Not sure how a hot dog stand in the Chicago area cannot have the toppings for a Chicago style dog. How can a dog place not have dill pickles? Had to tell the girl 4 times my husband dog was only muster & onions. She only had the ability to take an order with their "everything" on it. The do have Polish sausage as well but no sauerkraut. Really? And they only take cash. Our first & last time there. read more

Let's get one thing straight first... the original Chicago Hot Dog is what would be classified as a Depression Dog or the Minimalist. The style of dog that is normally associated with Chicago Style (tomato wedges, celery salt, poppy seed bun, etc...) is an invention of the Vienna Beef Company. This place is a great attempt and the closest thing we have in Des Plaines to an authentic hot dog stand. Is it legendary like Gene & Jude's or a once-hidden gem of the community like Paradise Pup? Not yet, but I'm hopeful that the owners will get through their growing pains and streamline their operation. I thoroughly enjoyed my hot dog and was tickled that I could even get a mass-produced, Chicago-style tamale in a bun. Loved it! I'll definitely be back. I *would* recommend 86ing the ketchup option for the dogs, though. Or make it an option for anyone under 12 only. Give a dirty look and refuse for the adults... could be a trademark thing. : ) read more

All I can say is that this is a really good spot for a quick bite, particularly for some good hot dogs. This is definitely one of the best and most classic spots I know. It is basically a small spot with a very nice, friendly, and comfy vibe. The staff are friendly as well, and never have I ever felt bored while being in this spot because the place is always filled with such a joyful vibe while enjoying their good food. They aren't a place with a huge variety of options on their menu; rather, they have everything I could want and their menu is simple but with a very nice option. Their Vienna's are always served hot and fresh, with a generous portion, and because it is a Vienna, it is guaranteed to be delicious. Their fries are also fresh and hand cut, which are seasoned perfectly with salt. I also like their shakes. They are not the kind of place with special and delicious foods on their menu, but this one has some of the finest comfort foods I have ever had. Fresh and good comfort food at a fair and reasonable price. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for an amazing spot, especially for hot dogs. read more

since the "other" new hotdog place in des plaines was a total let down, i didnt have high hopes for this place since it opened afterwards, but i experienced the complete opposite! Great food, great prices, fast service and the place was super clean. ********alllmmooossst as good as gene and judes, maybe same. i have to eat there a few more times to make such a bold statement. thank yee. def worth a try if you like local hotdogs. also, drive thru coming soon! read more

My boyfriend and I came to Rand Red Hots to satisfy our hot dog craving (Gene & Jude's is unfortunately still closed due to flooding). While the menu at Rand's offers more choices than G&J, the hot dogs and fries do not compare. The food wasn't bad but it just wasn't as good as the red hots and crispy fries at Gene & Jude's. I'm counting down the days until they reopen.. read more

So... I'm not a "hot dog" person but I would go back to this place again and again. The only reason I went is was because my teenage nephew, an antique car and hot dog lover, was in town and someone suggested Rand Red Hots on a beautiful Tuesday night. Fully expecting to be underwhelmed, I was so surprised and satisfied with the friendly service, exceptional cleanliness and excellent food. I had two orders of fries and all my kids went back for seconds on shakes. Hot dogs were fantastic! read more

We've been going to Rand Red Hots for many years, driving a far distance to get there. We've raved about the place to anyone who would listen and have even brought out-of-town guests so that they could experience a great Chicago hot dog. WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT!?!? We ordered our usual double dogs, sat down to eat and.... huh???? Our hot dogs tasted like cheap pork hot dogs! They were NOT Vienna beef dogs. The fries were fair, at best. This was a huge disappointment. The "love affair" is over. We won't be back. read more

I sure don't know how Rand Red Hots managed to avoid my radar during its first six months in business! It's now on my 'faves' list. My first visit to Rand Red Hots was January 13, 2013. Being blind, I can't comment on the aesthetics of the place. However, Stephanie, my wife for more than 35 years, observed that walking into the joint took her back to the 50's, the decade she made her way into this world. What really counts is the quality and presentation of the food. The char dog, fries and tamale are quite tasty. I especially like the fresh-cut fries, soft but crispy around the edges. I VERY much prefer them over those of Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King. Heck, I like them even better than those served at Portillo's...minus the cheese sauce of course. The char dogs are wrapped in waxed paper and the fries are stuffed into and around the bun, reminiscent of Gene and Jude's in Franklin Park. In fact I understand that both use the Vienna brand, a long-time favorite of Chicago hot dog connoisseurs. The char dogs are topped with mustard, relish and onions (sports peppers and celery salt on request); and even ketchup! Stephanie prefers ketchup on her dog, a lingering bad habit resulting from her ARIZONA UPBRINGING! The Chicago hotdog faithful already know it is sacrilegious to add that red goop to one's Cook County wiener. Being a product of the San Diego area, I couldn't care less (smile). If you are a fan of Portillo's tamales, you will enjoy Rand Red Hots too as both appear to be identical. If you want a dog and tamale along with fries and a soda, you'll pay less than $7.00 for the combo; and you won't have to wait long for your meal. Now several non-visual observations: Rand Red Hots is small with only enough seating for 8 customers, 4 at each booth. If you're a short person, I suggest you pass on polishing off your Maxwell Street polish or dog in a booth and head straight for one of the two counters; one is lower than the other to accommodate wheelchairs and children. The acoustics are quieter than your garden variety mom-and-pop food emporium. The TV volume is generally kept mercifully low to keep the noise floor in check. Many restaurants today seem to relish maintaining a cacophonous ambiance to create a pseudo "party" atmosphere. If you wear a couple of hearing aids, as I do, that can be problematic when trying to converse with someone across the table. My cynical self contends that such annoying decibel levels allow the server to blame the noise when he or she botches my order. The unisex washroom was clean, easy for a blind person to navigate, and in good working order. Seems to be that their practice of buzzing customers in to relieve themselves no doubt discourages the non-paying public from mucking it up. It is unfortunate that, like so many small eating establishments, there is no vestibule to reduce the intrusion of Old Man Winter into the restaurant's interior. I noticed that when I slid across the booth to sit next to the outside wall, as is my custom, I felt a draft, presumably originating from the ventilation system overhead; so I sat on the end furthest from said wall. In the summertime this draft might be welcome, depending upon how well the A.C. performs...or doesn't. Speaking of summer, there are several sets of tables with attached benches outside that help handle the lunch overflow. One table has no bench on one side to allow for a wheelchair. Interestingly, the outside tables are mustard yellow. On Dec. 26, 2012 a drive-up window was opened. Rich, the restaurant owner, purchased the lot next door that once housed a mechanic garage. During warm weather months their ample parking lot will no doubt be the home of the ever popular "cruise nights". Steph and I give Rand Red Hots a solid 4 out of 5. The service is friendly and efficient. As Rand Red Hots is open until 10:00 P.M. every night, we plan to return often, especially when she picks me up at the 5:45 train in downtown Des Plaines and we need to grab a quick din-din before running errands. Oh, if you desire a larger menu and venue than Rand Red Hots, you'll want to check out another eatery (run by the same family) called Bob-O's at 8258 Irving Park Road near Irving Park and Cumberland on Chicago's north side. Hap and Stephanie read more

Great! Des Plaines needed something fun like this place. It's right on a busy, gritty stretch of Rand Rd. I overheard him saying he's been open for 2 months. I am in this area all the time, so either he's done a great job keeping his biz a secret or he's not doing the best job getting the word out! With word-of-mouth advertising alone, my guess is that it's just a matter of time before he takes off. If he wants to speed it up, he could throw a few coupons out there, maybe even a commercial or two. Maybe a radio station promotion? As far as biz model, it's definitely along the lines of Gene & Jude's (with a few tweaks), and more of a nostalgic drive-in feel thrown in the mix. Ketchup, polish, and ice cream are notable additions over the Gene & Jude's model. Oh yeah - grilled onions are an option, so is celery salt. All that said, and fairness of the constant comparisons to G&J aside, this place stands on its own merits as a fun, not-so-expensive hot dog joint. A bit more $, but a dog & fresh-cut fries is about $3. Heck, I think I may like this place's fries more than G&J! Less greasy. Chocolate malt was very good, $3.25. Fact: beats Superdawg's gouging prices hands down. Do I foresee the corkscrewing, all-day lines that G&J has any time soon? Probably not. It takes a near-deified reputation to achieve that level of success - not to mention a half dozen decades in business to plate a reputation in gold. Your cardiologist probably won't advise you to become a regular here, but for the occasional stop - treat yourself! read more

Best place to grab a quick bite to eat. Today I went with the Maxwell St. Polish and it was surely delightful.

If you're craving a minimalist style hot dog, but don't feel like going to Gene's and Jude's. Look no further, because Rand Red Hots is right here in Des Plaines and better then Gene's and Jude's. Natural casing Vienna beef hot dogs perfectly cooked for that great snap resting on a plain bun and topped with yellow mustard, tangy neon relish, crunchy chopped onion, and spicy sport peppers all wrapped up with the greatest fresh cut fries in the entire world-skin on and crispy. With only 2 tables and a counter and designed to look like a 50s drive-in, Rand Red Hots is the perfect addition to the town. read more

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After living for a year and a half within walking distance I finally stopped in...and very glad I did! I went with the Maxwell Street Polish (why in the world would you come to a place like this to eat a BOILED sausage?!?). This came wrapped up together with a reasonable portion of some seriously good fries. This is a goodly amount of food for $4.19. As is often the case in similar places, this is cash only...something I always find annoying. On the upside, this is a VERY clean place with a fair bit of seating available, although a lot of it is outside. I will definitely be back. read more

Not a Gene n Judes, but good and closer for me. Will I be back? Yes, but I don't hold it up to a Gene n Judes dog

We love Rands Red Hots!!! Cant beat the price!! 2.99 for a hotdog... Always a good quick meal.

Went to Rand Red Hots and ordered 3 Maxwell Street Polish, which is advertised on the menu, building and street signs. They even charge extra above what they consider a plain hot dog. Well, the Polish never arrived - we got hot dogs. Brought them back to the counter and was told they were Polish. Apparently Ownership has not been to Maxwell street or had any type of sausage ever! It's false advertising. My suggestion to anyone remotely hungry is to avoid this place like the plague. Morons read more

Easy to tel the suburban folks from the real ghetto rats like me, that know a real hot dog. I don't go to a hot dog stand for a social gathering with the staff. I want the food fast, hot, and consistent. RRH hits the ball out of the park. I don't have to drive all the way to Grand Ave and Pulaski for an identical meal. (It's called Jimmy's if you're interested). Solid customer, don't change anything, except maybe a car show once in a while for all us "OLD FARTZ." CHI-Town Monk read more

Terrible customer service I pulled up they were having a car show so I parked on the other side so I wasn't in the way as im walking inside one of the workers stopped me and asked me when I was leaving before I could even get inside to buy my food, never been treated so poorly in my life read more

This is a nice place to grab a Chicago style hot dog. I usually go here in the evenings and just grab and go. I like the old fashioned set up of the place and the style of it. It's reminiscent of older grab-and-go restaurants in California. I like the taste of their fries and the fact that they pile them with your hot dog. The place is cash only, which I like in regard to keeping it old fashioned. I've been here a dozen times or so and it's been consistently enjoyable. The paisas who prepare the food there are also pretty cool. I look forward to coming here on a summer night and enjoying a hot dog or a shake while sitting outside. read more

Very fresh fries, decent dogs that are fairly priced. I'd definitely go back here. If you're hankering for Gene n Judes but don't want to drive from NW burbs, this is the place. read more

Classic dogs! Simple, classic Chicago style dogs. Some say similar to Gene and Jude's but I like it even better. Great snap of the dog, fries are hand cut and fresh and they serve Coke products and a friendly staff. What else do you need! read more

Awesome Hot Dogs & Fries!! Also tried the Maxwell Street Polish, which was equally as good. They only have a few things on the menu.. Hot Dogs, Polish, Tamales, Fries, & Shakes.. And it works! There are a few booths and a counter inside and there is outside tables. They also have a drive thru. It is extremely clean inside (and that includes the bathroom!!). Prices were very reasonable!! I would highly recommend them!! Cash only.. They have an ATM inside. read more

Best fries I've ever had, and consistent 3 times and counting. Hot dog very good but not unique. I'll definitely be back.

The fries are terrific - Love them! The dogs - ok taste but they are so small - they are the size of a long finger. Definitely buy a double. They don't have pickles - Got a Diana Banana - but that was smooshey. read more

Best deal in town under 3 bucks for hot dog and ton Of fresh cut fries. The hot dog is kinda smaller than the normal dog. But for a not so good for you meal it is just right. read more

Fantastic hot dogs in the same league as Gene n Jude's, possibly better. The best hand cut fries. Limited menu, but when u can do something so well, why add mediocre items. I would like to suggest a 2 dog 1 fry option, always end up taking an order of fries home. read more

Went there the other day and had $2.89 HD w fries. Was very good, good-sized HD but no tomato or pickle. Decor was ala Johnny's or Gene & Judes lots of stainless for easy clean. Wish they had a drive thru. read more

This is a good Chicago style hot dog. There are no frills or gimmicks. The fries seem to be actually made of potatoes that were very recently whole potatoes and not the bits and pieces of many potatoes congealed into a Frankenfry. They are seasoned properly and taste very good with ketchup. There are not 90,000 things on the menu like many "hot dog stands" and as such, RRH is able to put out a good dog at a good price. Also, I would be remiss not to recommend trying the tamale on a bun with "Chicago style" toppings. It is delightful. read more

This place is great! I'm new to the area and I am glad there is an awesome hotdog place close to work! They hook up the fries with every dog which is awesome! The only thing I don't like is the waiting time in the drive thru and the lack of toppings on their hotdog. read more

You would get 5 stars but no tomatoes or pickles come on now what's a hot dog without those 2 items

Yumm!! So glad we found this place!!! Conveniently located on the way to my father's house. Reminded me of Gene and Judes...I even put the fries right on my dog! My husband and I will definitely be back again and again. read more

The place is clean with plenty of parking, there are two booths and several counters to stand and eat (a lower counter for kids would help) seating is also available outside on several tables. The hot dogs are very good, made in the Jimmy's or Gene and Judes style, dog and fries all wrapped up together. The bun is steamed to perfection and the dog has a nice snap to it.. The fries are a little on the greasy side. I also tried the Maxwell Polish which was very good but took a long time to make. I'll be back to try the tamale and shakes. read more

A hell of a lot better than Gene & Judes. The place is clean, the dogs are better and the fries are MUCH better! Plus the workers arent assholes! read more

I felt it was time to do an update. After several additional visits I can safely say the quality remains consistently high. By this time I've had just about everything on their limited menu. Their grilled Polish sausage is excellent. Their fresh cut, skin on fries are the best I've had in recent memory. You get a generous amount with each sandwich, and an individual order is huge. My opinion of their shakes has changed. They are quite good and fairly priced for their size. However, the one or two times I tried a malted there was little or no malt flavor. You do get quality and value for your money. Their service is generally efficient. About the only negative is the very limited indoor seating. While the interior is on the small side, it seems they could make better use of the space. They have a long counter with only a few stools. read more

Rand Red Hots offers similar dogs to Gene and Judes, but without Seinfeld "soup nazi" ridiculous long lines in a decaying interior, that said this is clean place great dogs with fresh cut fries, not frozen like some claim, not leathery dogs its snap of the casing, and hey people read the menu board and don't complain its not Chicago dog...read the topping choices...don't like it theres the door..seating inside or out, old school hot dog stand great job guys... read more

Fast service, friendly staff, great food... Period. Clean and stylish on the inside and out. Hope this place sticks around for a long time. read more

If you are a fan of Gene and Jude's you will love Rand Red Hots! Fries might even be better.

The malts are delicious here! I've tried a hot dog as well and it was good as well. Very fast service and friendly employees!

Grate hotdogs fresh Fry's witch are delious very affordable unlike any place in the burbs I love hotdogs and these are the best

Hot dog was ok. Fries were warm not hot. It looks like they have the fries in a bin and then put them on the wrapper that the hot dogs are put on. I don't think they are any better than any other hot dog joint. I would rate Gene and Jude's much better. read more

I have been here several times now. Each time I get great service and a great hot dog. The food is always very hot and fresh. The buns are steamed just right and the fries are also very good. I prefer crispier fries but I think if I asked for them crispier that would ruin the taste of the fresh cut fries at Rand Red Hots. They do not have pickles and that is a little disappointing. second pick for a hot dog in Des Plaines . Paradise Pup is #1 but Rand Red Hots is right up there! The location is better for my 45 min. lunch and they are not as crowded as Paradise (yet)! read more