Rene G wrote:

gp60004 wrote:So are you saying that Gene and Jude's used to be where Polk and Western is located now?

That question has come up before and I wish I could answer it. Here’s what I think I know. A sign at Gene & Jude’s reads, “Relished Since 1946 at Polk and Western.” I’m not sure exactly where they were located back then but they probably moved to River Grove around 1955 (see next paragraph), earlier than I would have guessed. Polk & Western opened in 1948. I always assumed they are still in their original location but don’t know for sure. Assuming they haven’t changed their name I doubt they moved far. It seems most likely to me that at one time both Gene & Jude’s and Polk & Western were located in different buildings near the intersection of Polk and Western. Other scenarios are certainly possible.

My speculation was incorrect. Polk & Western Hot Dogs was indeed the original Gene & Jude's. Bob Schwartz, Senior Vice President at Vienna Beef, discussed this at some length in his lecture to Culinary Historians of Chicago. The short story is that Gene lost his original shop in a poker game. You can read more in Bob Schwartz's book, Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog.

You know, that makes it even more of a shame that P&W uses skinless "Big City Reds" hot dogs. Sigh. At least the fries are tasty.

Rene G wrote:

G Wiv wrote:Drove by Al's Red Hots yesterday, 3/20/08, around 2pm and it was shut up tight. Mid afternoon on a Thursday seems an odd time to be closed, I wonder if they are down for the count.

Thankfully, another false alarm. I think Al's might have been closed temporarily for repairs but they were open today, 4/28/08, and doing good business. In this picture from earlier today Al's might not look open but I'm certain it was (note open door).

Al's Red Hots has a history of "playing possum" but I have to say things are not looking very hopeful for this venerable hot dog stand.

Al's Red Hots, June 2011


Al's Red Hots (closed)
2908 W Lake St
Chicago

HI,

I passed Al's today to find it is in the midst of a remodelling. Their is a new mustard yellow marquee with red letters declaring, "Al's Red Hots Under the El." It doesn't appear to have reopened yet, but it is not RIP either.

I drove past and couldn't circle back for a picture.

Regards,

Rene G wrote:Al's Red Hots has a history of "playing possum" but I have to say things are not looking very hopeful for this venerable hot dog stand.

Al's Red Hots, June 2011

Cathy2 wrote:I passed Al's today to find it is in the midst of a remodelling. Their is a new mustard yellow marquee with red letters declaring, "Al's Red Hots Under the El." It doesn't appear to have reopened yet, but it is not RIP either.

A fully remodeled Al's should reopen sometime in the not-too-distant future. The owner assured me the red hots—natural casing Viennas—will remain the same.

Al's Red Hots, July 2011


Al's Red Hots (temporarily closed)
2908 W Lake St
Chicago

Al's is now OPEN.



I was passing by on my way to Peoria Packing on Saturday and didn't hve time to stop in but I hope to try it soon.

Al's is back (yet again). Now under new management, Al's has been extensively remodeled but the dog and fries are still good.





As before, it's a skinny, natural casing Vienna with mustard, onions, relish and sports. Spuds are fresh-cut and twice-fried. The batch I had was perfectly cooked to deep golden and moderately salted, putting them among my favorites. My only quibble is the bun seemed barely steamed. Hopefully that's an aberration.

Al's is certainly one of the classics and it's good to see it back. Despite the title of the thread, Al's has probably never been the oldest hot dog stand in Chicago. I don't think I ever said that without a lot of qualification (see earlier in this thread). Unfortunately it seems "Al's is the oldest" has now been repeated in several places on the internet so I guess it has become truth.

Al's Under the "L"
(was Al's Red Hots)
2908 W Lake St
Chicago
773-826-1239
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight