Hot Dog Station

this was one of the most delicious hot dogs I've ever had in Chicago. The meat amount is high at packed with great ingredients that come together nicely. for just over $5 it's a great deal if you need a filling snack. I do wish more options had vegetables other than just the Chicago hot dog and vegan hot dog.

First time stopping by as I was walking around the neighborhood while staying at an Airbnb. Advertised as a hot dog place, but I ordered a gyros and it was some of the best I’ve ever had. Flavorful, juicy meat and really good sauce and pita bread. Owner was pretty cool. Recommended.

HOTDOG STATION has an 80's vibe and the Chicago style hot dog was delicious. Love the fresh cut fries.

My first trip was couple weeks ago the cheeseburger combo was great good meat awesome bun great fries. Today 11/23/2021 had the gyro nice juicy meat as it should be got the combo great price.

I was craving a Chicago dog for the longest so I stopped in Saturday. They were so nice there and let me tell u this hot dog was sooo good! It did not disappoint! Even better than I remember. It was fast and it was delicious! Perfect.

Owner? Cleaned a table off by wiping it with the used customer napkins! Food was standard, nothing to travel in for. We shouted goodbye but he was too busy on his phone.

This place is nice and quiet, a perfect way to get the grilled fix. The staff is extremely friendly and the portions are just right. The food is warm and comforting, the fries are extra crispy and golden!! Such a good place for a good budget.

Quick, clean, friendly service. Got the Maxwell polish and Baltimore dog. To be honest I've had better polish's which is a bit sad...how do you mess that up!? The Baltimore dog was pretty good but the cheese was over powering didn't even taste the bacon. Prices are a bit too much for my taste but I guess once a year won't hurt....$4 for a pizza puff....

They're moved! I don't know if they're open yet. I got a short note from Dimitri. 4445H N Pulaski Road Just north of Montrose East side of street, large parking lot Zippy's Hot Dogs

I was really excited to check out the Hot Dog Station, as their reviews and the photos of the food looked quite promising! The menu was extensive, offering various hot dogs (steamed), Italian beef and sausage, gyros, charbroiled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and even combo meals. We came here for an early lunch, and we ordered the following: +a Chicago Style Dog +a Chili Cheese Dog +a Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Polish +an Italian Beef +a Double Burger +a side of onion rings +a side of french fries The food was just okay - while everything was made-to-order, the taste was just mediocre. Service was a little gruff, and there were plenty of seats inside. Loved the decor of the place, as it really was one of those typical Chicago hot dog/burger joints. Plenty of street parking in the area. +plenty of street parking in the area

Better to hit up this station than the one across Kimball. Hot Dog Station is conveniently located across the street from the Brown Line. It also happens to be next to Nighthawk. Get a hot dog here, take it over there, and you got yourself a slice of dive bar heaven. The prices are pretty good, and they have plant based options. Any time I've been here, I've also been at Nighthawk, the dive bar next door. It's best to get something from both, combine a drink from over there with a wiener of your choice here. These make a nice trashy night combo, but I mean that in a good way. Among the options is the Vegan Dog. It's about $3.50 and is made Chicago Style. There's the mustard, pickles, sport peppers, and all that. Has good flavor, unlike some of the mealy vegan hot dogs. They also have a few sides like cheese fries. Can sit at a table here, or go to Nighthawk and get a table and a drink. It's best known for hot dogs, but in addition there's also gyros. The prices are good, even for the vegan ones, which have less fat but not less taste.

Closed at this location- 3/3/24 Decided to come here for hot dogs and burgers to try this place out, we get here and it's out of business/closed/for rent. Wondering when this happened and nobody has posted anything recent. I'm trying to help out the next person.

My wife and teenage son rate Hotdog Station's spicy chicken sandwich among the top of their list. As a vegetarian, I am over the moon that their veggie burger isn't the usual meat substitute. It's a grill-fried smash burger that's made from some delicious vegetable mixture. It harkens back to the days when restaurants actually put thought into their vegetarian alternatives. Staff is super nice and service is quick!

So sad to see them close. The food was so good! They had the best Italian beef and the beef n cheddar, one of the best Chicago dogs in the city, and everything else we ever got was fantastic too. Wish I'd gotten around to trying the pizza puff and the veggie burger. We also loved the old fashioned diner decor, which made the place truly feel like a gem. The owner was there almost daily at the counter and was very friendly. We were regulars and had good service every time. Hopefully the owner will reopen or open another spot! Their closure is a huge loss to Albany Park. The owner of this building should really mourn their loss on this one, because nothing else could open there that will compare.

First, I have to say that the fries put me in my happy place fresh, hot, crispy and salted properly. No ketchup required on these little potato sticks of joy. Fries like this sometimes makes me forget I have a hot dog to munch on. The place is cute with tons of vintage signs and classic rock on the overhead. A pleasant spot to eat in. On to the main event which was the hot dogs. All the requirements for a great Chicago Style dog. Soft fresh poppyseed dog and a hot dog that tasted like it had been smoked. I had to try the dog without all the topping and I can taste a little smoke. Maybe it's just my imagination. All the topping were fresh and I loved the fact they aren't scared to put celery salt on the dogs. Some people are way to stingy with the celery salt. The only downside to this dog IMHO are the sport peppers. They were flavorful but lacked heat. I like my peppers to make me sweat. But nonetheless it didn't really distract from the hot dogs. This place has lots of variety when it comes to hot dogs. From the veggie dog to an Atomic Dog. It's nice because I can bring my vegetarian friends. This place is really close to the Kimball CTA Brown Line station. It has been opened for 9 years and if they keep serving dogs like this they will be opened for many more. 4.25/5.0

This place is delicious! We rolled into Chicago and this is the first place we ate, based on the great reviews. The owner was here, he was super friendly, place was clean, and the food was on point. We had the Chicago Dog (perfection), an Italian Beef sandwich, cheese fries, and mozzarella sticks. Everything was so yummy and we may even eat here twice while in town!

Yes. These guys are solid and deserve an upgrade to five stars. Time and time again, I feel like getting my spoon greasy. It's good for you! Put some fat in you to help you survive the winter. Of course: this is not a gourmet fancy place. Having tried a number of other burger places around the neighborhood and beyond the delivery zone, I think the burgers are actually pretty good here. Above average "good food quickly" burgers. They have their own ordering site, which helps them cut costs, so consider that over other platforms... I think it means their own guys deliver, and it has always been about or under 30 minutes.

I've been meaning to check out this place because it was recommended to me by friends, they lived nearby so it might have been a ploy to come visit them. I was told that their Italian beef was pretty good and after walking in and seeing that they default serve it by dipping it, I thought it was a good sign. The beef here was pretty good, juicy and with a decent amount of hot peppers; with fries and drink it was around 12-ish bucks. I brought a friend here for a Chicago style hot dog while he was on an international layover. The dog was solid with a nice snap to the dog, definitely a good example of a Chicago dog for an out of town guest. The only real downside is that they don't give free refills on fountain drinks.

Delicious Italian Beef, though very greasy. The sweet and hot peppers were excellent. The fries were just ok. I'm quite sure that the ketchup in the Heinz dispenser was not Heinz. It was watery, cheap food service product, I suspect.

I just got released from jail for stealing all the wieners from this store. I'm on Hot Dog Probation. If they were located in Beijing or Tokyo, they'd be "Hot Dog Asian." If they were merely a booth that offered advice on where to get good hot dogs, they'd be "Hot Dog Information." If they're laced with something infectious, you'll get a "Hot Dog Inflammation." And if Hot Dogs get your juices flowing, then let's gobble down one each, and then dive right into our passionate, all-night "Hot Dog Consummation." I just hope it doesn't lead to a "Hot Dog Impregnation" because I'm not into "Hot Dog Procreation" but I will pay for the "Hot Dog Abortion" if you decide to go down that road. But for now, let this hot dog down your road. I meant the actual hot dog, not my... never mind. And settle down with your perverse Hot Dog Gyration. They don't make classically authentic typical Chicago dogs with all the trimmings but they do make delicious real just-got-this-in-Chicago Chicago dogs and you can't get much better than that. (Pouts) (Winks) (Hot Dog Flirtation) The guys in here are really nice and it's a lovely little neighbourhood hot dog joint and and the french fries are pretty good too which is an added bonus. If I wrote a bad review about them, I bet they'd start a Hot Dog Litigation against me. And you know this is the reason for the massive Central American Hot Dog Migration to the US. Me, I'm from Zagreb though (Hot Dog Croatian). I hope they don't burn my hot dog though (Hot Dog Cremation). Or stick a pin in it (Hot Dog Deflation) or split it open (Hot Dog Dilation), and I hope I don't eat it in 5 seconds - my gf prefers my Hot Dog Duration to be way longer. And the hot dog way longer too. I'm religious about these dogs, I may start believing in "Hot Dog Creationism." It'll give you a good "Hot Dog Foundation" to try the rest in the city. If they're closed, you'll experience "Hot Dog Frustration", and if they charge $10 for your dog, that's just the "Hot Dog Inflation." Kind of like the Hot Dog Inflation when you tell the girl on Tinder it's 10, rather than 5. Or 3 more likely. Chicago is absolutely full of these little locally-owned hot dog shops and long may it continue. In most cities by now they would have been taken over by chains and Portillo's has tried to do exactly that - but these little places are standing up to that corporate world and I fully support them -and they taste better anyway. And if your dog eats it, maybe it's a "Hot Dog Alsatian", or is it the 102nd Dalmatian, and if you come to Chicago just for this, it's a "Hot Dog Vacation", and if your Uncle comes here, he's now your "Hot Dog Relation", (I did not have Hot Dog Relations with that Uncle!), and everyone in America should love these as we're a "Hot Dog Nation", and don't park illegally outside... You'll get a "Hot Dog Citation." Hope you enjoyed my Hot Dog Narration. I'm accepting Hot Dog Donations. If you hated it, ignore this Hot Dog Infiltration into your life. If it made you spurt milk, that's just Hot Dog Lactation. Totally normal. Now I have to go because evil dominatrix Barbie said if I write one more bad joke about Hot Dog Station it will lead to "Hot Dog Castration."

Incredibly lucky to live within walking distance of this 5-Star Stunner/absolute gem. Their burger isn't fancy. But it IS the best around. Hands down. Lots of beautiful hot dog options too. Also, the rockabilly soundtrack this bangin' burger joint is permanently tuned to cannot be beat. When in Albany Park, you could do much worse than the wonderful, wonderful Hot Dog Station.

First time (likely last time) visit and was sorely disappointed. For starters the italian beef sandwich was underwhelming, lacked any basic condiments, and contained more bread than beef. The staff was ok, but unfortunately we didn't go for the staff but for the food which was sub-par.

True small business delight. Owner is there nearly every day, which I'm sure is not coincidental to the consistent quality of everything. We've had burgers, chicken sandwiches, brats, nearly every hotdog, Italian sausage and beef combo, gyro sandwich and their fries and it is impossibly to chose a favorite. My wife gravitates toward the western burger though and I'm usually leaning toward either the gyro or the Italian/sausage combo. Of course we never leave without fries straight out of the fryer and, because I can't help myself, I get a Chicago dog and basically don't eat for the next two days!

{I rarely give five stars} This place legitimately has the best hot dogs of all time. I've been a south sider my entire life and hated how much the north siders would always kick our butts in the hot dog game. But it's true. So I lived in Boston for a year, and once I moved back I went on a massive hot dog bender for about six weeks. I travelled all over the city and let me tell you, these guys do it right. When you bite into one of their dogs, you can feel, taste and even hear each individual topping on their dogs. It's that fresh. Do yourself a favor and Mack on one of these dogs.

food was great, service was great, ambiance was chill and clean! guy behind the counter was super nice and wiping down the countertops, helping customers and the overall rocking it. my boyfriend and I discovered this walking around the neighborhood tonight and will definitely be back

Love this place. The guy that runs it is super chill and the cheddar beef is so good. Also the fries. This is an obvious choice if you are in the area and wanting a hot dog or burger or whatever

This place is a Chicago must! It's got the best of all the Chicago favorites. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu!! The service has always been pleasant and the place is super cute. Definitely recommend!

I am shocked to see I haven't reviewed this place! I really like this cheerful little shop off the Kimball brown line stop. They have the best Chicago dogs (along with the weird hot dogs of some inferior cities) along with burgers, gyros, Italian beef, & more. I'm also happy to say they have a veggie dog, so I can get my fix without the meat. The owner is always friendly and welcoming. Pro tip: ask for a side of tzatziki with your fries.

Amazing Food!! Awesome atmosphere!! Awesome and hospitable service!! The owner was awesome and very nice! Loved the Chicago Dog!! 10/10 Highly Recommend!!

If you are craving a Chicago style hot dog and fries, then this place is the BEST! Outstanding service- the owner is such a great guy! Very cool ambience!

My kids and I love this place. Love it! Dimitri (sp), the owner, always treats us like valued guests when we stop in, and he makes every visit we make, feel special. But that alone would NEVER get a 5 star Yelp! review from me. The food is the thing. They make a GREAT Chicago dog. Their Polish is fantastic, the gyro is as good as can find anywhere in the area, BUT the menu item that really surprised me; their Italian beef is MUCH better than any Italian I have had at Al's (on the corner of Elston and Western). The French fries are fantastic. We also like the ambiance of the place. Great stuff on the walls, including a few real gems (see my photos). And the place is almost always clean and neat, and you feel comfortable about eating in. If you do dine in, like we always do, you will probably enjoy the music they play. Always quirky, interesting and enjoyable. You might think of it, as I first did, as only a hot dog joint with the name, but you'd be wrong. The dogs are great (even better at the price of a buck from 3-5pm M-F), but for the even better food at Hot Dog Station, go past the dogs and try the gyro or Italian beef. Those are their two specialties if you ask me. Fantastic to have them in the hood. Always impressed at how warmly and enthusiastically Dimitri greets us every time we stop in, and if you need a quick tasty bit of food from a dog joint, check this place out, the food is better than you can get at other local dog joints in the area.

Been looking for a good got dog place on the North Side and I finally found one! Located near the Brown Line on Kimball, Hot Dog Station serves the traditional Chicago Dog along with some other creations that sound delicious. They also serve burgers as well. Since it was my first time, I went with 2 classic Chicago style hot dog combo with everything on it with an order of fries and a drink. It was around 9 dollars. The service was fast. Hot dogs were delicious with the right amount of toppings. The fries were fresh and great. The place has an old school ambiance with their interior set up and design which is very cool. Definitely will come back to try more of their menu out!

I've been coming here for years. The food is great and the decor is cute and retro. Dimitri, the owner, is the friendliest guy you'll meet and he remembers your orders if you're a regular.

So glad I was able to try hot dog station, it's close to home and conveniently on my way home from work (although, maybe that's a bad thing...) I got myself an Italian beef with cheese and hot peppers, no complaints here! I thought the beef was flavorful and not dry! I wish the cheese was more nacho cheese flavor-y but I'll take cheese over no cheese at all. I also got Ryan a Chicago dog and an order of fries and onion rings to share! Whenever we have a hankering for Italian beef or a Chicago hot dog, we know where to go! P.s they accept Apple Pay! Yay! So convenient

Worst philly cheese steak Ive ever had in my life bun was wet meat tasted like dog food, But the hot dogs where great to say the least.

This spot is extremely difficult not to stop by when you commute off the Kimball Brown line. If you're driving the parking usually isn't too bad either. I randomly get Chicago dog cravings and this restaurant fulfills it perfectly. I will "eventually" try other things on the menu though. Chicago dog was prepared just the way it should and the fries were nice and fresh. Service was perfect! The guy behind the counter was almost too nice.

Love this place! Their veggie dog is delicious and you can substitute it on any other Dog. Cant recommend it enough.

Wow!!! That was an amazing meal! I said I am completely satisfied and he said me too after we each dived in to our delicious 2 Chicago hot dog meals. The hot dogs were impeccable and loaded with all the proper Chicago fixings. The fries crinkly and perfectly fried golden crispy just the way I like them. This was all washed down with the best tasting fountain sodas of cherry coke and coke. Can't say enough great things. I hope they have many more very, Merry Christmas's to come. Can't wait to eat it again. R and P

My wife and I stopped in for a real quick bite had the chicago dog...The hot dog did not take long and was fairly priced. The dog itself was awesome had a nice bite to it...They take their chicago style seriously here as it comes down to the finer details like the poppy seed bun, celery salt, sports peppers, onions,tomatoes and mustard. All of the ingredients tasted super fresh and even better together...I personally get mine without relish not big fan of it on my hot dogs...I would say that it is not the best chicago style I have had but it is worth returning to for. The guys at the counter and in the back was so friendly awesome customer service! 100% recommend!

3 stars! So, I had a double cheese burger and although the burger had a nice strong Char taste that I LIVE FOR the quality and flavor of meat wasn't so great... Bland actually. Fries were salty... not like added salt but like the fries were just fried with salt on them already. I would probably not return. Not because it was horrible but there is ABSOLUTELY nothing about what I had that makes me have to go there for it.

I ordered cheese fries, a Chicago dog and an Italian beef. The food was prepared very fast as it should be. The cheese fries I believe was probably one of the weakest parts of my meal. The fries didn't taste fresh and I don't know what kind of cheese they use, but it wasn't very cheesy and just stuck to the fries. I won't order those again. I ordered my usually beef with hot peppers and dipped. The bread held up, and there was plenty of meet in the sandwich. The giardiniera could of used more spice, it just tasted very mild. Their speciality is definitely their hot dogs. They make it exactly how it supposed to be made and with very fresh tasting ingredients. I will most likely return next time in the area and order their hot dogs again. Probably won't order their beef or fries though.

Alright, I feel entirely guilty for not having reviewed Hot Dog Station YEARS ago when I first stepped in on a whim. So, here goes! This place is AWESOME. I can't stress this enough. I feel as though I'm going to have an aneurysm​ simply trying to figure out where to start with this review because everything is just so amazing. Let's start with the setting: Hot Dog Station is located right off the Kimball Brown Line station. You can see the big sign as you're pulling into the station, glowing like a lighthouse beacon calling you home across misty shores (this place will have you feeling poetic, trust me). The interior is cozy with a retro diner feel to it. The walls are decorated with CTA and Chicago transportation​ adverts, signs, photographs--a little trip back in time. Expect to hear Big Bands of the 30s and 40s or doo-wop​ and crooners of the 1950s and 60s when you walk in! Now, on to the food: This is one of my absolute favorite places to order a Chicago-Style Hot Dog. I'm a bit of a purist, and I find that HDS creates dogs with the perfect ratio of all the fixings. And I mean A L L of the F I X I N S! None of that mustard-onion-peppers-only shit. I mean everything: juicy dog, tangy mustard, bright neon relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, crisp pickles, and a dash of celery salt--all on a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun. Make sure to get the fries. Oh my god, the fries. They are ALWAYS cooked to order and are served piping hot. Also, not only is the hot dog delicious, but it's beautifully​ wrapped and looks picture perfect. This is your place, Instagram crowd. Oh, and did I tell you that HDS has a veggie dog? Not only do I--a ravenous meat-eater--love this dog, but my vegetarian friends will vouch for it as well! I've tried a good majority of the menu items (I push myself to try something new when I'm in but it's so hard when you find something you love and refuse to have it pried from your hands), but I will tell you that the Italian beef is legendary and the gyros are out of this world. However, my favorite of all is the Southwest Chicken Wrap. Try it. No, really...try it. That's a demand, not a suggestion. Last, but certainly not least, the people: Dimitri, the owner, is the coolest guy you'll ever meet at a hot dog restaurant. He's obviously very passionate about his business and it shows. From strangers to locals, Dimitri makes anyone and everyone feel welcome. The rest of the staff are just as stellar. These people make you want to spend your money here, and I guarantee​ you will. It's impossible to leave empty-handed or with an empty belly. Hot Dog Station is a tasty Albany Park staple, and we (me, my stomach, and the rest of the neighborhood) couldn't be happier.

Got a Burguer when I went there. Wasn't truly that good, it just filled my mouth. I would rather prefer better options, the fries were really good but not that special. I guess they are fast food and that's all, don't ask too much if you come here at least on burguer. Small place with few red chairs and table. Ac was cool and customer service was great, nothing bad or unique though. Ketchup was on table and napkins too.

I asked Siri to find a hot dog place while driving on the Kennedy Expressway and she directed me to a place that was a bit out of my way. Well, Siri new exactly where to take me. True Chicago Hot Dogs-they were delicious and the fries were hot and fresh. My dad had the beef sandwich...he ordered a second one to take home. The owner was very nice; He greeted us as we entered and as we well as said goodbye. Not only was the food great, hot and delicious but the owner a pleasant gentleman. Highly recommend!!!

man i was seriously blessed and maybe cursed to live within a 10 minute walk of this place. the food is just gorgeous. it's burgers and hot dogs and italian beef so you can't expect anything healthy. but lord god that italian beef is a serious work of art. that beef has some TASTE and even when dipped the bread holds together, as someone who doesn't especially love when bread gets crazy soggy, i loved this. prices are good, any of the meals will fill you up full. be wary if the yellow flag thing isn't out front they are closed, and sometimes they close earlier than it will say online. it never bugged me because every time i got food there it made me happy.

Wife and I went in for a random monday lunch, and were left amazed. We tried the Italian beef, dipped, with extra cheddar and sweet peppers, pefectly moist; Baltimore dog, with caramelized onions and melted cheddar, perfectly crunchy texture of a fried dog complimented with the softness and sweetness of the onions; double cheeseburger with American cheese, smoke-tasting beef charred to perfection. Amazing!

Great spot for local greasy food! Haven't had a hot dog here actually but I can vouch for their cheese fries and Italian beef. Note the jalapeño poppers are filled with cheddar instead of cream cheese.

Best vegan Chicago style hot dogs in the city. Always super fresh and delicious. And the staff is very friendly and welcoming.

This spot is a gem, You have to check it out!! Food is way above average and delicious! You can not go wrong here! Take it to go, or eat in the sunny patio, you won't regret! Do not miss out on this spot!

Pros: Their deal for Chicago style hot dogs is really good! The combo also comes with fries and when you add cheese, it's makes it much better! They have a variety of different hot dogs to choose from which makes them unique! I would recommend the chili cheese dog too! Cons: There's no parking unless you pay for street parking. Also, there's not too much space inside to sit and eat. So take it to go! Overall: If you're craving a hot dog and are in the city, definitely check this place out!!

Don't waste your money ... hot dog was cold and tasted raw I only ate 2 bites and knew it should be trashed ... $$$$$$

Ordered a bratwurst and a hot dog today. Both were okay, but nothing special. The Baltimore dog was supposed to come with bacon, but there was none. The Milwaukee dog (bratwurst) was okay, but it didn't taste much like bratwurst. I'll give it another chance one of these days.

New to this Neighborhood. Looking for what's close. I believe the owner was in here when I came. He was working. I see this as a good sign. I've seen it at other spots. This does make the food come out better. I swear it. The Chicago dog was really hittin'. Everything was fresh. I liked the addition of what I believe is Celery Salt. Some places miss this and, to me, it really makes a difference. Fries were crispy I tried the beef too. I'm trying to figure out the whole gravy or sauce or whatever. It seemed like just grease, or water, or whatever this stuff is made of. It lacked flavor. It seemed to lubricate the sandwich but did little else. Maybe its just me but I've had a really good, spicy dip before. As such, a spicy dip is my standard but, what do I know? I'm just a transplant. A worthy vendor indeed. I like the location. It is at the terminus of the brown line. Its a funky neighborhood.

Found this place as I was walking by and intrigued to step in and get a hot dog. I was not disappointed when I found out if I buy one hot dog I can get upto 2 Chicago dogs, each for a dollar. All three hot dogs were wonderful.

At the end of the.Brown Line, at the corner of Kimball & Lawrence sits a gem of a small place serving Chicago staples- hot dogs , burgers, Italian beef and more. It's clean, welcoming, and the owner Dimitry is there to take your order. Everything was tasty, prepared well, and exceeded our expectations. My charbroiled burger was juicy & messy. My wife's hot dog was assembled as good as it tasted, and the fries were a cut above. I'd ride the Brown line just ho back and try another menu item.

Chicago dogs. Let's have a quick chit chat about them. A beef frank, a poppy seed bun, onions, green relish, tomatoes,pickle, sports peppers, celery salt and the ever important mustard. Perfection. The staff was welcoming the greeted me immediately and took my order within 30 seconds of walking in it was great. Place is great and the fries are hot and fresh and great prices too. All in all super clean, bangin' food, friendly staff, welcoming bright location, what more could you ask for? P.s. they were playing some bangin' tunes too!

Great fast food place. Clean & I can see where and how the food is being made. The vegan dog is a Smart Dog brand & they place the toppings of the Chicago dog.