On Monday, my friend Jim and I had lunch at Paradise Pup in Des Plaines, IL. On one wall was a write-up that Guy Fieri had done for his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. We started to discuss our opinions of Chicago’s best diners, drive-ins and dives. Hey, if Fieri can make a living off of it, I can do a blog on it (and my hair was funky and out of control long before his was).

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Superdawg first opened in May of 1948 on the far northwest side of Chicago. It is still there, still a drive-in and still serving hamburgers, hot dogs, shrimp baskets and other such fast food items. They also serve battered and deep-fried mixed vegetables, a rarity for fast food places. The fountain creations such as malts, shakes and blackkows are delicious. Superdawg has been known to cause traffic jams.

Hot Doug’s (the sausage super store and encased meat emporium) is a great dive. Nestled in the gritty northwest side, this simple brick establishment has outstanding and unique sausage dishes. Ribeye steak sausage, blue cheese pork sausage and curry lamb sausage are just a few delights served here. Arrive early and expect a line because the secret is out about Hot Doug’s.

Hienie’s Shrimp House is located on the far southeast side of Chicago. They were one of my childhood favorites and I still make the 30-mile drive for their unbelievable sauce. Their shrimp, chicken and fish are fresh and flavorful, especially when slathered in their original sauce. For an extra treat, get a heaping order of their fresh French fries (also slathered in their sauce).

Another southeast side favorite is the Mexican Inn, home of the tastiest burritos and tacos I have ever found. The Cornejo family opened it in 1961 and still run it. I have been going there almost as long. They are minutes off of the Skyway and from Indiana, but the flavors are pure Mexico.

Hamburger Mary’s is located a couple miles north of Wrigley Field. They have a large selection of appetizers and sandwiches, but their burgers are off the hook (to quote Fieri). The Big Kahuna Hawaiian Burger, served with a slice of grilled pineapple, cheddar and jack cheeses and Mary’s sauce, is my favorite. Of course, I opt for the turkey burger, but chicken breast, black bean burger and buffalo are also available. They offer ever-changing home brews, nightly amusement in “the attic” and relaxation in the “rec room.”

Well folks, that’s it for this edition of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives of Chicago, Johngy style.

— John Wroblewski, distrbution specialist