So let's get real. I've pretty much grown up on the Chicago hot dog. I will start a yelling match with those pesky New Yorkers and mainstream media who believe the quintessential American food is a New York Hot Dog (pizza too for that matter...) because they're flat out wrong. Chicago is meat packer to the world. Just ask Carl Sandburg. I grew up going to Parky's in Oak Park which is an old standard.
Murphy's Red Hots is about as good as you will get in Chicago in terms of hot doggery. From the minute you walk in you're greeted like a family member. The high top tables and red stools are as close as you'll get to the ketchup if you know what's good for you. The dogs are amazing. A nice snap to the meat. The toppings are fresh and the sliced cucumber is a welcome, albeit untraditional, addition to the hot dog which is a beautiful compliment to the celery salt.
The fries are hand cut. Well salted. And straight up delicious. They also are franchised in Japan. Which is pretty darn cool.
Murphy's Red Hots is holding my current crown for Chicago Hot Dog of choice.
This is the second time I have come here and equally disappointed as the first. I really love onion rings, but $4 for like 6-8 onion rings that come out of a frozen bag! I really should have taken a picture to show.. Most definitely will not return..really don't even know why I gave them a second chance! Thumbs Down
Review Source:This is my place for hotdogs in the city-both regular and Chicago. Â This is where I take my friends to have a REAL CHICAGO dog, Â Their fires are excellent. Â Free parking on the side of the building really helps too! Â I enjoy the vibe and decor of the place. Â Â I wish they would move to NW Indiana!
Review Source:Easily the best Italian Beef I have ever had! Very well spiced, extra juicy, with cheese, and the sweet peppers add great flavor so you don't need the hot ones (unless you want them... I'm sure they're phenomenal, too)! Also, the fries are super yummers. The guys who work there when I've been in are very nice and a bit quirky in the best way. HIGHLY recommended.
Review Source:This is where I had my first chicago style hot dog!
It's the best. like, just the best. So yummy. The dogs are, of course, pretty phenomenal, but so is the cheese burger. The fries are great-- crispy, salty, yum! Make sure to get them with the GOOD CHEESE-- you have to specify it. If you don't, they just give you nacho cheese like from the movie theater. The good stuff is cheesy and greasy, I just can't remember what it's called. It's $.50 more, but worth it. It's also on the cheese burger instead of a slice, which MAKES the sandwich.
Also, delicious milkshakes.
And great, friendly, funny, staff. Who will tease you when you say no celery salt.
I didn't want to go to Chicago without having a "Chicago style hot dog," so we decided to find a place close to Wrigley field since we were in the area. There wasn't a game in town, so it was fairly quiet around the area, and no wait when we came in. Small little joint. We ordered a hot dog and got every topping. It is a bit messy trying to eat the damn thing, but delicious. Staff was friendly and helpful!
Review Source:I just moved down the street from Murphy's, and although I find Chicago sandwich/hot dog shops to be somewhat analogous, I figured I'd give this one a try. Â
Coming in around 3, I was greeted by both of the cooks, who were cleaning the place in their downtime. Â Great to see people caring about upkeep, even in a cheap eats place like this. Â I ordered a polish with all the toppings and fries to go. Â I was kind of disappointed that they didn't have anything to drink besides fountain soda, but whatever, I'm the weird one for not liking carbonated corn syrup water, I know. Â Waiting for the food, I took a look around the walls, reading the various news clippings touting the place as "world renown" (a Japanese businessman franchised the place back home in a few locations) and one of Chicago's best hot dog establishments (this claim always seems dubious because everyone's serving either Vienna Beef or Chicago Red Hot). Â
When I got home and opened up the box it came in, I was immediately impressed. Â Instead of a flimsy bun, this sausage came on crusty Turano bread, a welcome substitution. Â Further, the toppings were prime, and included a newcomer to the Chicago hot dog toppings: cucumber. Â All of the other standard toppings were fresh and crisp, even after sitting in a bag for 5 minutes as I walked home. Â
In addition to my un-American aversion to soda, I usually don't order fries--they just seem like filler to me. Â But I rolled the dice and was glad I did. Â The fries were clearly as fresh as they could be, and had clearly been cut from real potatoes in house. Â The skin was intact and they were salted just the right amount. Â I'd compare them to Penn Station fries, but I'm not sure if they have that in Chicago. Â
I'll definitely be going back to Murphy's the next time I'm feeling some cheap eats. Â Considering I now live just down the street, I don't think I'll be going to any other hot dog place around.
Another line crossed off our list of must-try foods in Chicago--the Chicago dog.
Having just come from a baseball game and being on our way to dinner (yea yea, fatty weekend), we only tried the foot long Red Hot, the Italian beef sandwich, and a bratwurst. All were good--topped with more vegetables than I usually have in my salads much less my hot dogs--but I don't think the sausages themselves tasted any superior to a polish sausage or chicken apple one from Costco. The Italian beef was extremely soft, though, and the sandwich was huge.
And maybe I'm being a stubborn Californian, but I still think ketchup would've been a good addition to the hot dogs. But with signs and books everywhere proclaiming that you NEVER commit such blasphemy, I was too intimidated to ask, though the owner was very nice.
PS. the Red Hot is not really spicy and a "wet" Italian beef means it's drenched in dip
Portillo's has always been my go-to for hot dogs and cheese fries, but Murphy's dogs and fries have proven to be just as good (if not better).
The people behind the counter were super friendly and helpful! The guy even guided me through my order as I struggled with the appropriate hot dog lingo.
I got a simple dog and cheese fries and was very impressed. The cheese was on the side and there was plenty of it (a rarity for cheese fries in my experience) and the hot dog was cooked to perfection. If you're looking for a reasonably priced, delicious dog on the north side- I'd definitely recommend Murphy's!
I've been to this cozy hot dog place in Lakeview only a handful of times. Kudos to Chicago's Best, for this place is a great, dedicated hot dog stand. Decent parking, but on weekends it can get a little difficult to find a spot. Great Chicago Style Hot Dogs. You can have it either char grilled or steamed. Also one of the very few places in Chicago to get a foot long hot dog. Not my preference but I did try it one time just to say I did. Perfect if you "haven't eaten yet."
Murphy, the owner, was there every time I've been to his stand. Nice guy, and very passionate about his place, and his food. Regulars know him, and vice versa. Always asked me how was the food and thanked me when I left.
Next time you're in the Lakeview area and craving a Chicago-style hot dog with all the trimmings, or just want a fast quick bite? Murphy's won't disappoint.
I was here yesterday and enjoyed my visit. I live down the street now and I have a feeling I'll be here often. It doesn't have the selection that sets some of the other dogs joint apart, but it does the basics really well. I had a charbroiled dog with some fresh fixings and some fresh cut fries. Friendly staff and great prices. Always worth stopping by for a quick bite but you might be better off sitting outside on the really hot days since the inside gets warm quickly.
Review Source:Best hot dog stand in Chicago. Â Hands down. Â A great staff, great atmosphere and some amzing food. Â I would give 5 stars if the Italian Beef were a little better, its good but not great. Â The one time I got it the seasoning was a little off. Â Charred red hots and polishes are definite stick outs on the menu. Â Also, the grilled chicken on a Turano roll is exceptional. Â True to Chicago, they will laugh at you if you request ketchup on the dog.
Review Source:As a life long Chicagoian who prides himself in a good hot dog joint this place had some tough competition upon me walking in after trying almost all the spots for a dog and a fry in the City of Chicago. Â I've driven past Murphy's a good amount before finally walking past on my way to a Cubs game. Â I can honestly say that the food specifically the steamed hot dog everything on it including sport peppers and cheese fries were perfect! Â Great throwback Chicago style hot dog place tucked into Lakeview. Â Owner was extremely friendly, efficient, and personable. Â Once I may the order and looked how much pride he had in the process and neat interior I figured I was in for a treat.....and that I was. Â He made me a new loyal customer with a great Chicago style dog and a cheese fry. Â Looking forward to trying the beef and cheese burger next time!
Review Source:Fantastic Chicago Style dogs! Â I had a char dog with everything and I seriously did not want it to ever end-guess I should have gone with the foot long! Â Cute little place, outdoor seating, friendly staff, and killer hot dogs-that's a win in my book! Â I live right down the street, so I will definitely be back for more! Â Quick tip: Â skip the onion rings and go with the cheese fries...
Review Source:This is my new go-to place for a great hot dog fix. Thank you Livingsocial for introducing me to Murphy's!
The guy working at the counter was so friendly I couldn't help but to smile. It seems that a lot of legit Chicago hot dog joints come with a large serving of attitude and superiority, but not here. They were so nice and outgoing and they actually made me feel welcome. I still wasn't comfortable showing the world that I do like ketchup on my hot dog, but they were so nice I'm sure they wouldn't have even given me that hard of a time.
I predict that I will become a regular here. I was pretty loyal to Portillo's, but Murphy's is even better.
I had never tried a Chicago style dog before, so while visiting my sister, I made a point of going here. She had just had surgery and couldn't travel far, so I couldn't try one of the "best dogs" of Chicago, but I loved the dog here. The only Chicago ingredient I left off were the onions since they don't agree with me, but I'm in love. Being from St Louis, we tend to char grill our dogs, but I went boiled as that is the Chicago way. I'm glad I did because it definitely supported the flavors best. The celery and the pickle spear were exciting and surprising additions to the overall flavor.
We also tried the cheese fries. The fries were a bit overdone, but edible, but the cheese was just movie theater nacho cheese and I would have liked a bit more flavor, but it helped the fries be a little better. My sister wanted the strawberry shake, and it was that really awful fake strawberry flavor that McDonald's did in the early 80's. It was terrible, but brought back memories of our childhood, so there was at least one positive to the selection.
Overall, get dog in true Chicago style, but skip the sides and drink soda.
Cool throwback place right near where I live. Â Killer pizza puff, yummie pump nacho cheese for the fries. Â Hot dog...I think I'm just not a hot dog person. Â This one was pretty good, split down the middle and charred. Â Celery Salt was a mistake..and they did forget my giardinera....
I am from Chi but I have to say vienna beef has nothin on yesterdog in bland rapids...
best and only, I think, char grilled foot long dog in Chicago. WOW it is great. Great fresh cut fries done the right way, and the shakes are the bomb! I always want to try other items, but damn that char dog foot long is addicting. Maybe the crack dog of Chicago Friendly staff, will be patient if u don't know what u want. THE BEST HOTDOG IN CHICAGO HANDS DOWN!
Review Source:I had the red hot with everything and a side of fries. Â It was great. Â the veggies on the dog were the freshest firmest I've seen in chicago yet. Â the fries were excellent, cooked just past done, but no where near burned and salty, just the way I like them.
the chili you get on the chili dogs is a good thick chili with chunks of meat and full beans. Â
I'll be going back, any time I'm going to stage 773, the playground, IO, or comedy sports. Â basically any time i'm close I'm gonna go there!
This place only does a few things but it does them well.
I got the Italian beef, dipped, with hot peppers and it held its own pretty well against Luke's and Portillo's (my two favorites). Â The fries were pretty meh, but I wasn't expecting too much. Â
The service was fast and friendly, and the the restaurant is tiny (maybe five tables) but makes up for it in character. Â
Definitely check it out if you're in the area and want some cheap and hearty Chicago eats.
Murphy's is the home of the true red hot. Â Red hot? Â Yes, a hot dog charred on the grill. Â Grab a charred foot-long, run it through the garden and don't forget fries. Â Small joint? Â Yeah - cry babies go to Wiener Circle. Â Murphy's is worth the wait.
True story - I was at Il Masonic ER some 10 years ago and after they got me on some magic juice IV, I discovered my appetite again. Â While waiting for a room, I asked the nurse if it would be OK to have some food brought in. Â My wonderful wife schlepped to Murphy's and got me my usual foot-long and fries. Â It was as if I had the most wonderful steak dinner ever. Â Big thumbs up Murphy's!
As many times i have walked past this place, I have never stopped in. Actually to be honest with you, I have never even noticed that it was there. It is kind of small so if you do blink, you will miss it. Thank you to Groupon for allowing me to try this place.
If you think this place looks small from the outside wait until you walk in. If you are claustrophobic this is NOT the pace for you. They have a little outdoor patio along the side of the building. It is a nice shady area thatt would seem that would stay cooler in the heat of the summer and for bing in such a busy area, it is relatively quiet also.
I ordered a polish sausage sandwich and cheese fries. The fries were fresh cut and very good. The sausage was grilled to perfection and served on French bread. It was a good sized and tasty treat.
We decided to Red Hot it up after a long work day.
This place is all about the CHAR-DOG! I have had Chicago style dogs before, but always steamed. The char adds a whole other level of flavor to an old favorite. All the fixins' on the dogs were as fresh as can be...and they put just the right amount of celery salt on everything. They do it right here!
We had the regular fries..(next time its gonna be the cheese fries! since almost every one that has reviewed this place talks about them).
Services was super fast and friendly not many tables but enough to get the job done.
One side note...when I first walked into the place you could smell the unmistakable smell of charbroiled burgers cooking on the grill and to be honest they smelled incredible....we had gone for the dawgs...but next time its the Burger thats getting the call! ( I know I know its a dawg-joint, but Im doing it!)
This is probably my favorite hot dog place in the city! I've been coming here since I was kid (i went to grammar school down the street) and it never gets old.
The dogs are great, the burgers pretty good, fries--perfect, and the shakes...well you have to try the shakes!
All in all, you really cannot get a Chicago dog better anywhere else. But yes, you must bring cash or else you'll be trotting across Belmont to the ATM.
Bring CASH, CASH ONLY ACCEPTED!
Charbroiled is AWESOME.
Delicious charbroiled hot dog with all the fixings-cucumber, pickle, peppers, tomato, lettuce, onion, mustard (they do have ketchup and won't snub you if you want it- that I have noticed).
Crispy, salty fries are really good too. Â
SO enjoyed the foot long chili dog- massive mess, but what do you expect!
When walking down Belmont to the red line last Friday I found myself caught in the rain. Â I was hungy as well. Â Wet + Hungry = Fail. Â Luckily, I walked by Murphy's and thought to myself "when was the last time I had a hot dog?". Â I know some people have a bug-a-boo against eating a hot dog, and I am indifferent. Â And if it hadn't have been raining, I probably would've crossed the street and gone over into The Great American Bagel. Â
But time was of the essence, so I walked in out of the rain, and into a small, cozy hot dog hut. Â There are 3 tables for people to eat with room for about 10-15. Â Murphy's isn't only a hot dog stand, but also offers hamburgers, soup, salads, and other options. Â I chose the classic hot dog topped with nacho cheese sauce, a small order of fries, and a small drink. Â
By looking around at all the interesting things they have hanging on their walls, I got the feeling this place is run by hardcore Irish stock. Â Which is why I thought it very ironic that a hispanic Male was the only worker present, and at one point everybody in Murphy's (me, the server, and 2 other customers) were all speaking Spanish. Â Ah, good times.
I have been meaning to review Murphy's for a long time. It is a place that changed my life... At least in the world of hot dogs.
Not being from Chicago, or even the Midwest for that matter, the idea of the Chicago-style hot dog was very foreign to me. Were I come from, most dogs get slathered in chili, ketchup, mustard, and onions. Sometimes cheese or coleslaw, as well. So the first time I saw a hot dog with tomato, cucumber, relish, peppers, and a giant pickle, I was a bit confused. For the first few years I lived in Chicago, I refused to try it. I felt it was dumb. Then I finally said to myself, "Self, you love Chicago... And you love its pizza. So why not its hot dog?" Then my girlfriend and I took a trip to Murphy's... And the rest was history.
Murphy's is awesome! The hot dogs are always messy and delicious. The fries are seriously good. I always get them with cheese. The guys who work here, including the owner, can sometimes seem a little surly, but they're not. They are all great guys. This place is very small and gets insanely crowded on the weekends, especially during baseball season, but they take care of you. Whenever I am craving a Chicago-style hot dog, and I have been converted into believing there is no other kind, this is where I go.
I will admit though, I have tried nothing else on their menu. The dogs are just too good.
3.5- good not great... really cramped
Came out to Chicago a few weekends ago, thank goodness for the trip, my wife and I were losing it in Fishers!
Saturday morningish, my friends and I weren't starving, but wanted some grub, so we decided to check this joint out. Â They are known primarily for their hot dogs, but also have burgers. Â My wife and I each got a red hot (almost did the foot long, but didn't want to over do it), along with some chilli fries.
First thing I noticed about this place is that it is TINY (like how I used caps to emphasize the small size of the place?). Â I came in with 4 other people, so we had to wait a little bit to get a table. Â By the time our food was done, we were ready to eat.
We went the full nine, and rocked out onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and cucumber salt (evidently that's the good stuff). Â The hot dogs were good, but not overly filling. Â The fries were ok, as the chilli sauce came in a little side container.
Overall- not bad. Â I don't know if I'd go out of my way to check this place out, plus it's pretty tiny. Â To go wouldn't be a bad option for this place.
Chuck Norris Rating- butt cheek slam
This place is really expensive.
I think they are more expensive than Hot Doug's and the quality isn't even close!
It was over $6 (close to $7) for 1 hot dog, fries, and a drink. Â WOW.
Fries were really bad too - maybe it was an off day when I went. Â They tasted double fried - like, they had been sitting there for a while, they got stale, and they decided to throw them into the fryer again.
I really wanted to like this place, too bad they overcharge like crazy!
Don't pay the north-side premium!!!
Delicious and they really do have the best burgers in Lakeview - you can get your meat charred or steamed, but really who wants a steamed hot dog?!
You get your choice of toppings and they got it all - pickles, cucumbers, tomatos, jalapenos, etc. Â Seating is limited but with the food being greasy and delightful, standing room is always an option, too. Â The hubby insists that his burger was really good, cooked to perfection, greasy but not dripping, and was the best burger that he's had in a while. Â I stick to my char dog - the dog isn't that big but all the toppings make up for it and still delicious! Â A little on the pricey end ($4 for my hot dog and $5 for the burger) but worth every penny.
side note: CASH ONLY.
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