In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and a 20 minute walk away from DePaul sits one of the city’s most notorious restaurants: The Wiener’s Circle. Opened in 1983 by Larry Gold and Barry Nemerow, the modest hot dog stand stood out quickly from the vast number of local eateries. What began as a corner stand serving Chicago-style char-grilled hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish sausages, and cheese fries would evolve into a late-night legend, known for its food as well as attitude.
From the beginning, the stand’s location on Clark street placed it within one of Chicago’s busiest nightlife areas. With numerous bars and clubs surrounding, late at night hungry individuals discovered the Wiener’s Circle as a reliable post-bar bite.
But it wasn’t just the char-dogs that kept people from coming back, it was the exchange between staff and patrons. Allegedly, owner Larry Gold shouted an expletive to get an inattentive customer’s attention and the response worked. That moment unintentionally started the tradition of friendly and profane back and forth between servers and customers that would soon become the restaurant’s signature.
Over time, visitors would show up to be roasted by the staff while enjoying classic Chicago stand favorites. The result was a unique restaurant experience. Wiener’s Circle gained national attention through television segments, NPR features, and even a televised reality show, cementing its place in Chicago’s story.
Like many Chicago staples, Wiener’s Circle has evolved with the city around it. In recent years, the restaurant expanded with a new backyard patio, bar, and outdoor seating area. They also now offer beer cocktails, and even some nights karaoke alongside its iconic hot dogs and char burgers. These updates reflect its popularity and desire to stay relevant in a changing market.
The restaurant’s ownership has navigated some challenges to ensure its presence in Lincoln Park. When the property that houses the stand went up for sale in 2019, patrons feared change or even closure. Eventually the restaurant’s owners stepped in to purchase the building, guaranteeing that Wiener’s Circle would remain part of the neighborhood for years to come.
More than just a hot dog stand, the Wiener’s Circle captures something uniquely Chicago, the way that it is unapologetic, local, and rooted in community. It’s the kind of place where food and personality are inseparable, and where the experience matters as much as the meal itself.
Author Review: Everytime my family and I visited Chicago our first stop to eat would be the Wiener’s Circle. I always get the classic Chicago dog, without relish, and with sports peppers and extra celery salt. My sister says that the char dog is “the best burger she has ever eaten”. The food is classic, satisfying and delicious. While I haven’t been yelled profanity to yet, I’ve heard some great stories from friends. In my experience the customer service has always been great and you get your food quickly. They are decently priced and getting there is very easy, it is a must visit for every DePaul student!
About the Author
Hello my name is Simone Graczyk and I am originally from Denver Colorado. I am currently a music performance major with a minor in history. I love playing the flute, reading, and traveling!
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