Relish new, old hot dog stands this summer
Gas prices haven't been so prohibitive this summer as to curtail the simple pleasure of cruising, that great American pastime that involves hopping in your car and motoring wherever the mood, and the road, takes you.
Regardless of your destination, hitting the road offers the chance to enjoy a quintessential taste of summer - the hot dog - in all sorts of charming, quirky locales.
A number of fantastic, family-owned hot dog stands sit roadside ready to serve up Chicago-style dogs, sizzling plates of french fries and refreshing fizzy sodas. So relax, take the back roads and amble in to one of these places.
Dog 'n Suds Drive-In517 Washington St., Ingleside/Fox Lake(847) 587-6808, dognsudsdrivein.comThis authentic drive-in has been serving Lake County for 43 years, drawing people from across Illinois to its classic car gatherings and retro music nights.Unlike some locations, this spot (a remnant of the one-time chain) still mixes its famous root beer from scratch, serving real draft root beer in frosty mugs. The stand shuts down from mid-October to mid-March, so don't delay.Top dog: $2.25 for a boiled Chicago Red Hot served with onions and the trademark Coney sauceAlso: Texas Burger, two 1/3-pound patties served with the spicy Coney sauce, cheese and lettuce.Happy House Hot Dogs140 E. Roosevelt Road, West Chicago(630) 231-8989, friend on facebook.comCustomers walking into this tiny A-frame (reportedly an early Portillo's) find a compact kitchen and stand-up counter; a few outside tables provide relief for those who prefer to eat sitting down.Owner Jan Ronzheimer has run the stand since 1974.Top dog: $2 for a boiled, all-beef Vienna dog.Also: Crinkle-cut fries smothered with chili and cheese keep 'em coming backMickey's Drive-In105 W. St. Charles Road, Villa Park(630) 530-8160In 2009, its 30th operating year, Mickey's was inducted into the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame. Its sister spot in Bellwood has been going 50-plus years.It looks like a drive-in (it's a former AW), but you have to go in and order.Top dog: $4.19 for the daily special, two Vienna Beef hot dogs and friesAlso: Owner Annette Martens says the sloppy Joe should not be missed; she's a bit biased as it's her mother's recipe.Scott Dogs895 E. Grand Ave Ave., Lake Villa(630) 356-6600, scottdogs.comThe menu here goes much deeper than dogs, but then what do you expect when there's a culinary school graduate (Scott Kac) in the kitchen.This 5#189;-year-old spot keeps things interesting with table-service and white linens for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, and sit-down Sunday morning breakfasts.Top dog: $5 weekday lunch special, two Vienna Beef dogs and friesAlso: It's a toss up between the bacon-wrapped, fried dog smothered with cheddar sauce and grilled onions and the beer batter-dipped dog (also fried) topped with mustard and homemade slaw.Superdawg Drive-in333 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling(847) 459-1900, superdawg.comThe Northwest suburban outpost of this iconic Chi-town drive-in is attracting followers new and old for its secret-recipe sausages.Carhops shuttle food to your vehicle, or to a handful of picnic tables that overlook woods and a grassy expanse.Top dog: $4.95 for a Superdawg with all the fixin's and fresh-cut fries Also: Whoopskidawg, a Polish sausage-esque sandwich served on a fresh-baked roll with grilled onions and a pickle.True20001657Dog 'n Suds has been serving Lake County for more than 40 years.Daily Herald file photoTrue