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It looks like it is Located in an abandoned gas station, but it's a hidden gem if you love a " real Chicago Dog" made by someone from Chicago who actually knows. The Chicago Dog had perfect snap, a steamed poppy seed bun, and all the classic toppings done right. The Italian Beef was outstanding -- tender, juicy beef soaked in rich jus with hot giardiniera and peppers on a soft roll. Messy, flavorful, and totally addictive. The trick is that they sell out. So, when they do, they close.
Food is phenomenal! Service is exquisite! Nothing better than a hotdog off of the side of the road! You won't find anything else like this in the area!
Hole in the wall spot next to a gas station but boy oh boy was the food delicious. Italian beef was incredible (and huge). Hot dog was very good as well. Get the cheese fries, you won't regret it. The owner, Paulie, was super friendly. Great spot!
This hole in the wall is a friggin gem! I'm traveling for work on the left coast of Florida monthly, and I'm always on the lookout for highly rated Yelp food spots. Today I was in Ybor City area early afternoon and a search near me had Chicago Paulie's rated almost a perfect 5 stars?!? I had to check this out, as I abso-luuutley love Chicago Beef sub/sandwiches with Giardiniera. I rolled up at 2 and Paulie said he closes at 2. I told him that Yelp and Google maps show 3pm and he has tried to change his hours online tirelessly. The Italian Beef was the best I've ever had outside of Chicago. Superb. Tender shaved beef, soft roll and delicious aus jus, on it or as a side to dip it in. Excellent spicy Giardiniera directly from Chicago loaded on top. We chatted it up as Paulie is a retired professional and does this to get out of the house or his wife will put him to work! We talked stocks and he knows his stuff; he really hooked me up with a large for a medium $$ and threw in a few free mini waters! Great service, great guy. The Chicago dogs are amazing and made wth fresh ingredients in front of you. This place is basically the size of a concrete trailer, located in a gas station parking lot. There's two stools to eat at, but I ain't got no time fer that! when it's 100 degrees out. Best for takeout no doubt. TL;DR- This is one of the best Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches I've found in Florida hands down. As this is a walk up window, be prepared to take it to-go if it's insanely hot out or you have multiple people. Great job Paulie! Can't wait to come back next month :)
Being a Chicago-transplant, I had to visit Chicago Paulies to try out their Italian beef. Let me tell you, Paulie's Italian beef is legit! First of all, Paulie is a great guy. Friendly and easy to talk to. The Italian beef was tender and flavorful. I asked for it dipped as wet as it can get so it's soaked in that delicious juice. The giardinera is spicy and crunchy. This is much better than Portillo's and right there shoulder to shoulder with the best Italian beef spots in Chicago. I'm craving it again writing this review!
LOVE this place! Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside or its location. Both are a bit off putting. It is also a bit odd when you order as the window is small and it is kind of hard to see inside, but take two seconds to say hi, and you will be sold. Paulie and whomever works with him (I don't know her name), are pleasant and engaging and they make a great Chicago dog and fries. I haven't tried anything else but have been there to hear others order and he is very open to providing what they want. I know this review is a little shorter than most of my other ones but don't read anything into that. I hit this place up every time I am anywhere near the area.
Chicago Paulie's is the kind of dive that's absolutely worth stopping at for authentic Chicago dogs, Polish sausages, and Italian beefs. Paulie is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. As a first time customer, he treats you like you've been coming in for years. I ordered a Chicago Dog and a Polish Sausage, both served on perfectly steamed poppy seed buns with Vienna Beef franks and sausages loaded with super fresh toppings. I also had to try the Italian Beef, served on a fresh French roll piled with tender, juicy beef and hot giardiniera. I spent six years working in Chicago, and Paulie is turning out Chicago classics that rival some of the best I had there. He's ranked #6 on Yelp's Top 100 Sandwich Shops for a reason. Stop by, grab some incredible food, and take a few minutes to chat with Paulie. You'll be glad you did. read more
I've only been to Chicago once, so I am certainly no expert on their local cuisine, but this food truck situated in a gas station parking lot made the Yelp list of top sandwich spots in the country, so I knew I had to stop by. The first time I came was right after that article, and there were about 50 people in line, so I left. This Saturday I stopped by at around noon, and I was third in line. WARNING: do not be in a rush! Your food is not coming out quickly. Paulie is a sweetheart, but he is a one-man show, and he likes to chat and get to know all his customers. They currently do not carry the full menu they show online, so I went with a Chicago hot dog, and the Italian beef sandwich. Paulie educated me a bit on the sandwich; if I wanted it juicy (with the sauce already on it) or on the side to dip into (yes, please, I'm a dipper), and how spicy I wanted it (more peppers, less peppers). After a nice chat with Paulie about politics, I headed home and dug in. The Chicago hot dog was perfect, although I had to remove the hot peppers. The sandwich was outstanding; the beef so tender, the peppers and onions adding depth, and the roll was so soft-I could only eat half, but the other half heated up nicely for dinner. Can't wait to go back! read more
Our 3 year old stopped by for lunch today. The selling point was Vienna and the word "Chicago" in the title. This was a solid experience! Paulie is genuine Chicagoan from the Southside. I did question if the buns were S Rosen, if the Relish is Vienna and who was the supplier for their beef (never got that answer). We did 2 Hot Dogs for each of us (mine was everything and our Toddler just did Dogs with a Pickle) and some chips. They were solid through and through. Would I have preferred the dogs wrapped in wax paper? Sure but still all was good and Paulie is beyond friendly, Chicago style of course! I would've preferred my bun steamed but like I said, this place is soooooo close to a Chicago style Dog. Next time I'll do a beef with Giardiniera peppers. Pro Tip: CALL IN YOUR ORDER!!!! read more
4 months ago
It looks like it is Located in an abandoned gas station, but it's a hidden gem if you love a " real Chicago Dog" made by someone from Chicago who actually knows. The Chicago Dog had perfect snap, a steamed poppy seed bun, and all the classic toppings done right. The Italian Beef was outstanding -- tender, juicy beef soaked in rich jus with hot giardiniera and peppers on a soft roll. Messy, flavorful, and totally addictive. The trick is that they sell out. So, when they do, they close. read more
1 month ago
1 year ago
Food is phenomenal! Service is exquisite! Nothing better than a hotdog off of the side of the road! You won't find anything else like this in the area! read more
5 months ago
10 months ago
1 year ago
Hole in the wall spot next to a gas station but boy oh boy was the food delicious. Italian beef was incredible (and huge). Hot dog was very good as well. Get the cheese fries, you won't regret it. The owner, Paulie, was super friendly. Great spot! read more
2 months ago
This hole in the wall is a friggin gem! I'm traveling for work on the left coast of Florida monthly, and I'm always on the lookout for highly rated Yelp food spots. Today I was in Ybor City area early afternoon and a search near me had Chicago Paulie's rated almost a perfect 5 stars?!? I had to check this out, as I abso-luuutley love Chicago Beef sub/sandwiches with Giardiniera. I rolled up at 2 and Paulie said he closes at 2. I told him that Yelp and Google maps show 3pm and he has tried to change his hours online tirelessly. The Italian Beef was the best I've ever had outside of Chicago. Superb. Tender shaved beef, soft roll and delicious aus jus, on it or as a side to dip it in. Excellent spicy Giardiniera directly from Chicago loaded on top. We chatted it up as Paulie is a retired professional and does this to get out of the house or his wife will put him to work! We talked stocks and he knows his stuff; he really hooked me up with a large for a medium $$ and threw in a few free mini waters! Great service, great guy. The Chicago dogs are amazing and made wth fresh ingredients in front of you. This place is basically the size of a concrete trailer, located in a gas station parking lot. There's two stools to eat at, but I ain't got no time fer that! when it's 100 degrees out. Best for takeout no doubt. TL;DR- This is one of the best Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches I've found in Florida hands down. As this is a walk up window, be prepared to take it to-go if it's insanely hot out or you have multiple people. Great job Paulie! Can't wait to come back next month :) read more
7 months ago
Being a Chicago-transplant, I had to visit Chicago Paulies to try out their Italian beef. Let me tell you, Paulie's Italian beef is legit! First of all, Paulie is a great guy. Friendly and easy to talk to. The Italian beef was tender and flavorful. I asked for it dipped as wet as it can get so it's soaked in that delicious juice. The giardinera is spicy and crunchy. This is much better than Portillo's and right there shoulder to shoulder with the best Italian beef spots in Chicago. I'm craving it again writing this review! read more
7 months ago
Great little place. Food excellent and owner a wonderful personality. Highly recommend this place it won't disappoint. read more
2 years ago
LOVE this place! Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside or its location. Both are a bit off putting. It is also a bit odd when you order as the window is small and it is kind of hard to see inside, but take two seconds to say hi, and you will be sold. Paulie and whomever works with him (I don't know her name), are pleasant and engaging and they make a great Chicago dog and fries. I haven't tried anything else but have been there to hear others order and he is very open to providing what they want. I know this review is a little shorter than most of my other ones but don't read anything into that. I hit this place up every time I am anywhere near the area. read more
1 year ago
Great food! Chicago Dog & Italian Beef Sandwich Super friendly service! Will definitely be back read more
5 months ago
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1 year ago
Tasty food! I've been wanting to try a hot dog at Chicago Paulies since learning of its existence over a year ago. But during the pandemic I wasn't traveling far away from home for anything but necessities. I was so pleased that I was finally able to go during lunch in March but to my dismay the place was all closed up. I tried again a week later and it was worth all of the wait. The building is in the same lot as a tiny convenience store so you can easily miss it while passing by if you blink at the wrong time. I ordered two chili dogs with onions, mustard and cheese and thankfully no beans are in the chili. Texas style, YES! Very, very, VERY tasty. The owner is very passionate about his product and it shows in the food and his demeanor. I love a good chili dog and I would visit here daily if it were not so far from my home. Two thumbs up! read more
I'm so disgusted with myself. I can't believe I've taken this long to review Chicago Paulies. I know it's gotta be a Yelp felony to love a food establishment the way I love this one and delay, to this extent, giving it its proper shine. For that, I must apologize. I've previously stated my immense affinity for Chicago. It's my favorite city, excluding places I've lived. And being a Louisiana guy, I'm big on flavor. Chicago's food scene has an abundance of that. While spending a summer there after graduating, I became very familiar and fond of the variety of food greatness the Windy City provides. After the summer ended, I've kept my eyes open for joints that were true to what I experienced that year. But it's been hard. Enter Chicago Paulies. First off, the owner is not for the faint of heart. He is as straightforward and blunt as they come. And he will cuss you out with tha quickness. That's actually one of the things I like most about coming here. LOLOL But the main attraction is the menu. Polish sausages, Chicago hot dogs, Italian beef......he's serving all the Chicago classics and doing them with such authenticity. Mr. Paulie also has regular hot dogs and freshly squeezed lemonade on deck AND the portions and prices are both gonna give you some relief in today's economy. Every. Single. Time. I'm. In. Tampa. I. Stop. Here. I'd be surprised if they didn't wind up on your list of Tampa favorites too. read more
3 years ago
Awesome place to fill my need for a Chicago food fix. Keep in mind this is basically a food truck. Excellent Chicago hotdogs and Italian beef. Paulie is always friendly and provides excellent service. Everything is authentic Chicago!! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
Great food. Great service from people that genuinely seemed to like their job. The Italian beef was ahmazing! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
I was skeptical of this place because it's at a gas station but the reviews are great. As someone who has been to Chicago more times that she can count, I feel I know about Chicago food. I was greeted by Paulie who was so nice. I ordered the Best of Both Worlds. While I was waiting for it be done, he was chatting me up about how he ended up in Florida. The Italian Beef was huge and it was the junior size. The hot dog and the sandwich tasted great! Be warned, the spicy is spicy. read more
3 years ago
Food is great, service is amazing and prices are reasonable. Paulie's is our taste of Chicago in Tampa. read more
Chicago Dogs always thrill me And I wish I could get them for free But this one is quite cheap And my love of it runs deep So come get Chicago'd by Paulie Florida has no beautiful Fall leaves For that journey up north past Raleigh But it's still worth your Trivago Because just like Chicago They have the best hot dog at Paulie's! The taste makes my kittens all scamper Barbie's damp, but this dog makes her damper Authentic Windy City It'd be such a pity If you didn't try Paulie's in Tampa! What to get: Chicago Dog What not to get: Chicago Cat Why: I have enough cats tyvm What else not to get: Chicago Cat Why this time?: might get into fights with your Chicago Dog My car went missing while I was waiting for a dog. Paulie was like... "hey where'd Chicago?" To get good Chicago-style food outside Chicago is a lot harder than it sounds. The vast majority of "Chicago eateries" outside Cook County are less "Windy City" and more "Causes Wind." However, there are a few gems out there. Diamonds in the rough that are as good as anything in Chicago itself. And Paulie's is one of the most glittering of those diamonds. My notes said: The best Chicago dog I've had outside Chicago - anywhere in the country. If it were in Chicago, it'd be top 5, maybe even top 3. It's that good, it's that perfect. I was shocked. Long wait. Love Paulie too. So here's the full version. The last thing I expected when I pulled up to this truck despite all the good reviews was for it to end up being better than some of the Chicago stuff in Chicago. Yet that's exactly what I found - and even though the wait time is long, I could not have really liked it any more. What a Chicago dog is, for the uninitiated, is basically a delicious IL-made dog on a steamed bun, with all sorts of pickles and sport peppers and onions and relish and mustard and tomatoes... it's basically been dragged through a Midwestern farm and has "all the veggies." It tastes remarkably spectacular. It's not sugary sweet at all, so don't ask for ketchup. Not only will that ruin it, but it's offensive to native Chicagoans. Paulie's is a truck, and I did just keep the car running for the AC - you should too, if it's a really hot day, cuz if anyone is in front of you the food can take a little while, but it's very much worth the wait. What you must understand is that I'm obsessed with Chicago food. And I know it very well. Deep Dish Pizza isn't something Chicagoans really love. But if you want Pizza in Chicago it's Art Of Pizza (local) and Lou Malnati's (chain). There's only one Italian Beef *in the country* that I love. It's in the West Burbs of Chicago. Portillo's can go suck a lemon... it does nothing for me. For that reason, I've never even tried the Italian Beef here. However when it comes to Chicago Dogs and Polish Sausages, I start salivating and having tummy palpitations that have a distinct midwestern drawl and sound more like Capone than I care to admit. I'm extremely picky about my Chicago stuff and I will say Florida generally has low food standards. But there are exceptions, especially in Miami and Tampa, and this is literally one of the very best - and most authentic - out of town eats you'll find anywhere in the state, and made by a wonderful guy as well. You simply must come here if you like Chicago dogs. Or if you don't know whether you like them, this is a hell of a place to find out... because pretty much nobody in the US makes them better than this. Bon Jovi would like to finish up this review: "Livin' On A Pair" Paulie used to work Tampa docks Union's been on strike, he was down on his luck, it's tough, so tough Now he works a food truck all day Serving hot dogs, Chicago all the way, Poppyseed Bun... but I can't live off just one... He said you've got to hold on to both sides of the bun It doesn't make a difference, order 2 and not 1 But don't ask for ketchup, cause it's not done That way... These hot dogs are great! Whoa, it's halfway eaten Whoaho, it's like a veggie dog with meat on Take my Sausage and put it in your mouth I ordered 2, and there's no other food about Livin' On A Pair! read more
3 years ago
The hot dogs was all that and more. Chicago Pauline was very personable! I had a Chili cheese dog and a regular dog. The buns were warm and soft! The dogs crunchy! read more
3 years ago
Was in Tampa around riverwalk and looked up Chicago Paulies. Ordered the best of both worlds and was very pleased. There is limited seating, so we walked back to the river and enjoyed great food with a view. Food looked beautiful and tasted great. Chicago dog was solid with all the fixin's,but the spicy italian beef was the star of the show: super fresh bread, great tasting meat and peppers. Ordered the sauce on the side and then poured it over the sandwich before eating: This is a must ! You have to put the Au Jus on the sandwich (whether it's before, during ,etc doesn't matter): That completes the flavor equation ! I like doing it during so the outside of the bread doesn't get soaked. I would say "spicy" was about 3.5 stars on a 1-5 scale. Pauli & staff were super friendly as well. Will be back for more next time we're in Tampa ! read more
2 years ago
Great little Chicago style hot dog. Perfect Chi-town vibe, with a great menu and Vienna all beef products. Paulie is very cool, and if he's not busy will take a moment to learn what you're all about. A Tampa icon, and a must try Tampa food destination. Outdoor seating only. read more
2 years ago
Paulie is a staple of Tampa and has the best hot Italian beef sandwich, authentic Chicago dogs and an amazing chili dog. Support local small businesses! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Ate half of the half of the sub before I can remember to take a picture. I repeat all of this was only half of a large sub and my husband got his own box of the other half. Besides the generous portion, the sub is amazing. First time trying it since it is way out of the way for us but definitely well worth it. Will be a regular customer for sure read more
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More info about Chicago Paulies
1301 N Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33607
Old West Tampa, West Tampa
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(813) 494-4275
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Ask the Community - Chicago Paulies
Is this place shut down? Yelp has the hours as 11-3 pm but when I drove there today at 12:30 pm it wasn't open. Disappointing.
Seems like it's always closed.
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