Hot Diggity! Intro Your Kids to a Chicago Icon: Hot Dogs

The Kitschy Favorite: Gene & Judes

Since hot dogs and nostalgia go together like ketchup and judgment, enjoy them at old-school sensation Gene & Jude’s. The River Grove favorite has been around since 1946 and is often argued as having the best hot dogs in the country. The kitschy atmosphere feels preserved in time, maintaining the same rustic charm it probably possessed when it first opened. It’s rickety and frills-free, but in the most heartwarming of ways, with surly-but-lovable staffers and a bare-bones menu of hot dogs and fries. But rest assured these hot dogs and fries are exceptional.

2720 River Rd., River Grove; Online: geneandjudes.com

Best Drive-Thru: Superdawg

One of the most revered, iconic hot dog destinations not only in Chicago, but in the country at large, is Superdawg. Recognizable for its statues of hot dog characters that stand on the roof of their Norwood Park location, this spot is Americana nostalgia at its best. Pull up in a car and park by one of the intercom stations. You place your order with a staffer who shuffles to and fro the small restaurant and then indulge in your car. Just like the good old-fashioned drive-ins non-kids remember and cherish! It’s a bygone experience, made all the better by crinkle-cut fries, randomly square-shaped scoops of ice cream, and those dogs. Oh, those dogs. The signature Superdawg frankfurter arrives on a poppy seed bun with piccalilli, mustard, pickle, Spanish onions and hot peppers. Another favorite is the adorably named Whoopskidawh, a char-broiled sausage enrobed in “special” sauce with grilled onions and a pickle.

6363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Norwood Park & 333 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling; Online: superdawg.com

The Pit Stop: Fast Track

A jaunt to Fast Track captures the sensation of speeding along on a road trip, making a pitstop for affordable comfort food. The longstanding West Loop haunt stands out in the neighborhood's sea of high-end restaurants for its kitschy Americana motif and casual menu. The restaurant looks like a refurbished gas station, making it the perfect place to fuel up on all sorts of sandwiches, sides and hot dogs. There’s the standard Chicago-style hot dog made with Vienna Beef, as well as charbroiled dogs, cheddar dogs and footlongs.

629 W. Lake St., West Loop; Online: fasttrackchicago.com

The Worth-the-Drive Fave: The Dogfather

It doesn’t get any more family-friendly than The Dogfather, a Mecca of meaty decadence in far west suburban Bartlett. It's clean and inviting, outside and inside, and employees radiate friendly vibes. Grab a seat and dig into hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and gyros. The menu is focused and delicious, featuring the classic Chicago-style dog along with a cheese dog, chili dog, chili cheese dog and Polish sausage. There are kid-sized versions of the dogs, along with tantalizing sides such as fries, onion rings, tater tots and mozzarella sticks.

957 Illinois Route 59, Bartlett; Online: dogfatherhotdogs.com

Most Legendary: The Wiener's Circle

Hot-dog-buyer beware: You NEVER know what's going to be served on the side of your dog at The Wiener's Circle. But, we can promise you it will be filled with a heap of good-spirited sass. If you want a great dog and a hearty laugh, hit this spot for an unforgettable experience. One that will likely teach your kids some new words, but all in good fun. If this makes you a bit nervous, maybe save this one for an adult-only afternoon out.

Note: The Wiener's Circle is currently closed for renovations and will re-open with the addition of a new patio and cocktail and food menu this fall. But don't worry, they're maintaining some of your old culinary favorites and that good-natured banter we all love. 

2622 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: wienerscirclechicago.com

The Chicago Dogs

Continue the hot dog theme and spend a family day at the beautiful Impact Field watching The Chicago Dogs, Chicago's newest baseball team that pays homage to our favorite street food. 

9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont: Online: thechicagodogs.com

Continued Hot Dog Education

And, to help with your kid's true-Chicagoan education, here's a helpful diagram that shows a classic Chicago-style hot dog.