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    Tamale Queen

    5.0 (1 review)
    InexpensiveFood Stands, Mexican

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    9 years ago

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    Jim's Original - Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Jim's Original

    4.2(798 reviews)
    1.4 miUniversity Village
    $

    A LOCAL CLASSIC! I…read moreloved this spot so much I ended up coming back twice. It has that classic late night comfort food vibe and feels like one of those staple spots you have to try at least once. First night I ordered a polish hot dog with everything on it and a fish sandwich w/ extra grilled onions. Super cool that your order comes with fries and I added a cheese cup both times. In my opinion the fries were mid the first go around, but second time they were better. Definitely tasted better dipped in cheese. They were kinda airy in texture, if that makes sense. Polish hot dog was around a 6.5-7/10 for me. It did taste better warmed up the next day. What I was most obsessed with was the double cheeseburger and fish sandwich! both were easily a 10/10. Super good prices and worth the money. Also, the chile peppers were sooo bomb and hotter than I expected ! I wanted to eat them all, but they were packing some serious heat! The lemon Italian ice is where it's at, make sure to order one! You can also mix it with strawberry, but both times people recommended the lemon and now I see why. The line gets super active and busy past 10-11pm, but during the daytime it's way less crowded. Even when it gets packed the line moves pretty quick. They stay open late and close at 1am which is nice.

    The smell of caramelized onions hits pretty much immediately as you approach the window. No line…read moremidday. We were served quickly and got the polish sausage that comes with fries. Both were nice and hot. Fries were crispy and that first snap into the juicy sausage was worth the trip. No seating, so be prepared to eat in your car and get a bit messy. Also be warned the peppers are legitimately spicy, those serranos had my partner sweating. Glad I tried it, but not something I'd eat all the time, great late night drinking kind of food.

    Photos
    Jim's Original - Short line today

    Short line today

    Jim's Original - Before.... Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Before.... Polish Sausage Sandwich

    Jim's Original - Sign from around the corner.

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    Sign from around the corner.

    Fatso's Last Stand - Char dog, depression style, fries, side of Merkts cheddar sauce.

    Fatso's Last Stand

    4.1(993 reviews)
    2.7 miUkrainian Village, West Town
    $$

    I had read about how Fatso's does the char dog. I made this my last meal in Chicago…read more I went with a char dog, depression style, an order of fries, and a side of the Merkts cheddar. How was it? Fries- Delicious! Fresh cut fries, made right in front of you. They were great! Huge portion, too! Merkts Cheddar Sauce- Hell yeah! Give me a gallon of this, and I will chug it! Such a tasty cheese sauce. Loved dipping my fries in it. Great combo! Char Dog- This dog was delicious! Great char, great toppings. My only beef would be the bun. It definitely could have been more soft/steamed and fresh. It held up pretty well, but there were a couple bites where it broke and flaked apart. Hate when that happens. Still...didn't ruin the overall experience. Had a great last meal in Chicago before I headed to the airport.

    Fatso's Last Stand delivers exactly what its name promises: unapologetically indulgent, old-school…read morecomfort food done right. The burgers are the shining stars -- juicy, generously sized, and cooked to perfection with toppings that strike the perfect balance of classic and creative. Whether you go for a stacked cheeseburger, bacon-loaded option, or a specialty creation, the patties are flavorful and satisfyingly beefy, with a great char and use of quality ingredients that keeps diners coming back. Beyond burgers, the menu also features hearty eats like crispy fries, loaded sandwiches, and thick milkshakes, all served with a no-frills attitude that lets the food speak for itself. Service at Fatso's Last Stand matches the laid-back but attentive vibe of the restaurant -- staff are friendly, efficient, and know regulars by name, creating a welcoming, neighborhood-favorite energy. While the pace can get lively during peak hours, especially on weekends, the team handles the rush with good humor and keeps orders moving. The ambiance is casual and retro in all the right ways, with diner-style seating and a comfortable, unpretentious environment that makes it perfect for relaxed lunches, casual dinners with friends, or late-night burger runs. It's not fancy, but when your focus is on big, delicious burgers and familiar comfort food, Fatso's delivers exactly what you're craving.

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    Fatso's Last Stand
    Fatso's Last Stand - Merkts Cheddar.

    Merkts Cheddar.

    Fatso's Last Stand - Double Fatso with Cheese + Fries

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    Double Fatso with Cheese + Fries

    Johnnie's Beef - Combo Beef & Sausage

    Johnnie's Beef

    4.4(2k reviews)
    8.2 mi
    $

    Been wanting to come here since moving to Chicago, but haven't had the opportunity until recently…read morewhen friends were in town. We were already in the area to check out Frank Lloyd Wright's studio and then came here for lunch afterwards. We were lucky that it was a Monday at lunch time and not a more traditional peak time to be there because we got a parking space fairly quickly and even though we saw the line out the door, it moved very fast. It's very much a cash-only and no-frills type of place. Don't come here expecting them to be super friendly to you. You go up there knowing what you want to order and they are quick and on it. When you're paying, they're already getting the other customer's (behind you) order. We went for an Italian beef sandwich to split as well as a side of fries and an Italian ice. Everything was excellent. Definitely the best Italian beef I've ever had and one of my friends said it was one of the best foods he had on his week trip here. Will definitely need to return!

    Ambiance of Johnnies is a quick come-in, order, and head-out kind of spot, quick kind of service,…read morewith a few tables outside if you want to eat there. I tried the Italian beef and sausage combo with sweet and spicy peppers. Tasty, but a mouthful--I'd get the sausage on its own next time and peppers on the side. The lemon Italian ice is a must, especially on a hot summer day!

    Photos
    Johnnie's Beef - Happy customers at the front of the long line.

    Happy customers at the front of the long line.

    Johnnie's Beef - Italian lemonade

    Italian lemonade

    Johnnie's Beef - Outside seating

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    Outside seating

    El Secreto del Sabor - Mixto con pollo

    El Secreto del Sabor

    4.2(9 reviews)
    3.6 miHumboldt Park, West Town
    $

    Sabor no more. Must be new owners. I've been going here for 20 years and this little corner had it…read moreall. But now, not even the puertorican accent . The food was ok, or so-so...which is bad considering their history. The lechón was mediocre, no seasoning (before you could see it on there.) now it looks like chicken or turkey. The alcapurrias were super greasy, hollow (?) and flavorless. Alcapurrias should be more substantial, not super soft like these. The rice was ok, but again it had no authentic flavor. The pastelillos (ground beef empanadas) were thin and dry. They may have been from yesterday. The passion fruit juice (parcha) is still delicious and the only good thing I had, besides Coco Rico soda. They must have new owners trying to mimic old recipes because this was our second chance attempt. We will now go to La Bomba, Jibaritos y Más or Las Palmas when they open.

    My co-worker and I headed over to "El Secreto del Sabor" food truck and grabbed a quick lunch…read morebefore driving back to our store for the closing shift. She's Mexican but told me about this place. She said there are several food trucks stationed in Humboldt Park, yet this one is her favorite. I believe I had Puerto Rican food before when I was out and about in the city, though I never paid attention to any aromatic mobile vehicle in this neighborhood. Umm...Rosa J., did I not tell you to stay vigilant? Fortunately I had some cash on hand. I scrambled $7 for an order of bistec mixta, which came with arroz. Wow, the rice was SO fresh, and the steak was easy to chew and flavorful. When the young lady was preparing for my food, I was staring at a copious amount of "frituras." They smelled heavenly and were definitely soliciting my taste bud. Well, I gotta get back to work. Fried food doesn't mesh too well with my working stomach. Surely we will meet each other again when I have a day off. I didn't see any credit card machine inside the truck, so I have no doubt it is cash-only. I didn't really notice if their hours were posted on the exterior. I bet it depends based on weather or seasonality.

    Photos
    El Secreto del Sabor - Papas rellenas

    Papas rellenas

    El Secreto del Sabor - Pastelillos or empanadas stuffed with ground beef. Thin and dry, not as fresh as before.

    Pastelillos or empanadas stuffed with ground beef. Thin and dry, not as fresh as before.

    El Secreto del Sabor - Bisteck mixta

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    Bisteck mixta

    Al's Beef

    Al's Beef

    3.3(684 reviews)
    1.1 miUniversity Village
    $

    If you're looking for a Chicago Italian beef experience, Al's Beef absolutely delivers. I ordered…read morethe Italian Beef sandwich, dipped with hot peppers, and it was phenomenal. The beef was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the gravy-soaked bread held up perfectly without becoming too soggy. Every bite had the perfect balance of savory beef, spices, and a little kick from the peppers. The the service was witty and quick, and the atmosphere felt authentically Chicago. Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, this is a must-try spot. I can see why Al's Beef has such a strong reputation. I'll definitely be back for another sandwich the next time I'm in Chicago.

    Al's Beef was recommended by our Uber driver. It's larger than a typical a hole in the wall…read moresandwich shop. It's got a vintage look and I liked that. We ate outside. No bathroom. Our party had to walk a block to find one :( The meat eaters in our party sure liked their sandwiches. I had the only vegetarian sandwich offered: cheese and peppers. It was super wet and sloppy. The peppers flopped all over. It was pretty bland. The bread was fine. Not stale, but not overly fresh either. I had fewer than ten bites and then gave up. I do not like to wear my food like makeup. I won't be back, but if you like wet beefy sandwiches and you don't need a bathroom, Al's may work for you.

    Photos
    Al's Beef - Not very nice lady

    Not very nice lady

    Al's Beef
    Al's Beef - Outside

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    Outside

    Devil Dawgs -  South State

    Devil Dawgs - South State

    4.0(1.1k reviews)
    2.4 miSouth Loop
    $
    Locally owned & operated
    Vegan friendly

    You really can't go wrong with a classic Polish topped with grilled onions and mustard. Simple,…read moreflavorful, and exactly what I was craving! This place has a fun, nostalgic vibe that reminds me of neighborhood hot dog stands from the '80s. The vintage photos and décor give it plenty of character, making it feel like an old-school Chicago spot. The fountain drink selection is impressive, with plenty of choices to satisfy just about anyone. The prices are fair, the portions are satisfying, and the restaurant is clean and inviting. My only drawback is the ordering system. While ordering from a touchscreen is quick and efficient, I think it takes away some of the personal interaction between customers and staff. It's not a dealbreaker, but I do miss being greeted by someone behind the counter and placing my order the old-fashioned way. Overall, it's a great place to grab a bite. If you're looking for a tasty Chicago-style Polish in a casual setting, this spot is definitely worth checking out. I'll definitely be back.

    Intrigued by the Icelandic Dawg which has similar ingredients to the traditional Danish Red hotdog…read morewith everything :-). Had to try it out, kinda pricey at $8.50 but hit the spot and has a kick to it! Only thing missing was really the pickles on top :-) Not a really busy location past dinner time. Service was not the fastest, but made to order :-)

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

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    Mexi-Tacos

    Mexi-Tacos

    4.6(22 reviews)
    2.8 miRiver North, Near North Side

    There's a lot to love about the Mexi-Tacos food truck, like the quesadilla. However, not everything…read morewas a slam dunk. The Chicken Quesadilla was pretty much perfect! The chicken was tender and full of spice and flavor, the cheese was melty and gooey, and the veggies were in perfect amount. The meats were not at all skimped on, and it was a hearty portion overall. Everything tasted hot and fresh, making the slight wait worth it. The Taco Salad with Chicken was a swing and a miss. On the surface you get a fair amount of the same flavorful chicken as the quesadilla, as well as some avocado and crema. However, it felt as thought something was missing. After some thought, I realized this was a dressing: as there was nothing to tie together the vegetables, especially once the meat was all gone. Using hot sauce as dressing is a possibility, but not the best move for a variety of reasons. Speaking of: big bonus points for the home-made spicy sauce, it brought both flavor and serious heat. Finally, the service is polite, and the prices are reasonable for what you get, especially considering the price of everything. Final verdict: Of the two trucks parked next to one another, "The Orange One" delivers on some seriously tasty eats. However, this comes with the caveat that one must know what to order.

    I've only been there once so far. Got the chicken tacos and the tamales…read more The chicken tacos were well seasoned. The tamales were nice and moist. Also everything is very affordable. Will be back to try some more things.

    Photos
    Mexi-Tacos - Taco Salad with Chicken

    Taco Salad with Chicken

    Mexi-Tacos
    Mexi-Tacos - The chile relleno taco is FIREEEE

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    The chile relleno taco is FIREEEE

    Tamale Queen - foodstands - Updated September 2026

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