Russell’s sandwiches were excellent about 20+ years ago, when they used to marinate the beef in the sauce and served the sandwiches hot. Now they seem to serve cold sandwiches (not marinated) with fat interspersed throughout. I believe that ownership has changed hands a couple of times throught the last couple of decades. I’m surprised that they are still open, and seem to still have crowds there.

I do like the Pup as well. Try the Oreo shakes in addition to the burgers and dogs.

I would buy a tub of KC Masterpiece bbq before i’d eat at Russels. I’ve never had their ribs but their pork and beef sandwiches are disgusting. Gene and Judes must be a seasonal place because when i used to pick up wife in Rosemont at the Blue Line in the winter they were closed- maybe redecorating? We did find Paradise Pup on River Rd in Des Plaines has a mighty tasty Cheddar Charburger! They also have this french fry thing that has cheddar and sour cream dumped all over it. I live five minutes fom a Russells and i don’t recommend.[:0]

Hey ChicagoStyleDog, I sell an all beef frank, a Jumbo, and a ragun Cajun, But my biggest seller is my all beef frank.
Cowboy Bob’s Texas Weiners

Russell’s BBQ is still on Thatcher, and it has changed little (thank goodness) since "The Old Days". Although it’s not what I would refer to as "gourmet" BBQ, the beef and pork sandwiches are pretty darn good. I haven’t tried the ribs, but from the amount of orders which travel past me while I’m eating, they must also have merit. For the past few months Russells has been running ads in the Chicago newspapers touting a milestone anniversary (40th perhaps?). My only question would be how do the people who live in the condos next door survive the smell of BBQ 24/7 without going insane???

Yes, Gene and Judes is the best hot dog in Chicago (and hence the best hot dog in the world).

A primer on Chicago hot dogs can be found here:

http://vitalinformation.blogspot.com/2004_02_22_vitalinformation_archive.html#107757203676818217

Within this primer is a report I have done on Gene and Judes.

FYI (chicagostyledog) and others.

I just searched the Yellow Pages on the Net and found both Russels BBQ (Thatcher and North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL) and Gene and Jude’s (River Grove).

Both appear to be ALIVE and WELL today!

Don

Sweet peppers are usually quartered green bell peppers, roasted, and put into a beef stock with herbs (like basil) and whatever else you have on the spice rack. You would have them with Beef Sandwiches, layered on top, and if you want to, dip the buns into the juice to make them as "wet" as you want. Gotta roast em to get the sweetness!

Sport Peppers are the small green (about one to two inches long) that you can find in jars at the market. Slip two or three into a Hot Dog. They are a bit "crunchy" and have a bit of "heat" associated with them (depends on the brand).

Hope this helps. I would guess there are many ways to make the "Sweet" peppers but this is my favorite way.

Don

Inquiring minds want to know the difference between sweet peppers and sport peppers.

Are sport peppers what you get from a vendor at a football game or what?

[:D]
Wally

Hey, Chicagostyledog, I think Russels is still there. The last time I stopped in was about 6 or 7 years ago when I still lived in the Chicago area. I think that place has to be 50 years old, at least. I remember going there in the 50’s and 60’s both with my parents and also as a teen.

I always alternated between their great BBQ Pork Sandwiches and the the slab ribs along with a nice cold beer! Ahhhh. [:)] Next time I am back there on business I will have to check it out! If you hear they are still open, let me know. I’ll do some checking also.

Don

Wow! Never thought I would see this place on Raodfood but it got here! I lived in Elmwood park for quite a few years and spent my lunch hours there at least two days a week. I also remember that they used to peel the potatoes in the back and load up a shopping cart with them. Great fries and the dogs were perfect!

Yea, all they had was a counter inside but I used to go out and sit in the car and eat em while listening to Rushbo.

Hey, as long as we are on the subject, my other favorite place was Luke’s on Harlem just south of Addison. Grand Dog was not bad (Grand Avenue west of Harlem) but the best thing there was their beef sandwiches.

I would almost trade my Chritmas Prime Rib for a few dogs, greesy fries, tamales and yes, a POP! Don’t see them here in Denver much except a place called "Chicago" on Colfax. Miss em!

Have a great Holiday all!

Don

I used to go there an awful lot because I was at The Thirtsy Whale an awful lot,they were ok,but after living out of state for 3 years all I can think about is Jimmy’s!

I absolutly love this place! Best damn hot dog in Chicago. And probably the best fries in the universe!
I miss the Thirsty Whale though…

My kids and I love Gene & Jude’s. A double dog with fries is just $2.20, and extra fries (a huge order) are just $1. A restaurant can’t be any simpler, and I like the no-frills atmosphere.

I love that place. But, those are "Sport Peppers" not sweet peppers.

you should try M and H grill in winetka. 966 greenbay rd. one of those places that have been there for 30 years…. unfortunatly it will be closing soon. Best fries that you will ever have