I Want to Eat at Hot Doug's: Encased Meat Emporium

I love when K and I go to the Chicago-area: he's a native so he knows where everything is, and we have tons of family up there to visit. On our trips there, we've gotten to experience some amazing food in the city: Bistro 110, Carmine's Rosebud, The Melting Pot, Uno's Pizzaria, and one particular favorite, Hot Doug's: The Encased Meat Emporium. Hot Doug's is special and revered for taking the famous Chicago-style hot dog and turning it into a delicious work of art. The menu not only offers your very basic traditional coney dogs, but a wide selection of gourmet dogs that changes every week. In the mood for some wild game? Try the very tasty Elk, Venison, Antelope, and Bison Dog with Boursin Cheese and Spicy Mustard. Something more exotic perhaps? Taste the Spicy Jerk Pork Sausage with Passion Fruit Mayonnaise and Emmental Cheese or Cranberry Walnut Chicken Sausage with Sweet Berry Cherry Sauce and Cranberry White Cheddar Cheese. They may sound strange, but I promise that they are all yummy, and only require a sense of adventure to be enjoyed.

Hot Doug's is located on 3324 North California, 60618. If you don't care to wait in line for 30-45 minutes (the line can wrap around the small store most days), then call ahead with your order at (773) 279-9550. A word of advice: Be decisive and know what you want when you get the counter. You will be heckled for dithering! http://www.hotdougs.com/