Cabana

A Rogers Park Lakefront Hideaway Provides Creative Hot Dogs and Gorgeous Views | Eater Chicago

"Tucked at the very end of Greenleaf Avenue by Leone Beach, a small concession stand called Ropa Cabana opened in July and quickly became the spot for beachgoers who walk up barefoot for hot dogs big on flavor. Owned and run by Rogers Park residents Heather Miller and Tobias Bechtloff—who signed a three-year lease with the Chicago Park District in May and fixed the space up during the pandemic—Ropa Cabana is set up to serve one-handed, sandy-beach food: Vienna Beef hot dogs (required by the park contract), walking tacos, beignets on sticks, slushies, and shaved ice, with all hot dogs available vegan or vegetarian using Lightlife sausages. Bechtloff, who handles day-to-day food prep (including his chili and sauces) and dreams up specialty dogs, has had modest success with the Danish Dog (pickles, crispy french onions, and his homemade remoulade) and the Sleepy Dog (breakfast sausage with scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, and jalapeño), while his German Dog with sauerkraut (a recipe that contains raisins) has drawn less interest despite his belief in its flavor — and he’s even joking about switching to pineapple. Miller keeps her graphic-design day job and manages the business side, and she gave in to Bechtloff’s insistence on an espresso machine using Metropolis beans that produces surprisingly good coffee for a concessions stand. I’ve seen a steady stream of customers all day since opening, dogs happily scavenging overcooked or leftover hot dogs, and the couple plans to add patio tables, musical performances, soft-serve, and more inventive offerings (including a possible dessert hot dog and a promised Scramble Dog) as they expand." - Aimee Levitt