Self-billed as the "Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium," Hot Doug's is everything you could hope for in a Chicago hot dog joint. Like the city itself, Doug's resurrected from the ashes of a fire, which shut down its original stand on Roscoe. Drive by its current location a mile west, and you’ll still find the same loyal line of sausage enthusiasts stretching out the door and around the corner. Just goes to show you can’t keep a good wiener down.

Expect to find the ordinary with the sublime. A no frills Chicago-style dog starts off the menu, followed by other familiar acts, like the Paul Kelly, a beer-soaked bratwurst, or the Shawon Dunston chicken sausage. The veggie dog, served up with mustard, caramelized onions, neon relish, tomatoes and a pickle, is the best phony I've had. But don't be timid: Scroll the options to discover a whole new wiener world with specials like the Port and Cassis Smoked Venison Sausage, served smothered in a black currant-brandy sauce and blue cheese. Other zoo highlights, like rattlesnake, rabbit, kangaroo, boar, pheasant and duck, have all had their fun in the bun.

The man behind the kielbasa is the man behind the counter, as well. A graduate of Kendall College Culinary Arts, Doug Sohn has a knack for handling the crowds, penning orders, and cracking a joke or two with each customer he greets. You’ll feel like you’ve shared something with the guy, when all you really did was customize your condiments. Check out the Hot Doug’s theme song (rock and techno mixes) for a sense of his humor, or take in the countless hot dog gags that line the counters of his shop. All jokes aside, Doug has single-handedly taken Chicago sausage to unforeseen heights and has created a sausage temple unlike any other in the city.

Hot dogs run from $1.50-$6.50. Fresh cut fries are $1.25. Get them slathered in cheese for an extra 75 cents; Doug will render them in duck fat for you on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring cash and your love for the dog.

Follow Hot Dougs on Twitter. (Note: This feed is run by someone unaffiliated with the business...but it's darn informative nonetheless.)

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Shannon Gillam