Jim's Original

fast and hot, but i do feel the OG spot tastes better. still very conveniently spotted though!

The polish sausage with grilled onions was really good though it had a ton of mustard. Chicago dog is not a Chicago dog. It only had onion, mustard, and sport peppers. Mostly Everything comes with fries. Only $12 spent. It had a nice, clean dining area. Employees were really nice.

What an amazing spot. The service here is always top notch EJ takes care of you completely and walks you through the menu patiently. Always on point with suggestions and recommendations. Some of the best food and definitely some of the best fries in Chicago; wonderfully cooked I'm fully cooked. 10 out of 10 I always go to both locations but this locationis just as great!

Nothing fancy but clean and friendly staff with good affordable food. Pork chop sandwich was tasty and was the best polish dog I’ve had in Chi. Fries were good and plentiful too. Not going to wow you with the presentation but flavor and taste were great.

If you want an authentic maxwell street polish this is the place to get some. Fries were HOT just made. The sausage was big. The peppers were a bit more vinegary than I like however this is the classic presentation. All good. Food served on a metal tray not the cheap plastic ones everyone else uses.six dollars and change for a polish and fries is a good deal.

Good food however the staff need to pay attention to what they do so that they don’t mess up orders. I was heading to the airport and ordered several hotdogs to take back home. I asked that the bread and toppings be separated so that it won’t be soggy. These folks didn’t add a single piece of hot dog bun in my order and it was upsetting! Of course I didnt realize any of this until I returned back to Louisville

I love the Jim’s downtown but this location was terrible. It took 20 minutes to get food. I ordered a hot dog and polish. The buns were dry. There were only 2 people ordering food and the 2 staff members were running around like they had 75 people in there. I was extremely disappointed and will not be going back.

Delicious food at a reasonable price! I tried them for the first time today and loved it. The place is nice, clean, plays fun music, has quick service, and has a classic atmosphere. I also appreciated that sandwiches come with fries. (Fries are pictured below. I ate my hot dog too fast before I even thought to take a picture.) I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area!

What the hell was even in that hot dog? Tasted like vinegar. I don't know if it was old, but it was pretty much the worst hot dog I've ever had in my life. I had my dog in the back seat and I wouldn't even give it to him! Explains why despite the awful traffic, I was the only one there.

Classic, newer location mirroring the same great grub from the one off the expressway heading south. Friendly staff, very clean, quick service. Been coming to these joints for years and will always be a long standing customer.

So I had a hankering to try out Jim's Original after my lovely wife and I ran some errands along the Elston corridor. Neither of us have been to the "Original" Jim's Original formerly located at Maxwell Street and now currently on Union, but we have heard good things about this much newer location at the crossroads of Elston, Diversey and Western. There is a free parking lot if you are driving here. The no-frills interior has vintage images of the OG location, along with metal stool seating if you are dining in. You order at the counter, and our food came out in a snappy fashion. We did not mind listening to the atmospheric bluesy soundtrack. All sandwiches are decently priced as they come with fries, so these are tasty value meals that you just cannot get at your average fast-food joint. My love enjoyed her hot dog, and I certainly liked my pork chop sandwich (yes it comes with the "bone in" so be sure not to bite into the bone). Our items are generously garnished with grilled onions and mustard, and the fries are good with or without ketchup. We were very satisfied with our meal at Jim's Original.

While shopping in the area, we decided to get a bite at Jim's. We hadn't been to either of their locations, so this was a fun new experience. I decided to get the beef hot dog. It was very tasty, as were the fries. I bought a cheese cup for the fries after eating some of them, and it was really good. Employees were friendly, and the old school wall art was fun to check out.

I'm not sure what else to say about Jim's that's hasn't been said before. It's great that they opened up a second location, but it sucks that it will be tough to visit the original location now, just simply out of convenience. They do have a drive thru here and it takes a little longer to get your. At the original location you get your food right when you order it, here I had to wait about 5 minutes. The good news though...it's just as delicious. I gotta say, I love the consistency. Nothing is worse than opening up new locations and the food don't taste the same. I ordered one Polish Sausage and a Pork Chop Sandwich. They were both so delicious. The pork chop was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing with the mustard and grilled onions. The Polish sausage had a nice snap to it and also tasted great with the grilled onions and mustard. I don't know what it is, but something about the sweetness from the grilled onions and the acidity from the mustard that just makes for a perfect bite. I also love the fries from Jim's. Every order comes with a bag of fries so if you order a couple sandwiches, you should definitely have more than enough fries to fill you up. Can't wait to come back!

They have parking always a plus in Chicago. Also a driver thru! We like grilled onions both in Hotdog and Polish. The Polish tasted substantial. The hotdog was fine. The fries are crisp. I prefer raw onions but my wife likes them grilled. Place was really clean.

I was notified that Jim's original opened up a location further north through social media so to my surprise the first chance I got I went down to grab me a hotdog and a Polish. What makes Maxwell hot dog and polish different from Chicago Style hot dogs, is that Maxwell traditionally has onion (raw or grilled), mustard and hot peppers. No ketchup, but the have packets of ketchup for those that want it. So I decided to swing by and they have a huge free parking lot in front of the store with a drive-through. It was the first time in my life that I ever ate Jim's at a table. The walls were decorated with the history of Jim's Original with great pictures. As I walked in, I was greeted with a hello and a hi from the staff from behind the counter as I ordered my food it came up quick and extremely hot. They had blues playing on the overhead speakers, which took me back to the old days when people used to sell watches or gold chains as I took my first bite it was awesome natural casing hotdogs with mustard, grilled onion and peppers with a side fries (fries are free with sandwiches) made my day as I went for the Polish sausage I just wish I had a little bit more mustard on them. Next time extra mustard. The peppers are better than any pickle. I was still surprised that not a lot of people were in there, yet. This place is a gem and the bonus is I don't have to go downtown to get my Maxwell fix.

Grabbed some food after Micro Center but before our mall trip.  I got a hot dog while my husband got a triple cheeseburger (both came with a side of fries).  I ordered my hot dog with mustard, ketchup, and onions.  As we were pulling up to the window I joked that they were probably laughing at me for ordering ketchup on my hot dog since this is Chicago, only for it to set in that not even the burger came with ketchup so they may not have any despite taking my order and not saying they had no ketchup.  Low and behold, no ketchup on my hot dog.  They did drench the hell out of it in mustard though and overloaded it with onions, I guess that's what I get for saying I wanted ketchup.  Fries were good, my husband loved his burger, but I couldn't even finish my hot dog.

Okay. If you been to Maxwell street back in the day then you know Jim's Original. If you haven't then I have to tell you. Everything is mustard and grilled onions. Polish sausage is the go to for me. Beef or pork. Both are great. Hamburgers are the same mustard and grilled onions. Don't expect tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, etc. Not going to happen. You can get raw onion on request. French fries come with catsup. Coke products are self serve. Pretty simple. Service is prompt. True Chicago icon. Got it? Okay there it is.

Sunday lunch I order polish extra pepoers gret service on the drive true And enjoy on the parking lot My Polish was very satisfied My crispy fries and can of coke See you soon

Always heard about Chicago Sausages. This is a must hit place. They were quick and everything was piping hot

This place is awesome. Really disappointed in myself for not stopping in sooner. The polish is incredible. The prices are VERY reasonable. The service is incredible warm and friends. I love the blues music and just the whole look and vibe of the space and that they're open late. Incredible asset to the neighborhood. This is now my go-to pre or post movie meal for any time I'm at the Regal on Western.

Wow! What a pleasant surprise to see Jim's here after leaving home goods. I used to get Jim's all the time in college near UIC university village area, so I was happy to see that classic Jim's sign here. To those who have had Jim's at the other location, I found this place to give me the same vibes (even the stainless steel counters - a great touch) but much cleaner and there's indoor seating! To those who haven't had Jim's before, this place is a classic chicago hole in the wall food, and it always hits the spot when you're looking for a quick and affordable meal. They are known for their polish, but I can never NOT get the fish sandwich, fries (which are my one of my favorite in chicago), and hot jalapeño peppers (which are extremely spicy). Happy to see this second location, I love the execution, and I hope they do well!

Pretty disappointing. I had a double burger. They don't have lettuce, so I ordered it with just grilled onions. I said no mustard, so they asked if I wanted mayo. I said no, but I wanted ketchup. They said that would be on the side. The burger came with mayo on it, and it wasn't very good. Maybe I should've tried the Polish? Fries were ok. Service could have been a little nicer considering we were the only ones there on a Sunday at 6:30. Fountain drink machine was broken for the Coke Zero, so it was like 90% syrup. Very reasonably priced though for Chicago.

Great staff, delicious food, clean environment, good location and overall great place

I have only been here once but the breakfast hamburger was an amazing deal. Eggs made to order, melty cheese. Just what the hangover needed.

Great food at a very descent price. We feel excited to know that the Elston location is minutes away from my house. And that they even have a drive through.

Simple but good for a quick dog on the run. As no nonsense as you can get with styrofoam cups. They did pack the napkins which I appreciate. I had two cheese dogs and fries. Pretty anemic on the dogs and fries were basic.

This place is usually pretty dead, and that's too bad. They do the best Polish I've ever had, and I love their fries too. So glad this (once) Maxwell Street staple is now available on the North Side. Love their hot peppers too!

Hot dog bun fell apart. Wet and lathered with mustard. I love mustard but way too much. Hot dog was hard to chew. Used pocket knife to cut it up. Service very unfriendly. Works seemed pissed off. I was nice and not demanding Even tipped I would rank it as one if the worst hit dogs I have ever had in Chicago. Born and raised here. Maybe I should have stuck to polish. It's certainly not like other locations.

Best polish sausage I've ever had. Definitely get the hot peppers but will warn you that it has quite a bit of heat and I consider my spice tolerance pretty high. Haven't been to the original but had to check out this place after it opened down the street from me and seeing it on Somebody Feed Phil. Great prices and great portions. Each order comes with fries, which is cooked to perfection! We will definitely be regulars here.

Food is cheap because it tastes like hot garbage might be worst hotdog I've eaten polish not good fries crappy best thing was the bbq sauce I want a refund

Dinner at jims on diversey great food just how i remembered the staff was great .had double cheese burgers .polish fries were crisp and delicious

The kindest employees I've ever come across, and the food is fantastic as always. I go to the Jim's by UIC, and the one here. Both reliable!!!

$7.50 for a pork chop sandwich which comes with fries (taxes included) INCREDIBLE MEAL FOR THE MONEY! Once the grill gets a few more years of use, those grilled onions should taste just like the the original walk-up by Roosevelt Ave. Oh yeah...maybe about a minute more oil time for the fries. The dark, crispy pieces are lacking at this location :)

Very well lit. Very clean. Staff is friendly. You can walk in, or use the drive-thru. Service is fast and accurate. Food is fresh, hot, and delicious. There is a parking lot, and a patio. What a great addition to the neighborhood. Now, I don't have to drive down to the south loop anymore. I felt very safe and comfortable at this location. Nobody hanging around outside to harass you. Just order your food, get it, and go. Safely, and comfortably. How it should be. I will be back to this location many times. I highly recommend it.

Don't have to drive so far and stand outside because This Jim's is like the one on Union ST..... Fire!!!!

Food always hits!!! From the polish to the cheeseburgers, everything on the menu is delish!!

Down home delicious simple food! Cooked right in front of you! Service is fast tell em you want your polish and onions extra well done and they'll get you one and show it to you before making your sandwich!

I've been to the Jim's on Elston for the last time. I was hopeful it would be as good as the UIC location, but it seems to always disappoint. I got a polish and a hot dog the other day, right at lunch time. When I sat down to eat them about 5 minutes later, the polish was piping hot but the hot dog was ice cold as if it just came out of the refrigerator. On past visits I've received fries that were undercooked or were not very hot from sitting out for too long. I'm not sure what the problem is, but if the owners are trying to build the business from repeat customers, they are failing miserably.

I have had plenty of Maxwell Street Polish and this one is nasty. It just tastes cheap, not good. I do not recommend.

Everything is delicious and the prices are great. Beware of the hot peppers, they are actually super spicy! 5 stars.

I've eaten here about 5 times since they opened this location. The staff is always awesome in the drive through, and the $/food ratio is fantastic. I love this place. Get the spicy mayo, it's awesome.

Decided to stop in tonight for a quick bite. I stopped in at around 7:30, the place was empty. No one else came in while I dined in. I ordered the polish and it's still as good as when the original one was on Halsted. Someone else left a review here and mentioned the peppers, I confirm that them things will burn your taste buds off, proceed with caution- lol. My Only gripe is minor, my fries (free with all sandwiches) we're a bit old-crunchy and bit cold, but not too bad. The place is fully staffed, I believe I saw 5 cooks behind the counter, everyone was nice and my food was served fast. The place is very very clean and there's a huge we'll lit parking lot. I really enjoyed the music that was playing. And it was at a comfortable level, not blurring loudly like in other places. They feature some pretty cool black and white photos from the establishment's past - nice touch.

Polish was fantastic they are a lil heavy on the onion would recommend light onion 9/10

They have great deals and are nice. 10/10 would recommend with big food. It's a classic thru and thru

Drove from Michigan, but in all reality I would paddle a canoe across the lake for a Jim's Original!!! There is no substitute!!!! Thank you Jim's Northside Crew!!!

I walked in no one greeted me once I placed my order I took a bite of my hot dog and when I say the hot dog was so hard to bite from all I tasted was the inside. I took it back to them and told them the hot dog was to hard. They gave me another one only for me to show them that one was hard only for the young man to say its probably the skin. I never in my 36 years of life experienced this. They need better workers with better customer service here I'll never EVER EAT HERE AGAIN AND WONT LET MY FAMILY, FRIEND'S, OR COWOWRKERS EAT HERE.

I was hopeful this spot would be at least as good as Nico's (the joint that occupied this location previously). Boy, was I disappointed. Starting with pricing and I understand we are in the middle of an inflation but $5.10 for a plain hot dog. At least if you charge the price of THREE 7/11 hot dogs make the fries good or at the very least SEASONED. And apparently a cheeseburger with everything hold the grilled onions means it's going to have cheese and mustard and that's it. Now this is on top of my absolute hatred of Al's Italian beef being right across the street. I want this place to succeed and take it down. As Al took down Nico's that was here before. But that's very unlikely. The staff seemed okay but at the same time it felt like they were tired. I don't mean physically tired I mean mentally tired. Like you're dealing with stuff like bad customers in the like. So because of that I chose not to engage them about my food order aside from my distaste of how expensive it was. So folks, leave the staff alone you should go there. It's definitely not their fault. I wish it was better. I really do.

Food was average. Service was average. The wait was quick though, and the spot has convent parking so 3 stars it is

came here at 1030 pm service was horrible when 3/4 of the staff is in a keep Cherokee drinking , how do you think your food will be be and did they really clean there hands ? not good hope the owner pops up on them one day