Hot Dog Bun (Should be steamed, warm, might have poppy seeds on it)
10.0
Frank (Vienna Franks are the local favorite). Frank Casing (We're looking for: Natural Casing, slightly curved, should have a snap in the bite). Frank Thickness (Not too thick--we don't do jumbo dogs in chicago. Not too thin either like New York, German....)
10.0
Frank Length (Best if hanging off the bun on both sides--rare!)
10.0
Cooking Method (Steamed is typical, Char broiled 'Char Dog' is not frowned upon--sometimes with quartered ends)
10.0
The Mustard (Crayon Yellow. I like brown mustard but NOT on a Chicago Style Redhot)
10.0
Sweet Pickle Relish (Can be neon green or regular green. Here in Chicago we like them both)
10.0
Onions (Yellow/spanish onion hand diced around a 1/4" or so--very uniform machine cut, processed onions will be bitter)
10.0
Pickle (A Quartered dill wedge is best, usually not cucumber)
10.0
Tomato (Sliced, not quartered. Two slices. Subtract if quartered, more if just 1 slice)
10.0
Sport Peppers (Usually included without asking. Its a mildly hot, pickled green pepper, a little spicier than jalapeno and about the same as serrano peppers)
10.0
Packaging (Should be wrapped in paper, no styrofoam!. If your redhot is wrapped in fries you're in for a real treat. This place knows what they're doing. You dont put the fries on the redhot theyre just rolled together. The redhot gets a little smashed up but its a fond memory for me of the best. Once i heard is that it keeps everything warm)
10.0
Focussed Menu ( The menu should be limited--Hot Dog, Italian Beef, Italian Sausage, Combo, Polish, Tamale. A big mixed-up menu with gyro, or chicken, pizza, ribs...usually means it won't be fresh. )
8.0
Presentation (The sandwich should not be smooshed. The condiments should be placed even, neat and clean. There might be an exception when wrapped in the fries)
9.0
Authentic, Fresh, Professional and Clean
Fresh cut french fries
Family Friendly
Advantage Sample 3
Not much you can say here.
Located out in the burbs (not a big deal)
A little price (you pay for the real deal)
Locals, Tourists, Foodies, connoisseurs, Food Historians, Truth Seekers
It's one of the best hot dogs around--period. The place is cool, and kid friendly. Try the hand-cut fries.
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Scooby’s Hot Dogs is a Chicago classic that delivers one of the city’s most authentic Chicago-style hot dog experiences. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a fun, retro atmosphere filled with neon lights and old-school charm, setting the perfect backdrop for comfort food done right. The star of the show, of course, is the hot dog: a plump 7″ Vienna beef frank tucked into a poppy seed bun and loaded with all the traditional toppings—mustard, neon green relish, onions, tomato slices, a crisp pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Every bite is a perfect balance of snap, flavor, and freshness, exactly what a Chicago dog should be. Scooby’s isn’t just about great food; it’s about the experience—casual, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you’re a local looking for your go-to spot or a visitor wanting to taste Chicago the right way, Scooby’s Hot Dogs is a must-visit destination that never disappoints. I’ve been eating there for over 20 years. You might even bump into Joe–he’s the owner.
Own or work here?