The Wiener’s Circle

Ate here on our way to Wrigley. Best dog I’ve had. So carefully assembled, perfect fries, superbly nice staff. Love this place!

Sometimes you just need a good hot dog, and that time is all the time. Simple, no frills, and delicious. You get a choice between a steamed or a charred hotdog and they also have cheddar burgers and fries. Everything is a la cart but does come with a side of fun sass from the workers. All around a great stop if you’re looking for something quick and casual

Great service and great char polish dogs. Get everything on it and enjoy this Chicago treat!

I stopped into The Weiner’s Circle on a Saturday for lunch and had a fantastic lunch!
Décor: This little hole-​in-​the-​wall is not much to look at but that is also part of its charm. Places like this, small hot dog shops that do one thing and one thing good, are what make Chicago great. And this is one of the greats. There are two small ordering windows, a no-​frills menu, and selected seating options («counter/​window» seats inside and picnic tables outside). It isn’t particularly a clean place but, again, that is part of its charm! A little gem like this just wouldn’t be the same if it was all shined up and looking brand new.
Bathroom: doubt it
Staff: The reputation of this place certainly precedes itself but I didn’t get any sass from the staff at all. In fact, the order ladies were very nice and even rather friendly.
Food: I had a very hard time choosing from the menu but ended up getting a Double Chicago-​style Char Dog (oh man, SO GOOD! The Char Dog is the way to go!), a burger (very solid), and a fry (WOW! OUTSTANDING! This is how I like my fries: a whole potato, fry-​cut, with skin on the tips). Seriously, I cannot say this enough… this is great Chicago food.
Value: The prices are a bit more than I would’ve like but I guess you’re paying for a bit of the notoriety and the location.
I am a huge fan of this spot and already cannot wait to come back again (and bring friends!). LOVED IT!

Perfect example of how you don’t need fancy, expensive foods to be 5 stars. Sometimes you just need some simple comfort food!
You want a classic Chicago Dog accompanied by the Chicago style of life, then this place is for you! I didn’t feel like I was in Chicago until we stopped in here.
Basic menu, hot dogs and burgers. You can opt for a veggie burger but we went with the classic Polish Grilled Dog with mustard, relish, tomatoes, and a large slice of pickle. This was all on a sesame hot dog bun.
We didn’t get any fries but maybe we should have since they looked amazing (topped with chili and cheese), plus the hot dogs were a bit small. Now I see why people were ordering 2 dog or going for the double where they put 2 hot dogs in a single bun. Next time!
This is a little hole in the wall amidst a part of the city that had a lot of cute restaurants. Had we not had evening plans we would have definitely hit this area of town again for dinner. Again, next time!

First visit to the Wieners Circle and it was everything I had hoped. We showed up at about 930 on a Wednesday night and it was empty ordered a cheddar char dog and fries and both were delicious. It was absolutely the best Chicago dog I had during my visit.
I was visiting Chicago with a friend from Japan and the woman working the counter did a great job of introducing her to the Wieners Circle «Employee Attitude». We were dying laughing. Afterwards she let my friend rum back to the kitchen for a quick photo op. It was absolutely the high point of our trip.
I was pleasantly surprised with how amazing the food was. This place is definitely not just a gimmick stop where people go jusy to be insulted, they absolutely know the secrets to a perfect Chicago style dog as well. Already looking forward to going back again next time.

***Chicago is full of authentic and delicious restaurants that perfectly reflect the city’s cuisine and vibe and The Wiener’s Circle is definitely one of them; their Chicago style hot dog is a dish I experience and enjoy on all of my visits to the city***
Like other big cities, Chicago has its share of food that it is known for like deep dish pizza and Garrett popcorn. The city is, of course, also known for Chicago style hot dogs, which consist of an all beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun that is then topped with a heaping of cool ingredients like alien green relish, raw onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, celery salt, mustard, and sport peppers. I have not tried too many versions of this Chicago street food staple (Wrigley Field produces a fairly good one), but I think I will have a hard time finding a better version than what you get at The Wiener’s Circle.
This Chicago dog perfectly combines the hot from the charred frank and the cool from the toppings. The toppings are fresh and with their acidity and sharpness, they perfectly contrast the savory and beefy hot dog. The sport peppers are a real winner here because they do not just provide heat, they provide a great bite and contrast in texture.
The real differentiator here is the hot dog though. It is a perfect combination of quality ingredients and skill on the grill to deliver a frank that is beefy, juicy and smoky but also with a great snap. The center of the hot dog has a great flavor. Often with hot dogs, you get an off putting flavor or a bad aftertaste that lingers long after you consumed the frank. But the flavor here was meaty and still clean. The snap on the hot dog was great too. You can hear the snap of the casing with each bite and it provided a great contrast in texture to both the juicy center of the hot dog and the soft bun.
The final great touch was the char. They blister the hot dog on the grill to give it a smoky flavor and enhance the snap of the casing. What is great too is how the heavy charring does not sacrifice the juicy center.
Their French fries are the kind of strong in flavor and skin on fries that are popular at carnivals – the kind of perfect fries that go well with salt and vinegar. They are making fries constantly, but they will re-​drop them to bring the right amount of hotness and crispiness. I think you can skip the cheddar sauce, which I felt was too thick.
In addition to the high quality char dog here, prices are not too bad and the service is authentic and friendly. The woman manager /​cashier will banter with the guy on the grill as she makes sure he is delivering the food quickly and at the high standards set here. It is the type of real banter that only comes from two people who have known each other and worked with each other a long time and simultaneously enjoy each other’s company while also being all too aware of their little annoying habits.
The staff’s friendly and fun (but always courteous) service and style can be easily seen in the internet photos such as when The Wiener’s Circle transformed into McDowell’s in terms of exterior, staff outfits and even menu on Halloween (a playful nod to Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America and made even more humorous by the fact that there is an actual McDonald’s across the street). There was also their recent limited time introduction of the Trump foot long that was big in its proclamations though coming up a little bit short in size.
I have felt popular street food eateries often fail to live up to their lofty reputations. The Wiener’s Circle though is the exception. The flavor is always excellent and it is also remarkably consistent. Throw in its only in Chicago menu and fun and enjoyable service and it is a must visit if you ever find yourself in Chicago.
Chicago is a hard place to park, but The Wiener’s Circle is in a more residential area and there is a parking structure nearby. You can also get to The Wiener’s Circle via the CTA on the Brown Line at the Diversey stop.

This place is hilarious. I sometimes like to take people here without telling them what they’re in for (maybe that means I’m an asshole). Their reactions are priceless! Good time all around.
It’s good for a late night snack/​tide over meal. They even have a char veggie burger for the vegetarians (not sure if it’s vegan — I doubt it).

Day 212: The Wiener’s Circle: A decade from now, I think it’s going to be difficult to explain why I tried The Wiener’s Circle on this particular day: «Well, there was this man running for President named Donald Trump. One of his opponents implied that his small hands meant that he had a small penis. Mr. Trump responded that the size of his penis was absolutely fine. For the next 72 hours, the discourse of national politics was literally a dick-​measuring contest. Talk of Donald Trump’s penis had just about died down when it was announced that he would be holding a rally in Chicago, and lord knows the Encased Meats Capital of the World wasn’t just going to let that rest. So The Wiener’s Circle announced that they would be selling a foot-​long Trump Dog that was, in actuality, only three inches long. And most of the news outlets that had previously harrumphed over the state of politics immediately launched on to the promotion. Because no matter how above it all you pretend to be, who doesn’t love a good wiener joke?»
I, of course, am not above it all. And so we went to The Wiener’s Circle to see how they were making America great again. I have to say, I was impressed with their commitment to the concept: there were all manner of mocking posters and puns, including Illma Gore’s famed nude Trump portrait dominating the right wall. I don’t know if it necessarily made me more hungry, but it was still high comedy. In any case, we were one of the first in there that day, and got our Trump dogs in high spirits.
The food was, well, perfectly fine. They say it doesn’t matter if Chicago Dogs are steamed or grilled, but believe me, the char on the meat really makes a difference to the final product. Sport peppers had better be glad their agent somehow got them the Chicago Dog gig, because I can’t really see eating them in any other situation. Still, the quality of the food probably blurred the whole political message, as I left probably feeling more positively inclined to Trump than when I walked in hot dog-​less. It is, after all, not the size of the meat that matters, but how you use it.

Came in for a famous char dog. Absolutely delish.
They were nice .no insults. Good bye Queen Latifah, see you next time .
Stop by here well worth it.

My number one drunk grub spot! Great dogs and bomb cheese fries! Ive never got anything else because it’s so good. Now I was intoxicated so this is only rated for the boozers. If your not careful they will cuss your head off. No other place like this in Chicago.

Rinky dink little hotdog stand with «personality». I’ve been here a few times… 2am after a night of partying this place get’s really crowded and crazy. The women that work here can be vicious if they choose. They’re so quick witted they should join the improv.
You may even be at their mercy on the food items you want to order. Bring your sense of humor and take it in stride.
I was also here earlier in the evening and the women were nice. We were wondering why they didn’t insult us.
Our last visit I had a cheddar burger with grilled onions… One of the Best Burgers I’ve ever had in my life and I love burgers!

Decided that 5am was a great time to feed my drunken hunger demon and that I was craving something so bad and so good. I wish I had eaten McDonalds instead. Decisions made at 5am should be vetoed by any decent human being surrounding the decision maker. Maybe my partner in crime deserves a one star then. (Eyes wide open emoji) Curious about the hype, we wandered into this Chicago spot and in between the arguing between patrons and the woman working behind the counter (common occurrence and rather entertaining), I ordered a chili dog and cheese fries. The hotdog was charred on both ends (inedible), covered in chili that wasn’t half bad ontop of a bun that clearly couldn’t hold its weight. The fries were a bit soggy and covered with something worse than EZ cheese plopped ontop. Grainy, thick, unsure if this ever came out of a cow… Ever. (please be intoxicated when trying this). My stomach paid for this experience for the next 36 hours.

Pretty good dogs! Stopped by with mum and we shared the spicy one. The lady at the counter was super quick and nice too. The dog was juicy and I got it with everything so it was a filling snack. Come here in the summer to sit outside and people watch.

You’re drunk, need greasy food at 4 am and want to get degraded by women?
You picked the right place.
Food is above average.

How does one manage to mess up cheese fries?!
I came here for the experience and the delicious cheese fries everyone raved about. I got none of those. The staff didn’t do or say anything any regular food place wouldn’t do. Their cheeseburgers weren’t that good. The cheese on the fries tasted really bad (even for fake cheese which I’ve had before) I had to find the ones not covered in cheese and drown them in ketchup to redeem my taste buds from destruction. The fries were pretty good on its own. My tummy hurts so bad from the food and as a tourist, I was very disappointed as I really anticipated the experience.

Legit!
They weren’t so snarky to me though. Unless addressing someone as «Anne Hathaway» is an insult.
Damn good dog, quite a good deal. They can call me what they want.

I enjoy a Chicago hot dog, but what I can’t understand is the idea that a steamed dog tastes better than a char dog. There is nothing like a hot dog when it snaps and has that hard crunch on the outside and that explosion of juice flies into your mouth. Very few places still char their dogs.
Thankfully, there’s the Wiener Circle. I got a double char dog and was incredibly impressed with both the crunch and juice of the dog. Good quality toppings. The fries are fresh cut and are cooked perfectly, though I could use a little salt and pepper. One star off for having Pepsi on tap and not Coke.

Got to love this place. Me and my girlfriend went here in 2014. Great memory! I look forward to returning to see the homage paid to McDowell’s, and can’t wait to see what else Wiener’s Circle has planned.

Weiner Circle never fails in the entertainment department. As always, my visit was after 3am. That is when Chicago’s classiest choose to dine. Those behind the counter were courteous and polite. They greeted my out of town friend with the cheeriest hello and shake! ;)
As for food, we devoured our char dogs with all the toppings (i.e., a chicago dog). It was tasty and toppings were fresh. But then again it’s 3 am and a stack of crackers would have been good to me. Fries were hot and there was more than enough for two of us.

If I wanted a Chicago Dog, I had to go to this place for the FULL experience!
Warning** late nights on weekends will provide a entertainment!
Unfortunately, I went on a Wednesday and thought I wasn’t going to be entertained… luck was on my side that night and entertainment came knocking on the door!
Ever person who walked in after my friend and I got a tease of what the weekends were like and I had fun observing the crowd! The employees are straight assholes but weekdays they tone it down to just assholes hahah
The icing on the cake occurred as we were finishing up our chardogs and fries, as three boys rolled up and ordered a chocolate milkshake… now that right there is the FULL experience.
Food was GREAT. but service is what MADE the meal.

I don’t even know how to begin this review. Everything about Weiner Circle is terrible and just… wrong, both from a culinary (ugh, can I use this word in this context) and social standpoint.
I live right by the Weiner Circle. In fact, I can see it from my balcony. I don’t eat meat, so I’d never been nor wanted to go, but as some friends and I stood on the porch late on Friday night, slightly intoxicated, somehow going there became an appealing idea.
We got there, and it was pretty empty despite being 12 am on Friday. Someone has mentioned that they have good $ 20 shakes, but when we get there, it’s blatently apparent the «shake» is not a blended ice cream beverage. For one, it’s written on the tip jar and not on the menu board. Having a shred of common sense, I warn my friend. But she is already set on the milkshake. Sigh.
Friend #1 orders a burger and fries. Friend #2 orders a hot dog and a shake. «A chocolate shake?» The cashier says. «Yeah!» says my clearly naïve, hungry friend.
None of us were prepared for what happened next.
Banging, flickering lights, singing to the tune of «Shots» by LMFAO and all of a sudden one of the line cooks is dancing emotionlessly back and forth with her shirt up and breasts out. Right there in the window. For all to see.
Why does shit like this exist in 2015? Why do the affluent, white young professionals who live in Lincoln Park and come here when wasted on the weekend think this is funny and acceptable? Why didn’t the staff, who clearly saw my friend had no clue what the shake was, say something or, honestly, just take the $ 20 and end it there. That would have been a far more preferable outcome, honestly.
I have nothing against boobs. But this is not some statement on sexual freedom or freedom of expression or respecting women’s bodies. These women (appeared to at least) get 0 pleasure from this weird show.
The reminder of America’s systemic racism and love of shitty, unhealthy, flavorless food is completely appalling. I am ashamed and repulsed this place is considered a neighborhood staple.

***The char dog Chicago style at Wiener’s Circle is very good because all of the vegetable toppings are surprisingly fresh for what is essentially a fast food spot and the frankfurter itself has a good flavor, is juicy and is exceptionally grilled by the kitchen to deliver a crispy, smoky crust***
Though I have been to Chicago many times, I have only had a Chicago Dog once. It was at Wrigley Field and it was very good – one of the best stadium hot dogs I have ever had. But hot dogs and baseball games go together so maybe I remember it being a lot better than it actually was. On my recent trip to Chicago, I was not at a baseball game and chose to have The Wiener’s Circle’s Char Dog Chicago style at their store and it was very good.
A Chicago Dog is an all-​beef hot dog served in a poppy seed bun and typically topped with the following garnishes – half moon tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, raw white onions, mustard, sport peppers, celery salt, and relish. The relish is typically a bright artificial looking green color, which is why it is often referred to as neon relish or alien relish. You can get the char dog with all of these toppings and that is exactly how I had it.
And what made this hot dog great was all those ingredients. As you can see, it is a lot of raw vegetables and they were very fresh here – surprisingly fresh for what is basically fast food. I also liked the way they prepared the onions by cutting them up in a way where they were not too big. There was a balanced serving of mustard too; it was not just thrown on haphazardly like a lot of places, which often results in an overpowering amount of mustard on the hot dog.
The other great thing about the hot dog was actually the frank itself. It had a good flavor and was juicy. It did not have that nasty aftertaste that some hot dogs have where the flavor stays on your breathe and tongue long after you have consumed it. They also cook the hot dogs on a fire grill, which is why they call them char dogs. This lends a nice smoky flavor to the hot dog as well as creates a tight, crispy skin as well as a satisfying snap with each bite.
There were not many negatives. The sport peppers were served whole and could not really be enjoyed a bite at a time like the softer skin pickle spear. Because of this, once I bit into the sport pepper, I was having the whole thing at once, which meant a fair amount of heat in a few bites as opposed to an even distribution of heat across the whole hot dog.
The bun was also too soft for all of the toppings. It was very fresh, but it just did not hold up well given all the toppings on this hot dog so it kind of fell apart and made it difficult to eat.
Service was fine and prices were reasonable. A hot dog goes around $ 4 here. It is not enough for an entire meal. You will need to order fries or something else to make this a full lunch.
I really enjoyed my first trip to Wiener’s Circle. I haven’t had too much street food across the country though I have tried a few of the deep dish pizza places in Chicago, which I have found to be okay but nothing special. I liked this hot dog more though. The hot dog itself was very good and all the vegetables and garnishes gave it a unique flavor that separated it from other hot dogs I have had across the country.
I am not sure what the parking situation is; this eatery is located just outside of the city so you might be able to find reasonably priced parking around here.

I just got back from this place.
I could barely make it to the hotel and my stomach started hurting like crazy… I’m pretty sure I got food poisoning from here. There’s nothing else I ate in the day that would have made me sick so quickly.
Ambience: This hot dog joint has its own parking lot. Other than that the entrance is like a little drive in — inside there’s room for around nine people to sit — maybe twenty to stand.
Service: The reason I know there’s a parking lot is because I called in. It was 11pm and the lady over the phone was unclear and I’m pretty sure she called me a bitch. While it’s okay to banter… She was just rude. She asked for my name and I told her over the phone. When I arrived, she told me that I shouldn’t have called, I should have just walked in, and called me a bitch again. That’s a fun impression. They got our orders wrong twice — I was given fries instead of cheese fries, and my friend received a regular hot dog instead of a cheddar dog. They kind of push to tip too, I know it may be joking but I really don’t think it’s good to tell people you’ll burn their dogs if they don’t tip.
Food: Polish Dog I ordered was meh, not amazing, pretty much just a hot dog. I also ordered the cheddar fries. Which I believe is what killed my stomach. Must’ve been a combination of it all, but overall, it wasn’t impressive at all.