Jeff's Red Hots is one of those Chicago places that reminds you why you should occasionally ignore the tourist lists and follow the locals. The Chicago hot dog was exactly what I hoped for, but the surprise was the fried shrimp. Easily some of the best I've had. Crispy, flavorful, and good enough that I'd return just for the shrimp. The customer service was also excellent. They were patient, friendly, and helpful while we figured out what to order. That kind of service matters, especially when you're visiting a neighborhood spot for the first time. With its proximity to Comiskey Park, I'm sure Jeff's is no secret to Chicago locals. But it rarely shows up on the national lists telling visitors where to eat in Chicago. It should. The restaurant itself has an older, small diner feel with plenty of character. Nothing fancy or manufactured for tourists, just a longtime neighborhood spot serving really good food. Chicago has plenty of famous restaurants. Jeff's Red Hots deserves to be one of the places visitors hear about before they arrive. read more

Nice old school hotdogs stand trying to keep up. 3.5 but yelp lacks that guage. The good The fries were 2nd dropped fresh and hot. Classic poppies used bun. The saurcrout on the everything dog was really good. Service was great and fast. Place was a clean classic hotdogs stand. I liked the old sports cart vending machine for a quarter. The bad The dogs are the smaller Vienna beef dogs for a 12.00 1 dog combo w fries and a small drink out the door. At that price point raise it a dollar and get the 1/4 lb dogs. The drinks were Pepsi products which i personally avoid. read more

04/23/26 - Best Hot Dog in Chicago Vienna beef w/Sauerkraut & fries $7.79. Getting expensive. First of all Vienna Beef is an excellent hot dog, but you add the sauerkraut & you have a masterpiece. They also have excellent fries cut thin. read more

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Nice old school Chicago hot dog place. Great fries. My dog seemed like it may have been in the water too long. The burgers they were grilling looked amazing and I would get one of those next time. The place was clean and the counter staff were very nice. read more

When in Chicago, you must try a Chicago style Red Hot. What is a Chicago Red Hot you ask? It is far from the $1.50 hot dog that you can get at Costco nor is it as cheap. But Chicago Red Hots usually uses a Vienna Beef hot dog on a sesame bun. You can add any condiments that floats your boat, but after growing up in Chicago, I have never cared for any other brand of hot dogs except the all beef VIenna hot dogs. Jeff's Red Hots is one of the last remaining hot dog stands in Chicago that brings back those lunch memories of a childhood long passed. They do a decent job at the Chicago style Red Hots with the trademark flavor and casing of the Vienna frankfurther. It is well cooked with a sesame bun that is fresh and soft. Their thin fries are average as I got a batch that could have used another minute in the fryer and may have been sitting in the heat lamps a little too long. The #4 special Red Hot with fries and a fountain drink though is a real bargain at $7.99. Service was adequate for a fast food place. Cash payment is preferred as credit card payments incur an extra $1 charge. I can't speak for the other items on their menu, but if it is as good as their Red Hots, you can't go wrong at Jeff's Red Hots. read more

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I ordered a gyro and fries. The meat was so hammered and chopped up big chunky, crazy pieces instead of sliced, and it had the worst bitterness to it. It just had no flavor just bitterness. The tzatziki sauce was watery and the fries were cold. I don't know who cooked the food today, but it was a miss. Didn't enjoy it all. read more

This is my new go-to spot for a quick bite. The gyros are great, the double cheeseburger is great, the service is great. Love this joint.

First a little story, I like beer, but on occasion, I like mixed cocktails. The danger about mixed cocktails is when they go down easy, you always want another one. You say mixed cocktails and hot dogs...just read the rest of my review. I parked in the lot and proceeded to warm greetings. After scouring the menu, I zeroed in on my hot dogs. They have a two hot dog special with fries and a small drink. The gentleman behind the counter asked, "How would you like your dogs?" I told him Chicago Style. The two guys worked in tandem like a well-oiled deep fryer. I'm glad that I had cash on me because this is a cash-only joint. If you don't have cash on you, there is an ATM. I received my dogs and fries and sat down. I noticed right away it was a snap dog. Huzzah!! Everything was spot on, the freshness of the tomatoes, juicy sport peppers, onions that had a bite, and the pickle was the proper size for an all-in-one bite. The fries were done right. They were crispy, hot, and well-salted. You wouldn't believe how many people can't get their fries right. Now back to the mixed cocktail...As I was heading out I ordered a third dog to go. When I get a dog that has the right balance of flavor and it goes down smooth, I have to get a third dog to eat in the secrecy of my car. Don't judge me, go judge for yourself, a new favorite of hot dog place of mine. read more

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Food was delicious. The burger is a must here. Check them out. Happy they are in the area.

Best in class joint. Authentic quality and decor, classic Chicago dog house menu. Fast service, tasty grub! read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Friend from Korean is a Chicago style hot dog virgin no more! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've only gone once so far but from what I can tell this place is the gold standard for classic greasy spoons. It didn't look super crowded when I went in for lunch carry out but they were working really hard on several to go and mobile orders at a time. The menu is pretty massive for such a small place and my guess so far is everything on it is great. For my first visit I tried something simple - the half pound burger and fries - and it did not disappoint. They double checked with me first if that's what I actually wanted and I realized later it's because the burger is massive. It was also super tasty and was cooked perfectly. The fries were great too. Going into a place like this I was expecting good but greasy and maybe slightly too salty of fries but what I got were the right temperature, crispy, not greasy at all and salted just right. I will definitely be back to try most of the rest of the menu one thing at a time. read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Specials menu as of late November 2020 - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Has anyone noticed the changes in food and service quality at our beloved Jeff's? My family has enjoyed their food for more than 30 years. Lately, it has been frustratingly awful. My regular go-to was their grilled chicken on a pita...Juicy, chargrilled, and subtly seasoned with perfect flavor. Steve was a genius I miss him horribly. Since the change my favorite dish has been served partially raw, dried out, and rubbery, and today it was juicy but not grilled...as if it had been boiled. See pics below...would you eat that??? Yuck. I did not order boiled chicken, it is supposed to be grilled chicken. When I called to let them know once again it was not right. I asked for Barbara and got Monte instead. He said he was a manager but did not listen to me. He continually talked over me and even said if I didn't like the rubbery boiled chicken to just not eat there a message delivered allegedly from Barbara herself. He tried to justify the boiled chicken saying they didn't grill it because it dries it out...THIS HAS MOTIVATED ME TO AMEND MY PREVIOUS 5 STAR to a 1...I would do a negative if I could. It has gotten so bad. Save your money take it to any one of the hundreds of other restaurants in the area and enjoy quality food and service. It could not possibly be any worse than this new wannabe Jeff's. The funny thing is... Steve was able to deliver a perfectly juicy grilled chicken breast every time. Never once had to complain or supervise the cooking to get it right. My husband gave up on them in January after repeatedly having bad experiences with their Gyros. According to him, the only thing they can do right nowadays are pizza puffs and you can get those anywhere. Per Mr. Monte's statement, I will go elsewhere to spend my money from now on. Sadly the Jeff's I knew and loved is gone. read more

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The hot dogs are freaking amazing real Vienna hot dog if you from Chicago you know the staff great you and welcome you by the time your down paying their practically giving you the food fast service but the hot dog and was unique in a good way with all the topings that first bite gets you right away if you know a good hot dog you know it when it comes from Vienna highly recommend coming in you will not leave disappointed read more

Service was fast, unfortunately, i drive from midway area to have the hot dogs with the sour kraut and after asking the young man if he put sour kraut on my hot dogs and he said. when I got to my destination, NO KRAUT!!!! Disappointing read more

Fantastic food. Great prices. Quick and attentive guys in the kitchen. What more do you want? read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Gyro Plate - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came here for dinner and it was packed! We were fortunate enough to find a seat and got our food very fast. They're menu is extensive and a lot of items looked great and wouldn't mind trying when I return. It is cash only but you can probably feed a family of four for just under a $20 bill. I ordered a hot dog and a chili cheese dog. My wife ordered an Italian Beef with fries and my son also ordered a hot dog. I'll start with the Italian Beef. Unfortunately it was not delicious at all. It was incredibly salty, so of course it lacked flavor and seasonings and the hot peppers didn't help much. We also asked for it dipped but the bread was also dry. The chili cheese dog was good, but not the greatest. They do serve their dogs with poppy seeds so that's a plus, but I've never been a fan of this style chili. As for the hot dog, it was probably one of the best hot dogs I've had in quite some time. It has your typical Chicago ingredients, mustard, tomato, pickle, hot sport peppers, onions and plus one main ingredient that I haven't seen before, sauerkraut. It added some sourness but it didn't overpower the dog, it only enhanced the flavor. The only thing that could of made this hot dog even better was a more snap on the dog. I'll most likely be returning very soon. read more

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Surprised I haven't wrote a review about this place, I've been going here since high school. Never let me down, hotdogs got a nice crispy casing, pop always tastes better than the actual can and solid food in general. I think it's cash only but def worth it if you're in the area. read more

Some things are better left in the past. Some things you have to revisit to remind yourself why it's better left there. All in all, Jeff's didn't hit the same. Overall, stick with their hotdogs and burgers. The dogs have a really great "snap" to them and is your standard dog with sports peppers, pickles and sauerkraut(optional). Tried their gyro and italian beef and it wasn't the best but also not the worst just a good in between. Disappointed in their fries. Although it may have been an off day, they were always very memorable in being crispy, tasty and not overly salty. This time around they were pretty limp and tasteless. I don't think Jeff's is going anywhere anytime soon so they are doing something right. A solid choice for a hot dog/burger hankering. Cash only. read more

Pricey. Food wasn't anything spectacular for the price. It's right off of the expressway so that's convenient for some.

Love their double cheeseburger! You can even add sour kraut if you please. The fries are awesome, thin cut and double fried. The gyros are from the gods, cut from the spit and crisped on the grill! read more

Located in The Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago, Jeff Red Hot's brings original Chicago style hot dogs! 5 out of 5 stars.

My brother Phil was raving about this for a few years we went it was pretty darn good . Yummy fries good hotdog. Menu looked okay!! read more

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Jeff's is the consummate Chicago Fast Food Restaurant. They do everything well, I have never had a bad experience eating here for the past 40 something years. They use to be a cash only business with an ATM in the shop. Apparently they accept cards adding a $1 fee for processing. The food is fantastic and priced reasonably. If your looking for a great Chicago Dog, Gyros, Cheeseburger, pizza puff, .........this is the quentisential hot dog joint! read more

The turkey burger is SO GOOD! Juicy ground turkey, made even tastier by all the flavors of that seasoned grill. If you get everything on it, you can taste all the flavors coming together and becoming even more yummy after you've eaten it! read more

HORRIBLE FOOD!! how can you mess up hot dogs and fries? Save your money and time stop at the next hot dog place you see! read more

Jeff's Red Hots - undercooked fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Manny! The guy who first introduced me to the place. He has been working there for years. Hot dogs are amazing, burgers on point, and the best fries. Highly recommend it read more

I've driven past this establishment/ neighborhood fixture for years but am not a hot dog/ burger kinda girl so I've never stopped in. Today as I was about to make my usual stop at Starbucks when something said, "c'mon.... Shake it up." So I waltzed in the door & ordered a polish as if I'd been a regular for years. When I got to the register I realized it was CASH ONLY & no ATM on site. The owner said " it's on me. Stop by another time & we'll get squared away." Who does that in this day & age!!? Not Starbucks. I polished off my polish at one of their many outdoor picnic tables. Then immediately went to an ATM & returned to say an emphatic thank you. That's what local business is all about. I will certainly be back to grab a polish & fries ( if I'm feeling indulgent) in the future. Friendly customer service like that is rare & deserves to be celebrated. read more

New prices waaaaay too expensive!! Hot dog is just a hot dog, nothing fancy or worth almost 8.00 even with the fries. Not my favorite place anymore. read more

I definitely recommend the gyros at Jeff's Red Hots. It's delicious and the serving is huge. Looking at the other reviews, I have plenty more orders to try but this really is my go-to place for gyros in the area. read more

Looking for delicious fast food? Look no further. You've found it. Jeff's Red Hots will satisfy your hunger for whatever fried or grilled goodness that you're craving for. I've had their pizza puffs before and that was the perfect balance of crispyness on the outside and ooey gooey pizza cheesiness on the inside. Today I had the pleasure of trying their 1/2 lb grilled cheese burger for the first time and it was great. Nice and juicey on the inside with just a bit of the grilled crispiness on the edges. The fries are not too greasy and the perfect balance of crisp. My husband loves their turkey subs and it comes in a nice portion too. They also serve gyros, hot dogs, polish, fish sticks, tamales, just about anything that you can think of that can be fried or grilled and slapped in between some buns! Make sure you got cash with you when you come visit, as that's all they take. No plastic. However, they do have an ATM inside the restaurant in case you need to get some. Inside, the place is large enough for you to dine in and enjoy your food while it's still hot and fresh off the grill. read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Turkey sub - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great staff, great food always fast and hot place never disappoints shoe string fries i love

I usually have no problems with this place... However, they don't give you the cucumber sauce when you order the gyros. 4 times in 2 months they "forgot " the side sauce that is a huge part of the sandwich. It's not a mistake as they claim, it's deliberate to cut down their cost. They have a simple fast food job, and they can't even do their job because of money. They also manipulated the strip mall parking lot so only their customers can use it. I'm sure none of this would happen if the original owner Steve was still around... read more

How have I not reviewed Jeff's yet?! I've never had anything from them that I haven't liked. My go to is a Chicago style hot dog, and throw some kraut on it. The beefs are great. I LOVE their gyros, and if you get the plate order an extra pita, because they give you enough meat for two sandwiches. Have you heard of a francheezy? Neither had I, but it's a hot dog stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and deep fried.... so bad for you, but so good! I love their fries too, thin cut & crispy. They're cash only, but they have an ATM inside. Try them if you haven't, then thank me later. read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Kraut, please! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jeff's Red Hots is a Portage Park represent. It's located on Cicero, near the Six Corner. Based on their stellar Yelp rating, I know many see Jeff's as an old friend, part of the family, and their childhood memory. This evening was my first time visiting Jeff's Red Hots. Although Jeff's didn't stimulate nostalgia, it could be on my "dog-joint" rotation when I'm on the go in the city. Having a great credit history doesn't get you a hot dog meal here at Jeff's, so bring some cash or use their ATM onsite if you're willing to pay for the transaction surcharge. Hubby and I had the two (2) dog combo (fries were included) and one (1) fountain drink, for $11. I had to say that they weren't the best I've ever had, yet they were a solid B plus in my book. For something that tasted better than my college Genetics exam, it certainly has made a passing grade. I browsed through Jeff's menu as I was finishing up my food; it appeared to be quite extensive. Other than the standard Chicago street fare, I saw spinach puffs, spaghetti with meatballs, and breakfast items as well. I can see myself come back here, try other items, and hope at least one (1) thing can impress me and turn myself into a regular since I will soon be residing in Portage Park. read more

Jeff's Red Hots - Hot Dogs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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horrible--hot dogs taste like plastic. this place use to be great. never again. Don't waste your money. jeff new how to run the place. read more

Good dog with pickle tomato peppers etc.but fries cooked from frozen and everything pricey.

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this local hot dog spot. I've driven by here millions of times and was always reluctant because it's a cash only spot. But let me tell you it's worth taking out cash and checking this place out. They put sauerkraut on their hot dogs......yes sauerkraut.....and although I was put off by everyone's review that liked it I wanted to try it for myself. I ordered a hot dog with sauerkraut and a plain one just in case I hated the taste.....but was taken aback when I preferred the one with sauerkraut. You can't even taste the difference but at the same time it tastes incredible. Definitely give this neighborhood place a try! *Four stars only because it's cash only. read more

Excellent hot dogs!! Still wish they took cash! Best dogs in the area! 2 thumbs up! read more

Jeff's is "The Bomb"!! Every time I visit my daughter on Dakin Ave, I make the trip to Jeff's for one of the best hot dogs I've eaten. Their Gyro is massive and is a classic. The Jeff's Burger is also a definite winner! read more

Classic Chicago-style fast food place. Delicious food with unbeatable prices. The staff is excellent and fast moving. Jeff is gregarious and takes pride in the service he provides. I am surprised every time I go here at the quality of the food for the price I pay. My go-to order is the superdog with fries. It is one massive hotdog that they char nicely with split ends. The fries and onion rings all come in massive bags. One order will more than suffice for 2-3 people. All of the toppings are fresh. They even sell high-quality small batch olive oil, made by someone related to Jeff I believe. There's just a general sense of quality even though it is low-cost fast food. They have a large menu, and I haven't tried the majority of it. As far as hot dogs go, I can assure you this is one of the best in the city. The place itself is teeming with Chicago culture and is an excellent stop for the classic dog and fries meal. read more