A short while back when I posted a list of a dozen essential Roadfood eateries in Chicago, I was called on the carpet for not including Fat Johnnie’s. Mea culpa! No one can say they’ve had a full taste of the Windy City at its raunchy best unless they’ve chomped into a Mother-in-Law at Fat Johnnie’s.
Curiously, despite the hegemony of hot dogs (or, as they’re known hereabouts, red hots) in Chicago, the Mother-in-Law is not a hot dog. It is a tamale, a tamale nestled in a poppy-seed bun just like a hot dog and fully dressed with chili, onions, plenty of hot sport peppers, and maybe a few tomato slices and crisp cucumber slices and relish. While the tamale itself is no big deal, in concert with all the other ingredients it’s the basis of a street-food symphony.
But of course, there are hot dogs, and you can have one fully and beautifully dressed (or overdressed?) the Chicago way, or you can add one to a tamale, along with chili and cheese, creating what’s here known as a Mighty Dog.
That list of Roadfood favorites in Chicago is now a baker’s dozen.
Sunday | CLOSED |
Monday | 11am - 5pm |
Tuesday | 11am - 5pm |
Wednesday | 11am - 5pm |
Thursday | 11am - 5pm |
Friday | 11am - 5pm |
Saturday | 11am - 5pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Hoosier Mama Pie Company
Chicago, IllinoisSome of the best pies in Chicago, the Midwest — best anywhere! — are baked and served at the storefront restaurant Hoosier Mama.
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Firecakes Donuts
Chicago, IllinoisThe donut, the whole donut, and nothing but the donut. That’s what Chicago’s Firecakes is all about: some of the best donuts anywhere.
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Byron’s Dog Haus
Chicago, IllinoisPlump Polish sausages with crisp skin; succulent hot dogs dragged through the garden; fine skinny French fries: Byron’s Dog Haus is a great taste of Chicago.
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Original Rainbow Cone
Chicago, IllinoisOriginal Rainbow Cone sells American ice cream that is light-hearted and nostalgic. Get a cone with all five signature flavors.
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Fatso’s Last Stand
Chicago, IllinoisFatso’s delivers the elevated fast food experience without elevated prices. Wonderful burgers, fried shrimp and char-dogs dressed Chicago style.
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Bari
Chicago, IllinoisBari is a Chicago neighborhood bodega with legendary Italian Beef Sandwiches, Italian Subs, and house made meatballs.