PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Why on Earth am I listing a hot dog stand as a place to take your date on a romantic encounter? Because quite simply, Superdawg is a one of a kind, nostalgic experience that will make your date swoon! From the car hops, to the Tarzan- and Jane-themed Maurie and Flaurie hot dog characters winking from above, to the diamond-patterned walls and right down to the "Hiya!" messages on the boxes, this is a place that creates memories for young and old alike. Both my mom and I cut our teeth at this place among millions of others, and is also one of the places I always hope to go to at least once year.

Superdawg’s kitschy menu features items like the Whoopskidawg (a Polish sausage sandwich) and the Whoopercheesie (a double cheeseburger) and also touts their Supershakes as so thick that they provide their customers with a straw, just to prove it can’t be used. Of course, what brings people back time and again is the world famous Superdawg, which has all the Chicago-standard condiments, including a bright green relish (or piccalilli as they say) and tangy, pickled green tomato wedges. I admit, I love those tomatoes so much, I tend to steal them off everyone else’s orders! All their sandwiches (sammiches in Chicago tongue) come with some of the best crinkle-cut French fries in town and are packaged in cute boxes, featuring Maurie napping on a fold-out recliner, thanking customers from the bottom of his pure beef heart for stopping by.

Some of the nicest car hops ever to exist bring out the cash-only orders and rest them on open window ledges, so dining at this location requires the weather to play along. Orders can also be taken at their small, indoor dining area or placed at the indoor pickup window, perhaps to be enjoyed at the forest preserve across the street. Catering is also available, which can rest assured make a unique impression on visiting family, clients and perhaps even those potential wedding guests. Vegetarians would find relatively few items acceptable on their menu, though even many vegans I know simply fall in love with the overall décor, as well as those fries and tomatoes!