Just Dogs

2 Maxwell Street polishes to go, please.
(That’s my standard order for anyplace that has Vienna Beef products on the menu.)
I advise all of my native Chicagoans to get your fix of the hot dogs and polish sausages that we love and grew up on here. The owner also spoke with me and is, of course, from Chicago as well.
No place to eat inside except for a small table that may or may not be occupied when you arrive, so plan to take it to go or eat in the car. It’s worth the drive either way.

Some of my most cherished memories include the ones made on those hot summers I spent in Chicago as a kid. My step dad (Dad) was the first to introduce me to a Chicago Style Hot Dog. As a poor kid from the hills of Appalachia and Allegheny, my idea of a hot dog was a greasy Oscar Mayer wiener topped with ketchup. Sometimes we ate them cold. Sounds pretty gross, right? Believe me, it was.
When Dad took us to get a hot dog in Chicago, he played the trip up so much that we were squealing with excitement and bouncing around in that old Pinto he had. We got to our destination, and, he insisted on ordering for us. Of course we let him. We were only between the ages of 6 and 10. Who were we to argue about something we just couldn’t wait to get?
I remember when the dogs came out there was no where to sit. Everyone was standing and eating from a ledge by the window. Dad unwrapped my dog (it was wrapped in white paper), and, I just stared at it. I was completely confused. What I saw was a bun with black stuff (poppy seeds) all over it (I thought it was dirty), and, crazy things that shouldn’t be on it like cucumber (pickle), tomato, and, peppers (sport).
I started complaining. Dad encouraged me to try it. I did. I remember that day very well. It forever changed my love of the American Hot Dog. That Chi Dog I had that day was the first best thing I ever ate that summer. The second was a Gyro. But, I’ll save that for another review. All summer that summer, and, those to come, hot dogs were mine and Dad’s bonding food moments. Thanks Dad!
Today I walked into Just Dog. It is a very charming little blue and yellow building sporting the «A Taste of Chicago» slogan. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen that slogan so misused. My hopes weren’t too high. There is one round table for community dining, and, a walk up window. I took a moment and looked over the options: Italian Beef; Chi Dog; Polish; Pork Chop; Chili Dog; Kraut Dog; Slaw Dog; Cheese Dog; Bowl of Chili; Plain or Cheese Fries.
I ordered the Kraut Dog. Estelle took my order, and, when I showed her my $ 1 off with the Unilocal check in she got all excited and started calling for her daughter Jasmine. I asked if I just won something. She starts laughing and her husband Harold pops onto the scene. Estelle tells me that I am the first customer to use the Unilocal discount. I was like alright! She has Jasmine take my picture for their facebook and instagram pages.
Harold gave me a fist bump, and, began to prepare my order. Once my dog was ready, he handed it to me. I immediately notice that it was wrapped in that white paper I remember from my childhood. I got all excited again, just like I used to with Dad. The group of people sitting at the round table invited me over to eat with them. Of course I did. We socialized, and, I introduced them to Unilocal.I took out my phone and started popping pictures of my new friends.
This was one of the most touching hot dog moments I’ve had since my childhood. The customers that were there were very friendly, and, told me that they are already regulars. Just Dogs has only been opened for about three months. Trust me Dallasites, you have a true little gem in your city. If you’ve ever been to Chicago and had a authentic dog, you are gonna appreciate these guys. My dog was every bit as I remember from my childhood days. A nice all beef wiener surrounded by a steamed poppy seed bun, and, topped with kraut and mustard. Simply freaking delicious comfort food.
Harold, Estelle, and, Jasmine are super friendly, and, I wish them well here in Dallas. For the rest of my stay here in the big D, I will continue to grab a dog here. Wish I had found them sooner. Go by, expect a small little area for dining (be in take out mode), get greeted by some friendly folks, and, chow down on some dang good dogs! If you’re lucky, there will be an open seat at the round table.