I've read that Gold Coast Hot Dogs is the place to eat hot dogs in Chicago. Ann Landers wrote that her favorite hot dog place in Chicago is Portillo's. Because I've never eaten a hot dog in Chicago, I'm looking for recommendations. Thanks!

Gold Coast and Portillos are both good I would also recommend Demon Dogs.

Alfreda, you've done it again -- awakened old memories of my former life in Chicago. Beyond hot dogs -- 'way far beyond -- is to tuck into one of the Berghoff's gigantic smoked thuringer sausages, slathered in brown mustard, served on a steamed bun with a huge slice of dill pickle on the side. Combined with a stein of beer (light or dark), you have a meal fit for a king! The Berghoff is on Adams just west of State in the heart of Loop. Once upon a time, they had a bar for men only -- where real men ate this and other culinary delights standing up. Of course, for the true aficianados, there were little pots of freshly-ground horseradish at each of these chest-high tables. This stuff would bring tears to the eyes of anyone! My father first took me there about 1938 -- and I kept going there for 45 years.

I agree that both Portillo's and Gold Coast are great. I think Gold Coast is a little more Chicago style. The best best hot dog meal would be a Gold Coast hot dog with Boardwalk fries and an A and W root beer.

If your a beef lover, a good place to try would be MR. BEEF in Chicago's loop. Often visited by celebirties such as Jay Lenno, you can get a great Italian beef sandwich at Mr. Beef. i'm sure they serve hotdogs too.

Both are good. I eat at Portillos alot. It's one of my favorite places. I've never had their hot dogs, only their cheeseburgers. Their cheeseburgers are very great. I've only eaten at Gold Coast once (too far from home) but it was very good. If I remember correctly, I think Gold Coast grills their hot dogs. Grilling is better tasting, I think.

My personal favorite is Byrons. One on the
Cub's Park Property on the Clark street side

Chicago style hotdogs made by Vienna, the meat they put into the dog actually makes it snap when you bite into it. it's very good beef.
You can get Chicago hotdogs right off of the street vendor's in Chicago.
More and more sport's bars throughout the US are starting to offer Chicago style Hotdogs. no ketchup it takes the taste of the hotdog away, and don't forget the poppyseed bun!
Enjoy.

1st stop on return trips to Chicago are either Portillo's for hotdogs; or Buona Beef for Italian sausage or Italian beef sandwich!! Enjoy.

When we lived in Chicago 10 years ago there was a place called "Wolfy's"????? on either Broadway or Ridge Ave. almost to Evanston. The thing that makes the Chicago hot dog is yes, the lack of ketchup, but what about the neon green relish, the poppyseed bun and the peppers. Mustard's Last Stand near NWU football stadium in Evanston is good also----although suburban so most of you wouldn't get there, preferring the Gold Coast--------Can you believe that I once suggested that an Italian beef sandwich was comparable to a Philly cheesesteak and they jumped on me on this post??? Come on, Chicago, it's the hot dogs and the Italian beef that makes that city great!!! I know that they are Vienna beef hot dogs but where in the world do they fiind that green relish???? I'd give anything to have one in front of me right now!! You who live in the Windy City suffer through the winter, but you do have great hot dogs, pizza and Italian beef----we don't here in CA!

If you're in the Lincoln Park area, try The Wiener Circle, located at 2622 N. Clark.

True Chicago dog - poppy seed bun, kosher hot dog(Vienna) , neon green relish, onions, tomatoes,slice of kosher pickle, hot peepers, mustard, celery salt - NO KETCHUP!!! If you are just in the city andy of the mentioned stands will fir the bill. Probably Gold Coast is the most authentic. If you get to the suburbs - Golda's on Roosevelt Road in Maywood has the best dogs and the French fries are to die for with Kosher coarse salt. I have been disappointed withPortillos lately - they have gotten too many chains and I think the quality is down.