Baked Cheese Haus: If you’re unfamiliar with Baked Cheese Haus, think again! If you’ve ever been to a Christkindl Market, you’ve probably seen the bubbling wheels of cheese ready to serve you on warm baguettes topped with green onions. Well, little did you know (and us for that matter), you can get all that with a hot dog in between! It’s one-of-a-kind and we’re excited for their debut this year!
Byron’s Hot Dogs: Family-owned-and operated, Byron’s (with locations on Irving Park Rd. and on Lawrence Ave.) has been a Chicago fixture since 1975 with (trust us!) various encased meats! From cheese to chili to a classic Chicago-style, their dogs are top notch!
Bust Outs: Their storefront may be small, but man, their food packs a punch! Located in Jefferson Park, Bust Outs is a new addition to Windy City Hot Dog Fest! While their menu may be full of “L” Avated burgers (be sure to try those at Roscoe Village Burger Fest in July!), they know how to make a mean dog. Using top quality ingredients like Vienna Beef hot dogs and New England rolls is what will set them apart from their competition. Will you vote for them this year?
Chicago Doghouse: Established in 2009 in the heart of Lincoln Park Chicago. Chicago’s Doghouse has been serving an electric array of exotic and gourmet sausages/hot dogs. Along with their eclectic meat selection a must to try is our one of a kind fry chip fusion called Frips.
Crave Belly: Their motto seems to be “made fresh from local, high quality ingredients,” and we cannot wait to see what they have cooking in their food truck! Making their Windy City Hot Dog Fest debut, Lockport-based Crave Belly Food Truck not only has a traditional Chicago dog on the menu but also, a bacon jalapeno cheese dog (yum!) they’ll be serving up (and not the canned cheese, it’s homemade). You’ll be craving more, we know it!
Frannies: For over 20 years, Frannie’s has been serving our famous Italian Beef and Sausage sandwiches, daily fresh cut fries, hot dogs, and our very own steak Italian. If that sounds great, our catering menu showcases our delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken, pasta, salad and beef and sausage packages
Lee Concessions: If you’ve ever been to a Chicago festival, you know Mr. Lee. His chicken-on-a-stick is pretty famous! And we’re guessing he is planning on a Asian-inspired hot dog for the Windy City Hot Dog Fest (and hopefully on a stick!). Luckily Mr. Lee and crew have plenty of side items like fried Oreos and ice-cold lemonade to go with that dog. 2023 People’s Choice Winner!
Lola’s Coney Island: Established in 2019, Lola’s Coney Island is sure to unite all hot dog lovers. Owner-operator Jesse Fakhoury is the force behind Lola’s, named after his four-year-old daughter. Jesse was born and raised in Detroit, MI where the Coney Island hot dog is a hometown favorite. After years of living in Chicago, Jesse saw the opportunity to bring the Michigan staple to the people of Chicago who know a thing or two about a good hot dog. Trying to follow the footsteps of his favorite Southwest Detroit Coney, Duly’s.
Tikka Masala Dogs: Now these sound fun! From the owners of Tandoor Char House in Lincoln Park come Tikka Masala Dogs! In 2021, Tandoor won “Best Taco” at the always popular Lakeview Taco Fest so while you may not think a hot dog can be transformed into a flavor sensation, think again! They were wildly popular last year at this festival and we know they’ll shine again!