For over sixty years, Superdawg has been serving up their special menu of hot dogs, burgers, fries and shakes in Northwest Chicago. It’s still run by the family of the founder, and I always appreciate that type of business and try to patronize them more often than not.
In virtually any list of the top hot dogs in the city, Superdawg makes the cut. They have their own pet names for the menu items, and claim proprietary ingredients and seasoning. Each “sandwich” comes in a special box with a mound of fries, terrific pickle spear, and even more terrific, half of a pickled green tomato.
I went with the “Supercheesie,” their freshly ground burger under melted American cheese. The burgers come fully dressed to your specifications, with a couple of different options being rye bread in lieu of a traditional bun, and “piccalilli” or at least Superdawg’s interpretation of it. The traditional piccalilli originated in England as a take off on “Indian pickles” and is comprised of diced pickles, vegetables and seasonings. Superdawg’s is more akin to a sweet relish, something I don’t usually order, but went with it and was delightfully surprised at the outcome. I did like it.
“Superfries” are crinkle cut, crispy, and nicely salted. Other menu choices include their hot dog, polish, chicken tenders, tamales, assorted fried vegetables, and fountain treats, including most likely the best chocolate malted I have ever had anywhere, They start with an entire pint of premium and work their magic from there.
The iconic stand with its hot dog character statues remains an outpost of carhop service, and some families turn a visit into a tailgating even, bringing their own tables and chairs. Superdawg only has one other full-size location. I’m not sure why, as this business, with its short menu and long track record of success, would have been perfect for major expansion or franchising. It’s most certainly a better product than many chains.
The full Superdawg menu is here:
I used to include maps on every post, quit for awhile, but you’ve asked me to stick ’em in again. So here’s how to get to Superdawg, accessible by Metra, off I-90 or I-94 (on the way to an from O’Hare, btw)
Family Tailgaters
Icon Rooftop Figures
Cheeseburger on Rye
Superdawg!
Superdawg Drive In Review