This weekend I stopped in Charlotte on my way to a wonderful wedding in Chapel Hill. In search of a quick, fast, lunch Jef suggested that we go to Matt's Chicago Dog, a place located in Jef's building and in the heart of downtown.
When you walk in you are instantly transported back to 1940s Chicago (maybe 50s, 60s, someplace back in time). There is a mural that lines all four walls and is painted with such detail it seriously looks like this could have been the front of a Marshall Field's back in the day. For those of you that don't know Marshall Field's is an iconic department store founded in Chicago, kind of like Macy's on 34th street. It was so charming I couldn't get over it. The menu of the restaurant hangs straight back and has several different options, not all related to hot dogs. They have salads, burgers etc. but if I am going to a place with "dog" in the name, I am getting a hot dog. I opted for combo #1, a true Chicago style dog with a drink and my preference of either fresh cut french fries or homemade potato chips. I went with the fries, because I am a sucker for fresh cut fries.
Fun fact: I didn't start eating hot dogs until I went to college because I used to eat them when I was a child and throw up on the spot. So the whole world of hot dogs is still relatively new to me. Especially a Chicago style dog. 
A Chicago style dog must consist of the following:
- All beef dog
- Mustard
- Onion
- Sweet Relish
- Tomato slice
- Pickle spear
- Small Peppers
- Dash of celery salt
- All served on a fresh bun
One thing you might notice missing is ketchup. A Chicago style dog will never have ketchup and if you put ketchup on you are not eating a Chicago style dog. Also, of all those things listed I would normally pick off most all of it, but in the tradition of trying new things and expanding my culinary horizons I only picked off the pickle (yes, I don't like pickles, don't ask me about it again).
AMAZING. It seriously was so delicious. I get a lot of criticism for never writing anything bad about place, but it's not my fault I just eat good food and this was one of those places. The hot dog was juicy, and plump and the peppers gave it a great kick of heat which I loved! The fries were so crispy, it took all I had to not devour the whole thing.
If you live in the Charlotte area or plan to visit, I would definitely make a stop by Matt's Chicago Dog for a quick, CHEAP lunch (for Jef and I to both eat it was only $12!).
Matt's Chicago Dog
425 S Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202
Charlotte, NC 28202
Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MattsChicagoDog
Me too! http://twitter.com/TheFFs
I am drooling... I want a hot dog right now!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both! I would weigh 300 lbs if that was below my building. Its definitely one of those places that you can push through the full pain because its so good!
ReplyDeleteI love peppers in hot dog, they make a big difference.
ReplyDeleteTheir corn dogs are equally delicious. It's a shame that the only place I ate in NYC all weekend was McDonalds. Totally should have consulted your blog first!
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