Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Poochie's

    4.2 (351 reviews)
    InexpensiveHot Dogs, Burgers, Fast Food
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Poochie's Takeout or Delivery

    Poochie's Photos

    POOCHIE'S ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Poochie's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Stacey W.

    We ended up here after trying to go to a similar place that was cash only. The place was not busy on a weekend dinner time. We ordered a char mozzarella burger, monster burger (3 patties) and a char polish sausage and an order of fries. You can have all your sandwiches topped how you would like it. They are definitely char burgers as an individual in our party did not like the "burnt" parts. Decent sized burgers and decently priced as well. The service was quick and made to order. This is the only location of Poochie's around.

    Hotdog and fries combo $11
    Emeri Q.

    Great place to grab burgers,hotdogs and shakes. I use to come her a lot when I was pregnant and living in Evanston back in the day. Satisfied my In &Out cravings. The place is a nice spot for a quick lunch. They got plenty of seating and free parking.

    Char Salami Sandwich Special
    Lenore N.

    I hadn't been there for years. Not much has changed. The char on the sandwich is excellent and the fries are crisp. I was looking forward to the charred salami, which is an old favorite. I find the meat bland and pretty tasteless which was a great disappointment.

    Dining area
    Drake M.

    I ordered the 2 hot dog special that comes with fries and a drink. The hot dogs are Vienna Bee natural casing dogs with all of the Chicago style toppings. The toppings are super fresh with just the right amount of condiments to not overwhelm the dog. The fresh cut fries are fluffy and crisp. They are a piece of eatable art. This place is super clean and the staff is really chill. Love all the sports memorabilia on the walls.

    Hannah H.

    I've been going to Poochie's for years, and this hot dog eatery has been around since '69, serving up hot dogs, sausages, burgers, sandwiches, dinner plates (salami, chicken breast, brisket, and skirt steak), salads, soups, chili, and shakes/malts. I haven't been a fan of their char dogs and burgers lately, but when I get a craving for Cheddar Fries (that uses Merkt's), I come here. The waffle fries are generously topped with Merkt's cheddar sauce that is super thick, cheesy, and salty. Sometimes, they don't mix the cheese sauce well so it gets a little clumpy, or there is some separation issue. Service is always friendly, and I love the decor of the place with the Chicago memorabilia. Parking is available in the small lot. +Cheddar Fries! +small lot for parking

    Hot Dog Meal Deal
    Ira M.

    My cousin said Poochies was great. Good hotdog and delicious fresh cut fries. #iraeats #iraeats1

    Stu F.

    Stopped for lunch as I had this bookmarked to try. I ordered a cheddar burger and char Chicago style dog. The dog came as a combo with fry and drink. The dog was on the skinner side which I prefer. I liked the char on the dog which was new for me and overall had good meld of flavors. The cheddar burger was just fair. I've definitely had Better in the desplaines area and would not order it again here. The fries were top notch. My cherry coke didn't have much cherry flavor and could use some calibration.

    Jack G.

    Still amazing! I wish I could take a picture of food but I literally inhale it, lol. It is still my favorite spot in Skokie and still plan my trips to the old neighborhood around eating at Poochie's. Thanks Poochie's!

    A view of the kitchen
    Boyle W.

    It's more than a little hole-in-the-wall place... it's modern, but not too modern. Bigger than a stand, but not that big. It has TVs on the wall, but not exactly a sports bar. So it's kinda in the middle. Anyway... Poochie's is a nice local Skokie spot for hot dogs (or char dogs) and burgers. The place is clean, the food is great (if you like those earthy kind of fries, where they're skin-on and hot and a bit limp from the oil) and the staff seems like they like being there. Of course, I had the maxwell polish which was char'd up nicely. I should be back shortly to try some burgers!

    Black and Bleu Burger
    Angie W.

    5 stars for excellent customer service! It's a classic hot dog and burger place, with some interesting menu items, enough that I'll have to go back and try more of them. But what really struck our family was the friendly banter from the staff while they were adding the toppings, and the fact that they thanked us for coming. Little social niceties like that, that made us feel especially welcome. It's a relatively small place, but has a decent amount of seating. Casual, diner-style. You order your food at the register, but they wait till after it's cooked to ask what you want on it. Toppings are added right before they hand it to you. The toppings are generous and the food is tasty! We'll definitely be back!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim A.
    0
    14
    0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ira M.
    0
    163
    481

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack G.
    158
    151
    1482

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joani O.
    293
    1124
    3716

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Stopped in for a Chicago dog. It was delicious! Staff was friendly and helpful. No frills locale, which was just what I was looking for.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of HP C.
    0
    20
    11

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Had a wonderful experience with delicious food. Got the cheddar burger, which was to die for! Will be back soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I don't think there's anything I can say that hasn't been said already. The hotdogs are good, and the hamburgers are good too!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Love their CharCheddar burgers and love that their fries are fresh cut and usually fried upon ordering

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jackie A.
    10
    47
    68

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Burgers and cheese fries are spectacular. I don't usually like charburgers but this place makes them perfect!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg D.
    2045
    1008
    443

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 9

    Poochie's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Poochie's

    Do they offer kosher hotdogs?

    Yes

    Was this the poochies from Palos back in the 80's? If so, why don't they make the special burgers anymore? My favorite was the banana cheeseburger and peanut butter shake!

    Sorry, I wouldn't know. I've only been in Skokie since early 2000's.

    Does this place sell corn dogs? Does any place near here sell corn dogs?

    They do not have corn dogs. Herms Palace and little Island have them.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hot Dogs 18,184 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Fry Fusion - broasted chicken

    The Fry Fusion

    4.2(13 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    I ordered Nashville hot burger, chicken broast and there wings…read more Burger was awesome with juicy and textured chicken with full of flavor Wing was also good with different flavors There specialty is chicken broast every bite of chicken full of taste I must visit again

    I offered The Fry Fusion as one of three dinner options offered to my aunt for her annual bingo…read morebirthday outing and she chose it, probably due to the breasted chicken on the menu. My boyfriend and I ordered chicken to share as well as waffle fries. My daughter ordered a burger. My aunt ordered chicken as well. My uncle ordered a bowl of sorts with rice and meat. The person taking our order was friendly, patient, and told us to move tables around to accommodate our party of five plus all of the food. The staff also kept giving us free items to try as we were eating, like French fries and a banana pudding. The banana pudding was not large enough to share with everyone so I waited until I was back in the car to head to bingo and split it with my boyfriend. It tasted like banana Laffy Taffy so I am not sure how I feel about that. The breasted chicken was cooked to order, hot, crispy, and had a little kick to it. The rice was flavorful. The onion rings were okay. The waffle fries were definitely superior to the traditional ones. The hamburger was good! The restaurant space was clean, quiet, and spacious. I would make the drive for the broasted chicken again! I wish The Fry Fusion all the success!

    Photos
    The Fry Fusion
    The Fry Fusion
    The Fry Fusion

    See all

    Byrd's Hot Chicken - Byrd's Hot Chicken! (keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Byrd's Hot Chicken

    4.0(79 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    So fried chicken is the main item. Actually only have 3 main items. Menu is straightforward as can…read morebe. Ordered their #1 number chicken sandwhich with two side. Got to admit that sandwhich was huge. I know it cost a bit more then I would like, but the portion size broke my doubt. The chicken isn't cut to be flat so it is not cut even on the bun. You get a large lope sided chicken tender(according to the menu, but tenders are not that large. Think it is a cutted breast). The batter was pretty crispy. Took it home in a sealed container and it maintained it's crunch being covered in coleslaw. Can only imagine eating it fresh. Topped with a generous potion of coleslaw. Fries were good, the potato salad was really good. Can't remember a restaurant that served it but this place is worth trying. Really make you wonder why there isn't more good potato salad. Overall a lot more satisfying than I thought

    Hot chicken has become very popular in recent years and Byrd's is a newcomer to the space. The…read morehook here is that they serve halal chicken which opens up their customer base to a lot of people who couldn't go to your typical chicken joint. And the chicken isn't just halal, it's good. Moist and tender, it stands up to any chicken shack. And there are several spice levels from which you can choose. Beware - even the mild has some heat (there's also a no spice option). This isn't really place to sit and eat. There are tables, but It's more of a takeout place. And it's open until THREE AM some nights.

    Photos
    Byrd's Hot Chicken - Interior

    Interior

    Byrd's Hot Chicken - Byrd's Hot Chicken! (keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Byrd's Hot Chicken! (keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Byrd's Hot Chicken - First time at Byrd's!!

    See all

    First time at Byrd's!!

    Portillo's Skokie

    Portillo's Skokie

    3.6(587 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Update: Portillos responded quickly through customer service…read moreportal, reimbursing my lost money, confirming through video that the cards were discarded and not pocketed. I am satisfied with their response and improve my rating from 1 to 4 stars This isn't a negative review of the food which was the standard chain quality (good but don't splurge on it much for health reasons). I was in the area for a play and picked up a local friend. I went here because an acquaintance (who since died) gave me multiple gift cards to Portillos which I needed to use. I had 4 cards, not sure how much was left on them. We got $27 worth of food and I started handing the cashier the cards. She told me to scan them on the read light reader. Only one had a scannable bar code. She was not sure how to read the others. My friend suggested she swipe it on keyboard, she didn't seem to know this already. Card 1 red light scanned ok. Card 2 swiped ok. Card 3 she swiped and it didn't register, unclear if it worked. Card 4 brought the total to 0$. She wasn't going to give the last 2 cards back and asked for the other two. My tried to clarify that card 4 might have value left, she confidently said no. I was suspicious since the total couldn't have exactly matched my bill. The next day I looked at the receipt and it clearly said there was money left on the card, over 8$. It's unclear whether card 3 had money or she just didn't scan it. I'm presuming this was poor training but it has an element of malicious intent since she was so confident I had nothing left on the card and requested keeping all the cards. If you have gift cards beware going here unless staff are trained. Receipt attached for proof. If the business is reading this, can I cat my money back? Card 3 was for $10 value but not clear if it was touched or not.

    Stopped for a late night Maxwell Street Polish and a Diet Coke. Ordered at 10:45 from an inside…read morekiosk. After almost 15 minutes, I asked about my sandwich and there it was, sitting on the shelf waiting. Unwrapped it to find the polish hot, but the grilled onions were luke warm and the sausage was missing my hot peppers. It was tasty, but not what it should have been. Try harder, guys!

    Photos
    Portillo's Skokie
    Portillo's Skokie
    Portillo's Skokie

    See all

    Culver's - Sourdough Melt

    Culver's

    3.8(132 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    I'm thinking I've fallen in love with Culver's fish…read more Stopped in for a quick bite my go-to order is a double Culver's Deluxe burger. But lately I've been getting the Atlantic cod dinner or the Walleye dinner. The nice lady behind the counter took my order for the 2 piece cod dinner and handed me a number. The place was packed and I found a table and waited. The dining area is large but felt small with so many people. I received my order and dug in. The fish was fresh and hot, tasted like it just was made. The fish was flaky and crispy. I love the tartar sauce that they give you. With a squeeze of lemon and malt vinegar the fish is so good that I wish I would have gotten the 3 piece dinner. The cole slaw was creamy with a good crunch. The French fries were really good. The roll wasn't as fluffy this time around and didn't get any butter. But, I'm lazy and didn't want to get up, so I dipped my roll in the tartar sauce, not bad. I left full and happy. I have to go back for the walleye before it disappears.

    I've been going to Culver's for years if not decades however this particular review is for the…read moreCulver's in Skokie. I came here several times and I don't know why I didn't do a review until now however, this most recent visit on a Friday during lent was absolutely fantastic. The lady working at the register behind the counter was so super friendly and helpful. She made me aware of so many different combinations and options of what you can do with a simple two-piece fish platter that comes with two side sides. For example, I didn't know you could even change out the sides, let alone app for the premium size or even forfeit some of the sides. I usually eat at Culver's on Fridays during lent and this is the first time anyone's ever told me all the possible options, which was mind-boggling While it might be a little overwhelming, I will say it was great to even realize that there were any options to begin with She had the most bubbly, friendly personality, absolute patience to even explain all of these things to us and then to take our order and get it right who knew? Anyhow, she is great whoever trained her was fantastic and whoever hired her definitely saw her ability to do well at this job. She clearly likes people she likes communicating and being helpful. I like Culver's overall not just for fish but also for the cheese curds and the sandwich sandwiches. This is a solid go to for fast food when I have to choose fast food.

    Photos
    Culver's - Indide

    Indide

    Culver's
    Culver's

    See all

    Kaufman's - Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray, Hot Pastrami on rye with mustard and an "old" pickle. What's not to love?

    Kaufman's

    3.9(804 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    The challah rolls here might be the best I've ever had. So soft and delicious. I think it's worth…read moremaking a trek out here just for this. I'm I accidentally got the soft salami instead of the hard salami. It was more like bologna. The rainbow star cookies were amazing. Not too sweet and just like the ones I remember getting as a kid in New York. They also have discounted bagels at the end of the weekend. I recommend grabbing a bag to take home and the slicing them and putting them in the freezer. There is plenty of free parking and they do have a few tables in the front if you want to dine there.

    did I even slightly hesitate on driving 45 minutes for a bagel? like no. not even "like no," just…read moreno. i had to try Kaufman's - I got the breakfast bagel once and the Reuben on a bagel this time... and lemme just say this was an intimidating place. all the food at every counter looked amazing but i couldn't figure out what to order. it seemed everyone just knew what they wanted without a menu so ACT FAST PEOPLE - the bagel itself was surprisingly average considering this was authentic ass deli (not kosher tho) - the fillings tho were what stepped up the game...SOOO much egg in the breakfast game. they asked if I wanted salami or bacon which was interesting like I'm a sausage girl (lol) but honestly it was so yummy - the Reuben though... best sandwich I have ever had in Chicago and that is 0 exaggeration. i shall be returning again and they make the sandwiches BY THE POUND

    Photos
    Kaufman's - Complimentary water.

    Complimentary water.

    Kaufman's - Kaufman's Deli . 4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL  Fresh Deli Great Sandwiches Bakery Pastry Kosher Food etc. Cool!

    Kaufman's Deli . 4905 Dempster St, Skokie, IL Fresh Deli Great Sandwiches Bakery Pastry Kosher Food etc. Cool!

    Kaufman's

    See all

    Small Cheval- Wilmette - Small Cheval Signature Double Cheeseburger

    Small Cheval- Wilmette

    2.7(51 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    I'm not usually a burger person, but when I worked in the city (pre pandemic) I did love a good…read morecheeseburger from Small Cheval so was excited when they opened a location in Wilmette. My 15 year old often finds her way here for dinner with friends, but I've yet to step inside. However, I have doordashed on a few occasions and it's always something that the entire family of 5 can agree on...which isn't so easy when it comes to choosing a doordash restaurant. The cheeseburger itself isn't very big, but I think the perfect size. And for those super hungry or a bottomless pit like my 13 year old son they have the option of a double cheeseburger. And if you're looking to go a little healthier you can get your single (or double) cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. A great addition to the North Shore and I hope we get more locations soon!

    Went for a burger, fries, and shake, as I used to love doing when I lived near the Wicker Park…read moreSmall Cheval. This location is Small Cheval in name only as far as I can tell. Burger patty seemed completely non-seasoned and absolutely none of the smoky flavor I've always associated with a Small Cheval burger. Kind of dry and overcooked, straight off a griddle. The fries were pretty good, best part of the meal. The chocolate shake was, somehow, kind of bland. Not sweet enough, typical fast food soft serve tasting. It's upsetting when you get a place in the suburbs and you have expectations based on what you had in the city. Then you go to the suburban location and you feel kind of taken advantage of. As though you somehow didn't know what to expect because you lived a few miles north. Like there maybe was a presumption you hadn't been to the real deal and the name would just be enough. The price is still the same, though. That part didn't change. Will not be back.

    Photos
    Small Cheval- Wilmette - Small Cheval Wilmette interiors

    Small Cheval Wilmette interiors

    Small Cheval- Wilmette
    Small Cheval- Wilmette - Small Cheval Wilmette Patio, complete with signature umbrellas and string lights

    See all

    Small Cheval Wilmette Patio, complete with signature umbrellas and string lights

    Poochie's - hotdog - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...