Redhot Ranch

"Red Hot Ranch’s all-natural sausages with their casing that just has enough bite are no longer a secret. The double dog is the way to go, as the sausages are a bit slimmer than at most places. There’s a second location in Lakeview, and, on the South Side, the same owners run 35th Street Dogs near Sox Park which has an identical menu." - Ashok Selvam

"It’s hard for Chicago hot dog stands to differentiate themselves, as most of them use the same product: dependable Vienna Beef. But Redhot Ranch has managed to stand out. First, it uses sausage with natural casings. This provides the dogs with a unique bite, snappier than the Oscar Mayers that many Americans grew up eating. The stand also serves Depression dogs, the Chicago variant that comes with French fries in the bun. The griddle burgers are also of note. There are few meals as satisfying late at night. Redhot Ranch has locations in Lakeview and Bucktown, and 35th Street Red Hots, near Sox Park in Bridgeport, is from the same owners and has an identical menu." - Ashok Selvam

"Not only does beloved late-night haunt Redhot Ranch sling what many consider to be the most exceptional burgers in town, it also offers one of the biggest bargains. The beef gets smashed down onto the griddle to give it a good sear. Then, modeled after In-N-Out’s commitment to quality, the kitchen adds fresh lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, and special sauce. A bag of fries is also included with every order. Best of all, a double cheeseburger is less than $7. A second location is in Lakeview, and ownership owns 35th Street Red Hots near Sox Park which has the same menu." - Eater Staff, Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

"In a world filled with wagyu burgers, nothing is quite as satisfying as a straightforward burger you can eat with one hand that costs less than $10 and comes with fries. That’s what you’ll find at Red Hot Ranch, which has locations in Lakeview, Bucktown, and on 35th Street. This cash-only spot has a short menu of mostly burgers, and what you want to get is the Red Hot Double. It’s two patties, pickles, LTO, and American cheese on a squishy bun that practically melts in your mouth. And those salty fries will beg you to order a vanilla shake to dip them in, and you should listen." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Red Hot Ranch is one of the best places for a cheap lunch or your last stop after a night out. The counter-service Bucktown location is small and has a couple of picnic tables underneath some train tracks that feel very “Chicago”—assuming your baseline definition is “constantly being serenaded by the Blue Line.” Their burger is smashed thin with crispy edges, and is one of the best in its price range (a double cheeseburger and fries is less than $8). The menu also includes a Depression Dog, as well as milkshakes and fried shrimp by the pound. Just know, it's cash only." - john ringor, adrian kane, nick allen