My Forida brother had something he calls a Chicago hotdog (in Florida) and is raving about them. I googled for info and seems what he is talking about is some sort of vienna beef company Chicago hotdog.

Thought this would be a great Christmas present for him (he will be visiting us) and since husband will be traveling to Chicago 3 times in December - is there someplace to buy these things? Address, name? Does anyone know what he is talking about? Thanks.

Try the Vienna Beef website

http://www.viennabeef.com/

Here is a more direct link to the Vienna Beef Store

https://www.viennabeefstore.com/index.php?

If your husband has time (I assume he's staying downtown?), he should make the trek to Hot Doug's, on California and Belmont. The best dogs/sausages in the city, but it's a few miles from downtown.

Vienna beef hotdogs will be available in pretty much any Chicago grocery store, so you won't have to make a special trip to the Vienna Beef store unless you're curious, or want bulk.

There's a Jewel downtown at State and Grand, and a Dominicks at Grand and Fairbanks.

They also sell them at Costco (both in the refrigerated section and the food court).

Hot Doug's is great, but not a classic Chicago dog, if that's what you're looking for. It's also WAY off the beaten path for most tourists.

HTH,
Racy

Yes, Hot Doug's is probably too far for tourists. Shame; it's a great place, and it's definitely where locals go.

Hot Doug's is worth the trip.

A Chicago hot dog could also mean what you put on it, just about everything, EXCEPT ketchup.
Portillo's would be a good place for your brother to go, many locations in the Chicago area.
They also ship their hot dogs:
http://www.portillos.com/store/item....PARTMENT_ID=25

When I've seen Chicago hot dogs, they have specific toppings on them - like sport peppers, celery salt, tomatoes - things we wouldn't normally see on a hot dog.

I second the suggestion to visit a local grocery store in Chicago.

And, for what it's worth, the toppings are really what set it apart from your average hot dog.

I believe they are as follows (but someone help me out if I'm wrong):

bun
dog
tad bit of mustard
chopped onions
relish
2 half slices of tomato
celery salt
sport peppers(optional)

All that, plus a pickle spear.

I recently had one at Portillo's and it was delish! Plus they have incredible chocolate cake.

See this for mail order:
http://www.tastesofchicago.com/category/14

Thanks - now I know what to get him for Christmas.

Did you know that Vienna Beef is offering a special gift option for the Holiday this year? It's a Chicago Style Hot Dog Stand in a Box. Go to www.viennabeef.com to view the two options - one package includes everything you need for 16 Chicago Style Hot Dogs, the Ultimate pack gives you enough to make 48 Chicago Style Hot Dogs complete with a CART! Good Luck & enjoy.