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The Hot Dog Diaries

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The Hot Dog Diaries Hot Dog Diary is a hot dog joint that offers an exploration of city's hidden gems, unexplored and unheralded single establishments, and sublime purveyors of encased meats that serve up a great Chicago dog. From modest storefronts to street carts with potato chip trees, this hot dog restaurant is on a mission to find the bread and butter (make that the mustard and celery salt) of their quest. Come in for an adventure of flavors!

Recent social media posts

Truly, a man of the people .....
12/29/2025

Truly, a man of the people .....

So much for being able to afford a Big League game anymore, let alone some hot dogs and beers ....
08/06/2025

So much for being able to afford a Big League game anymore, let alone some hot dogs and beers ....

The Hot Dog Diaries · Episode

In case you want to give a listen. Wish ChicagoNow was still around -- that was fun. Best regards, Mark Andel
06/11/2025

In case you want to give a listen. Wish ChicagoNow was still around -- that was fun. Best regards, Mark Andel

Podcast · Mark Andel · All things hot dog related and other weird and sundry subjects.

How embarrassing.
03/30/2024

How embarrassing.

The Original Maxwell Street Polish on Halsted could never have predicted this ....

Imagine Vincent Price handing you a couple dogs at Dodger Stadium. It happened ....
03/30/2024

Imagine Vincent Price handing you a couple dogs at Dodger Stadium. It happened ....

Imagine being at an L.A. Dodgers baseball game and having Vincent Price hand you a couple of hot dogs. He was a fan -- of the Dodgers and hot dogs.

If anybody could get away with it, I suppose it would be Gordon Ramsay.
02/26/2024

If anybody could get away with it, I suppose it would be Gordon Ramsay.

Gordon Ramsay's signature hot dog at his Chicago restaurant has pickle, onions, tomatoes, and ... ketchup!

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin chowed on hot dogs after their first moon walk in 1969. True story.
02/26/2024

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin chowed on hot dogs after their first moon walk in 1969. True story.

What did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin eat after their first walk on the moon? Yes, it was the most American of meals: a hot dog.

What makes a meal memorable?
02/19/2024

What makes a meal memorable?

How long can a great meal last? Forever sometimes, depending on how dear we hold it in our memory.

A reflection on what summer days were like for a couple of "us kids."
02/19/2024

A reflection on what summer days were like for a couple of "us kids."

A reflection on hanging out with my brother, and all that water under the Tamatchie Creek bridge.

When The Greatest is gone, where do we turn ....
02/06/2024

When The Greatest is gone, where do we turn ....

The brashness, confidence, and humor made Ali a force of nature that's hard to live without.

It could have been a wild, memorable time ....
02/06/2024

It could have been a wild, memorable time ....

It could have been a Bacchanalian, gluttonous, memorable night ....

When a dog comes your way out of the blue, is there anything better?
02/03/2024

When a dog comes your way out of the blue, is there anything better?

When you least expect it, getting a hot dog handed to you can be a beautiful thing.

Address

Chicago, IL

To get to the hot dog joint in Chicago, you can take the L train to the nearest station and walk a few blocks to the location. Alternatively, you can drive and park in a nearby parking lot or on-street parking area. It is recommended to check for parking restrictions before leaving your car unattended.

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What people say

Hot Dog Diary is a must-visit hot dog joint in Chicago for anyone who loves encased meats. This restaurant offers an array of hot dogs that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From the classic Chicago-style hot dog to the more adventurous options like the chili cheese dog, Hot Dog Diary has it all.

What sets Hot Dog Diary apart from other hot dog joints in the city is their commitment to finding and showcasing the hidden gems of Chicago's hot dog scene. They take pride in exploring the unexplored and unheralded single establishments that serve up a great Chicago dog.

The ambiance of this restaurant is also worth mentioning. The modest storefront and paint-peeling glorified shed give it a unique charm that adds to the overall experience of enjoying a delicious hot dog.

If you're looking for a place to grab a quick bite or want to indulge in some mouth-watering encased meats, then Hot Dog Diary should be at the top of your list. Their dedication to finding and serving up the best hot dogs in town is truly commendable, making them one of the best hot dog restaurants in Chicago.

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