This place is wild. From the ordering system to the wonderful lady calling out the orders ready,…read moreit's a food hall trip. And the French, er, Italian Beef, outstanding, even with all the hype. And I can't compare it to the others, I can only compare it to the French, sorry, yea, French dips I've had everywhere else. Great. HOWEVER....the chocolate cake shake stole the show! Period. Yes, definitely worth a stop here when in Chicago.

I've been hearing so much about Chicago hot dogs and decided since I was in town why not try one so…read moreI checked out Portilo's & Barnelli's Chicago that so many people told me to try. It is a pretty neat place when went in I saw that they have a lot of memorabilia all around the place. Also famous people have also been there with their autographs on their pictures. This place was quite busy which tells me that it must be good. It was very organized you can order your meal on a kiosk or at the counter. We decided to order it at the counter I ordered a famous Chicago hot dog which is an all beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with chop onions, sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, dill pickle and a small spicy pepper with no ketchup but does have yellow mustard the price you could not bet it was very reasonable my guest ordered an Italian sandwich. After ordering the cashier gives you a receipt with your number on it and you step to the side. Then you wait until your number is called and that's how you get your order. Yes it was crowded but we waited for our two items for at least a half an hour which to me was unacceptable but besides that the place is really neat to try and the hot dog as well as the Italian sandwich was delicious definitely will be back again fingers crossed that we don't have to wait so long but the wait was worth it. They also have lots of seating around the restaurant. There is a second story as well you could sit up there.

A LOCAL CLASSIC! I…read moreloved this spot so much I ended up coming back twice. It has that classic late night comfort food vibe and feels like one of those staple spots you have to try at least once. First night I ordered a polish hot dog with everything on it and a fish sandwich w/ extra grilled onions. Super cool that your order comes with fries and I added a cheese cup both times. In my opinion the fries were mid the first go around, but second time they were better. Definitely tasted better dipped in cheese. They were kinda airy in texture, if that makes sense. Polish hot dog was around a 6.5-7/10 for me. It did taste better warmed up the next day. What I was most obsessed with was the double cheeseburger and fish sandwich! both were easily a 10/10. Super good prices and worth the money. Also, the chile peppers were sooo bomb and hotter than I expected ! I wanted to eat them all, but they were packing some serious heat! The lemon Italian ice is where it's at, make sure to order one! You can also mix it with strawberry, but both times people recommended the lemon and now I see why. The line gets super active and busy past 10-11pm, but during the daytime it's way less crowded. Even when it gets packed the line moves pretty quick. They stay open late and close at 1am which is nice.

Taste: 5 Creativity/Authenticity: 5…read moreAtmosphere: 3 Service: 5 Bang for your buck: 4 Chicago known for hotdogs, pizza, Italian beef and popcorn!! I didn't get it but after a long night that hotdog killed it!! Got the polish original and the all beef and bomb were banging!! And the fries wth is up with Chicago and their amazing fries!? Service here as good as it gets fast and easy. And price man worth it!!

I had read about how Fatso's does the char dog. I made this my last meal in Chicago…read more I went with a char dog, depression style, an order of fries, and a side of the Merkts cheddar. How was it? Fries- Delicious! Fresh cut fries, made right in front of you. They were great! Huge portion, too! Merkts Cheddar Sauce- Hell yeah! Give me a gallon of this, and I will chug it! Such a tasty cheese sauce. Loved dipping my fries in it. Great combo! Char Dog- This dog was delicious! Great char, great toppings. My only beef would be the bun. It definitely could have been more soft/steamed and fresh. It held up pretty well, but there were a couple bites where it broke and flaked apart. Hate when that happens. Still...didn't ruin the overall experience. Had a great last meal in Chicago before I headed to the airport.

Fatso's Last Stand delivers exactly what its name promises: unapologetically indulgent, old-school…read morecomfort food done right. The burgers are the shining stars -- juicy, generously sized, and cooked to perfection with toppings that strike the perfect balance of classic and creative. Whether you go for a stacked cheeseburger, bacon-loaded option, or a specialty creation, the patties are flavorful and satisfyingly beefy, with a great char and use of quality ingredients that keeps diners coming back. Beyond burgers, the menu also features hearty eats like crispy fries, loaded sandwiches, and thick milkshakes, all served with a no-frills attitude that lets the food speak for itself. Service at Fatso's Last Stand matches the laid-back but attentive vibe of the restaurant -- staff are friendly, efficient, and know regulars by name, creating a welcoming, neighborhood-favorite energy. While the pace can get lively during peak hours, especially on weekends, the team handles the rush with good humor and keeps orders moving. The ambiance is casual and retro in all the right ways, with diner-style seating and a comfortable, unpretentious environment that makes it perfect for relaxed lunches, casual dinners with friends, or late-night burger runs. It's not fancy, but when your focus is on big, delicious burgers and familiar comfort food, Fatso's delivers exactly what you're craving.

When I heard about a joint known for its pork chop sandwiches, I was intrigued but also skeptical…read more Would the pork chop be tender enough to work in a sandwich? The answer is absolutely. This is one magnificent sandwich. The pork chop is indeed super tender and super flavorful, and it's enhanced by the copious sautéed onions. The soft, fresh bread is the perfect vehicle for the whole thing. Oh, and the included fries are excellent, as well. I really, truly wish we had places like this in Canada. It's just so different and so good.

Does anyone else love to just drive by MWS and just enjoy the smell? If you know- you know. I do,…read moreI have my whole life and outside of just talking about how good it smells - it's equally a consistent/good fast food spot. This is cash only(atm inside) walk up to window/order type of spot. I believe it's also open 24/7, great for a light night eat - especially if you've had a beer or two lol. Service is fast, food is standard in pricing and above all - the food is good. Is this the best hot dogs/burgers in Chicago - nope. What it does do is give you the same good experience time and time again, and that's why I'll always come back if I'm feeling a greasier/filling type of meal!

Johnnie's Beef was one of those Chicago stops I was really looking forward to, and it absolutely…read morelived up to what I hoped for. It's a small, no-frills, old-school spot where you walk in, know what you want, pay cash, and watch your food come together almost instantly. I got the Italian beef and fries. The beef was easily my favorite. It had so much flavor, and getting the bun dipped was absolutely the right move. The fries were simple but hit the spot; crispy, fresh, and basically what you'd expect a fast-food fry would taste like. What stood out to me most was how genuinely original the whole place feels. The little building, the outdoor tables, the cash-only setup, the fast-moving line, and the way everyone seems to know exactly what they're doing all add to the experience. You order, they make it right in front of you. Pick it up and go. I can see why people make a point of coming here. It's not just about getting an Italian beef sandwich; it feels like getting a little piece of Chicago. The food is simple, but it has so much character. Nothing feels overdone or reinvented; it's just a classic done really well. Definitely a place I'd come back to next time I'm in Chicago.

TL;DR: good, fast, cheap eats…read more Cash only! This place is a small little building with decent parking in the back. Lots of tables out front to eat. You order and they make it as you speak. Our entire meal was ready by the time I got my change. FOOD: ~Italian beef (4.5/5): great flavor and the Giardiniera was tasty. Spicy and vinegary. So good. Would maybe get extra beef in it (idk if they do that). Bun was perfectly dipped. ~Italian sausage (4/5): Great flavored sausage ~Fries (3.5/5): good fries. Like if you get the perfect version of McDonald's fries. Definitely a must try!

Sabor no more. Must be new owners. I've been going here for 20 years and this little corner had it…read moreall. But now, not even the puertorican accent . The food was ok, or so-so...which is bad considering their history. The lechón was mediocre, no seasoning (before you could see it on there.) now it looks like chicken or turkey. The alcapurrias were super greasy, hollow (?) and flavorless. Alcapurrias should be more substantial, not super soft like these. The rice was ok, but again it had no authentic flavor. The pastelillos (ground beef empanadas) were thin and dry. They may have been from yesterday. The passion fruit juice (parcha) is still delicious and the only good thing I had, besides Coco Rico soda. They must have new owners trying to mimic old recipes because this was our second chance attempt. We will now go to La Bomba, Jibaritos y Más or Las Palmas when they open.

My co-worker and I headed over to "El Secreto del Sabor" food truck and grabbed a quick lunch…read morebefore driving back to our store for the closing shift. She's Mexican but told me about this place. She said there are several food trucks stationed in Humboldt Park, yet this one is her favorite. I believe I had Puerto Rican food before when I was out and about in the city, though I never paid attention to any aromatic mobile vehicle in this neighborhood. Umm...Rosa J., did I not tell you to stay vigilant? Fortunately I had some cash on hand. I scrambled $7 for an order of bistec mixta, which came with arroz. Wow, the rice was SO fresh, and the steak was easy to chew and flavorful. When the young lady was preparing for my food, I was staring at a copious amount of "frituras." They smelled heavenly and were definitely soliciting my taste bud. Well, I gotta get back to work. Fried food doesn't mesh too well with my working stomach. Surely we will meet each other again when I have a day off. I didn't see any credit card machine inside the truck, so I have no doubt it is cash-only. I didn't really notice if their hours were posted on the exterior. I bet it depends based on weather or seasonality.

Best thing I've eaten since I've been here! Came to the area to specifically to try this place. I…read moregot the regular beef, dipped in whatever juice they dipped it in and I added cheddar cheese. So messy and but justified because of the taste. The meat was so tender and the juice helped me eat it at a faster speed, which I gladly did :) Some seating inside and some outside, but not a whole lot. I really thought the prices were fair and they service was great. So glad I made the stop here

This is the OG location of the legendary Al's #1 Beef near the University of Illinois - Chicago…read morecampus in downtown. There's even a street sign honoring this institution for its contribution to the culinary scene of the Windy City. I made a stop here during a recent trip after walking over from the bus station. There was an onsite parking lot with about a dozen spaces. It was completely full as I arrived. The decor was like an old school diner but with a service counter for ordering and pickup. There was a countertop and some small tables for inside seating. A few picnic tables with canopies were located adjacent to the sidewalk if you wanted to sit outside. A couple of menu boards hung behind the counter. One displayed the combination deals while the other listed the a la carte offerings. I never realized that hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches were so prominent here. It's a cash only operation, and I wasn't super hungry. My choice ended up being a Regular Beef with provolone and giardiniera (relish of hot and sweet peppers) added. The two toppings cost $0.95 each. I asked for the sandwich to be dipped in au jus which made it wet upon wrapping inside the waxed paper. Upon opening the package, it had to be the messiest sandwich I have encountered. A six-inch long roll was packed with juicy sliced beef and topped with the relish. The cheese was buried somewhere inside the bread as I could barely detect it. A couple of aspects lowered my rating for this place. The first was the price as I expected a regular sized beef sandwich to be more substantial. The second was the number of flies and hornets that were buzzing around the outside seating. I wanted to sit at a table to enjoy my item, but it wasn't possible with the presence of the insects. I think if the tables were wiped down more frequently and/or the garbage can was emptied, then that would have reduced the flying pests. As others have noted, there's no bathroom so washing your hands afterwards was not possible.

As a very long and faithful patron, I thought I should contact you about my experience Labor Day…read more Along with another couple, we visited Gene and Jude's and were terribly disappointed with the quality of the hotdog (sausage). The skin was extremely tough and not the usual snappiness. It was like you had to gnaw through it. All four of us agreed. I don't know if it was an anomaly or if you changed the recipe with Vienna or, God forbid, vendors. This is not a criticism, but an alert to fix a potential issue.

Looking at fries piled directly on top of a hot dog, my back immediately warned me, "That is a…read moredangerous game to play!" But I had to see what the hype around Gene & Jude's was all about. ​I caught them at a great time with a short line. Their menu is delightfully simple and typical classic Chicago style with minimalist topping choices (mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers) so ordering was a breeze. A single dog with fries and a medium drink came out to about $9. ​While waiting, I loved watching their team work like a well-oiled machine behind the counter. Fresh hand-cut potatoes were dropping into the fryer, and the assembly crew was constantly building dogs and piling massive heaps of steaming fries on top. High output, fantastic energy! I even asked one of the prep guys if I could snap a picture, and he was super cool about it. ​The meal itself was awesome. The fries were piping hot, perfectly salted, and very generous in portion. Once I dug down to the dog, that first bite took me by complete surprise, the snap of the natural casing and the flavor were incredible. Before I knew it, I was clearing the paper wrapper and completely understanding why people order double dogs or multiple single dogs. Be warned it will have your back talking to you too. Lol! Highly recommended legend!

Great place for a hot dog! This location is a short walk from the Field Museum. I had the Chicago…read moredog and tots, and it was good! You can't go wrong with a classic. Service is counter only, and you have to order at a kiosk. The interior is what you would expect for this type of establishment. Cool framed photos and memorabilia. I'll definitely return next time I'm in Chicago again.

We went to Devil Dawgs after doing the architecture tour because we needed something to put in our…read morestomachs. My husband suggested it, so we went. At first, I was like, "Hey, get me a sandwich." But when we got there, it looked divey, so I said, you know what, let's see! We grabbed a high-top table, but listen: seating is limited, okay? Don't come in there thinking you finna have a whole big, huge party! It is a small space, but we were able to secure our seats, watch the cooks do their thing, and order our food. Everything came out relatively quickly. The whole place has a fun vibe. Pictures on the ceiling, bright colors. Of course, the name Devil Dawgs made me think about the Marine Corps. If you know, you know! I had the Dragonfruit Shake, and oh my goodness. My husband had the Maxwell Street Polish, which I absolutely loved seeing because I grew up eating them. I used to get mine off 95th & Dan Ryan.. so that brought back some memories. And Hubs tore that thing down! Now, my hot dog? Listen, the picture is diabolical, okay? But it was EV-ER-Y-THING! I need to sound it out phonetically because it was literally everything, okay?! It was loaded, messy, and doing exactly what it needed to do. And listen, I am perfectly fine with a messy dog as long as it is good, and it absolutely was! The food came out quick, fast, and in a hurry. You won't be sitting around waiting forever. If you need to catch a plane, train, automobile, or whatever else, you are going to get where you need to go because that food is coming out, okay? If we ever come back to the area, we are definitely hitting up Devil Dawgs again. For sure!

There's a lot to love about the Mexi-Tacos food truck, like the quesadilla. However, not everything…read morewas a slam dunk. The Chicken Quesadilla was pretty much perfect! The chicken was tender and full of spice and flavor, the cheese was melty and gooey, and the veggies were in perfect amount. The meats were not at all skimped on, and it was a hearty portion overall. Everything tasted hot and fresh, making the slight wait worth it. The Taco Salad with Chicken was a swing and a miss. On the surface you get a fair amount of the same flavorful chicken as the quesadilla, as well as some avocado and crema. However, it felt as thought something was missing. After some thought, I realized this was a dressing: as there was nothing to tie together the vegetables, especially once the meat was all gone. Using hot sauce as dressing is a possibility, but not the best move for a variety of reasons. Speaking of: big bonus points for the home-made spicy sauce, it brought both flavor and serious heat. Finally, the service is polite, and the prices are reasonable for what you get, especially considering the price of everything. Final verdict: Of the two trucks parked next to one another, "The Orange One" delivers on some seriously tasty eats. However, this comes with the caveat that one must know what to order.

I've only been there once so far. Got the chicken tacos and the tamales…read more The chicken tacos were well seasoned. The tamales were nice and moist. Also everything is very affordable. Will be back to try some more things.