Jumping into the red-hot revelry of National Hot Dog Day, Portillo’s will be slinging $1 dogs at all of its locations Wednesday. However, they’re far from the only game in town, as plenty of hot dog spots will join in on this so-called food holiday, engineered by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
To help you toast the humble wiener (and dodge the lines that are no doubt already forming outside Portillos and other spots), we’ve rounded up some of the best under-the-radar places for dogs and bizarre sausage creations in Chicagoland.
Dona Torta
Perritos Mexicanos: These little doggies are not for the faint of heart (or stomach): A crispy, mustard-daubed tortilla houses an unholy melange of hot dogs, bacon and cheese. Hard on the arteries? Probably. Delicious? Definitely. $3. 3331 W. 26th St., 773-257-0000, and 5750 N. California Ave., 773-942-7955, mydonatorta.com/home
Doore Chicken Kiosk at Assi Plaza
Korean “hot dog”: While this Korean treat bears a passing resemblance to the American corn dog, it is, in fact, an entirely different breed. Instead of corn meal, these dogs are dipped in rice batter and rolled in panko, then deep-fried to chewy, golden perfection. $2. 8901 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, 847-470-9450, www.assiplaza.net/niles.php
The Bakery at Fat Rice
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Chicago hot dog bun: The Fat Rice spin on this Chinatown classic (hot dog bao, available at many Chinese bakeries) is all about the details: The pastry (spangled with poppy seeds and celery salt, of course) is made of Portuguese sweet dough, which tastes an awful lot like a hot dog bun. The sausage is Vienna beef, dressed in all the trappings of a traditional Chicago dog. $4. 2957 W. Diversey Ave., 773-661-9170, www.eatfatrice.com
Ikea
Two hot dogs and a soda: The Scandinavian furniture giant’s Schaumburg location offers quite possibly the best meal-deal in town: Two bucks will net hungry shoppers a pair of hot dogs and a fountain drink. Do note, however, that this steal is available only at the post-checkout Ikea Bistro, not the meatballcentric cafeteria at the heart of the store. $2. 1800 E. McConnor Parkway, Schaumburg, 888-888-4532, www.ikea.com/us/en/store/Schaumburg
Rapidito Colombian Street Food
Rapidito dog: Inspired by the late-night street vendors of Colombia, Rapidito slings some seriously outlandish sausages. Their signature brat comes piled high with cheese, crushed potato chips and hard-boiled quail eggs, topped with a cocktail of condiments that includes ketchup, mustard and pineapple sauce. $5.35. 1855 W. Diversey Parkway, 773-857-3999, www.rapiditochicago.com
Rocky’s Tacos
Tortas futboleras: Known for their “gigante” tortas, many of them named for Mexican soccer stars, Rocky’s makes use of both traditional Mexican sausage (chorizo) and all-American franks (listed on the menu as “salchicha”). Some sandwiches, like the Ro-Ro-Ro, even marry the two. $7. 7043 N. Clark St., 773-274-4555, and 3111 W. Montrose Ave., 773-604-5067, www.rockystacos.com
Vienna Beef Factory Store Cafe
Hot dog special: While Vienna Beef may have moved its production plant to Bridgeport, the Factory Store and Cafe, tucked away in the Elston industrial corridor, remains one of the best under-the-radar places to score a fresh, Chicago-made frank. The hot dog special includes two dogs, fries and access to a dizzying selection of fountain drinks. Drag those dogs through the garden for about a dollar more. $7.20. 2501 N. Damen Ave., 773-278-7800, www.viennabeef.com
John Hardberger is a freelance writer.