52 Chicago Dogs — Budacki’s
I’m starting a new project: 52 Chicago Dogs.
The idea is simple. Once a week, I’m going to visit a different Chicago hot dog stand and get a Chicago dog. I’m planning on doing it every Friday, although that may change when I’m out of town or otherwise occupied. No fancy ratings. No ranking of the dogs. No attempt to determine which place has the “best” Chicago dog.
Just 52 Chicago dogs.
Week 1: Budacki’s. 4739 North Damen
Budacki’s is a neighborhood favorite and, really, my neighborhood go-to. It seemed like the obvious place to start.
Sadly, the owner recently passed away, but the place is still running pretty much as usual.
And it was hopping today.
Lunch at Budacki’s is a pretty good snapshot of a neighborhood hot dog stand. Lots of locals. A lot of workers and tradesmen grabbing lunch. School kids coming in. People who clearly don’t need Google to tell them where to eat lunch.
The place is tiny. There are maybe eight to ten stools at a counter along the window inside, and that’s about it. On a beautiful, sunny day like today, though, there’s outdoor seating, so we sat outside.
That might actually be part of what I like about places like Budacki’s. It isn’t trying to be anything other than the neighborhood hot dog stand. You walk in, get your dog, sit wherever you can, eat lunch and watch the neighborhood go by.
One down. 51 Chicago dogs to go.
Budacki’s – Two Chicago Dogs, Fries, and a Diet Dr. Pepper.
