Bites Nearby: Dips & Dogs Provides a Great Hangout for the Kids

It’s amazing how the Chicago winter weather makes you crave the outdoor dining experience. Nothing gets you in an easy, breezy, summer-like mood more than dining at a hot dog stand. (50 S. Garfield, Hinsdale) is just the right place for a quick bite with a fun atmosphere. 

Formerly a Fuller’s gas station, Dips & Dogs has morphed into an adorable little fast-food roadhouse. The facelift has given it a very welcoming feel. Only a block away from the local junior high, it’s the perfect stop for students after a grueling day in the classroom. The outside service window is a nice little touch for that drive-in feel.

It's obvious from the outside how small it is, but once you walk in, you quickly realize you’ll probably just order and eat your sack of goodies elsewhere. If it’s nice outside, grab one of the lovely patio tables and enjoy!

Once you enter, you are quickly greeted and helped immediately. On one occasion, I was pleasantly surprised to see a kid (he looked about 13) working the cash register. To my delight, he was efficient and seemed to run a tight ship, making sure my order was perfectly executed. Because of the small space, you can always keep an eye on the guy who is preparing your meal.

Dips & Dogs serves up your hot dog stand favorites, like burgers, cheese fries and Italian Beef. Their soft-serve ice cream menu is fairly substantial and offers many tasty treats. Don’t feel like a having your run-of- the-mill vanilla cone? Try one of their waffle cone creations, arctic swirl or Tropical Snow. 

It's springtime, so break out your bikes, pedal your way over the 294 to Hinsdale and make Dips & Dogs your pit stop!