Joe's Hot Dogs: Why I Went Twice, Ferak Food Column

JOLIET, IL - Until this month, the last time I visited Joe's Hot Dogs was probably with a carload of friends, and we were coming back from one of the bars and it was around 1998 or so. But after visiting Hey! Hot Dog for a recent food column, I realized I could not neglect Joe's any longer. It was time to make the pilgrimage to 810 Plainfield Road. It was time to come back to Joe's Hot Dogs.

This time, my 10-year-old son wanted to tag along since he had never been to Joe's. We stopped on Saturday, Jan. 5. Some traditions never die. The second we walked inside we were greeted by someone on the other side of the counter who asked us, "Fries or Onion Rings?"

Why fries, I answered. We definitely needed to get a large bag of Joe's salty french fries, just like old times. This time, though, I wanted to be different for a change. I had heard from others around Joliet that Joe's Italian beef sandwiches are pretty darn good. So I ordered an Italian beef, with cheese, and asked for a cup of gravy on the side.

My son went with a tamale and a chili cheese dog.

We paid for our lunch and took our food home to eat.

Now, my son has a new favorite hot dog stand in Joliet. As for me, I came away thoroughly impressed with Joe's Italian beef. I loved the gravy. The Joe's Italian beef is definitely in the same league as the famous Italian beef sandwiches made on Route 59 at the Shorewood Portillo's.

So, obviously, I had enough material to produce this food column for the Joliet Patch. But then I got to over analyzing things. What if somebody stops me on the street, and puts me on the spot, and asks 'What hot dog at Joe's would I recommend for somebody who's a novice?'

I would be clueless. Back in the day, I would tell them to go with a regular hot dog with mustard only, because that's the way I've eaten thousands of hot dogs in my life.

But during the past couple years, I've been expanding my horizons when it comes to certain foods. I'm now fond of eating chili dogs and cheese dogs. So before writing this column, I made a second visit back to Joe's, on Monday, Jan. 14.

This time, I ordered the chili cheese dog and a small bag of onion rings.

I made the right call. The Joe's chili dog was remarkable, just as I imagined. And the onion rings were crunchy. I liked the onion rings very much, but I probably will stick with tradition and order Joe's fries next time. But that's just me.

In conclusion, Joe's Hot Dogs still has that special magic that has kept this place going strong for three generations now, since 1953. The Italian beef sandwiches rock. The salty fries are still awesome. The onion rings are a great alternative side.

What's not to like about Joe's Hot Dogs?

Related Joliet Patch food article: Hey! Hot Dog Hits The Spot: Ferak Food Column

All images via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor