I have passed by here many times! It's a small hole in the wall that's been there since 1972. Anthony Anthony Bourdain visited fat Johnnie's in 2009 and gave it his stamp of approval! The prices are very reasonable. They also carry Boba for those of you whom enjoy that. I ordered a Chicago dog, a chili boat (chili with a Chicago style Tom Tom Tamale) and a peach lemonade. My total was around $12 which isn't bad at all very reasonable!!!! The guy behind the counter was very nice and got my food together extremely fast! The Chicago dog reminded me of when I was little. It was a place by the university of Chicago that sold Chicago dogs. It was really good and brought back that taste of nostalgia. The chili boat was delicious as well. It reminded me of Moo and Oink's chili that they use to carry back in the 90's! It was delicious!! The peach lemonade was only three dollars and it was about 12 ounces. It was a good decent lemonade the kind that you would get at a car carnival it didn't have a aftertaste or anything. They had different flavors and I would order it again. I'm gonna go back to try moooreeee! *** this place will put Ketchup on your hot dog if you like. They don't carry fries, but they have a Chicago staple, Vitner chips. If you want sport peppers on your hotdog, you have to ask and it's cash only!!!! read more

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I have only been once, it's a place that's been owned by a family for a very long time who have all since passed. The new owners kept the concept in the small space with upgrades to the outside façade. From reading other reviews, everything from the quality and the service is just as good over all the years. It's hotdogs and they do it well. I'm sure I'll be back to get a "super fat one" (big 1/4lb chili cheese dog) and a Chicago dog again, they were both great. The only issue I have is that it is on a busy section of Western, so depending on which direction you're coming or going from it's harder to get a spot to park or park and walk across the street safely (probably why I don't go more). Great place to get a taste of a Chicago dog. If you're in the area you shouldn't be disappointed in stumbling across it. read more

This is an old school hot dog shack that has had a nice facelift lift. I ordered the red hot and a Big one and then I realized I didn't have enough since it's cash only. He let me slide and I will be back to pay them back. I'm glad they kept the old menu board. I received my food and chowed down. Both had a good bite with fresh ingredients. What I love is they have cucumbers instead pickles. A nice dash of celery salt on top. All the flavors work really well together. read more

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They have the best hot dogs ever!!! Previously I had only had regular hot dogs and polishes. Today I was in the neighborhood and stopped in to get lunch be or my husband and I. We both got the chili cheese dogs and they were out of this world. My hot dog melted in my mouth. Everything was made fresh and was hot and delicious. The owner was on site and was so friendly and helpful. They always have the best service and are quick and attentive to their customers. This is a True Chicago Staple! If you haven't been to Fat Johnnie's you need to get there immediately! Can't wait to go back soon. read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely one of, if not, The BEST HOT DOG in Chicago!! Chicago Style hot dog with steamed poppy seed bun that wraps around a real Vienne Beef hot dog. Freshly sliced cucumbers instead of a pickle, which brings out a different flavor, topped with sport peppers, roma tomatoes, neon green Vienna relish amd of course celery salt. Add their cheese or chili to take it up a notch. HOT DOG LOVERS MUST TRY!!! Add cheese or get a chili-cheese dog. If you enjoy Chicago Hot Dogs, you MUST try 'Fat Johnnies!' read more

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We spent our weekend car shopping down Western Avenue. We needed to take a break and get something to drink. We stopped at Fat Johnnie's for some classic Chicago-style hot dogs and lemonade. This whole experience felt so nostalgic, walking up to the stand, getting our food quick and hot, and sitting on the picnic table out front, enjoying a bite before continuing an hour car search. The guy at the window was very nice. They got our order ready quickly and with a smile, and the price wasn't bad when everything else around us has become so absorbently expensive. read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Classic Chicago - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The best Chicago style hot dog in Chicago. Perfect combination of all ingredients. So so good. Thought about going back the next day. The staff is super friendly and happy. Support local ma and pa places. read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Chicago hot dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best hot dog. Fat one with everything! Tamale sundae, no cheese extra onions. Good service, great dog. read more

Let me start with this... I have been going to Fat Johnny's since I was a kid and I'm almost 60 and I have yet to get a bad meal. Yes it's merely a small hotdog stand type of joint but they crank out the best food. The service is quick and they are super nice. I'm allergic the poppy seeds the owner told me once if I brought him a regular pack or two of buns he'd store them for me... Name another place that accommodating? And those nachos are my absolute fav... Love Fat Johnny's and please keep doing what you do. read more

I've been wanting to come here for a very long time now. And I came here for one thing and one thing only. Their mother-in-law. A very underrated Chicago Dish. I'll start by saying, that yes, it is a shack and yes it's in the south side and not the best part of town, but you're truly missing out on a Chicago gem. They have one table off to side of their shack, if you cared to eat there, otherwise you'll be doing take out like everyone else does. As for their Mother-in-law, I've been wanting to try it out for a while, and never really knew what I was going to get myself into. A tamale in a hot dog bun? No, it's not an actual Mexican tamale that your mother makes or the ones you can purchase from the tamale guy. This is a Chicago Style tamale. Now before I explain what a Chicago Style tamale is, let me just say I'm a huge fan of everything Chicago style. Chicago style hot dogs, Chicago Style Deep Dish, etc... except for a Chicago Style tamale. I've tried them a few times, but they really aren't that good. A real tamale has masa packed with some meat inside wrapped corn husk. These Chicago style tamales are machine made cornmeal rolls wrapped in paper. They taste machine made as well. But when you put in a hot dog bun and top it off Chicago style, it's game over. The tamale finally wins! You have cornmeal rolled tamales stuffed inside a poppy seed hot dog bun, and then cover it with chili, onions, two tomato wedges, relish and a cucumber. Sound gross, but the key is to have a little bit of everything with every bite. Otherwise if you eat the bun and tamale buy itself, it's going to taste too dry and tasteless. But when you eat it with a bite of cucumber and tomato, it somehow softens up the bite as well as it keep it tasting fresh. It's hard to explain, but once you try it, you'll know what I mean. It absolutely looks disgusting and may sound disgusting, but I promise it won't disappoint. Don't be afraid and venture out to the south side and give a try! I'll definitely be back! read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Mother-in-law - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I mean what more can you say? Classic Chicago red hot. Gene & Judes will always take the victory but this is a solid dog.

Not as good as expected. Service was great and fast. I ordered a hot dog with everything and a chili dog and they were good but not as good as I expected from all the reviews I've read. read more

This is a "traveling show", taking all the set-ups to places and events. The owner is super friendly and always kind. The dogs and buns are best quality - she learned from the original Fat Johnnie! All of the expected accouterments for a Chicago Dog are prepared and ready. But still, she will joyfully serve one with just ketchup for the choosy eater. She said she is available for kids party or other family picnics. Price is fair. Totally recommend Father's Day Johnnie's Daughter. read more

Hands down the best hot dogs in Chicago. Shitty neighborhood. Just pull over, park, order, and leave. Regular dogs are unbeatable but there are also other items which are just as good. Try the "mother in law" (tom tom tamale on a bun with chili). You will not be disappointed. This place was featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No reservations" a few years back. read more

Can't miss it! Our friend grew up in the area. We were visiting CHI Town. So we made the trip to this stand per his recommendation. The dog went down in 2.5 seconds hahaha! It was good! read more

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Fat Johnny's been around for a very long time and I love the tamales they hotdogs they nachos and cheese they chili dogs are the best and I live right around the corner read more

Great Chicago style hotdogs. I started eating there in the mid-to-late '70s. I try to stop by when I'm in town from San Antonio, TX. Not the best looking but it's just a hotdog joint... read more

I enjoy Fat Johnnies, the super dog with a super sundae are terrific. I believe their is new ownership however the products are about the same. I like this place because it's affordable and have tasty products read more

Johnnies daughter is amazing!! Make sure to check out her original Chicago dogs if and when you can!!

Really like the updated sitting area outside ;) good value for $$ and very clean outdoor eating space - lots of varieties of hot dogs ! read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - CHICAGO STYLE Red Hot - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I think it's safe to declare that when it comes to our willingness to travel for food, hubby and me are more intrepid than average. Sometimes way more intrepid: Anyway, we wound up here after making a pilgrimage to Calumet Fisheries for its legendary Smoked Garlic & Pepper Salmon. On the way, we drove through Englewood for a very looong stretch and hubby began to go ballistic. "I'm on vacation. This is starting to depress me!" That is the G-rated version. The kid was also none too happy being surrounded by so much seeming despair. By the time we finally pulled up to this dilapidated little airstream trailer, everyone was in a foul mood. We got a Chicago Dog and a Polish, Chicago-style, both with the works. I think you have to special request sport peppers if I am recalling correctly. They were both tasty, though am not entirely sure I could tell the difference between the two, but that could have been my grumpiness rendering me less discerning than usual. Hubby kibbitzed back and forth a little with the guy manning the trailer, giving me a glimmer of hope for the experience. Alas, however, he ultimately insisted that we could have found equally good hot dogs elsewhere with less of a hassle. Maybe so. Maybe so. Bottom line: If I had to do it again, not sure I'd choose this for our Chicago Dog adventure. Not because it was too divey, or the food was disappointing. Am just not sure it was worth all the angst to get there. If you're up for it, though, the hot dogs are definitely four stars worth of good. read more

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One of the best hot dogs I've ever had. unique food items and the staff was friendly and super helpful. The owners daughter actually sat and talked with us on her break or end of shift which was nice. The location may not be the best but get your food to go and enjoy! read more

Let me explain why Johnnie is FAT It starts with a very revealing STAT Revealed to me by my obese CAT But 76% of the customers AT This place are obese, so how about THAT It's not a destination for an ACROBAT But come in close, and let's have a CHAT Let me throw an explanation into the HAT There's no hot dog, Polish or BRAT That rivals these, served from Mon-SAT So from Kuala Lumpur to KARL MARX STADT There's no better sausage, yo, dan DAT All of the rivals just fall FLAT Sausages so good, that nobody ever SPAT Them out, I'd still go here if I saw a RAT So whether you wear glossy make up or MATTE And even if the southside's not your HABITAT (Nobody will beat you with a baseball BAT) Whether you're a dictator or a DIPLOMAT (i.e. whether you're a Trump lover or a DEMOCRAT) And whether you're an alpha or a DOORMAT And whether you prefer Tangier or RABAT And whether you keep cranking up my THERMOSTAT And whether you like vanilla porn or SCAT And whether you're offering tit for TAT And whether you have a d**k or a TW*T (Or both) (because I'm completely down with THAT) Anyway, this is the place you should end up AT So come and find out why Fat Johnnie is FAT WHAT (And when Johnnie stands up, you can see where he SAT) Only 86 reviews? Scandal. They've been here decades, the best version (by a distance) of Chi Dogs. #YelpFail What to get: Chicago Dog, Polish dressed up like Chicago Dog, Mighty Dog What not to get: Mother In Law Why: It has tamales but no hot dog Any other reason: Who really wants to get a mother in law If your car gets stolen while you're eating one of these dogs, I'll be like, hey, where'd Chicago? At least you'll have the consolation of enjoying the best hot dog you've ever had. I'm serious. No wonder Fat Johnnie is fat when he has the best hot dogs in the whole country. This guy makes real Chicago Dogs. By far the best incarnation of them and all their family members, in the city that invented them. I cannot get enough of them. It's unfortunate that you drive 20 minutes off the hwy, still stuck in gridlock trying to get here, way out in the middle of nowhere on the South Side, and it's the reason most Yelpers have never been here. And some refuse to come here. Which is ridiculous because it's your city and this is the best hot dog there is! It's a poor area, yes, but it's not a "bad area" in the sense of danger. You will be fine. Okay, there's nowhere to sit. But that can be said about your mother's bedroom also, I would know. You can read Bob B's review from 7/9/2017 to see the truth about why people don't come here. Deluded. Anyway I have nothing but good things to say. Their Polish is excellent, one of the best I've had. Get it dressed like a Chicago dog (i.e. dragged through the garden as they say). Then there's the Mighty Dog, dressed like a Chicago Dog, smothered in Cheese, Chile, and a Tamale. WOW. Must try. These things are absolutely loaded with everything under the sun and everything tastes spectacular. They're impossible to eat, but so is your Dad's sausage. I don't even really like Chicago style tamales but damn do they work on these Mighty Dogs. Skip the Mother-In-Law, it's basically the Mighty Dog without the hot dog on it, which takes something away from it. See, mother in laws are never a good thing! It's gotten to the point where I might say that if you only try one thing in Chicago than this is the thing to try. Yeah I'm not even kidding. Chicago is one of the 5 best food cities on the continent and possibly even #1, and this is the one place I'd send people... except for the location, how far it is from highways, and the lack of seating (it's an outdoor shack with one dirty table to sit at, sometimes, and only when it's not cold or windy, which it usually is). But you still, must, must, come here. It's a shame about be sketchy location (according to the trendy Yelpers) and about the lack of seating and decor, because if this place had a nice area to sit down, I think that it would be infinitely more popular, and a true destination for all the fancy stuck up self-described "foodies" that won't venture down into these parts. You know I love all of you really (I'm sticking it to 90% of my friends right now lol) (wait, I don't have any friends left). But maybe, just maybe, keeping this place as a run-down shack with no interior and nowhere to sit, is part of the charm. Maybe Obese Johnnie is saying f*** you to the expectations and standards of the bleached, cookie-cutter world, and is doing it his way, the old way, the American way. (Btw I'm the least patriotic person alive, but when it comes to food, I'm all about the old time ways of home cooking). But maybe these old time standards and refusal to provide a "modern, sanitary, superficial" food experience, are the reason Fat Johnnie is what it is, and the reason people like me are obsessed with it. Maybe this is why Fat Johnnie has... unequivocally... what are the best hot dogs I've ever tasted in my life. read more

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Great service and food is great not only that they have you in and out. I've been going there since a young child and I have never been disappointed read more

I don't stop as often but am happy that I do, even parking in the median of Western Ave. back in the day to jump in/out of there. A visiting relative from Mexico came with me to have an introduction Hot Dog and after we wolfed these down while leaning on the only outdoor table available he agreed "It was the Best (Pero Caliente), in Spanish, he ever had. read more

Solid classic chicago dog with the usual toppings. Perfectly steamed bun. Perfectly crunchy yet lightly pickled cucumber slice. Eat it in your car. Cash only. read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Outside - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Use to go here when I was a kid. My grandfather owned the gas station that use to be next door. Had the large Chicago Dog with everything and a Tom Tom tamale. Still one of the best Chicago Dogs in the city! Was so glad to see they were still there. read more

I've been working in the neighborhood since the 90's. Plenty of chili cheese fat ones have been consumed. Side of Nacho's with hot sport peppers. Love their cheese polish with seasoning salt!. If you like it all on your dog they dress them up nicely. Explore the menu. They have definitely cleaned it up. Not exactly sure how to describe the area so I won't. Hit and run. read more

Best place to get a hot dog in the city of Chicago period Disregard the old run down airstream trailer and neighborhood ruckus. Johnnys is the best. read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Sam I waiting outside Fat Johnnies to pick up a red hot. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Been going to Fed Johnny's for more than 40 years looks like an old rundown shack but their variety of hot dogs are to die for this is a can't miss hot dog joint great place for lunch with the fellas or afternoon with the family try it you won't be sorry read more

I met Fat Johnnie. I instantly liked the man. Here's a man who's proud of his hot dog and excited to share it with you. I told him I was visiting from Los Angeles and came down to his shack because I hear he's the best. His confidence was apparent and he told me, I've never had a hot dog like it. Hmmm. The gauntlet is thrown down. But in my defense, anyone who is willing to spend $50 on Ubering round trip from downtown Chicago for a Hot Dog, has been around. I've had some great Chicago dogs. I went with...... The Fat One - a 1/4 lb Hot Dog with all the fixins A Polish - a 1/4 Polish Sausage dressed like a Chicago Dog A Mighty Dog - a hot dog and tamale dressed like a Chicago Dog with Chili and Cheese. So right away, Fat Johnnie's checks all the boxes for a correctly made Chicago dog. Steamed Vienna Beef Hot Dog, Steamed Poppy Seed Bun, topped with tomato, onion, neon green relish, mustard, celery salt, and sport peppers (by request). BUT what he does differently is go with a cucumber slice rather than a pickle. It's an interesting choice, and I was surprised at first. But sure enough there was plenty of other flavors going on that I didn't miss the pickle, and the refreshing flavor of the cucumber enhanced the combination of relish, mustard, and celery salt. The relish is already pickled, why add another layer of pickled flavor. With each bite his subtle cucumber choice won me over. I haven't had a Polish dressed as a Chicago dog before, but why not. It didn't seem much different than the 1/4 hot dog though in taste, which was surprising. Again the perfect balance of flavors. But for all I know he gave me a 2nd Fat One. So I guess while it was delicious, there wasn't anything Polish about it. Of course I had to try the Mighty Dog. Fat Johnnie's has no shame of mixing chili and cheese along with your standard Chicago dressed dog. Every other place I've been to, it's an either...or...situation. But when in Rome..Load it up. This has a smaller hot dog than the 1/4 lb because it also has a tamale next to the dog. Then melted cheese sauce and chili, and then bring on the tomato, cucumber, onions, relish, celery salt, mustard. This bun stands no chance of surviving this onslaught of goo. I've done some crazy dog combinations at Pink's in Hollywood, which I'm not a fan of because the actual hot dog isn't that good. You can't say that here. It's still a great hot dog and a moist tamale underneath all that stuff. That said - I think I would still rather eat the tried and true Chicago Hot Dog formula, and then order a chili cheese dog by itself. For sure I didn't really get a sense of how good the chili and cheese sauce is here, because of all the other competing flavors. Sometimes you can't reinvent the wheel. 5 stars for the Fat One 4.5 stars for the Polish 4 stars for the Mighty Dog It's hard for me to decide between 4 or 5 stars here. Is it really that hard to get a Chicago dog made right in Chicago? Do you really have to travel miles out of town to a small shack? It was part of the charm of the place though. In Southern California I have a Portillos close to my house, that makes it's Chicago dogs the right way. And I also have a Chicago Dog place in South Florida where I grew up that is top notch (Hot Dog Heaven). Is this way way better? Not really. But I can say that Fat Johnnies makes them the right way and it was a damn good hot dog. Considering the terrible Chicago Dog I had at the airport, maybe it's not that easy. I'll leave that up to the locals to decide. And it does seem like some are willing to travel for Fat Johnnie's. read more

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I recently visited Chicago this weekend and Fat Johnnies was my first stop. I absolutely loved the chili cheese dog. I had to stop back by before I headed home. From now on when I'm in Chicago I will be back at Fat Johnnies read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Anyone who calls Fat Johnnie's overrated should be burned at the stake. That being said, holy crap this place is amazing!! Simple and delicious just like a hotdog should be... The Good- Johnnie serves up every single order fresh, so cool to see a local legend still around after 42 years in business!! My kids devoured a cheese dog each in two minutes flat. Insane. The tamales are actually really good which was surprising. The chili and cheese was beyond words. Johnnie slices up tomatoes and cucumber fresh to order then lays on the celery salt. This is a quaint little building and may have you questioning it at first glance, then you see the table where he sat with Anthony Bordain and his various awards... Really cheap!! The Bad- Crybabies saying that it's overrated or a sketchy neighborhood may keep you away from here which would be a shame!! The Ugly- Parking is terrible in the city, you already know that. Come say hi to Johnnie, he's a great guy and his food is amazing. Cash only!! THE BEST HOTDOG IN THE COUNTRY!!!!!!! http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/seven-chicago-hot-dogs-among-nations-top-50/ read more

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Awesome place. Dogs are getting a bit pricey but its truly hard to beat and worth the drive

Found this place on Yelp, "Of Course" and being a big fan of Anthony Bourdain I had to try it while in town. Drove to the location with the help of the directions feature inside of Yelp. I think the map feature is one of the reasons that I first began to love Yelp. I had watched a Chicago episode of Anthony Bourdain and watched as he raved about this place so it was a must go for me. Stopped on the street by this little "Lean to" stand. It's like something you would have seen in the 60"s. Small barely readable menu, a stark screen and open window for ordering. I could hear a heated argument inside as I walked up. Hey! We all have a little drama right? I was a little amused that they posted on a sign that "Anthony Bordain" had been there. The spelling was incorrect but it added a little to the ambiance of the place. I ordered two of the Super Dogs, a coke and retired to the car.. The Super Dog is slathered with chili and all the Chicago style condiments were requested by me. The dog is messy and a little hard to eat, this is exactly what I expected.. It was fast tasty snack food that I came here for and precisely what I received.. Not sure about the whole "Chicago Dog" tradition. I would say you could have a better dog somewhere else but it will cost you more. Throw in the tradition the diveyness and the price for tasty mystery meat in tube form and I think we have a winner here.. read more

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Wow! This is the diveiest dive I've every visited, and dives are my thing. The food was outstanding though. Had the "Super Fat One". Delicious! read more

Fat Johnnie's Famous Red Hots - Dive of dives - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It is almost impossible to choose BESTs when it comes to Chicago foods. You would have to sub categorize everything to even get close. The most one could do is to say YOU MUST TRY FAT JOHNNIES HOT DOGS AND OR POLISH SAUSAGES. In addition, you must return and order each style they offer (weekly). read more

Fat Johnnie's is an oldie but definitely goodie. I have been eating the Super dog for 40 years. I just introduced my youngest son to Fast Johnnie's and he is hooked also. Generations of all beef hot dogs. It's a walk up. It's quick. It's reasonably priced. I will continue giving this hot dog stand my business. read more

I've lived in West Lawn all my life and never had the opportunity to go to Fat Johnnie's. Man, have I been missing out. Ordered through Uber Eats yesterday and it was DELICIOUS!! The food arrived hot and well packaged. I ordered a tamale sundae, 2 Chicago red hots and 1 double chili dog. Everything was EXCELLENT and I would definitely order from Fat Johnnie's again. Never heard of a tamale sundae before and it turned out to be a tasty surprise. Keep up the good work!! read more

Fat Johnnie's attains low-end, eat-on-the-sidewalk perfection. I enjoyed an excellent Chicago dog, the ingredients threatening to topple over but remaining in place. I also liked the "mother-in-law," which features a tamale in a hot dog roll. It's inexplicable but intriguing if you're not afraid of carbs. I got the "suicide" soda, just a mix of everything. No need for you to try that. The menu isn't super-long. They have Polish sausages. They probably don't have salads. read more