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    The Wieners Circle

    3.6 (1.2k reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Hot Dogs, Burgers
    Fri • 11:00 am - 4:00 AM (Next day)
    Sat • 11:00 am - 4:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order The Wieners Circle Takeout or Delivery

    The Wieners Circle Photos

    Business Info

    THE WIENERS CIRCLE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Jordan H.

    Solid hotdog spot! Definitely busy so expect a line, but it moves fast. Such a Chicago staple. We tried the traditional Chicago dog, chili cheese dog, and fries. The charred hot dog is delicious and the fries remind me of boardwalk fries at the beach.

    Chicago Dog
    Cha'Vaa B.

    This was my husband and I's first time ever trying a Chicago Dog. We decided to split one because we were not sure if we would like it. Let's just say we wish we would've gotten 2. It was so good. The wiener had a nice char on it.

    David N.

    You can't come to Chicago and not get a red hot, which is why we found ourselves driving fairly out of our way to The Wieners Circle. They had some options on the menu but we both opted for the Vienna Red Hot ("char"). It's a solid dog. The wiener is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the star of the show. It's got a terrific char and an irresistible snap. The flavor is better-than-average, too. The condiments didn't really do much for me, and I found something on there just way, way too salty. (The pickle, maybe?) Anyway, it's a quick, cheap, easy meal. I'd certainly eat it again.

    Vienna Red Hot
    Ann C.

    If you are in the Wieners Circle area, you stop at Wieners Circle; even if you just had lunch or dinner. First of all, they win the sign game... every. single. time. I will continually support WC as their signage says everything I am usually thinking. We got a few dogs and an order of cheese fries. I ordered the cheese fries and had to slap hands many times as the family was trying to steal them. Food was hot and delicious and it was served with a side of sass. The Wieners Circle is small in space but big with personality.

    Hot dog
    Shawn F.

    In all honesty, the hotdog was excellent and very tasty. I wish I actually had ordered another one. Service as expected was very funny and rude- I suggest when bringing someone here don't tell them that the service will be rude to them. You can't beat to the environment of this location with all the wonderful pictures and it just screams Chicago.

    Michelle M.

    Okay, I just have to say, you really find out how many sensitive people there are in the world when you come here! My husband and I were visiting from Omaha but he's a Chicago dog fan, so he's followed WC on Insta and knew the dogs are served with a side of sass. I expected it and had fun with it, but I was surprised to see how many people looked so confused and hurt. Did you not know where you're coming? There's even a sign lol anyways, enough of that. It was fun, come for laughs but wear your thick skin. The dogs were good, but honestly I'm a bigger fry fan than a dog fan. The fries were crispy and delish. I got ketchup for my fries, but never for the dogs! I forgot to ask for a chocolate shake, but there was only a vanilla shake option anyways. Have fun when you come here, enjoy the food, and don't let the sass bring you down.

    She's getting ketchup for her hotdog.
    Sam M.

    Fawking great place. Came at a "normal" evening time but the bid a gal behind the window was such a...peach. The dogs were chard just almost perfectly and everything was nice and quick. If I had had another drink, I could've said this place was relaxing. I'm looking forward to being back and hopefully there's something good behind the counter, besides the food.

    Fries
    Mandy S.

    This hot dog spot is known for being rude to their customers, but it's part of the charm that they're known for. Their Chicago dog is genuinely solid. I ordered the Char Polish, and it was absolutely perfect. It had a great snap and a nice char from the grill and comes loaded with the classic Chicago-style hot dog toppings. There are a ton of customers who are regulars. The owners can definitely tell if you're a regular or a tourist because they recognize their regulars. If this spot is good enough for regulars to come back from time to time, then it must mean their food hits the spot! I also grabbed an order of fries without cheese (though they're known for their cheese fries), but I honestly prefer their hand-cut fries more. They came out super hot, fresh, and crispy. The exterior of the fry had a nice crunch, while the inside of the fry remained nice and soft. Honestly, that's my definition of the perfect fry!

    Joneice B.

    Stopped in here on the behest of my husband who wanted to get yelled at. Anyway it was an enjoyable experience. He was on their nerves a bit but they were nice to me. Shout out to Toni who was entertaining and made our quick visit so much fun. For food, our Chicago Hot Dog was good. The buns were S.Rosen so quality and soft. The hot dog was charred just right. All in all, would return.

    This place was definitely a spot I'll visit again--hot dog was amazing and it was my first time having it Chicago style.

    Char dog with everything
    Anna C.

    First I would like to say, 5 stars for the best dawg and fries in Chicago. One star for the "twist milkshake" I asked for. If you don't mind being yelled at and vulgar language this is your place. I personally fell that bit out Biscuit Bitch in Seattle to shame. It's small and boarder line gross but as mentioned earlier the best dawg and fries in Chicago. The ladies are friendly and the shakes are NOT on the menu for a reason. The "milk shake" is a very poorly executed flashing by one or both of the ladies depending on how much you spend and the worst part is you don't actually get a milk shake just the memory you can't unsee. So stick to the dogs and burgers and save your "milk shake" money for the strippers.

    fries
    Juliana R.

    Tasty chicago dog and super crispy fries! Cheap and quick meal, and you can't go wrong with a Chicago dog. There is some bar seating inside, but you come for the ordering experience anyway. Expect some quick wit and raunchy humor when ordering or waiting and you'll enjoy the visit.

    Merkts Cheddar Cheese Fries.
    Tim S.

    About 20 years ago, my buddies and I wound up at Wiener's Circle. I got a couple double char red hots, and they were, to this day, the single best hot dogs I have ever had! I knew they were open late, so when I got my rental car at O'Hare, I drove straight here. It was a Thursday night, close to 1:30am, and there was a group of 3 leaving, and just myself. No hootin and hollerin and none of the late night Wiener's Circle charm. A little bummed, but whatever......... I ordered a char red hot, a char Polish and an order of cheese fries. Total was just over $21.00. How were they? Char Red Hot- Right when I got my dog, I knew that it wasn't going to live up to past expectations. It just looked a little "off". I took a bite in and unfortunately the bun was not really fresh. Definitely not soft, and bordering on stale/crispy. The dog itself wasn't that great either. It had some tough outer skin on it. I ate it, but it was meh. Char Polish- Same boat as the char dog. Just not good, bun sucked. Cheese Fries- The redeemer! These fries were bomb! They use the Merkts cheddar cheese and melt it over freshly cut fries. These were piping hot and the Merkts cheese was nice and sharp and tasted great! Damn fine cheese fries, and these were just as good as I had remembered. I ate my food and was on my way. I'm telling myself that it was a bit my fault that it wasn't that good, showing up at 1:30am on a Thursday night with nobody else in there. Could be? I planned to return during the daytime hours one of my other days in town, but just didn't have enough time. I'll always have the memories from 20 years ago of when this was GREAT!

    Inside Restaurant

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    Awesome super cool experience was great food. I was confused at first but I understand now

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    The Wieners Circle Reviews in Other Languages

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    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago - CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

    3.9(7.4k reviews)
    2.6 mi•River North, Near North Side
    •$$

    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.

    i tried the italian beef sandwich with extra gravy and spicy peppers. there was generous portions…read moreof beef and the peppers were actually hot! the bun does get quite soggy if you order extra gravy but think of it as a french dip sandwich. i came here on a saturday and the wait was about 30 minutes to get our food. the staff are very organized and have a good system down to handle the big crowds. the ambiance of the restaurant is pure chicago with the sports banners and decor.

    Photos
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago - Line at the pickup counter

    Line at the pickup counter

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago - Chicago Style Hot Dog

    Chicago Style Hot Dog

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago - Italian Beef Sandwich (with peppers trying to escape)

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    Italian Beef Sandwich (with peppers trying to escape)

    Jim's Original - Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Jim's Original

    4.2(800 reviews)
    4.5 mi•University Village
    •$

    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.

    The smell of caramelized onions hits pretty much immediately as you approach the window. No line…read moremidday. We were served quickly and got the polish sausage that comes with fries. Both were nice and hot. Fries were crispy and that first snap into the juicy sausage was worth the trip. No seating, so be prepared to eat in your car and get a bit messy. Also be warned the peppers are legitimately spicy, those serranos had my partner sweating. Glad I tried it, but not something I'd eat all the time, great late night drinking kind of food.

    Photos
    Jim's Original - Short line today

    Short line today

    Jim's Original - Before.... Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Before.... Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Jim's Original - Sign from around the corner.

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    Sign from around the corner.

    Superdawg Drive-In - Superdawg (all the "trimmings"): A hefty Chicago-style hot dog that is absolutely LOADED!

    Superdawg Drive-In

    4.0(2.1k reviews)
    8.7 mi•Norwood Park
    •$$

    Oh, Superdawg...according to Yelp, I've checked in here 17 (!!!!) times, but I'm pretty sure I've…read morebeen here at least 20 times! We live just a mile away from Superdawg and just went here with our 4-year-old son, who calls it "hot dogs on the roof." Whenever I'm hungry for a Chicago dog and delicious fries, I immediately head to Superdawg to satisfy my craving. There is no other place like it, and it's a true Chicago establishment. I like that there are options for where you can eat. You can eat in your car and have the car hop bring you food. You can eat outside at the picnic tables. Or you can order inside and eat in their dining area. I also just found out that they provide catering! Superdawg will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope that it remains open for generations to come.

    Superdawg is a Chicago area institution as an old school drive-in business with carhop service…read more It's probably been over 20 years since I last visited this place. There were two dozen stalls in which you could pull in your vehicle and use an intercom box with the menu printed on the side to transmit your order. A worker would then bring the food/drink to your parking space and use a handheld device to swipe your credit card. Alternatively, you could do what I did which was park and then walk up to a service window and order from there. Adjacent to the service window was a door that led to a room with countertop seating which served as a dine-in area. There were also a few canopied tables on the sidewalk at the edge of the parking lot. Their Chicago-style hot dogs were the featured products, however most of the menu was made up of other fare like fish/shrimp sandwiches, burgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, french fries, shakes, malts, sundaes, cones, etc. The price for the namesake Superdawg was now a whopping $9.30! I ordered one of those that consisted of a cardboard box packed with a poppy seed bun containing a pure beef hot dog dressed with all the trimmings. Those ingredients were golden mustard, tangy piccalilli, a kosher dill pickle, chopped Spanish onions and a hot pepper. Included in the box was Superfries which were extra crispy crinkle cut french fries. I also purchased a regular size Mellow Vanilla Supershake. I took a seat at a countertop inside the dine-in area which had only customer when I walked in. As I opened my box, it was packed so tightly that you couldn't even tell there was a hot dog inside (see my photo). The Superfries lined the top while the pickle and sport peppers also surrounded the poppy seed bun. I finished the fries first that I felt were overdone. The hot dog was normal size with a good snap to the frank. The neon green relish was unique as the bright color stood out. For a hot dog and a measly amount of fries, the cost felt high in my opinion. That being said, I didn't try a similar combo at any other spots around town for comparison. The vanilla milkshake was thick and creamy and the best part of my order. I gave a three star rating for my dining experience at Superdawg.

    Photos
    Superdawg Drive-In - Maurie and Flaurie

    Maurie and Flaurie

    Superdawg Drive-In - Cheese burger

    Cheese burger

    Superdawg Drive-In - SuperDawg. (keepsmilingphoto.com)

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    SuperDawg. (keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Gene’s & Jude's - Single w/ extra mustard

    Gene’s & Jude's

    4.2(2.7k reviews)
    10.4 mi
    •$

    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!

    Photos
    Gene’s & Jude's - The inside of the restaurant

    The inside of the restaurant

    Gene’s & Jude's - Single Hot dog/with Fries

    Single Hot dog/with Fries

    Gene’s & Jude's - Nov 2025.

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    Nov 2025.

    Devil Dawgs -  South State

    Devil Dawgs - South State

    4.0(1.1k reviews)
    4.1 mi•South Loop
    •$
    Locally owned & operated
    Vegan friendly

    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!

    You order at a kiosk which it's the way of the world right? Got through it though. Had the Chicago…read moredog, tots and a shake. Pretty good food! Tasted fresh. You can sit and eat there, it's cool decor, hipster style and vibes. The reason I gave it a 3 is because there's no bathroom:( that was insane to us ladies who had to go. Really a bummer:(

    Photos
    Devil Dawgs -  South State
    Devil Dawgs -  South State
    Devil Dawgs -  South State

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    Fatso's Last Stand - Char dog, depression style, fries, side of Merkts cheddar sauce.

    Fatso's Last Stand

    4.1(992 reviews)
    3.1 mi•Ukrainian Village, West Town
    •$$

    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.

    Photos
    Fatso's Last Stand
    Fatso's Last Stand - Merkts Cheddar.

    Merkts Cheddar.

    Fatso's Last Stand - Double Fatso with Cheese + Fries

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    Double Fatso with Cheese + Fries

    Byron's Hot Dog - Double Cheeseburger with everything

    Byron's Hot Dog

    4.0(341 reviews)
    1.8 mi•Wrigleyville, Lakeview
    •$

    As a world-famous hot dog sculptor and reviewer, I have sampled dogs from every corner of the…read morecivilized world. Yet somehow, I had never tried a true Chicago-style hot dog. That changed when I arrived at Byron's Hot Dogs, an old-school Chicago stand near Wrigley Field that locals and visitors consistently praise for its classic dogs, friendly service, and affordable prices. The location was warm and welcoming, and the staff patiently explained the entire process. You order at the counter, then move down the line while they build the dog to your liking. They also serve burgers, Italian beef, Polish sausages, gyros, fries, and plenty of other options, but I had come for one reason: to experience the Chicago dog in its natural habitat. Then came the great ketchup controversy. I asked for ketchup and was informed that this was a serious violation of Chicago law. Apparently, ketchup does not belong on a Chicago hot dog, and requesting it is roughly equivalent to insulting the Cubs, deep-dish pizza, and the city flag all at once. Unwilling to abandon my artistic vision, I snuck across the street and purchased a bottle. When I returned, I applied a small amount to my hot dog. The moment the ketchup touched the bun, the lights flickered and a smoky figure appeared above the counter. He introduced himself as Ketchu-Potl, ancient deity of forbidden condiments. He cursed me to spend the rest of my life receiving mustard packets whenever I ask for ketchup. Worse, every hot dog I order now arrives with one single mysteriously warm tomato slice in my pocket. Despite the curse, the hot dog was excellent. The classic toppings were fresh and flavorful, and Byron's even offers its own variation with additional lettuce, cucumber, and green pepper--essentially turning the hot dog into a salad on a bun. Byron's is a casual, no-frills spot with a welcoming atmosphere, quick service, and plenty of outdoor seating. It's also a much better value than buying a hot dog inside Wrigley Field. As a lifelong hot dog enthusiast, I'm thrilled to have finally experienced the real Chicago version. Just remember: order it with the works, skip the ketchup, and never underestimate the wrath of Ketchu-Potl.

    very good not great byron dog great veggies!…read moreactual jumbo dog in bun below average not juicy almost didnt seem fresh fries and cheese sauce below average however very good service wouldnt recommend this place

    Photos
    Byron's Hot Dog
    Byron's Hot Dog - Chicago Dog

    Chicago Dog

    Byron's Hot Dog - Inside

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    Inside

    The Wieners Circle - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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