The Best Hot Dogs in the North Shore

3207 Lake Ave # B
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-6300
www.irvings.com

A staple in the North Shore for over 35 years, Irvings for Red Hot Lovers has been serving delicious dogs, sausages and brats to generations of patrons who keep coming back for more. No matter the distance, when the Irvings craving hits there is only one thing to suffice it. And no need to worry if your favorite item is no longer on the menu, Irvings has kept things the way they have been decades, perfecting what they know and offering amazing fare for those with fond memories and appreciate the familiarity.

A lot of pride is taken into the food at Irvings, using the finest cuts of meat that are not only higher in protein but also leaner in fat thus resulting in better quality sausages and beefs. For those not craving a dog or sausage, Irvings has you covered with a superb Italian Beef sandwich which has a following all its own. And what better accompaniment to any dog or sandwich than a pile of waffle fries drenched with gooey delicious cheese. Cannot make it to Irving’s, not a problem. All red hots are available for order online to be delivered to your doorstep. No matter your indulgence, Irvings has you covered and has you coming back.

Mustard’s Last Stand

1613 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-2700

Whether you are a fan of the Northwestern Wildcats or just a fan of a great Chicago red hot, Mustard’s Last Stand is a small hot dog shop located near Ryan’s field that is a sure crowd pleaser. It’s not only for the great food either, as the fast and friendly service keeps people coming back again and again. Where Mustard’s Last Stand may lack in size it more than makes up for in great food and a personality all its own.

The quaint little shack may not look like much from the outside, but inside is decked out with NU memorabilia and stools that pay tribute to Vienna dogs. Their red hots come loaded the way a Chicago dog is intended, so ask for the ketchup IF you really want it. Along with a delicious dog, one can also indulged in a rich, thick milkshake or a big juicy burger. Whatever it takes to satisfy the palette, Mustard’s last Stand is sure to serve it up promptly and in the no-nonsense fashion people have come to appreciate.

Michael’s

1879 Second St.
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-3338
www.michaelshotdogs.com

As difficult as it may be to find a restaurant that pleases the whole family, it may be more of a challenge deciding what to order off the extensive menu at Michael’s that offers a little something for everyone. And while at smaller hot dog shops you may have to squeeze through the line to order, Michael’s offer enough space for the entire family, plus some.

Established in 1977, Michael’s has developed a rapport with their patrons by offering “good food fast” as well as good service that is not only courteous but also, fast. With multiple styles of dogs, sausages and burgers and everything available as a double, ones glutinous fantasies can truly be fulfilled. Add to that one of the dozen or so styles of potatoes to create a meal sure to satisfy the deepest of cravings. Though not to get too caught up on the heavier food, for those lighter eaters Michael’s is also prized on having a very extensive salad bar. Offering everything from edamame and egg whites to zucchini and won tons, creating great tasting, unique salads has never been easier. So no matter whether father or mother, son or daughter, Michaels is sure to please whoever approaches the counter.

D’s Haute Dogs

551 Lincoln Ave
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 386-6238
www.dshautedogs.com

A newcomer to the North Shore area, D’s Haute Dogs is a small mom and pop restaurant located in downtown Winnetka. Without the tradition of having been around for decades, D’s stands out as being untraditional. By taking a classic staple to Chicago cuisine, the red hot, and making it all their own, D’s creates a culinary experience as unique their rib-eye steak sausage.

If you are looking for a Chicago dog that is not so the Chicago dog, D’s Haute Dogs is the place to find it. With six specialty sausages that range from chicken to a gyro sausage, D’s haute dogs definitely offers something a little off of the beaten path. Accoutrements such as aioli, marinara and tzatziki make for sausages as unique as what is in the casing. In addition to unique dogs, D’s also has an array of interesting burgers suited to please all palettes. And what better side to go with your burger or dog? Fries covered with… you guessed it, cheddar cheese. But if all the frills seem to be too much, have no worry for D’s does serve up a Chicago dog the traditional way we have all come to love. No worry about the ketchup either, as Bob Schwartz’s Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog sits quaintly near the register for additional assurance.