Bites Nearby: Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Fast Food At Little Joe’s

Little Joe’s Restaurant at 20 E. Plainfield Road in Countryside has been whipping up your All-American favorites since 1969.

As you enter, you get the feeling that Guy Fieri may be right around the corner because this place screams dive. They’ve taken the term no-frills have truly ran with it.

Little Joe's appears to have the same décor from their inception and I don’t think they’re in any hurry to update. One new addition, however, is the sign outside their establishment.

You can’t help but notice the lunch time clientele streaming through the door. Blue collar, salt-of-the-earth locals who have been coming to Little Joe’s for years.

Even though the limited menu offers a few Italian dishes, the three main stars of the kitchen are the hot dog, burger and beef.

Although I am not a fan of the Italian Beef, a neighbor said their version of the sandwich is good and rivals the more well known beef joints in Chicago. The beef is juicy and comes in shredded smaller pieces.

I ordered the Chicago-style hot dog. Casing free, the toppings were sparse and the overall taste was just o.k. The French fries were crinkle cut, not overly salted and good.

The cheeseburger, which is made to order, came loaded with the works and piled high. It was hot, juicy and the toppings were substantial.

Since Chicagoans are passionate about their hot dogs, fans of Little Joe’s have probably been patrons of this joint since they were kids, especially if their Little League team was sponsored by them.

Are there other choices in the neighborhood for fast food? Yes. But if you want to support a family-owned and -operated business, give Little Joe’s a try.