Most of the iconic hot dog places in Chicago were a bit far out from the Magnificent Mile, which is where I was staying in Chicago. But, on one of the days, we traveled a good bit north to see the Lincoln Park Zoo and check out Wrigley Field. Fortunately, The Wieners Circle was along the way.

This hotdog stop is known for its char-grilled hotdogs (or char-dogs) and questionable late-night antics. I ordered a Vienna Red Hot (steamed) with the works - hot dog on a warm poppyseed bun, topped with mustard, onions, relish, dill pickle spears, tomato slices, sport peppers and celery salt. This was more of a snack for us, so we just ordered one and split it.

I loved it. I love these hotdogs! I feel like a traitor to the WV hotdogs, but these are just so complex and fresh, and oddly delicious, despite everything in my brain saying it wouldn't be. A crisp pickle, a good quality hotdog, and the celery salt -- and the poppyseed bun -- just kill it. So good.


Grade: A