Chicago's Best Hot Dog Joints for a Quick Bite During RSNA
The Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting returns to McCormick Place from 29 November to 4 December 2020, drawing thousands of radiology professionals from across the globe. Australian delegates from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth often arrive weary from the long-haul flight and find themselves needing fast, satisfying meals between back-to-back sessions. A Chicago-style hot dog is more than just street food; it is a cultural institution that rewards visitors with a uniquely Windy City experience.
Chicago's hot dog tradition dates back over a century, rooted in the arrival of Austro-Hungarian immigrants and refined by the post-war boom of Vienna Beef. The classic version features an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, neon-green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Ketchup is famously banned from the dog, a rule Aussies who grew up on snags at a barbie might find surprising given their love of tomato sauce on everything.
With hundreds of hours of scientific programming squeezed into six days, RSNA attendees rarely have time for a long sit-down lunch. The good news is that Chicago's hot dog scene is built for exactly this kind of rushed visit, serving memorable meals in under ten minutes. Knowing where to grab a speedy stop can transform a packed conference schedule into a culinary adventure.
The Anatomy of a True Chicago Dog
The Chicago dog is not a snack but a constructed meal, and understanding its components is essential before ordering. The frankfurter must be steamed or boiled, never grilled, and the poppy seed bun must be soft enough to soak up the toppings without falling apart. The neon relish, locally called "piccalilli," is bright green and slightly sweet, while sport peppers deliver a sharp, vinegary heat that surprises first-timers.
For Australian visitors accustomed to the meat pies sold at football matches in Adelaide or the bratwurst stalls at Brisbane's Eat Street markets, the Chicago dog offers a different flavour profile. The use of fresh tomato slices rather than sauce reflects the city's Italian and Eastern European heritage, a small detail that speaks to broader regional pride in produce. Many locals consider the dog a complete lunch, holding it in one hand while walking toward the next exhibit hall.
Portillo's: The Institutional Choice
Portillo's began as a small hot dog trailer in 1963 and now operates more than 50 locations across the Midwest, with several downtown spots within easy reach of McCormick Place. The chain has perfected the art of fast service, using a counter system that moves guests through in under five minutes during the lunch rush. Their Chicago dog is consistently rated among the most balanced versions in the city, and the menu also features Italian beef sandwiches for those wanting a heartier option.
The downtown Portillo's on Ontario Street sits roughly twenty minutes from the conference venue by cab or rideshare, making it a popular post-session stop for radiology teams. Australian visitors travelling with colleagues often order family-style platters, which keeps the bill manageable and lets everyone sample a range of toppings. Portillo's also offers delivery through major apps, a service model that mirrors the spread of Uber Eats and Menulog in Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Superdawg Drive-In: A Retro Classic
Superdawg opened in 1948 and remains one of Chicago's few remaining drive-in restaurants, complete with carhops who deliver food directly to your car window. The hot dog itself is named after owner Maurie Berman's late wife, Sally, and the experience feels like stepping back into the post-war era. During RSNA week, the location on Milwaukee Avenue sees a steady stream of conference-goers seeking something memorable beyond the hotel buffet.
The Superdawg dog is notably larger than the standard Vienna Beef frank, and the toppings include a proprietary spice blend that gives it a slightly more robust flavour. For Aussies who remember the drive-in cinemas of their childhood in Perth or the milk bars of suburban Sydney, the format will feel strangely familiar. The indoor seating area is air-conditioned and spacious, ideal for a relaxed meal between technical sessions.
Gene & Jude's: The Cult Favourite
Gene & Jude's has been voted the best hot dog in Chicago by multiple local publications, and the small stand near O'Hare draws pilgrims from across the country. The defining menu item is the "Depression Dog," a double frankfurter topped with hand-cut fries, grilled onions, and mustard, served on paper rather than a plate. The shop is cash-only, a detail that might surprise Australian visitors accustomed to tap-and-go payments under the country's debit card system rolled out through the Reserve Bank's New Payments Platform.
The atmosphere is deliberately no-frills, with a few picnic tables and a counter service line that moves quickly. Many RSNA attendees make a special trip here on a free afternoon, combining the visit with sightseeing or a stroll along the riverwalk. The fries are cooked in beef tallow, giving them a rich flavour that sets them apart from typical fast-food versions.
Late-Night Legends: Jim's Original and the Wiener's Circle
After the exhibit halls close, Chicago's late-night hot dog scene comes alive, and two names dominate the conversation. Jim's Original on Union Avenue has served foot-long hot dogs topped with Italian sausage since 1939, with grilled onions and sport peppers as the standard garnish. The Wiener's Circle in Lincoln Park is famous for its char dogs and the famously surly staff, a tongue-in-cheek tradition that delights visitors from all backgrounds.
These venues typically open late and stay busy well past midnight, making them perfect for radiology professionals winding down after a poster session or committee meeting. Australians travelling with families might find the late hours less suitable, but solo travellers and delegations will appreciate the proximity to downtown hotels and the chance to experience Chicago after dark. Visitors should be aware that both venues remain cash-only and can get crowded during peak times.
Comparing the Top Joints at a Glance
Chicago's hot dog landscape is varied, and choosing the right spot depends on your schedule, group size, and appetite for adventure. Some joints are designed for quick, transactional meals, while others invite lingering over a milkshake or a side of fries. Below is a snapshot to help RSNA attendees plan their meals around the conference programme.
| Joint | Location | Best For | Service Style | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portillo's | Multiple, downtown | Quick sit-down or delivery | Counter service | Cards accepted |
| Superdawg | Milwaukee Ave | Retro drive-in experience | Carhop or indoor seating | Cards accepted |
| Gene & Jude's | Near O'Hare | Iconic Depression Dog | Counter, picnic tables | Cash only |
| Jim's Original | Near Union Park | Late-night foot-long | Counter service | Cash only |
| Wiener's Circle | Lincoln Park | Char dog with attitude | Counter service | Cash only |
Each of these establishments has its own character, and visiting more than one is the best way to experience the breadth of Chicago's hot dog culture. For visitors with limited time, prioritising Portillo's for lunch and a late-night stop at Jim's Original covers the essentials. Those with a free afternoon can add Gene & Jude's for a deeper dive into the city's culinary heritage.
Choosing Your Perfect Bite
- For the most balanced and consistent Chicago dog in a fast-service setting, Portillo's is the safest bet, especially for groups.
- For a nostalgic, photo-worthy experience, Superdawg offers a uniquely American atmosphere that pairs well with sightseeing.
- For purists who want the most authentic, no-frills dog, Gene & Jude's delivers the goods, but bring cash.
- For late-night cravings or post-session meals, Jim's Original and the Wiener's Circle are open when other joints have closed.
- Whatever you do, skip the ketchup, as locals will notice, and embrace the full range of traditional toppings.
When planning your visit, browse trip planning guides to streamline your travel from arrival to the exhibit hall. Booking a hotel near McCormick Place or the Magnificent Mile puts you within easy reach of every spot mentioned above, and many properties offer quick breakfast options so you can start the day without delay. Australia's professional radiology community has long valued the networking opportunities at RSNA, and a shared meal at one of Chicago's iconic hot dog stands is the perfect way to bond with colleagues after a long day of sessions. Lock in your accommodation early, leave room in your schedule for at least one unforgettable bite of the Windy City, and make the most of every minute between sessions.