One day after being sick for over a week, my boyfriend actually had an appetite and it was for a greasy burger. It wasn't a taste for a gourmet burger on a pretzel bun. It was something that only a diner could deliver. We went to Slim's (which I'll review later) but they were closed for a private event. No big deal. It's Chicago, so there are other places to get a good burger. Did you know that the majority of stand-alone burger/hotdog places are not open on Sundays? We didn't either, but we found that out the hard way by visiting 6 other places and driving by at least another one. Our ride down Western Avenue took us to Bill's Drive-in which looked promisingly greasy. Plus, it was open. We went in after running across the street to CVS to get cash (cash only, folks) and were surprised at how inexpensive the burgers were, and that they offered quadruple burgers. That seemed like excessive burger, so he got a double, I got a single. We skipped on the tamales. We got back in the car to eat and opened the wrappers. The fact that they offer quadruple burgers for less than $5 should have tipped us off that the burgers are thin, but that still wouldn't have prepared me for a burger 3/16th of an inch thick. The burger was ok in terms of flavor, but it was bad bun-to-burger proportion. read more

This was tough. If all they made were burgers, they'd get 5 stars. But they're known for hot dogs, and I just don't like their hot dogs. Their burgers rock however. We call them "rubber burgers". Always a treat. We just plow through a bag of them. In a way, like a larger White Castle burger, with more character. Man, what was I thinking when we left RP for HP? read more

This place far exceeded my expectations. People who say it's a great institution to have in town are absolutely right. We ordered doubles with everything, and the grilled onions. Mine also had hot peppers. I strongly suggest getting grilled onions; the ungrilled onions are fine but the acidity they add is almost overpowering after the mustard and pickle go on. Grilled onions is 0.05 extra. Yes that's right, five cents extra. I thought I wasn't reading the sign right until I got closer but that is indeed what you're going to pay for those onions to be grilled. If you want to get out cheap, just order a burger and bolt, maybe add fries. The double itself goes for an easy $2.60. The burgers are amazing in their own way. I find it difficult to explain exactly how. Between the bun and the patties and the cheese it's just a great, high-density deliciousness per bite burger. The fries are on the meatier side and very well cooked. read more

Burger and fries are good but the customer service sucks. I went there about four times and I swear each time the woman there were rude. I am a patient person but I literally had to say a prayer to stop me from cursing. They are very rude and mean for no reason. But the burgers and fries are good. Please work on your customer service ASAP. read more

I am from Orange County Ca. I grew up my whole life hearing about Bill's from my Mom. I never had one til I was like 19. AMAZING!!!!!! Pinks,PCH dogs, or Jerry's Dogs (although when in CA Jerry's is the BEST!) cannot compare. Really they Rule!!! read more

I've tried many small, mom-and-pop, street corner burger joints in Chicago, so this isn't a case of unrealistic expectations. If you're passing by Bill's and you're in the mood for a burger, it's better than just driving past - but nothing special, certainly not worth a special trip. On the other hand, it's dirt cheap. So there's that. read more

Bills Drive-In - Order up! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Must admit that this is the closest restaurant to where I live and I love old-school diners and hot dog stands, but this place always leaves me hangin' a bit. Maybe I get there at the wrong times or wish they were open past 7pm, but the dogs have always been fairly mushy (I need that snap) and the burgers pretty ordinary. Doesn't hold a candle to kings like Wiener and Still Champion (dogs) and Mustard's Last Stand (burgers) for my Evanston dollar. Keep on keepin' on, though. I love the old-school vibe and the constant lunchtime crowds. It's a party at Bill's every day! read more

Ordered double burger & fries. Burger dry and fries fresh, but overcooked. Worse than that was the lack of cleanliness especially behind the glass where the food is cooked. Floor filthy, counters dirty and garbage cans with something that mirrored dog crap running down the side. I noticed this while waiting for my order and I was very tempted to just say NO. However, I'm embarrassed to say I took it anyway and ate most of it. I do have to admit that before, while and after eating it, I was nauseated just from the image of how dirty and unsanitary Bill's was/is. read more

Good old local joint. If you want a quick bite stop on in like locals have since 1949. Does not look like much from the outside but inside Great burgers, dogs and Italian beef. All woth generous portions. Don't miss the shakes either. read more

Bills Drive-In - Italian beef served dry with sweet and hot peppers - Hot Dogs Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

NOTE- 1 star is entirely too many stars to give. If I could post a negative number of stars I would! I will never EVER set foot in Bill's after today's visit with my special needs son! Disrespectful woman in there was so rude to my son (while he was trying to tell her what he wanted on his burger) and when I called her on it, she denied doing anything wrong! NORMALLY with this level of rudeness and disrespect I would've left the order as walked out. I didn't because I promised him we would eat there. To top it off, then we get home everything I paid for was NOT in the bags! I refused to even call or go back for the missing items or my money back. You drained enough of my energy. Disrespectful and cheaters! This place SUCKS BIG TIME! ***WARNING*** if you have a child with Special needs and you're working on independence, DO NOT GO TO BILL'S! THEY HAVE NO PATIENCE WITH OUR LOVED ONES! Deb, a former lifelong customer read more

I went here to try the Hot Dog. I liked the Leon's Hot Dog, but wished I could get more toppings. I was hoping I found a meal on a bun hot dog. I did think the fries were pretty good. I am still searching for a hot dog like the one I remember as a kid going to Hastee Tastee. read more

A little burger stand. A lot of flavor. It's greasy and you shouldn't go there if you want a healthy meal. There's almost always a line to order, but it doesn't take long and it's worth the wait. read more

I have been going here for 50ish years and it was always 4-5 stars, the milk shakes were too die for ( i have not had one in a few years) the last 2 times it has sucked. The hot dogs are much smaller and a different color. I have asked and everybody behind the counter just look at me. The hamburger looks different in color (before it goes on the grill) I will give it one more try before i never step foot in the place again. read more

Horrible customer service, charged us for an extra soda when we didn't order it. Horrible communication skills. Completely rude service. Kitchen staff seemed confused on what was order. Giving everyone attitude. Never had as bad experience as this one. Save your time and go to IHOP which is right next to it. read more

A neighborhood institution -- my wife was walking there for pizza puffs with her sister 35 years ago. Haven't tried the burgers yet, but I've heard they're better than the hot dogs (which are pretty good, though not the best Chicago dogs I've had). And the fries are very good (and you get a load of them). Looks like they have a big menu, though -- I'm looking forward to trying a bunch of stuff. QUICK UPDATE: I forgot to mention -- if you're looking for a very good Chicago dog, you can't do much better in south Evanston than the little cart inside the entrance at Home Depot on Oakton. I think Bill's is great for other things, but those Depot dogs can't be beat. read more

Long time customer since early 2000s I've always came in and ordered what I have for the past 10 years and every time I come In they know my order right when I walk In the door. It's a pleasure coming here and supporting a family business. It's cheap, good, and my oh my are the chocolate shakes something to go for alone. read more

Just wanted to say this place is a no frills awesome old school hot dog and burger emporium. I've been going here since the sixties nothing seems to have changed different type of dog in a good way, all the toppings are fresh and done to order.Hamburgers are probably 1/8th of a pound so get at least a double. This place is well known by many people,and I hope they plan to carry on the tradition for many years in the future. read more

Great Quad Cheeseburgers! Great Fries! Unfortunately, they don't use an All Beef Hot Dog

Bill's makes the best burger you'll find. I started going to Bill's while in middle school and haven't stopped. Whenever I'm back in town I make sure to stop in and get a burger. The employees are efficient and friendly. Don't go anywhere else for a burger in Evanston. Bill's has you covered. The fries and shakes are also top notch. read more

Been going to Bills for years. Amazing cheeseburgers and milkshakes. Don't let its simple presentation fool you, there isn't a better lunch spot in all of Evanston. read more

The best, I wish I was in Chicago so I could have a burger. I miss the great taste!

Bill's Drive-In is an old-fashioned burger joint at the South side of Evanston near the Chicago border. It's a small building that can easily be overlooked going down Asbury, but it is a hidden gem in Evanston. The burgers are top-notch, but I suspect the patties are pretty thin. I recently ordered a quad cheeseburger and I slammed it in 2-3 minutes top. It honestly felt like a double cheeseburger, but I digress. Regardless, this is by far the most affordable burger joint in Evanston. I paid $5 for a quad cheeseburger. FIVE DOLLARS! That is cheaper than other comparable burger joints in the area. This would be perfect for Northwestern students but it's too far. I took off one star due to location, and the fact that there is a $5 minimum for credit cards. read more

I love this place! What a great find. There is no seating and if you want grilled onions, you better order them when you put your order in. The burgers aren't the largest, but they are so tasty and for around $2 you can get a triple burger.. Also the fries are huge and the shakes are amazing. If you want a cheap meal that is super tasty this is your place! read more

I must stand up to defend Bill's hot dogs. I have been savoring these hot dogs since I was 8 years old when my Dad used to stop here on the way home for a bag of hot dogs and tamales. I'm astounded at the people who wrote in without mentioning the famous Bill's hot dogs. They are very tasty, memorably so, so much that I get cravings when I'm away from Chicago, and the quality has been consistent for decades. That is an institution I can believe in! OK, here's the thing. Reviewers have mentioned that the Bill's hot dog is mild. That's right, it is mild, not like the typical red hots with bright green relish they used to serve at Fluky's and Frankie's. But in this case, mild is fantastic. The best way to eat the Bill's hot dog is with mustard, fresh onions, relish, fresh tomato and a sprinkling of celery salt. Really, this combination is genius! The bun is steamed just right and the meat is mildly spiced, but the taste is incredible. Sure it's a bit mild but I love it. Cannot wait to visit there again soon. read more

This is burger hedonism!!!!! If you like thin burgers stacked with cheese, get the quad cheese. This is sort an institution.

This place is a local treasure. The burgers are tops, dogs are among the best in Chicagoland. Remember the old McDonalds fried pies? They have them here!! awesome. read more

This is a small walk-in place with no seating . It was pretty busy when I went even though they were getting ready to close. I decided to check them out because I heard that they had good shakes. I looked over the menu and the prices were very reasonable. I got a double cheeseburger special for $5.60: sandwich, fries and a drink. I paid $1.25 extra to make it a shake. The food was good and plentiful. I really enjoyed my strawberry shake. It was thick and creamy. I must add that I really appreciated the staff being so patient with me especially at closing. I'll be sure to arrive earlier in the future. read more

Everything a burger from a burger joint should be. The bun isn't huge and they don't drown the burger in toppings. The patties have that nice bit of crisp around the edge. If you just want some freshly grilled meat on bread, this is it. read more

Decent fries, crappiest thinnest patty I've ever seen outside of a Whitey's.

Random little place, and also quite good. Drive in to a simpler time, an earlier time.

More like Bill's Walk-In. Fast food at its most old-fashioned. No seating, unless you want to sit outside next to a bunch of cars or wander over to the bus stop or whatever. Solid Italian beef, milkshakes made with milk, and a willingness to put anything you like on your burger, assuming they have it--celery salt, hot peppers, grilled onions, whatever. As long as Bill's is there, I see no reason why anyone should ever go to the McDonald's down the street. Fries just a little better than okay, generously served. I haven't tried their hot dog, but my dining companion did and didn't like it much. Looks like maybe they changed management a year or so ago, but I don't think much has changed. read more

Been coming here as a kid and 10 years later I'm still in love. I suggest putting celery salt on just about everything. And if you're ever unsure the sweet red haired lady is always more than willing to suggest something new. She was also really patient as I proceeded to ignore all her suggestion and go with my usually order. Haha she's the best. And this place is forever an Evanston staple. read more

Few places endure the test of time, but Bill's is one that survives it. The food is great and at affordable prices. The burgers are really great. The hot dogs make this place unique because they are not Vienna but that's not bad. They can be a hit or miss with some but I like them. Fries and shakes are great too. Good for lunch read more

I love their burgers. They have great prices and great products. Fresh toppings and fast service. They have great shakes and malts too. Try their fries with celery salt! read more

I have been going to Bills for years and can say with certainty that it is the best establishment in the area. The burgers and dogs are made fresh to order, and the service is quick and friendly. The french fries have improved over the years, while the cost has barely increased during that same time period. They also make milkshakes the way they're supposed to be made - with ice cream and milk. Delicious. I return to Bills every time I'm back in south Evanston. read more

Love Bill's. I've been going here for years. I always order either a cheeseburger or a hot dog with everything on it. I haven't had a shake in a very long time, but they used to be good as well! It's also very affordable. Do not expect to dine in unless you don't mind sitting outside. There is standing room only. Also, expect to wait on the weekends and/or during peak lunch hours. And they close super early so don't bother going after 7pm. read more

This tiny little place is ALWAYS packed, especially from about 11-1, so be ready to wait about 5 or ten minutes. Even though their service is blazingly fast, the food is so good and the popularity so high that there will be a wait between these times. But did i mention that the food is amazing and that it's definitely worth it? Because the food IS so good. Just check it out yourself, you'll be pleasantly surprised. read more

The burgers are fresh and hand formed. The hot dogs (although not 'perfect' for some tube steak connoisseurs) are made especially for Bill's using the original recipe designed by Bill himself!! In the 1940s Bill was a butcher making his own sausages. He couldn't keep up with the demand his customers had for his home-made frankfurters. Fast Food Drive-In restaurants were a new ideat that quickly became a reality thanks in part to the 50s hot rod culture. He decided to open a burger joint and offer his hot dogs too! The same family owned and operated this place until the late 90s. Originally they only served hamburgers, hot dogs, tamales, potato chips, cans of Royal Crown Cola products and fantastic shakes and malts. My parents started cruising to Bill's in the 1950s. My father took me here for the first time in the late 1960s when I was 5 or 6 years old. I ate here once week until I moved away from Chicago. I go to Bill's a couple of times during vacations back home. Still, it is my ABSOLUTE favorite place to eat a burger or hot dog and I get 'em with chips and a can of r c cola...... The new owners are doing an ok job of keeping the original Bill's going. However - with the addition of fries, fountain drinks, etc - the spirit of the original owners is slowly disappearing. read more

This place has been around since my mom was a young girl. It's an oldie but goodie. I usually get a single burger or a hot dog, or both! And the celery salt is a must have... There's something special about it. I hope the new owners maintain this place for years to come. read more

Good burgers, great fries, excellent value! This is a mainstay and they deliver a consistently good product. This is not a big, thick, juicy burger- these are the thinner, flat-top variety which I love! The fries are hand cut and you get a HUGE order of them. Don't go to Bill's for the decor, but it's a definite slice of Evanston history! read more