Foodie Smack-down in Chi-town: Part II

Hot Doug's:
"The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium"

Sounds tantalizing, doesn't it?

Folks line up around the block and wait for hours to sample Doug's encased meats, and they do it for a reason. It freakin' rocks. Hot Doug's sits on the corner of N California and W Roscoe in an unassuming little brick building. The "patio dining" consists of 2 old-school cafeteria style booths out in the alley, and inside the place is decked out in bright reds, yellows, and black and white checkers. The walls are of course covered in encased meat paraphernalia including one whole wall devoted to the menus along with instructions on how to order (if you don't know your sausage etiquette). Even the bathroom celebrated the dogs...

After waiting outside in the drizzling rain for two hours, it was a pleasure to reach the heart of the beast and witness the folks that had come before us sitting down to enjoy their meals. It was a well oiled machine. As soon as each party finished ordering, a single table would come open, every single time. Some folks opted to order modestly, one dog and some duck-fat-fries, while others wanted to be sure and get a taste of all their favorites; for example a young couple who couldn't have weighed more than 175 lbs combined were served 6 gourmet dogs and 2 baskets of duck-fat-fries.

As we approached the counter to place our orders,
we were greeted by Doug himself, wearing a friendly smile and horn-rimmed glasses.

Beni and I opted for one dog each and to split a basket of the fries. Beni ordered the holy grail of hot dog's, the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Sel Gris. Holy-cow (or duck), it was extremely decadent...

I asked Doug to help me choose between the Celebrity Special of the day and the Mushroom and Swiss, becauase I just couldn't decide. He steered me toward the Mushroom, "The shitake's are sauteed in duck fat... because we can."

I was not sorry. Doug really delivered the pork sausage with 'ducky' mushrooms, chili mustard, and Baby Edam cheese. It was a spicy and savory taste explosion...


We all left happy and full, and I'm sure gave the folks still waiting in line a look that convinced them the wait would be totally worth it.

Come back later to read about Chicago pizza, Chicago beer, and a Chicago home cooked meal!