Every time I stop here, I get a hot dog. It's cheaper than most places, and they give you a ton of fresh cut fries. It's kind of modeled after Gene n Jude's place in River Grove, given its mustard, onion and relish only, and the fries are cuddling the hot dog in the bun. The service was very quick and the place has ample seating and a few slot machines. If you want a quick in and out place, with good fast food, without any frills, I recommend this place. read more

I usually enjoy going to the restaurant. However, the last time I went was truly disappointing. Never have i had a gyro that was mushy. There was no substance to the meat. It was disgusting. read more

The rib eye steak sandwich was poorly made. There was no thought put in to it and was just made and given to the customer. THE CUSTOMER! Without us customers there is no winking. Period. The ribeye lol sandwich was dry, meat was tough, and I asked for chopped onions and onions I got. Lots of onions. Not enough meat for bun and the bun was prepared dry and uncut. Very disappointing read more

The Winking Dog - Sitting in lot eating a very badly made sandwich - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

Really disappointed. Signage outside looked okay but when I pulled up around lunch time on a Sunday I should have read the tea leaves and left since there weren't any cars. The locals must know. Had a hot dog with everything and a burger with everything. Hot dog didn't have any tomato and no pickle and didn't have much flavor. Burger was just an over cooked skinny thing and the onions on it were oily beyond. The worst part, fried were clumps cooked together. Inside is run down and needs a little TLC to look cleaner. I won't try again. read more

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This place is always great. I've been coming for 15 years and it has never let me down. Eddie and Tom are legends! read more

The Winking Dog - Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

First timer. Prompt, hot. Beef dipped was perfect. Fries tasty. Hot dog had snap. I will be back. Support this guy. Video slots kind of aggravating but it's a trend. read more

The food is reasonably priced and good portion sizes. Tamale sure to order sauces on the side my salad dressing leaked out. I I would definitely recommend read more

Best beef sandwich I have had in a long time and fresh made fries. Fast service and friendly workers Gyros very good and not over priced. read more

The Winking Dog - Sign outside on North Avenue - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

Ordered Hot Dog with fries and soup to dine in. The soup had a plastic after taste and the cheese was processed goop. There were a few people at the gambling machines and the employees sounded like they were having a good time. I have visited this place a few times in the past, and it's been ok. This time the food was not worth the price. read more

I finally stopped in to check out this place and I can't complain. The food was OK. Nothing spectacular but nothing bad. Good place to stop by if you have a taste for a hotdog or typical American food. I actually tried the fried zucchini and fried mushrooms, which were good. The drive-through situation is set up kind of weird but it must work for them. I might stop by another time but will not go out of the way. read more

Place is really clean! People are very polite actually acting like they appreciate your business! Also fries were amazing i had no idea that they had fresh cut fries which they were cooked to perfection! read more

The Winking Dog - Chicago Style Dog with fresh cut fries! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

Typical fast food joint that will satisfy your urge for greasy and fried goodness. Nothing spectacular but not too bad. I really liked their fries as it was crispy and flavorful. I also had the fish sandwich that was alright, and their chili was ok except for the fact that I think they used nacho cheese in it instead of shredded cheddar cheese? There are lots of tables inside to sit and dine in. Don't expect anything fancy - this is your standard ma and pop restaurant. There are a couple TV's there for you sports fans. There is also this little area that has about 5 video poker machines on it that you can play for money. There is a sign that says "21 years and over only" but it's printed out on your standard 8.5x11 printer paper so curious kids can easily bypass it. If I was in the area again and have a craving for fast food but not the fast food chains, then yes I'll come back. But I wouldn't make a special trip just to come here. read more

The Winking Dog - Dining area - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

Local favorite the owner has always run a nice place staff is super nice menu and specials will satisfy that hunger. The grilled burgers are great and of course there are Italian beef and Sausage mmm dine in out or delivery. read more

They are right down the street from where we live, but honestly haven't been there in years. When the ValPak coupons came today we decided to give them a try. My husband has been raving about the greek chicken and potatoes we got and we've both been enjoying the gyro sandwiches. We'll definitely be back. read more

I've had a polish with kraut & grilled onions (good) as well as a gyros sandwich (dry, but otherwise okay). Their fries are hand cut, but both times I've been here they weren't exactly piping hot....Most places like this that serve gyros/dogs/char burgers have baklava, but Winking Dog is the exception to the rule. No sweet treats other than their shakes, so that's disappointing. They have some video poker machines, but they seem oddly out-of-place here, especially since they were dark, dusty, and look like they haven't been touched in years. Also, some toppings on their Chicago-style dog (tomato, pickle, sport peppers) are an extra charge, which seems kinda bogus. It's generally pretty good practice for a company to thank their customers when given the chance. I've sat in for lunch twice, and they had ample opportunities to say 'thanks, enjoy your day', or 'come back soon', but alas. Nada. In fact, when I looked the register babe right in the eye and said 'have a good one' on my way out the door, all I got in return was a blank stare and an equally indifferent smile. Since they're SO happy to have my lunchtime business, I'll probably head elsewhere from now on. read more

Good amount of food for the price (~$24). Good amount of seating, too. Beef sandwich had thinner bread compared to others. Staff was friendly/helpful. read more

The Winking Dog - Beef Sandwich Cheese Fries Fresh Cut Fries Cheeseburger Chocolate Milk Shake - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

In driving down North Avenue on more than a few few occasions I've driven by the Winking Dog Restaurant and said "man, I need to stop here sometime". Well that day finally came and I decided to try the hot dog. Before I go over the food there's a few interesting things about the restaurant itself. First off I love the look of the place, it has a very unique old feel to it. There's a board where you can order from out at the edge of the parking lot rather than a normal drive-thru on the side of the building and the inside seems small but actually goes back quite a ways. It's definitely different than you would initially expect from looking at the building from the outside. The hot dog served by Winking Dog is served depression dog style. The hot dog I received came wrapped with fresh cut fries on a soft non-poppy seed bun. The way the dog was assembled was a bit sloppy after opening it up the condiments were applied all throughout the bun but the hot dog was wedged over to one side so that when I picked it up quite a bit of mustard and relish spilled on to my shirt. The dog was as mentioned earlier served depression dog style. So no pickle, celery salt or tomato. There wasn't too much mustard, relish or onion and the sport peppers applied gave it a nice flavor. Overall this hot dog tasted fine, but wasn't exactly assembled perfectly. The fresh cut fries included had a nice flavor and were better than most fresh cut fries I've had. I'd say this place is average overall and give it three stars. read more

The Winking Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

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Do you know how long Winking Dog has been on ya? Probably since Prince was on Apollonia. And since OJ had isotoners. Probably about that long. With Portillo's (Goliath) right down the street, Winking Dog (David) has done quite well for themselves, as they've been in business for at least a few decades now. Guess what? I don't have to drive to River Grove to get a hot dog with onions, relish, mustard and peppers with hand cut French Fries piled atop. I can get them right down the street at Winking Dog, and they are just as good, if not better. Oh, did that hit a nerve, Gene & Judes fanatics? You'd never admit it anyway. You're too stuck in your ways. Winking Dogs fries actually possess some crunch. Not soggy horse crap. Winking Dog wins. The best part? They serve more than just hot dogs. Beefs, gyros, burgers, submarine sandwiches, steak sandwiches, so on and so forth. And they accept credit/debit. Take six and take this, haters. read more

Decent burger and okay dogs. The interior could use a deep cleaning, but as far as the food? It was an okay burger and better than your typical chain restaurants but not comparable to a true burger joint, like Paradise Pup. The fries are crispier than some places which was nice, but the fries tasted like it was fried in old oil. I'm in the middle on this one. read more

The Winking Dog - Burger, dogs and cheese fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

For the price of meals, the food was decent before, however, the last time we got food from here, the fish sandwich was undercooked. We won't be coming back. read more

Alright, so I was on North Ave with the boyfriend and we were like lets get Gene and Judes.. and then I was like wait! I read a review for Winking Dogs to have similar hot dogs. Having lived in the area for 24 years almost, not sure why I have never tried the place, but yesterday I finally did! (Thank you Yelp!) So I ordered a hot dog with fries and a chicken and rice soup. The hot dogs is made EXACTLY like Gene and Jude's (Vienna hot dog, mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers-on a steamed bun) and then topped with a pile of fries. I must say the only reason it didn't taste just like G&J is because its not soaked in the grease of the soggy fries! Which lets me honest here.. that is why they are so addictive (SICK AS IT SOUNDS).. all that grease when your hung over or drunk... is exactly what your body is crying for.. and it adds that "unique flavor." So for me the hotdogs are a perfect alternative.. but here is the real kicker.. THE FRIES are actually crunch and not all soggy like G&J. So for me the hot dog meal was a WIN.. and its only like $2.50 For the chicken rice soup... I wouldn't order it again.. it was meh at most. The boyfriend ordered the same sandwich he ordered most places.. A combo with both hot and sweet peppers. Which he enjoyed. Helpful Tips: - There is a drive through.. and yes that old box thing does still work! -The prices are very affordable and they have daily specials. -You are going to get what you get with these types of places. They are not find dining! Its hot dog joint food! read more

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I had the steak sandwich, which was fairly cheap at less than $5, the deep-fried mushrooms, and pizza puff. I wouldn't recommend the steak sandwich. I took one bite and was disappointed, did not finish it. Didn't like the tasteless bread and the bland, tough steak. The deep-fried mushrooms were pretty good though, a variety of large and small mushrooms that were served fresh and piping hot, the juices almost scalding haha. But then again, I haven't had a bad experience yet ordering deep-fried mushrooms in my eating history ;} This is the 2nd Iltaco pizza puff that I've tried. I first found out about the Iltaco pizza puffs from the food site seriouseats. It looked appetizing with a golden deep-fried shell that was similar to toaster strudels, but a tad crispier. The first few bites were good, but I wasn't impressed. Lito's Empanadas does the fried dough filled with goodness better. read more

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Two days ago I got to go in and see for myself where my delicious soup and huge fresh salad came from the day previous. I was a little let down that there really was no spark, no magical like I thought there would be. Instead there was some good no-nonsense food at good no-nonsense prices. I had the gyros special which is a gyros sandwich with fries for $5.50. The drink was separate. If you're really thirsty order the XL as the L is like a medium really so watch out for that. My husband had 2 hotdogs with fries for $5. Now that's a great deal because we can always use that to save money and feed us both for under $10 really. Taste wise I was a little disappointed, hence I took a star away. Maybe bc I'm not a fan of hand-cut fries but they seemed greasy and overcooked. My gyro was huge on looks, not so much on taste and it was just slippy all around. Too much meat, not enough pita to hold it all in. Lacked seasoning and enough tsatsiki in my opinion. I will be coming back here don't get me wrong, and for the price I'm not saying it's all that bad. I'll definitely stick to my salad from now on, and on Wednesdays will be ordering my cream of chicken soup. read more

The Winking Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

Went through the drive through for a quick bite to eat and it got the job done but that's it. Very mediocre, forgettable food. Would not go again. read more

Ok, this is a local place, go there all the time. Maybe not now. Got a beef sandwich with peppers. It is HALF the normal size AND they are charging an extra fee because of meat (supposed) shortage. So, you are charging extra AND making the sandwich smaller?? One or the other!! This is called taking advantage of the situation. Guess we will be going to Squabbs from now on read more

Terrific rib tips. I'm kinda a rib tips snob. I didn't think you could make good rib tips w/o a smoker. I was wrong, these were really good. Zesty sauce too. I'll be back. read more

NorthLake, IL Well , this review sucks. Here we go. So their was these open trays , of fries, that were sitting in these frying baskets, and stacked from the galoshes to the ground. That was strange. Then their was a person sweeping right next to them. Well, that's not good. My daughter said " yes, but everything that lands on them will get cooked off, once they hit the oil". I was thinking, or cooked inside of the fries. We ordered hot dogs. I ordered cheddar cheese on top. They put on top liquid cheese, which did not taste like cheddar. I have a place, not to far from my house . A hot dog place featured by Guy Ferrari that I go to when ever I am in a mood for hot dogs. It just doesn't have to be like this. We were hoping to pay for something that was at least alright. read more

Food used to be good. Very substandard now. Of main concern is food handling. I observed the cook scratching his head, handling cell phone and then preparing food without washing his hands or wearing gloves. Lost my appetite after that! With food habits like that, I Will not ever eat here. read more

The rib tips were really good. I was a little skeptical at how they prepaired them... but when I say they were so tender! The sauce wasn't to heavy and the fries were fine. Slight char to the ribs ... they throw them on a indoor charcoal grill. The Fries hanging out in the baskets did trip me out. Lol I would definitely go back for the rib tips again. read more

I am very dissatisfied and upset. My family and I do not get to go out and eat very often. Well, long behold, tonight we did. I go to eat my cheese burger, sooo glad I looked before biting, there's a hair baked into the cheese under the meat. Wtf Portillo's???? read more

The Winking Dog - Hair in my cheeseburger. Thank you Portillo's. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois

I noticed today some workers had Masks, on one guy in there i guess he was the owner told a customer without a Mask to move back. Yet a girl working there had no Mask on, so he got down on the Customer for no Mask but not his employee ? If Winking Dog was going to stay open it should have been just drive through, i will not be going back there if they can't have all there employee's wearing Masks then don't ridicule a customer for not wearing one. read more

I drove almost an hour to eat here. It was my day off of work. I was hungry. I haven't been to Winking Dog since the early 1990s. My parents used to take me here when we'd visit my grandma and aunt, or when we spent a Saturday afternoon at Swap O Rama (but only during the summer when the outside vendors were there, because it was more bang for, LITERALLY, your buck entry fee). I have long considered anyone who lives near Winking Dog to be LUCKY. This was proven when I met Yelper Mark G. He said he was from Melrose Park. Instead of initiating normal conversation, I screeched, "OHMYGAWD DOYOULIKEWINKINGDOG?" Walking into this dump (I say that in an endearing way), nothing has changed. The floors are kinda dirty, the menu board is dingy, you can barely see the employees behind the register because the counter is so high, the TVs are SUPER LOUD!!!, and the tables and chairs are exactly the same. I remember watching Telemundo or baseball games with poor reception; now it's CNN in HD. The food, from what I remember, is the same. The hot dogs are good, even though my grandma bitched when we'd go because they were "rubber hot dogs," whatever that meant. The fries were kinda lame. Being covered in cheese sauce saved the day. They were pretty soggy and pale-colored like they'd been in an oven and not a fryer. The mozzarella sticks were goooood. They're the kind that, when you bite into them, you might get shot in the face with some grease. If a pimple shows up on my chin tomorrow, I will smile, because it would've pissed me off anywhere else. Not here. It's like being a kid again. Only this time I didn't wail like a priss about it. Hot dog with fries, mozzarella sticks, and a small drink only cost $8! If you don't eat at Winking Dog and you live in Northlake, Melrose Park, Maywood, or Elmhurst, you're an asshole and I hate you. If you don't eat at Winking Dog and, like me, you live almost an hour away, I don't blame you. You don't have the same bizarre childhood memories as I do, so you'll think it's another gritty hot dog joint. But anytime you are in the area, it's the absolute best option for a few miles. And come on, that sign with the winking pup is adorable! read more

This isn't so much a review, simply a list of things I've had, enjoyed, and would recommend you trying if you have not yet: The Philly cheese steak sandwich. Reuben on Rye. Half Slab of ribs, with the sauce on the side. (Half a slab is always enough for me.) Fried fish sandwich. And of course, the gyro! Like the ribs, I prefer the sauce on the side. Also, best fries for miles, and it comes with most meals. read more

This place rocks for a short order place! I had an excellent Philly Cheese steak sandwich here today. This sandwich was huge and made with slices of real rib-eye and fresh sauteed peppers and mushrooms. The place is very well kept and clean and the staff was very quick and efficient. Since I work so close to this place now I plan on stopping here more often for lunch and try some other things. As an added plus they also sell beer! read more

Review is for the gyros only. This is just about the best gyros I have had. Nice quality, great skillet toasted pita and fresh sauce, onions and tomato. I like the fact that it is not too salty. Good value. Will be back. Other menu items looked so so, but I haven't tried them. Friendly staff. Very tidy eating area with abundant seating. read more

The hand cut fries are great, the sandwich was perfect, and everybody was friendly! The dining area was clean and there was a television with news on to the side. My order cam up quickly and was served with a smile. The meal was fast and carry out is available. I recommend stopping by for a lunch. There are daily specials and tasty treats (try a milkshake, why don't-cha!?). read more

Good food,good prices,awesome service Can't beat the hand cut fries.! I'm glad I decided to come, read more

As I pass this place all the time, I figured it was about time I stop in. Typical Greek fast food place with all the trimmings, but opted for the hot dog special. The hot dog is served with mustard, onion, relish, and sport peppers on a non poppy seed bun. The special comes with two hot dogs and fresh cut fries (my favorite). The fries come wrapped with the hot dog, the only problem I has was that one order of fries was salted very heavy, while the other no salt at all. One of my favorite things to do is to read Yelp reviews while eating. I did learn a new term today, a depression hot dog, which is what they serve here. The dining area was clean as was the washroom. They also have a little gambling area here. read more

Been going here for 50+ years. Grew up next door. 3 owners 2 locations first one was next door. Still love the hotdogs. The building needs painting inside and out and a little sprucing up. The biggest issue is for the last 4 or 5 years the fries are not cooked! It happens everytime I go ! Cook your fries ! read more

We are truck drivers who was delivering near O'Hare airport and as always we were looking for a local place to try out...I get my fill of fast good and we love to try authentic local cuisine if we are able. Well, coming to Chicago the first thing we look for is pizza....every single pizza place nearby was closed (what's up with at?). So we stumbled upon this place. We (my bf and i) ordered a Chicago dog and gyro plate. I don't claim to be a Chicago dog expert but it was great! The gyro plate was beautiful and very nice serving of meat (the black olives have pitts...so watch out for that). Let's just say...we were very satisfied with our order...and if I ever come back to O'Hare again...I would make my way back to this place! read more

The Winking Dog - Gyro plate and Chicago dog w/ fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Northlake, Illinois