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    Jim's Original

    4.2 (796 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Jim's Original Takeout or Delivery

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    JIM'S ORIGINAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Jim's Original

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    Polish Sausage Sandwich
    Emanie M.

    Jim's quickly made its way onto my list of must-haves while in Chicago from the first bite. Their Polish sausages were cooked to perfection, with the loaded grilled onions and peppers serving as the cherry on top (to note, the sandwiches come with fries too so no need to order them on the side.) The service was excellent, delivery was fast, and prices were affordable. Can't wait to be back!

    Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Stopped here for a polish sausage and some cheese fries; just to pick up something quick after coming back from a White Sox game. Speed of service was excellent, as they had my food ready in only a minute or two. Employees were nice. Polish sausage tasted amazing. Grilled onions gave a nice rich flavor to go alone with the bite/snap of the sausage. Bun was soft and tasty. They gave a jalepeno on the side which was very spicy (so be careful about that) but as a person that loves spicy food, I enjoyed the jalepeno too. Cheese fries were crispy, and the cheese itself was hot and warm. This is a perfect place to go if you want a quick meal ate a really solid value.

    Polish Sausage Sandwich.
    David N.

    I've eaten a lot of Polish Sausage in my day and I just assumed it was the kind of thing that couldn't really be improved upon. I was so wrong. The Polish Sausage they're serving up at Jim's is so much better than any I've had before that it's almost an entirely different thing. It's just so flavorful and delicious. The spicing is phenomenal and the sausage itself is extremely above average. And it's taken over the top by the fresh bun and superb sautéed onions. I joked that we should start every day with one of these sausages, and while we didn't actually do that, I feel like that would've only enhanced our trip.

    Polish Sausage & Cheeseburger
    Andre H.

    Seen this place pop up multiple times on places to go in Chicago. Finally got a chance to grab a polish sausage, double cheeseburger and fries to go. The polish sausage is as good as advertised, the mustard, onions and the flavor of the sausage meld perfectly. The fries were hot and fresh and really good. However, the burger was just ok, nothing special. Definitely come here and get the polish sausage, top tier!

    Eric V.

    What left is there unsaid about Jim's Original? Where has it not been featured? Do I even need to bother with this review? The remnant of a neighborhood ruined by an ugly public university. When UI Chicago built its campus, it displaced the Maxwell Street Market. Such cases are sadly too common. And while the neighborhood is ugly in its sanitary banal way, Jim's Original is pure Kino. Yellow on red on a cinder block structure. No place to sit, you stand with your meal on the stainless steal counter that runs the length of the edifice. Traffic streams along on the I-90 in the canyon below you. Behind the window, the griddle supports serried mounds of caramelized onions, rows of sausages resembling Midwest farmland. Here, you can really afford to order both the Maxwell Street Polish - fatty, semi-sweet, coarse filling with onions mustard and pickled serrano - and the pork chop sandwich (on the bone with onions, mustard and pickled serrano). Each item comes with fries. They are, of course, frozen, but the manufacturer thought well enough to give them an added starch coating for increased crunch.

    Polish Sausage w/ onions, mustard & hot pepper
    Edward R.

    Yelpers what's good. Today I felt like having some Chicago Nostalgia food. So I stopped by Jim's original for a good ole Maxwell St. Polish! It's an outdoor only eatery usually long fast moving lines. The smell of the grilled onions hit your nose immediately! I got a polish with onions and mustard and I also got a bone in pork chop sandwich with onions and mustard. And an added bonus FREE FRIES with every order! The polish is still one of my best around nice and juicy (pause) with a nice snap to them. The onions provide a slight sweetness with the tangy bite of the mustard just hits so great!! 8.9/10! The fries were hot, nice crisp on the outside and pillowy inside! 7/10 The Bone in pork chop sandwich was decent nothing special just a Chicago nostalgic sandwich. 6.8/10 Everyone from Chicago has been here and everyone from Chicago will tell you to go here for a real Chicago quick cheap eats experience. Right off the expressway so you can be in and out. And you may want to be in and out especially if you're from out of town. definitely worth stopping by! Remember ALL reviews are subjective

    Polish Sausage Sandwich
    Azsareea S.

    A true Chicago staple & must visit every time I'm in the city. The Chicago style with extra mustard is my go to. Sport peppers on the side ofc!

    Syd G.

    I've had Jim's on my "to do" list since seeing several stories about them. We were in tow from Texas for just a couple of hours on a business trip. Stopped by here just before lunch and a little bummed that there's no inside or outside seating. That didn't stop us from trying own of their polish dogs though. They come with fries and a pretty good deal for both. The sausage was really good, especially with the grilled onions. Even though I ate it right away the bun was still soggy. That was a bummer but didn't stop me from devouring it. Great iconic place to visit!

    Nina Z.

    We came here for per a local's recommendation. They're known for their Polish sausage, so that's what we got. No seating/bathroom available. Literally a building with some standing room area. Service was rude. We changed our soda order as the guy was packing our order into bags and he threw up his arm and was like "what do you want?". Sounded exasperated. Plus, our orders were inconsistent. Some of the Polish sausages came with the sport peppers and others did not. Probably for the best in all honesty, because those peppers were SPICY. The Polish sausage itself was extremely satisfying. Juicy and topped with mustard and grilled onions. Plus the side of complimentary fries didn't hurt. You come here for the dogs, not the service. On a side note, the security guard in front was friendly.

    Polish Sausage Sandwich
    Merry L.

    So thankful for the lady that recommended this spot to us when we were visiting the city! The polish dog had an amazing snap to it inevery bite and I love how much grilled onions they added! The sport pepper added a nice kick as well. We had come to this spot on our last day after eating lunch prior to this and I wish I had more room in my stomach to eat the whole thing because I enjoyed this a lot. Service was quick which is what you expect at a fast food stand. They do give a small discount if you pay in cash.

    After... Polish Sausage Sandwich
    Felice B.

    I won't knock anybody's take on a restaurant based on nostalgic memories. After all, every dish tastes better with a generous dollop of nostalgia. However, as someone who did not grow up eating Maxwell St. Polishes I was very underwhelmed. I couldn't get the full taste experience as the unbelievably squishy bun was drenched with mustard to the point that the whole mess disintegrated when I first picked it up (about 3 minutes after it was made). I couldn't taste anything but mustard, not even the onions which ended up slipping everywhere. I eventually gave up on the bun and finished the sausage by itself. I'll just say that if I ever do this again I'm going with the all-beef version. Fries are included in the price of the sandwich and the serving is a decent size but they're mediocre at best. Even though the fries were freshly cooked they had very little flavor. Considering that they're battered I find that surprising. Then again, the onions from the Polish were completely unseasoned, too. The best thing about the meal was the Diet Pepsi and even though it came straight out of the cooler, it was barely cool. As reasonably priced as the food is, that's how overpriced the sodas are, though. Not cool, guys, in more than one way. Service was interesting as the counterman did not seem to speak English at all and the atmosphere is what it is, a take out window by the highway. Neither really adds to nor detracts from the food. If you're on a nostalgia trip you'll have a great time here. Otherwise it was not worth the time or calories.

    Joon K.

    Very tasty hot dogs. Very much Chicago authentic. Love the taste of the pickle pepper. The french fries were also awesome.

    Cheeseburger
    Clarissa C.

    Iconic spot in Chicago for polish dogs and cheeseburgers! They don't have any seating inside, you basically order from an outside counter on the side of the road and either eat in your car or in the limited seating outdoor area. Wow!! This place is so cheap and I was truly so surprised! The cheeseburger was juicy, immaculate, especially with both grilled and raw onions. Perfect smaller size for me to not get too overwhelmed with the greatness. Doesn't come with lettuce or tomatoes or anything though be WARNED!! The fries were coated in a paprika spice nicely - regular size and not shoestring. It was good, not amazing. Food comes out incredibly quickly after ordering, and they're open late into the night! Note to self: next time try with hot peppers!!

    Polish dog

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    3 years ago

    This place used to have good polish, now they raised the price and shrink the polish sausage and doesn't taste as good like before.

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    4 years ago

    If you're looking for a comfort food. This is the place to go. Cheese fries and Maxwell Street Polish are the bomb. Perfect combo.

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    4 years ago

    Best hotdog I've ever had!!! Would love to go back some day just to get some of these!

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    Page 6 of 20

    Jim's Original Reviews in Other Languages

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    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

    3.9
    (7.4k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Since Chicago is known for the Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich, I knew I had to try…read moreboth while in town. Fortunately Portillo's offers both and it was recommended by locals and previous travelers to make this my one restaurant to try both. I arrived on foot on a Saturday before 10pm and there was a long line to order on the kiosks and a security guard by the door. The restaurant has two floors of seating with dated decor all around, assumingly part of the intended vibe of the establishment. The first floor seating was all taken but there were plenty of tables available on the second floor. I was able to try Portillo's hot dog and Italian beef sandwich. The hot dog included mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, pickle, and peppers on a poppy seed bun. The paper wrapper was strategically wrapped around the Chicago dog inside out, knowing that the logo would be clearly visible when people take pictures of the unwrapped hot dog. I ordered a regular hot dog but probably should've ordered a jumbo hot dog for a dollar more since then regular was tiny; for comparison it was definitely smaller than a Costco hot dog. Although the toppings complemented the hot dog well, the bun was soggy from being wrapped in the paper for only a few minutes. The standard big Italian beef sandwich (slightly wet) was much larger for more than double the price of the hot dog, with no Portillo's branding on that wrapper. I was a little too excited to order this that I forgot to add sweet and hot peppers, but the sandwich still tasted very good. After ordering I realized I probably should've ordered the gravy on the side so I can dip the sandwich more, but again it was still very good. For dessert I tried the lemon cake slice and strawberry shortcake. The lemon cake was a little dry and really sweet and the strawberry shortcake had a little too much mascarpone cheese whipped topping for my liking, but of course I didn't have to finish it all. Portillo's is a good option for casual fast food and for travelers to try. I definitely prefer the Italian beef sandwich over the Chicago dog, but that is my personal preference. For a sweet treat, the strawberry shortcake is a nice option if no other dessert places are nearby. To save time during peak hours, it may be a good idea to order ahead on the mobile app.

    Don't order from here. First they send your order to another location…read more Then when I figured that out and cancelled and lost money they sent part of the order. They said they would credit me and never did. Awful service. So disappointed in them.

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    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
    Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

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    Al's Beef

    Al's Beef

    4.3
    (471 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    One of Chicago's most renowned Italian Beef Sandwiches, originating in 1938. A special trip to try…read moreit, and it was truly satisfying. Regular Combo: A combination of beef and sausage. The meat portion was very generous; the beef was thinly sliced ​​but juicy and not dry or hard at all; the sausage had a rich smoky flavor, not too salty, and tastes a lot like Harbin red sausage. Al's Classic Hand-Cut Fries: They were piping hot when I received them, so touching! I couldn't taste the hand-cut texture, but there was a spice powder similar to salt and pepper, and the flavor was quite good.

    3-ish stars rounded up. The roast beef was a little on the dry-stringy side but the bread was…read morespongy-soft (absorbed the beef drippings so well!). Kinda skimpy on the fixings on the Chicago dog, but still gets the job done if you're craving a Chicago dog. Fries are the type that are greasy to the touch; not my fave style of fries but I know it's a well-liked one to others. Super friendly lady at the cashier (all smiles, patient, and offered menu help)! Also fast service (got my order within a few minutes). I visited on a Saturday late afternoon and it was very chill here (also shoutout to the early 2000's era music playing :p it was a vibe). Overall I'd say it's not a bad food spot at all if you want a quick bite and want to be a little away from the Magnificent Mile crowds.

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    March 5, 2024
    March 5, 2024
    Keto style double with bacon
    Keto style double with bacon
    Italian Big Beef

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    Italian Big Beef
    Gene & Jude's

    Gene & Jude's

    4.2
    (2.6k reviews)
    11.3 mi
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    Always 5 out of 5 stars!…read more Just returned from a trip and it's always a must to stop in for hot dogs for the family! It did not disappoint! Needed to Chicago food!

    It's was a beautiful night yesterday so we decided to go for a ride to grab a hot dog from the…read moreIconic Gene & Jude's. Before we left I checked the website and saw that they were a cash only business. No problem except we took the 30 minute ride and when we arrived I realized I forgot my wallet at home. Fortunately for us it was a nearby Walgreens where we could get cash. My wife had her wallet so I zelled money to her. Once we got back we then saw that they do in fact take debit/ credit cards. Anywho. It was a no frills place very basic aesthetic nothing special to look at. Just a service counter where you can see them preparing the hot dogs. They do however have a steady line of people! They move the line very fast so you're not waiting long at all. We ordered 3 hot dogs with everything (mustard, onions, relish & sport peppers) the basic depression hot dog. They come with fresh cut fries & we got a fountain Cherry Coke to share. I spent $20 even with tip. The hot dogs were good i wasn't disappointed nice soft bun tasty condiments and a great snap to the hot dogs. I'll give it a 7/10. The fries had a decent amount of salt on them a bit oily and not too crispy but they were fair. They don't have any ketchup in the house. We keep tobacco in the SUV so I added some to the fries for a little bit. Without the tobacco the fries were still tasty. A solid 6.5/10. The service was good. Young people with good customer service. I loved it. 10/10 for service. All in all if I'm in the mood for a drive and a hot dogs I'll go back. If you're in the area and like hot dogs check them out. They also sell tamales. ( I didn't order one) 7.3/10..... all in all. It's really more like 3 1/2 stars! Remember Yelpers ALL reviews are subjective!

    Photos
    The inside of the restaurant
    The inside of the restaurant
    Single Hot dog/with Fries
    Single Hot dog/with Fries
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    Nov 2025.
    The Wieners Circle

    The Wieners Circle

    3.6
    (1.2k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $

    Stopped by The Wiener's Circle and had a fun Chicago experience. I had the Chicago style hot dog,…read moreand it was exactly what you'd want, classic toppings, plenty of flavor, and a solid dog overall. What really makes this place stand out is the personality. The staff is famously surly, and that's clearly part of the experience, so if you know that going in it adds to the fun. It's more playful than serious and definitely gives the place its own character. I also thought it was cool how they give out free dogs after Bears wins. That kind of generosity and local spirit makes it feel like a true neighborhood staple. Definitely a memorable stop and one of those places that feels uniquely Chicago.

    You can't come to Chicago and not get a red hot, which is why we found ourselves driving fairly out…read moreof our way to The Wieners Circle. They had some options on the menu but we both opted for the Vienna Red Hot ("char"). It's a solid dog. The wiener is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the star of the show. It's got a terrific char and an irresistible snap. The flavor is better-than-average, too. The condiments didn't really do much for me, and I found something on there just way, way too salty. (The pickle, maybe?) Anyway, it's a quick, cheap, easy meal. I'd certainly eat it again.

    Photos
    Late Night Stop @ The Wiener's Circle.2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL Chicago Institution.Hot Dogs Char Burgers Char Polish.Great Fries.Cool!
    Late Night Stop @ The Wiener's Circle.2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL Chicago Institution.Hot Dogs Char Burgers Char Polish.Great Fries.Cool!
    Char Turkey Burger w/Cheese & Grill Onions @ The Wiener's Circle.Chicago, IL Hot Dogs Char Burgers Char Polish.Great Fries.Cool!
    Char Turkey Burger w/Cheese & Grill Onions @ The Wiener's Circle.Chicago, IL Hot Dogs Char Burgers Char Polish.Great Fries.Cool!
    Char dog and fries.

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    Char dog and fries.
    Devil Dawgs -  South State

    Devil Dawgs - South State

    4.0
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $
    Locally owned & operated
    Vegan friendly

    Pretty pricey for some hot dogs but they're so good. I prefer devil dawgs to portillos and their…read moreselection of hot dog dishes is phenomenal. Whenever someone visits, i make sure we go here to get a Chicago dog. Tho im torn between the standard jumbo chicago dog and the green chile dog. Service is quick and great, everything is clean and organized tho the spot is pretty small so it can get crowded in a rush.

    Upon entering the restaurant, I noticed it was full of people and upbeat music was playing. I was…read moreimmediately drawn to their digital menu board. After seeing their vegan options, I was happy to see that they offer vegan hot dogs made two ways but sad that their fries and tater tots are cooked in beef tallow, and surprised that the hot dogs were $7.00 which might be too expensive for some people. After we ordered a vegan Chicago dog with a soda for me and a vegan Chicago dog with a bucket of fries for hubby, our food was quickly prepared and delivered. Although my vegan hot dog was cooked well, I was slightly annoyed at how quickly the dog fell out of the bun and the large amount of neon green relish which minimize the other flavors of the hot dog. Likewise, I was saddened and surprised and that none of their sides (fries and tater tots) are vegan friendly since they cook these items in beef tallow. Overall, while the vegan hot dog was delicious, I feel that $7 is a bit pricey for a vegan hotdog especially when there aren't any vegan sides available.

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    Devil Dawgs -  South State
    Devil Dawgs -  South State
    Devil Dawgs -  South State

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    Jim's Original - hotdog - Updated July 2026

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