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    The Dogfather

    3.8 (262 reviews)
    InexpensiveHot Dogs
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order The Dogfather Takeout or Delivery

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    THE DOGFATHER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    You can't find this too many places in this area and it's a reason I'll use to go back!
    Kim M.

    First visit under new ownership was pretty good. Basic order of a double dog, fries, and I think some totcha thing? Second visit not so good. The pros: The place looks nicer and just feels so much cleaner; the Barqs Red Creme Soda (IYKYK); non-poppy seed buns (those of us with health issues where we have to avoid seeds really appreciate this!), and the service was friendly and great. The cons: my jumbo dog was cold in that nice warm seedless bun - it was not lukewarm, it was *cold*; and the salad dressing was so skimpy it didn't even handle the full salad. The ok: the menu is a little overwhelming and not centered in one place so if you don't know what you want, you're kinda wandering around the counter back and forth...and the fries have potential to be amazing. I like these fries a lot flavorwise but they were lukewarm and those fries in particular kind of harden up when they're not hot anymore. So maybe an off day but when you don't get hot dogs all too often, and were looking forward to getting one all day...biting into a cold one is really pretty cruddy. But as i was driving home, going back wasn't an option. Anyways I suggest you try them out, and when you do - even though it's the same Place with some of the same Menu, give them a fresh chance and a clean slate. I have no doubt after some time they'll get more consistent.

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    6 days ago

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    Matt W.

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    9 months ago

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    Matt W.

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    8 months ago

    Had the Tijuana dog. Fabulous. Workers were very polite and patient with my questions as I ordered. Nothing more one can ask. Thanks!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food & friendly staff! I highly recommend their Italian beef and their bacon cheeseburgers

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great hotdog joint. Some items on the menu are unique but it's a good place. Been there several times already.

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    2 years ago

    Great Chicago dog and the service was outstanding. I will definitely be going back whenever I'm in Chicago.

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I have to. Beef is good. Hot dogs are good and when they are half price, they tase even better!

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    4 years ago

    Excellent hot dogs! All the staff are friendly and very efficient! We love to go Tuesdays when it is half price hot dogs.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I love the polish sausage sandwiches and the gyros. The fries are also delicious! The staff is friendly and engaging.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Small but locally owned worth a try. Clean and workers are friendly. We ordered hot dogs and they were fine.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Best beef sandwiches in the area! I am so glad we discovered The Dogfather it is our new go to spot for a quick bite. This place rocks!

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - The Dogfather

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    The Original Nana's Hot Dogs - Top notch Italian beef

    The Original Nana's Hot Dogs

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    It has been a long time since I have been to the Original Nana's. It is a delicious food joint but…read moresadly, I live almost an hour away. However, as luck would have it, I was running errands so returning to The Original Nana's had to be added to my list. The location is very easy to find. I actually missed the turn into the location but I had to do a quick U-turn. I arrived shortly after they opened but parking was no issue. They also have a drive thru if that is a better option for you. I entered the building and I am glad to see nothing big has changed since I attended almost 10 years ago. I ordered the combo of two hot dogs and a drink. This location does serve the depression hot dog, and not your traditional hot dog. However, I am sure they can build one for you with the optional toppings. Here.. their "Everything on it" is only onions, mustard and relish...and a fist or two full of fries which is all wrapped up. The fries tasted as good as I remember. They do allow ketchup and there were a few bottles around the place to get some. The hot dogs were also as delicious as I remember. It still has the amazing snap and I am glad to see nothing has changed. I wish I lived closed to this location as I would attend more often, but I am happy to see this place has changed nothing since the last 10 years.

    Nana's Hot Dogs is one of those places that's been part of my life since I was a kid, and to this…read moreday it still stands as my favorite spot for a hot dog and fries. There's a real sense of nostalgia every time I go, and luckily, the food still lives up to that memory. The hot dogs are honestly the best I've had--perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and exactly what you want from a classic Chicago-style dog. Everything just tastes right, like they haven't tried to overcomplicate anything. And the fries are on another level. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned just right--they're easily some of the best fries on the planet in my opinion. Now, the service... that's where things fall off a bit. It's not great. Staff can come off as rushed or uninterested, and it's not the kind of place where you feel particularly welcomed. Orders can feel a little chaotic at times, and overall it's just not a strong point of the experience. But honestly, the food makes up for it. Even with the lackluster service, I keep coming back because the quality of the hot dogs and fries is just that good. It's one of those spots where you don't go for the experience--you go because you know you're getting some of the best comfort food around. For me, it'll always be a favorite.

    Berliner Kebap - Steak and chicken doner

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    What a hidden gem in an unassuming strip mall! We'd been wanting to visit here for a while, and…read morefinally made the trip after a long Saturday out and about. It was empty when it arrived, but filled up on our way out, telling me it's a popular place for the younger crowd. Either way, you know you're in for a good meal when you see the huge doner rotisserie spinning. The owner (at least I'm pretty sure he was the owner) helpfully walked us through their sauce selection and even offered my MIL some sauce samples. She ended up getting the hot dog with veggies, while my wife and I got sandwich combos (17 for the sandwich + 3.50 for fries and a drink). I was going to share my combo with my preschooler since they don't have a kids meal, but the owner thoughtfully offered some fries with chicken for him. We definitely had to tip well for such nice service. So this is no ordinary sandwich, and the pictures don't do it justice. In pics it looks kind of like a pita pocket, but this thing has some HEFT. Filled with veggies, meat, and sauce, it got a little messy but was really tasty. The veggies were fresh, and it's hard to top meat sliced right off the log. My MIL said her unique hot dog was good as well. To me it looked like a Chicago dog from another dimension, but I also want to give it a try next time. Protip: Ask for your sauces on the side. They're almost too generous with it on the sandwich so it's nice to have a little more control with it. This will definitely enter the rotation and will be letting our friends know as well. Great stuff!

    I just know that Berliner will always deliver and always meet your expectations. Twas a semi-late…read morenight drive home, and I couldn't tell if I was hearing the growl of my 3.6l V6 or my kegger of a tummy. It could have been both. We passed by many little holes in the walls on Barrington Rd, but we just didn't trust them because they were empty. Berliner Kebap was full and lively. I know this isn't what most people think about, but it is a good feeling to know that the food is moving. It means you're being given fresh food that hasn't been sitting around. I love the simplicity of the menu. Platters, wraps, and sandwiches are genenerous and comfort foody, in the best way possible. Of course it is all about the sauces. I want to scubadive in that garlic sauce. I could put it on everything! The herb sauce and spicy sauce are also pretty awesome. Make your food a meal. You'll get fresh hot fries and a drink. Platters will have a nice salad. It is important to mention that everyone behind the counter is so helpful and as nice as can be. And so, as people come and go...the doner shall continue to slowly spin in anticipation of your visit. ~fin~

    Wee-Dee's

    Wee-Dee's

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    I work in the area and I'd been going to Wee-Dee's a couple times a month for the past 6-7 years…read more Every day it was the same, kinda cranky, old dude in a wheelchair at the register and every day it was really good Chicago Dogs or gyros or burgers. Over the past few months, in effort to save some money, I've stopped going out for lunch everywhere, but yesterday (3/18/26) I had a hankerin' for a good Chicago Dog, and their 2-dog combo meal has always been a great deal. I noticed right away that the cranky, old dude wasn't there. I got the dogs, but it was a plain bun -- no poppyseeds. It was dull, kinda dry, run-of-the-mill pickle relish. It was one thin slice of tomato on each. Not even a hint of celery salt. There was a pickle spear, some chopped onion, some mustard, but they seemed bored. It was as though the whole sandwich didn't want to be there. If you're a Chicago area dog stand -- unless you're serving up your own, special-recipe phenoma-dog -- the canon is The Chicago Dog: steamed poppyseed bun, steamed Vienna Beef frank, yellow mustard, chopped white onion, neon-green picallili relish, dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and celery salt. When you ask the customer if they want it with "everything," THAT SPECIFIC LIST is what they expect. It's a very distinct flavor combination. Half-stepping or skimping on the ingredients is instantly noticeable -- to the eyes as well as the taste buds. On my sad way out the door I asked the young dude behind the cash register if the place is under new ownership. He confirmed that it is, since October. I asked him if he's the owner, but he said he is not. I saw no sense in belaboring my point to the paid help, so I left to belabor here where I hope Wee-Dee's new owner will see it. Dear Wee-Dee's Unlike the burger -- which is just another burger, or a gyros sandwich -- which is just another gyros sandwich, The Chicago Dog is a unique, ingredient-specific creation. It is NOT just another hot dog ...which is what you're serving, now. Wee-Dee's, please fix your Chicago Dog! Thank you.

    One of the BEST grease pits in Illinois…read more Great gyros cuz they grill it for a bit, and the fries are great. They hook it up with a lot. This locations is the better Wee Dee's by far.

    Portillo's Streamwood

    Portillo's Streamwood

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    This is my go-to location to enjoy Portillo's. The drive through isn't the largest but the line…read morealways moves quick. Drive through staff could smile a bit more but are pretty accurate to get your order correct. I love ordering my fries well done so they're crispy and it's a 50/50 chance they actually do it. Either way, Portillo's always hits the spot and food orders are consistent. I love their hotdogs/fries and my husband enjoys their beef, burgers, and spicy chicken sandwich! Tip: Drive through is card only; no cash.

    The Streamwood Portillo's is one of those places that used to feel a lot better when I was younger,…read morebut lately it just hasn't been the same. The food is still decent--it gets the job done and satisfies the craving--but it's definitely downgraded compared to how it used to be. It doesn't have that same quality or consistency that made it stand out before. What really brings the experience down is the staff. There's a noticeable lack of effort and care, like employees are just going through the motions. The service feels rushed and unwelcoming, and it doesn't leave a good impression. On top of that, the register service lady was especially rude, which made things even worse. It's disappointing because Portillo's used to feel like a place that took pride in both food and service. Overall, the food is alright, but the decline in quality and poor customer service make this location hard to enjoy like it used to be

    The Dogfather - hotdog - Updated May 2026

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