohn
Mini bagel dogs and tater tots – the kids love’em.
$2.50

The (Your Name Here)
Today’s celebrity sausage: See the special's page.

Add Chili to any sausage: 50¢
Add Cheese to any sausage: 25¢

FRESH-CUT FRENCH FRIES
small ............... $1.50 large ............... $2.25

DUCK FAT FRIES ..... $3.50
(Friday & Saturday only)

CHEESE FRIES
small ............... $2.25 large ............... $3.00

FOUNTAIN SODA
small ............... $1.25 large ............... $2.00

For more information, info@hotdougs.com

Bob-o's Hot Dogs

8258 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 625-9840

Tiny hot dog and beef place has fun foods and some of the BEST FRIES we've ever had: natural cut, they come in one size: big.

The beef is exceptional; we've been to parties that have had their beef and threw a party ourselves with three pounds of their beef and peppers: comes with instrux on heating properly and enough TLC to let you know how serious good Italian beef is around here.

Good teriyaki chicken breast sandwiches, but for my money, it's the dogs, Maxwell Street polish and such. Want to tempt death? Try the cheezy beef: dipped french bread bun loaded with beef and sweet peppers, covered and baked with Mozzerella. Heaven of a heart attack! They serve Gonnella bread, Vienna dogs and beef.