5 Illinois Hot Dog Stands That’ll Be Packed On Labor Day (And 5 Hidden Chicago Eats Locals Guard)
Labor Day weekend in Illinois brings plenty of traditions, but for food lovers, nothing stands out quite like the hot dog stands with lines stretching down the block.
Chicago’s iconic style—loaded with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and that essential poppy seed bun—draws tourists from far and wide. Yet locals know the city’s food scene goes far deeper than the legendary classics.
Over the years, I’ve sampled both the famous spots that attract camera-snapping visitors and the tucked-away stands that Chicagoans guard like secrets. This guide will show you where to savor the holiday’s best bites—and maybe uncover your new favorite.
1. Portillo’s – Multiple Locations
My first Chicago hot dog experience happened at Portillo’s, and I’m still not over it! The combination of that snappy Vienna beef, neon-green relish, and sport peppers on a poppy seed bun creates flavor magic that keeps drawing crowds year after year.
During Labor Day weekend, expect every Portillo’s location to transform into hot dog headquarters. Families fresh from parades and picnics form lines that stretch through those iconic red-and-white checkered dining rooms.
Pro tip: Skip the drive-thru and head inside where the line moves faster. Their chocolate cake shake makes the perfect sidekick to your perfectly dressed dog!
2. Superdawg Drive-In – Chicago
Those giant hot dog mascots on the roof have been winking at hungry Chicagoans since 1948! Superdawg isn’t just a meal – it’s a time machine back to when carhops delivered trays to your window and every bite came with a side of nostalgia.
What makes their dogs special? They’re made from their own secret recipe and served in adorable boxes with crinkle-cut fries tucked alongside. The blue-and-white color scheme and retro vibe make this spot Instagram gold.
During holiday weekends, classic car enthusiasts often show up, turning the parking lot into an impromptu car show while everyone enjoys their Superdawgs!
3. Gene & Jude’s – River Grove
No tables, no chairs, no ketchup, no apologies! Gene & Jude’s runs by its own rules, and that’s exactly why I love it. This cash-only River Grove institution serves hot dogs topped with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers, and a handful of fresh-cut fries right on top of the dog.
The no-frills counter service hasn’t changed since opening in 1946. You’ll find construction workers alongside business executives, all standing elbow-to-elbow at the narrow counters that line the walls.
Labor Day brings epic lines, but regulars know they move quickly. Just remember their golden rule – asking for ketchup might earn you playful scorn from the staff!
4. The Wiener’s Circle – Chicago (Lincoln Park)
Famous for both their char-grilled dogs and the, um, colorful banter between staff and late-night customers! During daylight hours, The Wiener’s Circle in Lincoln Park serves up some of the best char dogs in the city without the notorious verbal fireworks.
Their char-cheddar burger deserves equal billing with the hot dogs – that perfect crust from the flat-top grill creates flavor that haunts my dreams. The recent renovation added a bar and patio while preserving the soul of this Chicago legend.
Labor Day brings families during the day and revelers at night. My suggestion? Visit around sunset to experience the Jekyll and Hyde transformation of this iconic spot!
5. Byron’s Hot Dogs – Chicago
President Obama’s favorite Chicago dog spot! Byron’s serves their Vienna beef dogs on steamed poppy seed buns with not just the standard “magnificent seven” toppings, but with the option to pile on extras like bacon, cheese, or cucumbers.
The vintage wood-paneled walls and hand-painted menus transport you straight back to 1975. What separates Byron’s from the pack is their extra-large hot dogs – the jumbo and super jumbo sizes satisfy even the most serious hunger.
My favorite Byron’s memory? Watching a tourist’s eyes widen at the sight of that fully loaded Chicago dog, trying to figure out how to take the first bite without wearing half the toppings!
6. Jim’s Original – Maxwell Street Polish, Chicago
The birthplace of the Maxwell Street Polish sausage! Jim’s Original has been serving their signature creation – a grilled Polish sausage topped with mustard, grilled onions, and sport peppers – 24 hours a day since 1939.
Relocated from its original Maxwell Street location, this humble stand continues the tradition with a simple counter and no seating. The smell hits you a block away – that intoxicating mix of grilling meat and caramelizing onions that’s impossible to resist.
Locals know to ask for their Polish “with everything” and to grab extra napkins. The free fries with every sandwich make this spot not just delicious but one of the best values in Chicago’s food scene.
7. Calumet Fisheries – South Chicago
Smoke rises from the small shack beside the 95th Street Bridge where Calumet Fisheries has been smoking seafood since 1948. Anthony Bourdain put this South Chicago institution on the map for tourists, but locals have treasured it for generations.
Their oak-smoked salmon, trout, and shrimp are prepared in small batches in the adjacent smokehouse. Cash only, no seating, and worth every minute of the drive to this industrial corner of the city.
My ritual involves grabbing a half-pound of smoked shrimp, perching on the bridge railing, and watching boats navigate the Calumet River below. The smokiness lingers on your fingers for hours – a delicious reminder of one of Chicago’s most authentic food experiences.
8. Johnnie’s Beef – Elmwood Park
Summer afternoons in Chicago aren’t complete without joining the perpetual line outside Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park. The Italian beef sandwich here reaches mythical status – thinly sliced roast beef soaked in savory jus, topped with sweet or hot giardiniera, and stuffed into perfectly chewy bread.
Regulars debate the proper way to order – “dry” (less jus), “wet” (more jus), or “dipped” (completely soaked). The Italian ice provides the perfect cooling counterpoint to the sandwich’s spicy kick.
Family-owned since 1961, Johnnie’s hasn’t changed their recipes or their no-nonsense approach. The cash-only policy and outdoor-only seating (picnic tables) keep the focus where it belongs – on that transcendent beef sandwich.
9. Smoque BBQ – Chicago
Barbecue in Chicago? Absolutely! Smoque transformed the city’s BBQ scene when it opened in 2006, proving great barbecue isn’t just for the South. Located in an unassuming Irving Park storefront, this place draws lines before opening every day.
Their St. Louis ribs showcase a perfect pink smoke ring beneath a peppery bark, while the brisket achieves that elusive balance between smoky, tender, and juicy. The mac and cheese side dish has sparked countless attempts at home recreation (all my attempts have failed).
Locals fiercely guard this spot from tourists, making reservations impossible to score during holiday weekends. My strategy? Go Tuesday at 5pm when the line typically shrinks to just a few devoted regulars.
10. Birrieria Zaragoza – Chicago
Five blocks from Midway Airport sits a family-run treasure specializing in just one thing: goat. Birrieria Zaragoza serves Jalisco-style birria – roasted goat rubbed with mole de cadena and served with handmade tortillas, consommé, and house salsa.
The Zaragoza family has been perfecting their recipe for generations. Patriarch Juan watches over everything while his children and grandchildren work alongside him, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant.
Chicago food critics regularly name this modest spot among the city’s best restaurants, yet it remains blissfully under-touristed. Most tables are filled with local families who’ve been coming weekly for years, sharing platters of tender goat and stories across generations.