If you're in the area, don't want to drive to Chicago, and craving a Chicago style hotdog or beef, this is your place. They do it right with the Mary Ann buns and celery salt. Some places say "Chicago style ", but don't use the right buns and don't have celery salt. Arnie's does . The beef is decent too. We normally eat the hot dogs at the counter and take the beef's "dipped" to go. read more

Arnie's Dog House - Chicago style hot dog on a Mary Ann bun - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

What happened to Arnie's Dog House is seriously disappointing. This was once one of the greatest hot dog stands in Northwest Indiana, and unfortunately, since being purchased by Luke Oil, it feels like almost everything that made Arnie's special has been taken away. First, they stopped using Vienna Beef for the hot dogs and sausages. Then they completely changed the chili, which now tastes like vinegary tomato paste instead of the classic chili people loved. And the fries? The great old fries have been replaced with skinny, limp, tasteless, greasy fries that are a major downgrade. They even got rid of the classic brown paper bag and replaced it with a sterile white one. It sounds like a small thing, but those little details were part of what made Arnie's feel like Arnie's. Unfortunately, this isn't just a case of a few things changing - the entire experience has been changed for the worse. If you're going to keep the Arnie's Dog House name, you should keep what made Arnie's Dog House great. Really, really sad to see what happened to such a beloved, longtime Northwest Indiana institution. This isn't the Arnie's Dog House I remember, and it's a shame. read more

I've been eating here all my life and I really loved this place, but they recently changed the fries. The new fries aren't good, pls bring back the originals! read more

why Did Younchange the FRIES!!!?????? pls bring them back!!! those skinny fries suck and the only reason my family and I don't wnat to buy from here no more!!! bring back the big thick fries pls read more

Yummy! Being going to here for over 20 years! When we go back to Chicago we have to swing by Arnies. Employees are always friendly.

I've gotten the Chicago Polish here for decades &:my orders have always been made correctly. Last night the person who made my sandwich had attitude that she couldn't stand me. Never saw her there before last night. I was talking to the other woman that took my order bc there weren't any other customers. The one who made my sandwich looked familiar-- like she was related to someone I had busted. I'm very allergic to relish & always order sandwiches without relish. The woman making the sandwich loaded it w relish! When I got home I tried to remove the relish but there was too much on my sandwich. The sandwich was so full of relish the bun had turned into mush & fell apart! All I took was one bite-- before I threw it away. I was very sick for several hours after that one bite! I won't be going back there! I guess if I want a Chicago Polish again I'll drive out to the Arnie's in Munster! After 30+ yrs eating from the Whiting location I'm not going back there! When you put felons away --their families & friends hold a grudge! Haven't eaten anything since last night-- too sick to hold food down! It's sad I have to give up one of my "go to" places bc the woman making my sandwich there intentionally loaded it w relish! Like I said -- this has never happened to me in the decades I've gotten take out there before last night! read more

This place seemed to be a little gem, so my girlfriend, dog, and I walked in and gave them a shot. The inside is very slim and has a small counter for dining in. It is a really small place, but I could already tell we were going to eat greatness by the smell of the air. We ordered the After 3 Special, which entailed four hot dogs. It was roughly $8.00. I got a plain Hot Dog and a Hot Dog with mustard. My girlfriend got her two Dogs her own way. We got an order of Fries and also a 6 piece nugget order. Their prices were friendly. It took a bit, but they cooked it fresh in front of us. We took it to our vehicle to enjoy in the parking lot as the anticipation of eagerly waiting for that first bite was dreadfully eating me inside. The plain Hot Dog was what I bit into first and for having nothing on it, dang it was good! The Hot Dog with mustard was the real winner for me. I loved them both, though. The Fries were greased up and had a good taste of salt as well. I'd say they paired with the Hot Dogs flawlessly. The Nuggets were okay. They weren't too flavorful, so that's their one flaw for me. The service was friendly and there weren't any issues there. Overall, this is a pretty quick stop for some quality food with a kick of grease! I recommend their Hot Dogs highly and I'd love to return here someday! read more

Looks cute from a distance, the exterior can use a little love, some paint and work on the awning. But hey, the more important thing is the food, that can use a little love too. I got a dog, fries and Pepsi, no Coke. The hot dog was fine, a standard Vienna hot dog, nothing special about the fixings, fries were okay, the serving size fine for me, however compared to other places lacking a bit. Pepsi is Pepsi, so nothing really special going on here. The wait wasn't long, had to go back and wait to get some napkins, usually these places stuff a couple in the bag. Employees, were mildly upbeat. This place could really capitalize on being close to the Super Walmart, and the casino. Fixing it up and adding some neon lighting, clean up the parking lot, etc. It can have that old kitchy hot dog stand experience, right now it's just old. read more

Every time I go here there is something wrong with my order. Today instead of a chili cheese dog I got a regular Hot Dog with peppers. I did not go back with it and I won't be going there again for a long time. read more

If you want a Real Chicago Style Hot Dog. Skip Armies and stay on Indianapolis til you reach EWING AVE in Chicago. SKYWAY HOT DOGS are way better than Armies. When I was a kid the polish was bomb. Not anymore the whole place has gone downhill. I don't go there anymore it's that bad!! read more

Let me start by saying I don't normally write bad reviews. I just move on. But this experience was so exceptionally bad I made an exception for Arnies. If I could give zero stars I would. Every single step of the dining process at Arnie's Doghouse was terrible. Let's start with the cleanliness. One word DISGUSTING!!! Trash on the floor, random stuff sitting open on the counter. It was just gross. Now lets move on to the food. It was horrendous. How can a such simple fare of the sort Arnies has be horrendous? I admit it's hard. But they did it. From the uncooked hot dog inside of a crusty bun with thumb prints from the person who made it denting it. Or the fries that were cold soggy and not fit for consumption. And lastly, the pizza puff. Have you ever taken a bite out of an uncooked pizza puff? No you haven't. Because most morons can follow the one step directions. Put in deep fryer for XXX min. Not at Arnies. Well, its not good. The cheese was still in little cubes because it had yet to melt. All in all I ordered three food items and they messed up all three. I would highly recommend avoiding this place if possible. The one good thing is I know I won't get sick despite the unsanitary cook environment because the food was so bad I threw it all away. GRADE: F read more

I've been ordering the Chili Dog from Arnies the last 2 times & I absolutely love them. Chili dogs can be sloppy but this dog isn't, you don't lose any of the Chili & your shirt stays clean but always eat a Chili dog w/ napkins. The fried pickles (not on menu) can be hit or miss but nonetheless they are decent since not many food places have them. The regular hot dogs are decent as well. The French fries are ok, they come wrapped with the hotdog so that make the fries soggy & not appetizing. Fast service , so if you call in a order make sure to leave acouple mins later or your food could be sitting since they are fast. The employees are usually youth & they are always professional and courteous. read more

I have a crappy old car (hope it's not reading this right now, oh wait cars can't read) so I ended up taking U.S. 12 to the Indiana Dunes (to avoid sputter, sputter, freeway die). On the way we passed this little diner called Arnie's. My two hungry friends demanded I stop the car. I didn't. They got angrier to the point where on the way home, I wanted Arnie's. This place, if you don't miss it just past the Chicago city line, is absolutely brilliant. It's a little piece of small town Indiana right across the border (as is, realistically, Whiting itself). Walking in, be prepared to be bombarded by country music and hospitality - well, as much hospitality as you can get at a diner where short order cooks scramble frantically to prepare orders (even if there are no orders to be had as was the case when we went there). Short order cooks may be too much of a description, however. It's more just a whirling dervish of staff and deep fryers. But what they pull out of those fryers is magical. The best part of Arnie's is that there are picnic tables outside with which to eat. The only problem with these is that they are, apparently, meant for National Geographic photographers. On our visit, there were so many spiders, the place could be mistaken for the Amazon exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium. There are plenty of diners in this world but for pure "Little Pink Houses," Arnie's is worth the small road trip. read more

Arnie's Dog House - Arnie's in the Whiting after dark scene. - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

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I use to love going to this Arnies. I always get a cheese dog with cheese fries, however the last time I went I was extremely disappointed. I couldn't even tell my hot dog had any cheese on it! And my cheese fries barely had cheese as well. I've gone here since I was a child and am very sad to see that it isn't what it used to be. read more

Arnie's Dog House - Cheese dog - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

A beacon of warmth and a certain kind of charm in this stretch of Whiting. The menu is traditional, the prices are low, the employees are fun, and the food is a touch better than you might expect for a dog house. They have a heavy hand on the celery salt which makes the Chicago dogs extra tasty, and a heavy hand on the giardiniera and a light hand on the gravy which makes the Italian beef brighter and more engaging than it is at most other places. It's no exaggeration to say that it made my day. read more

Arnie's is great! The hotdog was great! They have Chicago style and local style everything. Food was fresh, buns were fresh, fries were hot and salty and cooked perfectly. Would dine again read more

I've been going to Arnies for almost 60 years love their Polish. The last couple of times I ordered it it was terrible. I wonder if they have new ownership. Will not go back. read more

A hot dog, is not just a hot dog when it comes from Arnie's. I travel all the way from Chicago just to have the best damn hot dogs....cause to be brutally honest no place in Chicago compares, and I've had lots of hot dogs from all over the city and they just don't match. if you're ever in Indiana for the cheap gas, cigarettes, or for the casinos definitely check this place out, its right near the boarder. read more

The hot dogs get 2 stars. The crazy-ass spiders, 4! Averages to a 3. Seriously. I don't think I'd drive that far for some greasy ass food. Superdawg has better food, and nicer atmosphere. But, MAN, there were like 500 spiders just outside, in their outdoor dining area. And not lazy ass, sleepy spiders, but bodies as big as dimes, running 4 feet in a few seconds. They were going up and down webs like in a cartoon, and tons of them. It was like a spider village, abuzz with gossip. So we ate our food away from the no-cost spider exhibit, on the one picnic table away from their reach. But they found us. A big spider came running across our table in an act of intimidation. We picked up our food and hurried to the car, drove to Chicago and never looked back. The spiders, they own that place. read more

Driving home to Atlanta (yes Atlanta from Chicago) and immediately noticed how many people were inside such a small establishment. I thought with that many people it must be good and had to turn around and try it out. What did I find? Way better! read more

Arnie's Dog House - Arnie's Dog House - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

The fries were just ok, frozen, not fresh. The soft cheese was that fake stuff, nothing like what Portillos would have. It was also too pricey for the quality. I would not put it on par with Portillos, Bozos, or Genes and Jude's. It was just ok, nothing special. The Pepsi was good. I liked the hot dog, just way over priced. read more

I have been by this place dozens of times on the way home from the casino, so I thought I would take the dive and try it out. Should of have kept going! Walk into the place and found a seat at the counter and waiting for several minutes, I finally get waited on. The other girl yells out the cost and gives me a look. Now I have to get back up and dodge around several other customers to get to the register. She could have walked down just as easy. The two employees did not seem to be too friendly except for the people they knew. Ordered two dogs with everything. See her dumping frozen fries into the fryer, I was hoping for fresh cut. I get my order and was kind of taken back to what was on the dogs. Mustard, onions, and some strange pepper (tasted good however), looking at the prep table I see all the other normal hot dog toppings. I look at the menu board and see that there is a hot dog and then there is the Chicago hot dog, which included the rest of the toppings for a additional fifty cents. So I guess the addition of some relish, tomatoe, and pickle is worth fifty cents? Now if I asked for a plain hot dog, I would get it cheaper from the lack of ingredients? The bun was nicely steamed but no poppy seeds and the hot dog appeared not to be a natural casing dog. Like I said the pepper was tasty, but biting into it released a lot of liquid making the bun soggy. I should of known that this place was not going to be to good, when I seen the computer screen behind the counter for tracking orders. It is a hot dog stand and not McDonald's. Two dogs and a drink was $7.50, way too much for what I got. Most places run a special for $5.00 with a much better dog. read more

Great local dog spot. Fries come w every hot dog. They're always fast and friendly! Take CC and cash.

Here's my review as promised: excellent! The menu is perfect for a quick selection, including dessert! Parking is ample, you can call ahead to pick up an order and they take credit cards. The staff is Uber friendly (seriously, they were cool.) The food was made quick, clean and delicious. I had the bacon and cheese fries and Chicago hot dog (previous reviewer was right, NO poppyseeds on the buns! SMH.) They lose a star for not having poppyseeds and for only having Pepsi products, yuck. Other than that, 4 star service and food, excellent little hole in the wall! read more

Arnie's Dog House - Yum! - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

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Arnie's Dog House - Good but not great. Admittedly I come here a lot. The hot dogs are pretty good but a bit different from your standard Chicago area dog. I'm not talking about the ketchup thing. [I was born and raised in Chicago and I like ketchup on my dogs. The whole "mustard only" thing probably emanated from some political hack whose family owned a mustard company.] Anyway, they don't put sport peppers on the dogs unless you specifically request it. They opt to put a pepperchini (spelling?) on the dog which just doesn't work. The chili cheese dog is excellent. All dogs come with fries. (Bonus!!!) I would avoid ordering anything beyond hot dogs. I had a beef once and it was nothing to write home about. This is a hot dog joint and should be treated as so. Staff is friendly. Parking is ample. read more

Good Italian beef and Chicago dog. Lots of character. You feel like you are having an authentic Chicago lunch. read more

Arnie's Dog House - Counter for indoor dining. - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

A great spot for a quick dog & fries. I've had better Chicago dogs.....but this place is very easy to get in & out of. A huge parking lot, convenient location, FAST service and good dogs. read more

Arnie's Dog House - American Near Me - Whiting, Indiana

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This joint is okay for a quick hot dog and fries. But don't have your heart set on having a great Chicago hot dog. This place probably ranks just below average. Their version of a hot dog comes with a banana pepper and not sport peppers. If you want that ya gotta specify Chicago dog. That will include a small hot dog on a squishy plain bun( no seeds). The slice of tomato is usually just as squishy as the bun. The fries are okay most of the time. There's free refills on pop. My kids love the place. So, that's a plus. I've never had any other food from this joint. But for a cheap quick bite it's okay. Don't worry about the constant bag of dogs that sit out or the sandwich makers only using one glove. It seems to be okay with local standards. read more

I like the place. Hot dogs are good. Options are good. The service is friendly and fast for my "grab a dog and go" lunch on the fly when I'm in the area. read more

I lived one block down stanton from Arnies.......This was in 1962. Big dog, fries with Poppy sead bun.......$0.25. Heck of a deal even then. It was the place to go and hang out in the summer. It closed during the winter and the owner went south....way south. Went there August 2001 on a Chicago business trip......nothing had changed except the price. Same great dog. read more

The top dogs I've had anywhere. The Polish are exceptional as well. The chili dogs are fantastic. Did I mention that you can't get finer French Fries anywhere? They just started serving Italian Beef too, I am sorry to say I have not tried them yet. Maybe someday. A friend told me they are good, but they do not match Portillo's excellence. read more

(Preface: This place is on my "Two-Week List," in which I list the top twenty restaurants and bars that I'd go to if some soothsayer came up to me and told me that I only had two weeks to live. Check out the full list on my profile!) If you live in Chicago, hop on 41 and come here. It's right over the state line. And I promise that it's worth it. You know that neighborhood place that you think about from small town 1950s middle America, where the cops go on their breaks, the kids go after their little league games, and you know the teenagers working there? That's this place. It is outstanding, and no other hot dog compares. (Not even the famous Crif Dogs in New York City.) The seating is minimal-- the only option on circular stools along the counter. But I like that-- it really transports you back in time! I grew up eating here, and after moving out east, I DREAM about these hot dogs and fries. And every time I go back, it's still just as satisfying. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. And don't skip the fries -- why would you do that?!?!? read more

Great hot dog joint but the service isn't what you would call excellent. Tip: Try not to go on lunch hour during weekdays. Atleast 30 min wait. read more

Steamed buns, awesome Chicago dogs, Fries included for a cheap price. We live within walking distance which is good and bad. The onion rings are my husbands favorite while I just go for the usual dog and fries. The staff changes frequently so it's hit or miss with our favorite ladies. The atmosphere is fun in the summer, always a line of local workers -which is out the door most of the time. read more

Let me just say that I consider myself quite the expert on hot dogs. I do enjoy Arnie's hot dogs but I would not travel very far for one when there are decent hot dogs all over Chicagoland. While Arnies serves one of the better hot dogs in Whiting, I never find myself making a special trip to go there. Usually I end up eating there when I happen to be passing by and am in the mood for a dog. Not everyone is a big hot dog lover believe it or not, so if you are eating with someone who would like greasy spoon but doesnt want a hot dog, I recommend Richway Gyros. They serve all beef hot dogs with the standard Chicago dog condiments and they serve up a good gyros, hamburger, cheese sticks, etc. read more

Very tasty Chicago dog. Tiny place and kind of slow but it was worth the trip. I will probably go back there.

Best Chicago dog I have ever had... Ever--period. A must eat if you are in the area.

Good Chicago style hotdogs and good price, love the cheese sticks they taste fresh not over cooked. Italian beef is good if you like flavor thin sliced been not the shredded kind also bread was fresh not hard. Overall great stop for a quick eat read more

GREAT HOTDOGS!! Waiting time 5 min tops.reasonable Prices.Been coming here since I moved to Indiana from south chicago.

What's there to say about Arnie's Dog House? From its rinky-dink appearance to its rude staff, Arnie's really makes me think twice about eating their dogs. The first time I ordered, I was treated rudely and it seemed as though they couldn't get me out the door fast enough. So fast in fact, I was shorted 4 chili dogs that I had paid for. I thought to myself, "Alright, it was pretty busy, I can understand how they could feel and mistakes can be made with such a crowd." But the next time I ordered, post lunch rush, I was again treated like I was wasting their time. From the faces the staff made to how sloppily my food was assembled, I felt that I really should stop eating there. But hey, third times a charm, right? No, unfortunately the third time was not the charm. As the waitress took my order with such horrid attitude, I could feel the scorn emanate from her cohort behind the counter. This time, I was sure to check my order. It was done completely sloppily and also wrong. When I returned the food, the waitress claimed that it was exactly what I ordered, and after a few minutes of arguing, I finally got my correct order. So what's left to say? Despite such shoddy service, those jerks behind the counter can grill a pretty good dog. Will I return to Arnie's? Not anytime soon. Maybe if I'm really craving one of their dogs, I'll give them another shot and hopefully by then they'll have learned to respect their customers. read more