Wolfy's

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

It's that time of the year where we pay a little homage to da superfans. In doing so we take a trip to one of da fans favorite stands in all of Chicagoland. Wolfy's has been in Chicago over on Peterson ave. for over 40 years and has been keeping da superfans and all of Chicagoland satisfied since 1961. Its a Vienna Beef Hall of Famer and has always been known as the stand that you could eat a fry off the floor the place is so clean and the one that can please an army with its long list of Chicago fast food favorites like natural casing Chicago style hot dogs, Polish sausage, burgers, gyros, pizza puffs, grilled chicken and the list goes on and on. It also has one of the best neon signs in the city which you cant miss when driving by.


a Chicago fan favorite

I almost always stop when I'm passing by and I see the neon glowing in the night. Its impossible to pass on a small treat to munch on when your passing by and I rarely do. Although I'd like to be able to further explore the menu I just cant get along to doing it. When I go to Wolfy's its always a hot dog or Polish and more so than not its both. While the old school minimalist style is my Chicago dog of choice that doesn't mean I don't love me a good (other) Chicago style dog. I would easily put Wolfy's among the best in the city when it comes to their Chicago style dogs. The natural casing Vienna beef wiener is so full of flavor is doesn't get lost in the proper garden of toppings and is served on a (always) perfectly steamed poppy seed bun.


Wolfy's Chicago style hot dog

I love the dogs but when it comes to Polish sausage Wolfy's is one of the lands very, very best and always a first team all city when it comes to the sausage. Sometimes you want a Polish and just feel like a Wolfy's. They take the sausage out the fridge and its dropped into the deep fryer for a few seconds and then thrown on the grill to char it up and add some more flavor right next to the sizzling onions that are going on top. With the onions goes mustard, pickles and tomatoes and its popped into a poppy seed bun.


Wolfy's Polish sausage

Yeah, yeah I know the pickle and especially the tomato toppings are not traditional but we superfans like to take those off and eat them as a palate cleanser after the sausage is consumed. The combination of deep frying and grilling a best in the business Vienna beef Polish sausage along with the perfect product consistency time after time is what makes Wolfy's as legit a Chicago hot dog stand as we have and one da superfans will always love.


One of the cities very best

Wolfy's
2734 w. Peterson ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 743-0207
Website

Chicago's Maxwell Street Polish

-Eating like a local: Regional food specialties
Chicago's famous Maxwell Street Polish

Its been a longtime coming. Its not just pizza, hot dogs and beef when it comes to Chicago's signature food items. Also in the realm of discussion is the famous Maxwell Street Polish Sausage. Said to have been introduced to the people of Chicago in 1939 by Jim Stefanovich who took over his aunts street stand on Halsted and Maxwell street. Jim's Original as it was and is called eventually developed over time. Soon it would become well known when Mr. Sefanovich introduced the Polish Sausage to the city. From that day forward it became a legendary food stop in Chicago and a trip to the old Maxwell Street Market meant a Polish from Jim's. It still is a legend today. Despite being forced to move from its historic location by Mayor Daley and his UIC cronies (who I'm sure all profited greatly) Jim's Original and Express Grill are still going strong.


One of Chicago's most well known and historic streets is also a namesake signature food item

"Original Jim's is an icon of Chicago, housed in the same location it has always been, in the historic pre-Chicago-Fire building at the northwest corner of Halsted and Maxwell Street. Blues musicians such as Hound Dog Taylor and others would get their electricity from Original Jim's and play in the alley behind it. That hot dog stand is written about in songs, poetry, and novels and is in several movies. " From a press release circa 2001. When Jake and Elwood visit Maxwell Street in The Blues Brothers, there’s a quick shot of the grill at Jim’s.

"Steve Balkin, Vice President of the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition comments, "This is screw deal by UIC and Mayor Daley. I hope everyone who ever wants to get an authentic Maxwell Polish and can't -- I hope they remember Mayor Daley as the man who caused this culinary and cultural tragedy to occur."-From the same press release.


A picture of Jim's Original in its original location (Pic from wikipedia)

It was on Monday July 30th 2001 that Jim's Original served what many though might be its last Polish. Well Mayor Daley as usual pissed off so many people that eventually a deal was made to move both Jim's Original and Express Grill a few blocks down. Sometime after Jim's Original opened a place called Express Grill opened right next door and served virtually the same menu. The two hot dog stands coexisted side by side for decades until they were relocated by the city a half block east to Union Avenue, adjacent to the Dan Ryan Expressway on-ramp at Roosevelt Road. On a nice summers day with a steady breeze you can smell the onions from the grill all the way onto the expressway. Even a blind man would know when hes getting close to Jim's and Express because when you do the smell just hits you. While they stay open 24 hours a day I have never been to either or while the sun was up or in a normal state of mind. This is where the vampires eat after a night of indulgence.


Just another night outside Jim's and Express on Union ave


Line of people at Jim's on a weekday night around 1a


A cabbie enjoys what could be breakfast, lunch or dinner...I didn't ask

So when there's stands that are right next to each other and spitting images of one another, that serve duplicate menus at identical prices the question is always asked. What's better-Jim's Original or Express Grill? Its a test I'm sure many people have done in side by side tasting comparisons. In fact there's a post about it over on LTH you can check out by clicking HERE. Both spots are walk up only so be ready to eat on the hood of your car. I would recommend doing so no matter what month it is. Those onions have a potent smell and it can stay in your car for days. I always place the exact same order no matter which stand I'm at. That order is an all beef Polish with everything (grilled onions, mustard and sport peppers) and a pork chop sandwich with everything (mustard and onions with sport peppers on the side) and to go with them a can of RC cola. So lets take a look at both spots. Tell me which one you go to and why in the comments section.

Jim's Original

The first thing that hits your nose is the wafting aroma of sweet onions in the air. The first thing you see while in line at Jim's is a banner that reads "We are not affiliated in any way with any other hot dog stand in the area" You see Jim's Maxwell Street Polish became such a household name that now there are Maxwell Street Stands throughout Chicagoland. Many of them are called Maxwell Street Express, some call themselves Maxwell Street Depot others call themselves Jim's Polish or whatever and they're all similar in style but not authenticity or even in quality. So here is a look at the stand that set the trend and has never looked back.


a Chicago staple and must stop for any roadfoodie


Jim's Original is on Union ave. off the expressway...nowhere else


The current menu at Jim's

Just like always I get my all beef Polish and what might be my favorite Maxwell Street menu item, a pork chop sandwich. I would take a pass on the burgers unless your belligerently drunk and you need a burger. I've had them plenty of times and they are average if that. The same can be said for the fries-nothing great but they come with each sandwich so they get ate. Obviously the Polish's are the signature item but also very popular are the pork chop sammy's. I cant figure out which one I like better but I have never had one without the other. They go hand AND hand. Just be aware or don't forget that there is a bone in that pork chop sandwich. I wonder how many plastered people have lost or chipped a tooth or two because they were so hungry they chomped so hard?


All Beef Polish Sausage from Jim's Original


The Polish Sausage is as Chicago as Da Bears, Ditka and da skyline


Pork Chop Sandwich from Jim's Original


all that's left at the end of each order

Express Grill

Located just 1 minute down from Jim's is Express Grill. If your from Chicago then you would know that the debates are just as heated over Jim's/Express as they are over Cubs/Sox and that's no joke. It was during the 195o's when Tom Lazarevski quit working for his uncle Jim Stefanovic over at Jim's Original. He then opened up his own late-night Polish/hot dog spot right down the block from Jim's on Maxwell street. Well as fate would have it the UIC expansion plan would later put them side by side on Union ave. Since Express first opened they have battled Jim's for customers and have always had the same prices and pretty much the same menu. Its alleged that both places use their own recipes consisting of encased beef and different seasonings for their Polish Sausage. The Great Don Barzinini swears by Express and hes a veteran over there. Its much like Pat's and Geno's for cheesesteaks in Philly.


Right next Door to Jim's and also a must stop


Current menu at Express Grill


Grill at Express being tended to...buckets of sport peppers and mustard on the side


Close-Up of the grill at Express on another busy night


Express Grill's all beef Polish Sausage


Express Grill's Pork Chop Sandwich

So which one is better? c'mon you didn't really expect me to remember any mental notes I might gather when eating at either one. Even if I could remember I'm pretty sure all that would have been said about both was Mmm followed by a Mmm then a Mmm. Kind of like in "What about Bob" when hes at the dinner table. That's all you really here around the area at night. Despite 100's of party goers and people out late its pretty quiet because everyone is eating. Your just going to have to head on over and do a side by side taste test for yourself. I'll put my money on either or. You might get a better one at Jim's the first time around and like Express better the second time. The important thing to know is that there is no other place like either of them in the city or the country and thus, the world. See ya next time on S'C&C wit Da King.

Jim's Original
1250 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(312) 733-7820‎
Website



Express Grill
1260 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 738-2112

Bears vs Packers Grilling Battle & Tube Fest

--Tailgatin' and how to make mofos start playa hatin' (Recipes)
with 2009 NFL Preview

Is it Sunday night yet? leave it to the NFL to get it right and open their 2009 Primetime Sunday Night football on NBC season with the Bears vs the Packers. When Jay Cutler was traded to da Chicago Bears on 4/3/09 I think everyone can still remember where they were. I was having lunch with some popo over at Freddy's Pizza in Cicero and I didn't believe it despite the fact it was being reported on the Score and ESPN radio stations every other second. It wasn't until I saw the press conference that it totally sunk in. It was shortly after that, the NFL put the Bears on display in Primetime night games a total of five times this season. You can forget about the Sexy Rexy's, Henry Burriss', Craig Krenzel's, Jonathon Quinn's, Rick Mirer's, Chad Hutchinson's, Kordell Stewart's and goodbye to the Moses Morenos of the world! You don't need to remember Cade McNown anymore. Now that you know what a real QB is, don't ever say Jim Miller was alright. I don't remember a buzz greater than the one Jay has brought to the city since #23 who happens to be getting his dues later today when he goes into the NBA Hall of Fame, could you see that one coming? If Jay gets his way, which he usually does, he'll be a first ballot into Canton, Ohio when his time comes and have a few rings of his own to wear for the occasion.


The NFL's best selling jersey since the trade was made

Now as far as the upcoming season goes its a tough call on the NFC North. The old black and blue division has turned into an aerial assault camp but here is what the others are saying. Sports Illustrated has the Bears winning the NFC North in the NFL season preview issue (with Aaron Rodgers on the cover) However they also moved Green Bay from 16 to 3 in their NFL power rankings because of the teams preseason performance. What? b/c of how they played in the preseason they moved up thirteen slots? sounds like crazy talk to me putting the Packers as the 3rd best team in the NFL. It seems like everyone has jumped off old man Favre's bandwagon despite the fact the Vikings have a better team overall than the Packers by my estimations and have added Percy Harvin to the mix on special teams along with #4 as QB. The way I see it is the Bears, Packers and Vikings will all split their games against each other and sweep the Lions. This leaves all three teams at 4-2 with ten games to decide the division. While I have Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre (yep the old guy) on my short list of MVP picks, I don't see the Packers being better than da Bears or Vikings but I do see 2 of the 3 teams going into the playoffs and the Vikings winning the division easily. I like the Chargers over the Steelers in the AFC Championship and the Saints over the Vikings in the NFC. So for Super Bowl XLIV I have the Chargers over the Saints. I pick it like this because everyone else has New England or Pittsburgh winning it all but it never goes the way its supposed to in the NFL and that's why its so great.

Its time to check the engine and fill up the tank on the Old Halas Hauler and head up North.



Vs.



Next on Sunday Night football.

Tailgating Recipes and Ideas

If your not going to the game then there's only one thing to do leading up to this exciting week one matchup-drink and grill. I have a few suggestions on what can be done to make it a very successful extravaganza.

1st up- Get over to the Vienna Beef Factory store on Damen ave in Chicago to load up on Hot Dogs and Polish's. The Vienna beef all beef natural casing hot dogs are the best in the world and you can also grab buns and all your "new" Chicago style topping needs. If your a minimalist man then you can also grab the hot peppers you'll need.


Isn't it safe to say...legends are made this way?

2nd thing to do-If you can head over the border and into Kenosha to grab some groceries from Woodman's and meats and other delights from the area then I highly recommend you do. On top of all the other spots I'll give you at the end of this and have given you the past year on this site I would strongly urge you to get over to Lake Geneva Country Meats in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The heavily over populated vacation destination actually has a spot worth going to and its about 15 minutes up the road opposite way of Kenosha off I-94 from the main Kenosha exit-so its not even downtown.


Stop at this guys joint en route to Country meats for a pie and other goodies

Although I had passed by country meats many of times they were always closed since it was later in the day. I made it a point to get over there and pick up some of their award winning meats along with great canned goods and deli salads, twice stuffed potato's with 'sconsin cheese smoked meats, bacon etc... You know all the good stuff. I also made sure to grab some of their world famous brats which I had heard much about. Well the brats were some of the best I have ever had from the state which means they are best in country thus far on my search.


Worth the drive for some of their Brats

If your headed to green bay for the game then this little 30 minute detour (there and back to the highway) is well worth it. Make sure to pick up some brats for your grill if your going to be doing some tailgating. Even if your not headed to the game then I would still head across the border and pick these up for your Sunday night football party.


Absolute Stunners

If your going to head to Country Meats then there's no reason to not stop in at River Valley Ranch and grab some of the world famous five cheese garlic spread but also some fresh mushrooms for burgers, stuffing them or whatever.


River Valley Ranch Mushroom Farm in Burlington, WI


Five cheese garlic spread is also available around Chicagoland

Chicago Style Dogs and Wisconsin Brats

I started by using the five cheese garlic spread and stuffing some white mushrooms from RVR with half of the spread and half bread crumbs and put those aside for the grill.


Before the grill


after the grill...ready to eat

The only thing I did different than normal was I just soaked the Country Meat brats in beer and onions. After about a 45 minute bath I threw them and some Vienna dogs on the grill and the only thing missing from this was NFL football. Luckily that is now a part of our fall grilling days.


Ready to go


Bears vs. Packers...Hot Dogs vs. Brats


of course if were doing Chicago style we do the original Chicago style too

Do not forget to grill up some Bill Swerski Polish Sausages as well. Click the link below the pic for more on them and other tubed meats.


Bill Swerski Polish with Recipe

Of course if your having both Bears and Packers fans over for the Sunday night game then we can all agree that we like Char Cheddar Bacon Dogs loaded with grilled onions. Click the link below the pic for more on them and other tubed meats.


Char Cheddar Bacon Cheese Dogs with Recipe

Going to Green Bay for the game? Then you might want to stop at one of the famous stops in Wisconsin along 43 en route to Milwaukee and Green Bay. You can pick up all your tailgating needs at both the Brat Stop and Mars Cheese Castle. I would say the Brat Stop is better for brats and drinks at the bar for lunch while Mars is better to pick up cheeses, beer and other fun food things for tailgating. Make sure to get a loaf of their famous cheddar bread, its da bomb.


Kenosha's Brat Stop is known world wide


as is Mar's Cheese castle located not too far down also in Kenosha


Brat Stop has the best brats in the state that are made to order


Mar's has a good brat but not quite up to par with the BS's but this is WI, its good

Then of course there is the legend that is Bobby Nelson and his cheese and sausage country store. Its here where you want to stop for all your bacon and beef jerky needs and of course they got cheese too. Its just a small little store compared to the other two but its filled to the walls up and down with encased and smoked meats. Bobby isn't around anymore but I can promise y'all a detailed report of him, his shop that lives on and that oh so chronic bacon they slang later on in the year. In the meantime stop in for yourself and you'll see whats up.


A Bacon Driving Destination

Other Possible Foods Stops en route to Green Bay

Illinois

Sarkis (grease food)
Captain Porky's (fried shrimp & BBQ)

Wisconsin

Franks Diner (classic American diner)
Oliver's Bakery (donuts and kringle)
Kewpee's (classic burger joint)
Big Star Drive In (burgers and drive in foods)
Fred's Bar (Burgers)
McBob's (corned beef and fish fry)
Zaffiro's (tavern style pizza)
Kopp's (burgers & custard)
Koppa's (deli sandwiches)
Jack Pandl's (German)
Charcoal Inn (Brats and WI tavern steak sandwiches)

Country Meats
5907 State Road 50 east
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
262-248-3399
Website

Vienna Beef Factory Store & Café
2501 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-435-2277
open til 4p weekday's-3p wkd's
Website

Mar's Cheese Castle
2800 120th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53144-7599
(262) 859-2244
Website

Brat Stop Entertainment
12304 75th St
Kenosha, WI 53142-7323
(262) 857-2011
Website

Bobby Nelson's Cheese Shop
2924 120th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53144-7531
(262) 859-2232

In honor of Bill Swerski

--Tailgatin' and how to make mofos start playa hatin' (Recipes)

Wanna make it a bakers dozen? eat one of these each day for lunch and then have another for dessert.

Folks of the windy city, I like to take advantage of my birth rights. Included in those birth rights is the ability to buy Vienna beef natural casing Polish's from the outlet over by the river. You cant find these many other places. Pay attention ladies: you just buy them at the deli where they are 5 to a lb and follow my steps on how to give any Bear's fan an orgasm.

I like to make mine so dat dey blossom and top dem with butter fried onions, mustard and sport peppers. Do I need to write it out like a recipe from Martha Stewart? You either know what your doing or you dont and Martha dont know shit bout this.

Any self respecting Chicagoan that calls himself a grill master should be able to duplicate this at home. Dont forget to buy the encased meat from the Vienna outlet or it wont turn up better than the rest of the Polish stands around town. Y'all aint got shit on this. yea im talking to you Jim's, you Flukey, yo Wolfey, you hear me? and any of you spot's with Maxwell street in your name...I got you beat too.


Polish sausage ala KingT, made by me.

Vienna Beef Factory Store & Café
2501 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-435-2277
open til 4p weekday's-3p wkd's