Rubber Dog vs. Char Dog

Last year in February 2011, Serious Eats named Gene and Jude's Red Hot Stand as the location for the best hot dog in America. This "iconic" little shack that was founded in 1946 and located in the middle of an O'Hare suburb went up against "Aqui con El Nene in Tuscon Arizona, and made it the Huffington Post's Top Ten Tastiest Wieners in the Windy City. 

I'm sure if you're a typical tourist, or Chicagoan who has yet to step outside the world of Gene and Jude's, you'll agree that this rubber log of pork accompanied by a soggy plain bun topped with mustard, onions and sports peppers before its stuffed with greasy french fries is a decadent treat. However, if you're looking for a real Chicago hot dog, you need to get down to the Wiener Circle in Lincoln Park. The natural-casing dogs are delicious and when they're charred it's even better. These hot dogs, unlike Gene and Jude's feature all 8 requirements of a true Chicago dog. The pillow-like poppy seed bun, mustard, fresh tomato, onions, relish, pickle, sports peppers and celery salt grace this master piece and all the flavors pop in your mouth once that hot dog snaps. 

But people just don't come here for the hot dog. If you hit up the Wiener Circle after hours, (between one and five A.M.) you'll get to meet Poochie. A heavy-set black woman who will cuss you out until your ready to order. Some time in the 90s, she called a distracted (drunk) customer an asshole in order to get his attention and the abusive language has been carried out ever since.

If you have a sense of humor and any taste buds what-so-ever. You'll run for the Wiener Circle before you even consider heading to Gene and Jude's.