Clicky

Jim's Original

Jim's Original Jim's Original is a historic hot dog joint located on S Union Avenue that has been serving up delicious fast food since 1939. As the longest continuously operating hot dog stand in the area, Jim's Original has become an iconic part of the community and was even the cornerstone of the Old Maxwell Street Market until its relocation in 1994. Come enjoy their famous hot dogs and experience a piece of Chicago history.
(1975)

Recent social media posts

JIM’S ORIGINAL UIC LOCATION IS MOVING!  We’re excited to share that we’re relocating – about a mile south – from our Uni...
05/08/2026

JIM’S ORIGINAL UIC LOCATION IS MOVING!

We’re excited to share that we’re relocating – about a mile south – from our University Village spot on Union Ave. to 551 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616 in the East Pilsen neighborhood. We can’t wait to welcome you into the new space this fall!

WHY THE CHANGE? Like many small businesses, we’ve seen costs rise—especially rental rates. At the same time, UIC has shared plans to redevelop our current location. While it’s bittersweet, we’re looking forward to what’s next and building a great new permanent home for Jim’s Original.

TIMELINE. As of today, we must vacate by June 30. We’re working with UIC to negotiate an extension so we can remain for several more years—or at least until redevelopment begins.
We’re aiming to open our new East Pilsen location as soon as possible, but most likely in the fall. Stay tuned for build-out updates and an opening date!

IN THE MEANTIME. We’re still open on Union – and come see us on Chicago’s Northside at our Bucktown / Avondale location, on the Western–Diversey–Elston corner at 2775 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647.

THANK YOU
Thank you for all the support over the more than 85 years on or near Maxwell Street. We’re grateful for this community—and we can’t wait to serve you in East Pilsen soon.
From day one to today, your support has meant everything to us. Thank you for showing up, spreading the word, and making Jim’s Original part of your story—we’ll keep the grills going and we can’t wait to keep serving you at our next home.

Our new location: 551 W. 18th Street, Chicago

As Fall is coming to an end, our 4+ year California project looks close to completion. But once again we have to push ba...
11/21/2025

As Fall is coming to an end, our 4+ year California project looks close to completion. But once again we have to push back our opening date into Winter. We hope to open in mid to late January 2026. We thank you for your patience and we promise to bring you the best Polish Sausages and Hot Dogs from Chicago, along with our always great Bone-in Pork Chop Sandwiches and some other surprise menu items! And as we do in Chicago, we will be serving Free Fries with all sandwiches!

We heard its   It's time to Double Down and get a    We'll even throw in fries for free (as usual).
09/18/2025

We heard its
It's time to Double Down and get a
We'll even throw in fries for free (as usual).

Celebrate our 86 years in business - on Monday July 14th, 3pm-5pm with $3   at  , both locations!
07/12/2025

Celebrate our 86 years in business - on Monday July 14th, 3pm-5pm with $3 at , both locations!

Have you ever wanted to bring some great   or   to grill up at a weekend bbq or picnic? Stop by Jim's Original (1250 S U...
07/03/2025

Have you ever wanted to bring some great or to grill up at a weekend bbq or picnic? Stop by Jim's Original (1250 S Union Ave, Chicago) and pick some up. Happy 4th!

We just added an all Chicken   to our menu! It's the first new menu item in over 20 years. We announced it today on ABC7...
01/25/2025

We just added an all Chicken to our menu! It's the first new menu item in over 20 years. We announced it today on ABC7 Chicago. Check out the link.

Jim's Original polish sausage stand is adding a new non-beef/pork sandwich to its menu.

01/24/2025
For the First Time Ever ... you can now buy       to cook at home! Only ! For a limited time only, starting October 5th,...
10/05/2024

For the First Time Ever ... you can now buy to cook at home! Only ! For a limited time only, starting October 5th, our special recipe polish sausage is available at the Eataly butcher counter as part of their fest.

Today's the day! We just announced it on     : 85 years, $0.85 polish sausages, 8am-5pm, both locations, today only!
07/08/2024

Today's the day! We just announced it on : 85 years, $0.85 polish sausages, 8am-5pm, both locations, today only!

Founder's Day is next Monday. We are celebrating our 85th Anniversary, July 8th, 8am-5pm, with $0.85 Polish Sausage, bot...
07/01/2024

Founder's Day is next Monday. We are celebrating our 85th Anniversary, July 8th, 8am-5pm, with $0.85 Polish Sausage, both locations!!!

Serving up the best   in Chicago  at   this weekend! Stop by if you are here.
06/15/2024

Serving up the best in Chicago at this weekend! Stop by if you are here.

is recognized as 1 of 12 Places in the World to get Amazing Street Food!
06/13/2024

is recognized as 1 of 12 Places in the World to get Amazing Street Food!

We asked our globetrotting editors to share the exact locations of the very best street food all over the world.

Address

1250 S Union Avenue
Chicago, IL
60607

To reach S Union Avenue in Chicago, you can take the CTA subway to the Sox-35th station or take a bus that stops at 35th Street and Union Avenue. If you prefer to drive, you can take I-94 to exit 53C for S Martin L King Jr Drive and continue onto S State St until you reach W 35th St. Parking may be available on the street or there are several public parking lots nearby.

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 1am
Tuesday 6am - 1am
Wednesday 6am - 1am
Thursday 6am - 1am
Friday 6am - 1am
Saturday 6am - 1am
Sunday 6am - 1am

Telephone

(312) 733-7820

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jim's Original posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Jim's Original:

Share

What people say

Hot dog restaurants are a staple of American cuisine, and Jim's Original in Chicago is no exception. As the longest continuously operating hot dog stand in the city, Jim's has been serving up delicious hot dogs since 1939. With over 62 years of history on Maxwell Street, Jim's has become a cornerstone of the community.

What sets Jim's apart from other hot dog joints is their commitment to quality ingredients. Each hot dog is made with a natural casing and served on a steamed poppy seed bun. The toppings are simple but flavorful, including mustard, onions, relish, and sport peppers.

But it's not just the hot dogs that make Jim's Original special. The atmosphere is quintessentially Chicago, with friendly staff and a no-frills approach to dining. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or stopping by after a night out on the town, Jim's is always there to satisfy your cravings.

Overall, if you're looking for an authentic Chicago-style hot dog experience, look no further than Jim's Original on S Union Avenue. With their rich history and commitment to quality ingredients, it's no wonder why they've been a beloved institution for over 80 years.