Check out our meal at the iconic Chicago hot dog joint before it permanently closed in 2014.
Important Update: Hot Doug’s has permanently closed.
Hot Doug’s is closing!
The news spread like a venerable torpedo across the bow of the tube meat world. The Chicago institution, which made its name by elevating the pedestrian hot dog, would be shutting its doors for good on October 4th in 2014.
In a marvelous coincidence, we had an opportunity to be in Chicago in early June of that year. In light of the news, a visit to Chef Doug Sohn’s hot dog temple became mandatory.
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How We Got To Hot Doug’s
To get to Hot Doug’s, we hopped on the CTA blue line and rode past Wicker Park to the Belmont station on the edge of Logan Square. After a short bus ride, we then walked four long blocks to brave the line of food fans for a chance to sample Sohn’s eclectic, even somewhat eccentric, sausage creations.
As we stepped off the bus to begin the walking leg of our trip, there they were – a group of twelve young foodies directly ahead, striding casually in the same direction.
“Hurry up!” exclaimed Daryl, taking no chances that the group was headed elsewhere.
On cue, Mindi switched on the accelerator in her feet, and the 2foodtrippers jammed on the gas, performing a turbo-powered pass around the group of fledgling foodies. It reminded us of the kind of crowd dodging we did on the streets of Hong Kong when we made a mad dash for dim sum.
Passing the fanboys was a good thing too. The line was epic, and we beat them to “The Sausage Superstore” with minutes to spare.
Once we finally entered Hot Doug’s, we were welcomed by a colorful array of choices displayed on different menu boards.
The first board displayed a relatively standard menu with Chicago style hot dog and their many variations. The second board featured gourmet style dogs. The third board listed the special ‘Game of the Week” – a one-time-only sausage special.
We were intrigued by the many delicious options and our excitement built as we approached the front of the line.
After the 75 minute (we did mention that it was epic?) wait, Sohn greeted us to take our order and carefully guided us through the menu. Sohn’s presence at the counter made the visit extra special, especially since he was in no rush as he helped us make our menu choices.
Despite the seemingly never-ending line, he displayed an amazing sense of hospitality, courtesy and enthusiasm. We could sense that Sohn truly cared about his guests and his conviviality transformed the wait into a distant memory.
What We Ate At Hot Doug’s
Daryl made no bones about his choice of dog – Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel. What could have been a clumsy upscale mashup of ‘street food meets fine dining’ proved to be a magnificent combination of juicy, dessert wine-injected duck sausage topped with generous slices of creamy, decadent foie gras. The delicious dog’s $10 dollar price was a bargain in our book.
Capsaicin-crazed Mindi opted for a Spicy Cheese-Stuffed Pork Sausage with Sweet Devil’s Mustard and Cheese-Stuffed Hot Peppers. This gourmet dog did not disappoint, as each bite delivered a scorchingly spicy burst of flavor. Normally $8 for a hot dog would be expensive, but not for this complex, savory sandwich.
We also ordered a small order of fries ($2) and a charred chi dog ($2.50) to share and round out our Hot Doug’s experience, plus some soda to wash it all down.
Was ordering three monstrous dogs gluttonous? Not really.
Many people sitting near us were eating two or three dogs each. Some were clearly tourists, but most appeared to be regulars satisfying their Hot Doug’s fix and the opportunity to eat as much as possible before the end of the Hot Doug’s era.
Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Hot Doug’s. It was so good that we now have a new barometer for judging hot dogs and sausage sandwiches. In the future, we will likely say “yeah, but is it as good as Hot Doug’s?” after we bite into a frank that we like.
Final Thoughts On Hot Doug’s
When we left Hot Doug’s at almost 4:00 (a/k/a closing time), there was still a long line of people waiting their turn at the ultimate hot dog. Our leaving was bittersweet, as it wasn’t likely that we’d be back in Chicago before October 4th.
During the 2.7 mile walk to Wicker Park, we chose to focus on the positive – it’s better to have eaten the best hot dogs once than to have never eaten them at all.
Hot Doug’s was located at 3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States. The iconic hot dog restaurant is now permanently closed.
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About The Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
Original Publication Date: June 19, 2014
Lance
Saturday 5th of July 2014
I'm going there in a few weeks. Can't wait!
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saturday 5th of July 2014
You will love it. Enjoy!
Lisa
Saturday 28th of June 2014
Awesome. Looks like you guys made some excellent choices. That's always the hardest part for me. I need to get back there at least once before closing. And Doug has always been sitting there every time I've been. I can't imagine all the wonderful comments he's getting now. Must feel amazing. Check out Eater Chicago for a couple great interviews with him about the closing. It's like it's just 'run its course' for Doug. Almost like a good show, he doesn't want to "jump the shark." I admire him for this decision and just moving on in life!
Keith
Saturday 28th of June 2014
Great write up Daryl! At least you will still have Hot Diggity ;)
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saturday 28th of June 2014
We love Hot Diggity! Best hot dogs in Philadelphia!
Nick
Wednesday 25th of June 2014
I can't believe they're closing! It's one of most popular places in the city. I've been there a few times and always loved their dogs. I might have to see if I can find a reason to swing back up to Chicago before the end of the summer.
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Wednesday 25th of June 2014
Yep, it's crazy!
Francesca
Wednesday 25th of June 2014
I'm a bad Chicagoan. I've never been to Hot Doug's. And I feel real sadness because of it. I'm glad you got to experience it, though!
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Wednesday 25th of June 2014
You still have two months to get there. Let us know how you like Hot Doug's when you go.