A small piece of nostalgia for a former Evanstonian. I grew up on Bills, and whenever I go back home I try to stop by. I got the Chicago dog and a double cheeseburger. The cooks changed, but the flair stays the same. There's no inside seating, as the Drive In is smaller than most bedrooms. That matters not. The food is as good as ever, and for a great price. read more

Bills Drive-In - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Went to Bills again yesterday had a craving for their hot dogs. Ordered a hot dog with everything. When I unwrapped the wax paper the dog was dripping in mustard, way too much, the tomato slice was tiny, tiny a sliver of tomato and there was no celery salt, I look forward to their tomatoes and celery salt. It's obvious to me the people with the exception of the lady that's been there for 50 years do not know what they are doing. The place is going down faster than the Titanic. The people behind the counter would be better working at a 7/11 or gas station. read more

Two owners ago they switched from Leons pork/beef mix hot dog to Leons 100% beef. The taste is not as good. I grew up coming here for hot dogs and I much prefer the former. Last Sunday I was there and the buns weren't totally steamed. They also are now over cooking the burgers making them dry. There is only one employee there that knows how to properly put toppings on the dog. The others just put globs in the middle instead of evenly spreading them over the length of the dog. The new owners have expanded the menu, I wish they would concentrate on the items that made them in the first place: hot dogs and cheese burgers. read more

Chicago-style dogs and Italian beef at its best! Indoors there is no sit-down dining, but they have a stand-up counter. Reasonable prices. Employees are courteous. read more

Bills Drive-In - Italian beef overflows the bun! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Charming little joint, old school style. Average burgers, fries, and shakes. Service is nice. read more

I was visiting Evanston and tried Bill's since it's said to be the oldest restaurant in Evanston (1949). The place is a small take out only restaurant. The staff is working behind glass. Orders have to be shouted and the staff has to shout back when they have questions about an order. One of the staff mixed up my order and a similar order (I ordered a polish combo the other customer ordered a deep fried polish only) and the staff wanted me to take the incorrectly made order. The food is acceptable but there are definitely better places. The bun was on the stale side and was plain. The food would receive a grade of C+. As far as being historical, there's nothing about Bill's that gives that vibe. If you didn't know it was the oldest in Evanston nothing about it gives it away. I would give Bill's a pass. read more

Bills Drive-In - Deep fried Polish that I didn't order in a plain and stale bun with wilted toppings - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Have been a few times since the refresh of the restaurant. Not clear if it is new ownership or not, but it team members in person or in spirit that I've been going to since 2000. This is a neighborhood hot dog/burger joint and not a smash/gourmet burger destination. Should I ding them a star because I can drive farther away to go and get a smash burger and fries for the same price? (No!) Should I compare them to another drive in that sports a non Vienna Beef special hot dog that I love and take off another star? (No!) Be ready after your order is taken when the line staff ask you what you want on your burger/dog. Signs will show you what is "everything" and what are "other things." Made a visit today to test whether the refreshed Bill's holds up. Fries are fresh and crisp, but not over done. Held up on the drive back to be enjoyed at home. Online menu prices are accurate $5.39 double cheese and $4.49 Polish. Ooh - noticing now that they are promoting their chicken sandwich with free fries on their online menu. Service has been great for me and I've seen the abuse they've taken from customers in recent years. read more

I've been going to this place on and off for many years. The food was always fresh and the people that work there have always been nice. I went there shortly after they were bought out by new management. I asked the guy that was cooking the burgers if it was the same food as the previous owners, he said it was. But the hamburger patties definitely were a big downgrade from what they used to have. The hamburger looked like the kind of premade patties you buy at warehouse stores. The lady that's been working there for years is very nice and always has a kind word. But the new and I'm sure cheaper burgers just aren't making it. read more

Normally the food is good. Today not so much. Ordered fries with cheese on side...I even asked the guy if it was in bag and he said yes. Got home, NO CHEESE!!! Got a gyro sandwich, meat burnt and hard to chew. read more

Great tasting Italian beef with jardiniere. They gave it a bit much of a juice dunk but the flavor of the beef was awesome. We have tried several beefs with peppers over the years and this place was right up there. The need to lighten up on the au juice dunk which made it a knife and fork meal, but damn good. It's a dive but worth a try in my opinion. read more

Bills Drive-In - Hot Italian Beef - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Good burgers. I know owners have gone in and out bog this place but as long as you keep serving the same food I don't care. I always get the double hamburger with grilled onions. It's one of my guilty pleasures. read more

Customer service was terrible 3 hours later had to stay near bathroom never again was better off going to McDonald's.

This food I received was literally burned (see photos). My family had to throw most of this away. While the Manager apologized nonetheless this shouldn't have happened. Why did the cooks over cook/burn the food? This was incredibly thoughtless and we are never coming back. read more

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Bill's used to have good, inexpensive food. The food is still inexpensive but horrible! The hot dog itself is mostly filler and putting dill pickle slices instead of a dill pickle spear is almost as bad as putting ketchup on the dog. How the mighty have fallen. read more

Bills is a staple of the community up North nestled right in Between Evanston and Chicago, it's a small little place there are no tables and chairs. Walk up to the window and place your order the menu is simple Burgers, hotdogs , fries, they now offer a chicken sandwich and fish sandwich. You're greeted with a smile and enthusiasm and the lady that puts on your topping which also very simple. Lettuce, tomatoes, mustard,mayonnaise, pickles, peppers, and celery salt finally ketchup. It reminds me of Steak and Shake. The burger patties are cooked to order and very tasty. Give Bills a try if you're looking for simple and inexpensive. Thanks Bills for being a great place for a simple burger. read more

It gets increasingly hard to find a solid Chicago dog these days. I have plants of old spots but discovering new ones can be difficult. Bills Drive-In to n Evanston is pretty righteous. A solid Chicago style dog. They do it right with mustard onion neon relish tomato slices and celery salt. Not at all bad price these days. It's old school but my first time here. A great stop if you're out on the street. read more

Bills Drive-In - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Neighborhood tradition and local to Chicago and E-Town. Fast and Great. Soda on tap and in the can. Roastbeef sandwich is on point. Their chicken wings are good too. ADA Parking. plenty of parking. pot holes in lot. (2) Two entry and exit ways for vehicles. Bike rack in back. read more

Double Cheeseburger well #2! Delicious!!! Quick,polite & helpful ! The ambiance is it's a drive in....like drive/Park/order/walk out salivating..... read more

I really liked this place! I ordered the combo #2 double cheeseburger and French fries. Everything was cooked fresh and the fries were especially good. Inexpensive and fast. read more

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Been going here since Bill owned the place. Over 60 years. Since it was sold years ago, there's been a steady decline. Service is excruciatingly slow and inefficient. Food quality is way down and prices are WAY up. Too many menu items that slow the flow & there's one lady there that's been there forever that needs to go. Talks way too much & doesn't listen. Can't remember what you told here 10 seconds ago. Not sure who the vendor is for hot dogs but something's off. Originally Slotkowski, then Leon's. Both of which were a great alternative to Vienna which is now on every corner. Today's offering falls way short. Paid my final visit last week. Only customer in the place for a dog, chips, shake. Took forever to get the order as the "shake maker lady" was lounging around in the back. When she FINALLY comes out, she's jabbering with the "burger maker dude" instead of performing her one and only task. Had to tell her to step it up. Adios Bill's. read more

Awesome place great burgers and dogs. That quadruple burger is A+ freaking delicious.

THIS PLACE IS SO BAD. The Food was DISGUSTING!!! They gave us a Terrible tamale IN THE MICHROWAVE WRAPPER. It was $4 and we could've just bought it cheaper at the grocery store. The chicken sandwich was FROZEN in the middle and tasted like school lunch from the cafeteria. The people were RUDE!! She kept making comments saying "You sure you want to eat that much" and "You sure you have the money for this?" LIKE WHAT?! The outside looks so cool but a MASSIVE let down. read more

it's says they close at 9 but went there at 830 and they denied service even though online it says they clearly close at 9 maybe post online kitchen closes at 830 instead!! bad customer service!!!! Very disappointing on a rainy Saturday night especially when I walked to the location explaining to the Indian lady n was so rude and it looked she was trying to run out her job read more

I went to a hot dog yesterday got all the way home and bit it... it was old like it was sitting in hotdog water for a day or two. It had a bad aftertaste. I called them and they said just bring back the hotdog! So you knew it was old when you sold it to me. It's gonna cost me the same amount in gas to get the hot dog replaced!! Not going back read more

Not good food. Bland and meat patties are a joke. A tasteless burger with no substance.

Classic joint here! Awesome burgers and friendly staff. Grilled onions for only 25¢. Everything made to order right in front of you but super quick. Super thin patties but a double makes it worth it. Parking lot holds about 10-15 cars, and there is 1 pic nic table out back. A single cheese burger with fries and a double hamburger for $13.37 has me and my cholesterol elevated! read more

Bills Drive-In - Double burger - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Best Maxwell-style cheezeboorger in Evanston. Pizza puff - Yum! Bill's is also a landmark so we like to go there in weird cars & take photographs sometimes. Always good fun. read more

Bills Drive-In - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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This place is a solid hot dog/hamburger takeout stand that we drove by for the first 15 years we lived in the area. Then, serendipitously, a friend mentioned that he had heard a rumor that Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives had either been there or was planning to go. (I have been able find absolutely nothing related to this.) He went on to tell us that he had been going there for years, took his kids there, best fries on earth, and finally we decided to go. Great Chicago hot dog, super Polish, and the fries ARE stellar, especially if you order them extra crispy without salt. (My personal preference). Really great shakes, tamales, pizza puffs: and then it changed hands a couple or so years ago. Death knell, right? SO WRONG! New owner stepped into those big shoes and dropped some extra sides, kept some of the classics like the double (and triple, etc.,) cheeseburgers and keeps adding yummy stuff here and there. Take a look at the website for ideas. Is this healthy? Not so much. But for an occasional good grease splurge at excellent prices and old time feel? Oh, yeah. No tables, some folks eat in their cars; others race home to keep stuff warmish. Just a neighborhood hot spot, but worth a shot for lunch one day. read more

Best place for a greasy burger and milkshakes. Have to take it to go, but still is hot when you get home read more

Bills is good for a greasy burger and fries always ask to get the fries well done though

If you are looking for a quick bite, at a good price, and in the area. We recommend checking out Bills Drive in. It was my first time eating at this place. I got their famous Hot Dog and it was so good. They also have a homemade Root beer, very refreshing! I really enjoyed all the food I ordered. Also, their prices are great! All the food on their menu was affordable and fair. The guys taking orders are very polite and attentive. All of them are very helpful and friendly. Great place to get affordable hot dogs with great service. Definitely will be back soon! read more

No matter what time of year, this place can always bring a smile on my face. As one of Evanston's institutions, Bill's has been serving delicious hot fries and sandwiches to more people than most realize. Young or old they all wait patiently for their order to be prepared the way they want it. This is not a fancy place, but good hot food that sticks to the belly and easy on the bank account. After coming here for decades, I can truly say thank you Ms Lydia for feeding us and being an example of women in business. They should name the street after the two of you! read more

Bills Drive-In - Fried Polish Sausage with onions relish, sport peppers and mustard! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Grew up going to Bills back when it was a Chicago icon and hotdogs, burgers and chips were your only choices! (70's) Although we moved out of state years ago we continue to come home to visit family 1-2 times a year. While in business change is inevitable, reducing food quality and customer service shouldn't be part of that change. After all these years we won't be back. read more

Bill's was a landmark of a place known for hotdogs/cheese burgers chips & RC cola's No Fries Not the same any more I guess I have to change with the times as well It was good while it lasted. read more

Once Bill's reigned supreme but now fallen way way down due to "do not care owners." Hamburgers now are made with fatty low quality utility grade beef. Hot dogs which used to be the best around are now cheapened with a heavy garlic dog substituted for the classic Leon's Sausage Co. hot dog. Employees and brand new owners are rude. It's quite a sad report. read more

Had a craving for a polish. What even is this meat tube? It's not a polish. Yuck! Root beer float was good. Fries were ok.

I've been going here for over 35 years. Today I go in & my orders the same & I always order my fries well done. The lady also been there for years & I talk while I wait generally, not today. 2 guys working must have her stressed because she was busy & they were completely incompetent. Had to reprat my order 3 times (burger, grilled onion, fries well done) They Literally put the fries in the bag. The woman working asked "are they well done" he said yeah and she goes well I guess they are?? I checked, & as suspected, barely cooked... Don't think I'll be going back anytime soon, as a long time customer I'm super disappointed in how this establishments quality control had seriously deminished. read more

Very disappointed. Went last week and the burger was not even close to their traditional burger. I think they stopped using Leon's sausage. The burger tasted like a frozen patty from Sam's club. I love this place, been going for 50 years, but it was a horrible experience. read more

I was born and raised in Evanston but moved away in 1972. But before then visited Bills back when you got a burger or dog for 19 cents. No fries anything else besides a bag of chips if I remember correctly. Nothing fancy but a good burger alternative to McDonalds. But can't recommend Bills now, IMHO way over price for the quality of the food. read more

Bill's is truly an Evanston tradition...and also a landmark, being at the edge of town once you cross into E-town from Chicago. I didn't eat McDonald's or BK growing up, but my family loved this old burger joint where you got a good burger and chips (they didn't have fries back then) or a hot dog. The burgers aren't very big; in fact the patties are on the small side and thin, but you can do anything from a single up to a quad, at very reasonable prices. The hot dogs aren't the real Chicago-style Vienna dogs, yet they are good...as long as you're ok. with steamed and not grilled or charred. They have chili and a variety of toppings for both the burgers and dogs. Good milkshakes, too! It's a very small space, standing room only, where you order at the register, get a number on your receipt, and they call you to ask what toppings you'd like. Service is fast and friendly. The downside is they're not open late. They close at 7, and aren't open on Sundays. read more