Hot Diggity Doug's

My arteries got a work out this weekend. After numerous failed attempts, I finally made it to Hot Doug's. The 40 minute wait in the sub-freezing temperatures was more than worth it.

If you are ever in Chicago, this is an absolute must. Bring lots of cash, and probably call ahead to make sure they're open. The insane popularity of this place means Doug can pretty much close shop whenever he wants for however long he wants and there will still be a long line of suitors waiting anxiously for his return.

Waiting in line for our dogs.

Famous duck fat fries (Fri. and Sat. only!)

My dog: brandy infused Portuguese chorizo with saffron rouille and boucherolle cheese

Other notable mentions:

• cilantro-chipotle smoked chicken sausage with mole and cotija cheese
• onion pork sausage with bacon-garlic mayonnaise, duck grand-marnier pate, and truffle-balsamic cream
• antelope sausage with cassis creme-fraiche and Danish fontina cheese
• chardonnay and jalepeno rattlesnake sausage with ancho-lime mayonnaise and smoked gouda cheese

And of course, there is a wide selection of your 'regular' dogs served up Chicago-style or any way you like. Drool. A whole world of encased meats is waiting for you!