Do you ever get a craving for a filet-o-fish? If you don't know what I am talking about, stop reading this, now! If you do know what I speak of and feel not satisfied even after a mikey d's run...you need to check out this place, immediately. Jim's verision of a fish sandwich is a filet-o-fish on steriods topped with grilled onions and you have to add a slice of cheese. It will leave you satsified and almost craving another one after you finish your first. I have never seen a place with a walk-up window have cars (multiple cars) double parked ordering food especially at the restaurant awkward hour of 3 pm? But once in this line you will understand why that happens on a regular basis. This place is known for their dog, polish, pork chop w/ bone and even cheese burger - all with grilled onions and mustard; however the hidden gem is the FISH sandwich also with grilled onions but no mustard instead a tasty tarter sauce. People line up to eat right on the counter that they have created along the wall and they are quite from stuffing their faces with the extremely tasty and cheap eats. In my head I kept hearing,"give me that filet-o-fish, give me that fish", which also made me smile as I ate. While eating there I saw a bum asking for a free meal, posing as an employee at the local starbucks armed with the story of leaving his wallet at home and that he would gladly pay on tuesday for a cheeseburger. The cashier that looked and acted like "chef" the southpark character dropped him some knowledge and politely asked him to keep on moving along. It was one of those times that I should of offered a helping hand to a bum that was genuine about looking for some food but I had my hands covered in tarter sauce and mouth filled with delicious fish and grilled onions and by the time I swallowed that bite and looked up, he was gone. And I thought to myself that he also probably had that same song signing in his head as he walked away, "give me that filet-o-fish, give me that fish" but with a less joyous tone than I had in mine, sorry Mr. bum, next time. read more

Introduced to me by my dad (rest in peace) circa 1980 when I was a wee lad. I dare proclaim that a meal at Jim's has the highest calorie per dollar ratio in the entire world. A marvelously juicy, fattening sausage that comes with a taut snap in every bite. The only con: I wish that their fries were crunchier. My version of remembering dad....going to Jim's Original on Father's Day and ordering two polishes with everything and a pop. PS, yes absolutely try to avoid keeping the food in an enclosed area like your car. Such area and you will reek of sausage. read more

There are a million "maxwell street polish" places in the city that have popped up over the years. But like most imitations....theres nothing like the Original. Best polishes with just the right amount of onions. The pork chop sandwiches are tender and juicy not overdried like some of the other places. Been coming here for well over 35 years since the old maxwell street market to the new location on union. A Chicago must have if you're visiting from out of town. One of my favorite places in the best city in the world. read more

I ask for my polish to be deep fried well and not so much of the carmelized oinions the sever talk in a language other than English to The cashier told me he wasn't givin me what I ask for and cursed me out and gave me a refund this is the worst experience I have received in 30 yrs of me coming to this place read more

Problem - Bitter Chicago cold got you down on your way home? Remedy - go to Jim's, order the Polish sausage or hot dog (weaker in my opinion) with fries. Remove glove from one hand place bag in gloved hand. Reach into warm bag (ungloved hand) with hot contents and enjoy. Wild night out and need some grease to soak up your booze? Jim's. I could come up with thousands of scenarios where Jim's would be the answer but I'll spare you. The Polish sausage is particularly good, the fries are mediocre but hot and those onions from the flat top are phenomenal. What's not to the love - they serve good, hot, cheap, and fast food 24/7. I stress all those adjectives when speaking of Jim's. What I wouldn't give to be walking across the nearby train-yard/bridge, half drunk with some fresh Jim's in tow. Chicago, you're a lucky city. 24/7 people! Rejoice and thank the tubed-meat heavens. read more

The husband and I stopped here after a night out, mostly because it was one of the only food places open on the Ryan at 4am. Everything about this stand screams Chicago! I had a double dog and cheese fries. Oh my goodness! So much goodness in one bun. It doesn't look like anything special, but it's extremely flavorful and yummy. The cheese fries are amazing too! Pricing is cheap, and eats for 2 is definitely affordable. It is also one of the very few food stands out there that DO accept cards, and not only cash. Next time I will be trying the sausage! I will be going back for sure! read more

Jim's Original - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

45 reviews for Jim's and 6 for Express Grill is about what the scene looks like between the two neighbors out in front. I think it's mostly because of Jim's orientation as the northerly of the two places on a one way street heading south with identical menus and prices. Union St. serves as a frontage road to I-94 and is one way heading south. So if you're travelling through at any time of day or night you can jump off at the Taylor / Roosevelt exit and get back on again in either direction about as fast as any drive thru even though you have to get out and order at the window. They hurry you to the counter and once you've ordered it's usually less than 30 seconds before you have your food and change in hand...every time. Don't make it a habit 'cuz it's real greazy. It's a late night last resort for me...not bad but not my favorite. One of the stars is for catering to my impatience during these times. I used to like it more. There is a tale of two feuding brothers as the sign claiming 'no affiliation...' in front hints at. Admittedly I've never tried the other one. I'm not sure what the status is as of today but there's an effort taking place to stop Express Grill from opening up another location at 18th and Halsted. read more

24/7 baby! Other restaurants/fast-food joints that have "Maxwell Street Polish" on their menu should just remove the words "Maxwell Street" ....they don't come close. They simply don't deserve to bear the title. Jim's Original is THE SPOT to hit up if you want to know what a Maxwell Street Polish is. The best polish sausage, with grilled onions, sport peppers, and mustard. Sounds simple, yet, nowhere else does it taste as good. Their Bone-In Pork Chop Sammich is awesome too. When I think of late night bites, Jim's Original is definitely always under consideration. It's open 24/7 baby! read more

Came here late at night with a polish craving. Never tried either hotdog stand by UIC before. Wanted to try both Jim's and Maxwell's to compare their polishes. FINAL VERDICT: Jim's win by a mile. Polish (with everything) was amazing and very flavorful. Onions were soft and melts in your mouth. Fries were crunchy crunchy crunchy! Nothing beats late night cravings like oily polish and fries. Don't forget to eat some gum afterwards! read more

Dirty good. It's a good thing I don't live by this place because if I did, I would be morbidly obesely dead. The polishes are of course famous of course for good reason. I was adventurous today and ate myself a cheeseburger, which tastes just like the polish, but the sausage is replaced with ground beef. The food comes out fast and the mound of onions and pork chops that one sees through the window surely must be the 8th wonder of the food world. The only gripe I have is that I bit into one of those free peppers and got a mouthful of mold, which will probably help digest the grease-powered submarine in my stomach. read more

When the minotaur is hungry, the minotaur is HUNGRAAY On the late night, when nothings open but strip clubs and casinos, I almost always try to make it to Jim's Original. Orders come quick, prices are as cheap as it gets, and (most importantly) the food is AMAZING. About 99% of the time, I get the Polish & fries. Regardless of the time of day, this place almost always has a line. Never to worry, the line moves very quickly, and usually im in and out in 3 minutes or less. Its so good, I usually cant wait and just eat it in my car - and im not the only one. Ive been coming to this spot since high school, and will continue to go as long as I am in Chicago. Keep up the good work Jim's!! Sincerely, The minotaur (who doesnt take showers) read more

Late night standard to curb your craving. Expect a potbelly and greasy hands to tackle your midnight munchies. If you're concerned about your waistline, don't bother - but you'd DEFINITELY be missing out on some inexpensive half-decent burgers and cheesy fries that only get better after a long night of shots-too-many. So, whether you're staggering home or have a designated driver, Jim's is the grab n' go back-alley hotspot. read more

The first time I went there, I had no problem. I loved the employees there. They were playful. My only probably was that the food was kind of bland, but the fries made up for it. I still preferred Express Grill. Yesterday was the second time, I went for my Mother in law because she grew up eating Jim's. I ordered a hot dog and polish for her and her niece. They charged me $6.65 which is fine, but then I showed them my i-Card because I'd get a free soda with that. The cashier asked me what flavor, I said lemon-lime (they usually have Wildwood). And he told me "That's bottled" and I said, "Yeah, but give me whatever lemon-lime can soda you have." and he decided to ring me up $3.60 for some reason and did two separate transactions. Overcharged me. I had my mother in law in the car waiting so I decided I'd deal with it tomorrow. So I went to Jim's Original today to attempt to get my money back for overcharging me. The people who make the sandwiches and everything were cool, they backed me up, but the cashier who over-charged me to begin with? Total asshole. As was his boss. I bring my bank statement to them because they didn't give me a receipt yesterday after paying with card. The piece of shit had the audacity to tell me, "Yeah, you paid with your card, but I don't remember you. Even if I did, I gave you a dollar back." WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU GIVE ME A DOLLAR BACK IF I PAID IN CARD (Even so, I'd still have been overcharged)? The boss had him give me my money back, but as soon as I did, he said, "She's a college student. You know how they are. They have no money." Well, alright then. I guess I won't be getting food from you anymore. read more

I respectfully disagree with the high ratings: - Polish. Sausage was fine; the bun was soggy; the onions had good texture but didn't taste like anything. - Pork chop sandwich. Dry. A bit bland (or at least under seasoned). - Double cheeseburger. Walmart-esque, pre-formed, tasteless patties heaped with more tasteless onions. This was the weakest of the 3 sandwiches. - Fries. Standard issue. - Value. Cheap. - Service. Prompt. Maybe next time I'll go loaded (like everyone else); it might improve the taste of everything. read more

It's okay to eat just for the heck of it. Nothing special. Super unhealthy, skip if you care about cross contamination... Here hot dog, burger and pork juices blend together professionally. It is what it is. read more

Arrived at Chicago Midway airport right around midnight. And what is the first thing our friend makes us get within 30 minutes of landing? Chicago style sausages of course! Sausages here were excellent. I got a polish sausage from this street side vendor and was very pleased. All the fixings please! And the peppers...oooo...dem was sum hot peppers! But back to the sausage....taste was great and the size was nothing to laugh at, excellent girth. Is it weird that I just used the word girth? I hope not... The included fries were an added bonus. Not the best fries I've ever had, but pretty damn good. Big and thick fries with lots of salt, yum. Jim, would you like to move to California? read more

The hot dogs were honestly great, but the (male) cashier was heckling my friends and me, saying "you want my dog?" It was really gross and inappropriate. I will not be coming here again. read more

Second stop of the night on my unplanned Chicago hot dog tasting quest. I've never really had a memorable polish dog before this - it was a good hot dog, very filling and pretty much bursting with flavor (it was a good idea for me to take out the spicy peppers). Kind of reminds me of the "street dogs" we have in LA, except with polish sausage. I highly prefer visiting a place that has a great history and is popular with the locals - love that it's open 24/7 and service is quick. read more

I have been eating there for about 40 years. In fact I drive from Detroit around 3 times a year just to get a hot dog and make 1 more stop, then drive back home the same day!!! read more

Why the heck is this called Jim s and not Maxwell Street Dogs? And why is it so clean and free of solicitors that now my friends might actually come out of the car to wait in line for a dog instead of making me bring everything to their AMG? I love their Polish dogs and it's open to the virtual wee hours of the morning. Go to Weiner circle if u want the fun cursing and a "chocolate milkshake" - come here if u want a good big polish dog w free fries for abt 3 bucks. Their sandwich or dog with the porkchop in it is really good too. read more

Ordering is short and to the point---whaddya want? Everything on it? Parking is nuts, so DBF dropped me off and circled the block, which appears common. We split a Polish (with everything) and the accompanying fries. The Polish was cooked just right, hot all the way through and with a good snap to the casing. The fries were crispy outside but fluffy inside, and I devoured my half on my way back to the pickup point. They take card, which puts them another step above Original Maxwell Street--much easier to track expenses when you're traveling on business. read more

Second time visiting Chicago, and right after we left the airport I was kidnapped to this joint for some amazing polish dog & fish sandwiches. It did not disappoint! I got the fried fish sandwich and it was delicious! The fish was very fresh & flakey and they were very generous with the filet. I also tried the polish dog but don't recall how much I liked it. Whatever it is.... hmmm perhaps the best fish sandwich even had. (and im from the south...smh) Can't wait to go back to Chicago! read more

5 stars for what it is. A 24 hour polish stand. If you think they are too greasy or the guys try to talk to you any other complaint stick to mcdonalds or any other corporate establishment. The pork chops are bone in and taste great. The polish is perfect and true to what a polish is. Complain all you want on yelp, but there is always a line, always will be a line and it will always be the same great polish that hits the spot. read more

Jim's Original - Warm pork chop on a cold night. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If, after a night of drinking - in or around the South Loop vicinity near the UIC or Rush campuses - you find yourself craving the following items: - Polish - Onions - Fries - a "Can of Pop" - Cheeseburger - Onions - More Fries Then run (don't stumble) to Jim's O.G.!! Upon arrival, you'll immediately be under the influence of the incredible aromas wafting out of the kitchen - polishes, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, pork chops, caramelized onions and fries - and you'll want all of it!! Jim's can't possibly be beaten. It was quite an experience at 2:30 or so in the a.m.. CORRECTION: It was an extremely gratifying, delicious and satisfying experience especially for 2:30 a.m. read more

Fries are free with sandwich and are just awesome. Pickled peppers will spice up any sandwich. Tried this one when grayhound brokedown on the ramp. What a find ;) read more

Jim's Original - Jim's Original Hot Dog... - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I ordered a Polish dog with fries for $3.80. It was good, but I wouldn't come back for it. They employees seemed to be laughing at me since it was my first time there. Maybe I ordered wrong. The Polish was good, the fries were just meh. FYI, the menu says $3.80 for a Polish and the total is $3.80, tax is already included. read more

I really enjoyed the food here. A small corner stand with big flavor. I had the polish dog and it was by far one of the best I've ever had. The entrees come with fries so you don't have to pay extra for them. The sautéed onions were full of flavor. I was told this was one of the best hot dog/polish stands in Chicago and I believe it. Just don't take my word for it. Try it!! read more

Jim's Original - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So, this place and Express are side by side now and I'll go to both late at night, ignore the bums that are always there panhandling just so I can get my grease intake. I always say I should never eat so much but find myself back near Union again and again. Jim's has better fries, but Express has the better Polish in my opinion. Get one from both-it''ll be like 5 bucks for both and try for yourself. read more

I do like this place. I have often taken people from all over the world to this spot in the middle of the night. I love the double parked cars, the lines, the eating of hot dogs on the little stainless steel shelves, all the steamed onions and the burn your mouth hot peppers. But, since I started eating char-dogs, I have a hard time eating a boiled dog in a bun anymore. This place is a Chicago icon and you have to go. If it is 3 am, then you must go! But, boy oh boy, I like me my hot dogs charred on a grill! read more

For a place that's open 24/7, 365 days a year, they sure have their polishes down to a tee. The onions are grilled to perfection and the polish has a nice snap from the sausage casing as soon as you bite into it. Each burger/polish/hot dog on the menu comes with a side of fries and everything on the menu is about $3-5. You get more than you pay for and you get your food very quickly. The one downside is that there' s no seating, but there's plenty of sidewalk space available, which is what I usually do when I'm there. Great for lunch/dinner or a midnight snack. read more

I've been smelling the grilled onions every week day for the past year, and I've resisted stopping because I was oh-so afraid that I'd fall in love. It's a good thing I waited so long because I am in love and my heart just can't take it! Think of the grease clogging my arteries!! For my own heart's sake, it's a good thing my office is moving far far away from Jim's. $3.25 for a polish sausage and fries! The polish was very yummy with mustard and grilled onions (just the way I like it!) and the fries were crispy. read more

Seriously, where else can you go for a good ol' greasy polish that includes fries for under $3? It really hits the spot after a night of drinking (which is pretty much the only time I frequent this joint :P) What many people don't know is that they have relish upon request, and it really jazzes up the cheeseburgers/fish sandwiches quite nicely. Another secret: they have diced UNcooked onions upon request as well. read more

It pains me that there aren't more places like this in Chicago. Super cheap, super fast, and extremely delicious. You walk up and there is only one thing to order (they offer other items, but why bother?). The guy sticks out a bin in which you put your monies. He then returns the bin to you with your change and food. Polish and fries? 3 bucks and change? Yes please. This place, I think, is also open 24 hours. If I lived closer, or was in any state of mind to drive most weekend nights, I would be here every Friday and Saturday like clockwork. read more

Overrated? No way. This place is the real deal. And don't go to the other hot dog places next to it. This is the real "maxwells." Great polish sausage. Great fries. I wouldn't recommend you visit on a cold or rainy day...since you will be cold and rained on as you eat. read more

Eh. This place is overrated. It's not a Chicago-style hot dog: their dog with everything is a boiled hot dog on a plain bun with mustard and grilled onions. The fries are not very good, either flavor or texture-wise. And there's no seating, just a metal shelf on the outside of the building. On the plus side, almost everything comes with fries, and it's relatively inexpensive, though the prices have gone up since the picture of the menu was taken. read more

Best polish sausage in the city, which probably means anywhere in America too. The fries are some of the best I've ever had too. Service is not too friendly, but who cares. Some people might even find that endearing. Open 24 hours, no indoor seating, so you'll have to eat on the outdoor counter, in your car, or walk over to a grassy patch of campus. I don't live nearby, or drive a car, so eating here in winter is basically impossible. read more

This place is just awesome. Not only are they really open 24/7/365 (I went on Christmas Day and yes, they were open!), but they have THE best fish sandwiches in the entire planet. They are to die for and are perfection. They have plenty of other food as well, like hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, polish, and a pork chop sandwich, plus whatever canned and bottled drinks you want. Did I mention they give free fries with each sandwich too? By far the best place to go to if you have a craving for some good old greasy food. Highly recommended. read more

The good: cheap, open late. The bad: food just ok. Nothing that I would ever have a craving for. Had a polish sausage and a pork chop sandwich. The polish sausage wasn't even a sad imitation of the fantastic polish sausages you used to be able to get on Maxwell St. This newer rendition was just a whole lot of mustard (way too much) with grease. Even the onions were more water and grease than real onion-flavor onions. The pork chop sandwich was ok, but kind of dry and certainly nothing to rave about. Still searching for a great polish sausage in today's Chicago. read more

It's honestly hard to believe that after going to UIC for over 3 years I've never heard of Jim's. Hidden right behind the tallest dorm on campus, this gem is honestly worth every penny. Just after one visit it became a standard for me and a friend. First time I went: Polish sausage. Easily the best Polish I've had. Stacked high with grilled onions, and delicious fries, for 3.25, you can't go wrong. Today I had the pork chop sandwich. Also delicious. The bone inside did make it a little cumbersome to eat, but it was easily (and worthwhile-y!) manageable. This place deserves all the reputation it has. Great food, great prices, fast service, I don't know what else to ask for from a stand that's been open for over 70 years. read more

Best polish in Chicago in my opinion. I love their deep fried hot dogs and the best part of this place is the.............................BEST GRILLED ONIONS IN THE WORLD. Mustard and grilled onions baby. Frank Campeglia (The Food Club) read more