So, in a city known for great food, specifically great hot dogs; where’s the best place to get a hot dog?

Perhaps a place that serves you insults and snappy remarks as you wait!

“What you laughing at? What’s so funny, huh?”

Imagine walking into a restuarant and being greeted with this question. That’s what happened when I visited the famous Wieners Circle in Chicago, IL.

I had been driving around the city checking out the sites and had planned on going to The Wieners Circle from it’s mention on the Food Network and it’s popular youtube videos featuring abbrasive language and occasional lite violence. Though this almost always occurs strictly at night with drunk patrons, and I was visiting the city around noon, I still braced myself for some smack talk. I had heard the parking lot is questionable, but does exist behind the building so you don’t have to park on the street. The area is populated with a lot of 20-somethings, so I didn’t feel too hesitant, though it did still give off a slighty shady vibe. I had driven all the way from Cleveland (which is about 5 hours), so I had to rely heavily on my car to get me to my final destination.

I had a smile on my face as I walked around to the front of the structure, having finally made it here. When I walked in and approached the counter an older man whose accent I could not pick up on, said something and started to laugh to himself, slightly nervous I cracked my smile a bit wider and let out a low chuckle under my breath. That’s when a woman came up closer to the window and greeted me with the above quote. She followed it up with another question, “You just smiling and laughing cuz he is?” she asked. “Uh, yea, I suppose” I replied.

I had done my research and ordered up a char-dog with the works. The rumors I heard weren’t a lie, this was easily the best hotdog I’ve ever had! It was juicy and crunchy, the sesame seed bun gave way to a well done dog covered with relish, mustard, grilled onions, 2 slices of a very fresh pickle, 2 slices of tomato, and a few spicy sport peppers giving it the perfect kick! Unfortunately I did not think about taking a picture, my excitement and empty stomach acted first, however, thanks to a submission by Benny Mazur of Toledo, OH to Wikipedia, I am able to supply you with a picture of what one of these taste explosions look like!

So, if you’re ever in Chicago, make it a point to stop by and try one. Unless you’re allergic to one of the ingrediants, you MUST get it with the works! Trust me, it all comes together perfectly! Needless to say, I left with an even bigger smile!