Found it!

Cornpole – A cheese-stuffed Polish sausage, skewered and dipped in corndog batter then deep fried.

Suzie's Drive Thru
4126 W Montrose Ave
(773) 283-6544

After assorted mishaps in the last few weeks, we finally made our first visit to Wiener and Still Champion. Needless to say, we'll be going back as soon as we can.

The Dipping Dog was simply the best corndog I've ever eaten. No deep fried gyros today, so we opted for the deep fried pickle chips, which were extremely tasty. The regular cheeseburger was good, but next time, I'd definitely upgrade to a double or 1/3 lb (or double 1/3 lb) cheeseburger, which I think would have a much better meat-to-bun ratio.

It was great to meet and talk to Gus. He offered us a taste of deep fried chili, which was as good as it sounds. Still no word on when the episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is set to air.

BJY wrote:The regular cheeseburger was good, but next time, I'd definitely upgrade to a double or 1/3 lb (or double 1/3 lb) cheeseburger, which I think would have a much better meat-to-bun ratio.

I think the consensus here is the the 1/3lb is going to be a better experience than a double regular. One thick patty is better than two thin ones.

I got a somewhat sheepish call from the 'spouse on Thursday...from WASC. He asked, knowing I'd find out he was there and he'd be in trouble for not calling, if I'd like him to pick anything up, so I opted for a through-the-garden dog. He brought it home, we had a lovely lunch, all but licked the plates clean....but when Sparky got home from school, he took one look at the crumpled plain brown bag on our dining room table and said "Hey - you guys went to Gus's without me! No fair!"

Just wanted to add, that i've never been a big corndog fan, but I stopped by last weekedn to give Gus' version a try. Fan-tas-tic. The breading (is that what you call it?) was light, airy and had a sweet kiss to it. It's may be the only corndog i've had where the dog is not obscured by the cornmeal. definitely worth a driver over to Evanston for anyone who would consider themself a corndog lover.

Gus, my brother wanted me to ask this:

Do you score/cut your Polish Sausages before grilling them? If not, great. If the answer is yes, what is the reason for that? Most places seem to do this, which makes for an inferior tasting Polish because all the juices run out while cooking. Whenever he orders a Polish anywhere, he specifically asks for them not to score the sausage.

Thanks,
Rich

Yes we do score the polishes. We fry em first then finish em on the grill. Scoring them makes em cook faster which is why we do it.

I now have class in Evanston every Thursday night, so I can't wait to try this place. After looking at all the pictures and reading the stories, I am so happy that I will be here at least once a week.

I'm anxiously anticipating my first WASC experience tonight!

Sigsoho wrote:I now have class in Evanston every Thursday night, so I can't wait to try this place. After looking at all the pictures and reading the stories, I am so happy that I will be here at least once a week.

I'm anxiously anticipating my first WASC experience tonight!

I would just like to take a moment to say... I envy you! I have got to get down to Evanston soon. My work schedule has been a little tight.

So I went to WASC last night as promised and I found Gus working hard at the grill. There were a couple of big orders in front of me, but there is a great deal of wall candy, pictures, and a LTHforum shout out to pass the time.

Since I had to take everything to go (I was running really late for class), I ordered a couple of corn dogs and fries. The corn dogs are as advertised...delicious! I haven't had corn dogs in years and I now make them a weekly treat. The fries were fresh and tasted really good as well.

I will stop here every Thursday night before class to try other things on the menu and I have a feeling that I might be coming here even after classes end.

I would definitely recommend WASC as a great spot to grab a bite.

Made my maiden voyage to WASC last night. Made it simple got the two hot dog combo with fries. Wonderful natural skin dogs, nice snap. Fries were made fresh and absolutely wonderful. Can't wait to try the other goodies soon. Will bring my kids for the corn dogs.

Went to Space, to see my buddy play afterwards. Really great place to see music.

Hardly believe a good time was to be had in Evanston (Not a big fan )

Dave

On the way home from Evanston after a movie late-afternoon today, I got off the "El" at Dempster and walked over to the restaurant for a "dipping dog" special: two corn dogs, a mountain of fries, and a soft drink . . . and some dipping sauce. Gus was working the counter and when I was struggling to choose which dipping sauce to use he tossed-in a "two for one" - my garlic choice with a garlic and herb. I couldn't stick around very long, because I had to catch another "El" to get to Howard St. to connect to a Pace Bus . . . or I'd be delayed another hour getting home. The corn dogs were perfectly coated/cooked, the dogs themselves almost sweet in taste . . . and I was reminded why I liked the Argentine Garlic & Herb dipping sauce so much on other visits.

My fiance and I made our first trip over to W&SC tonight, and the dipping dog are truly the best corn dogs either of us have ever eaten by far. We wanted to try the fried bacon, but you guys were all out...its okay though, it just gives us both an excuse to come back soon.

pacent wrote:We wanted to try the fried bacon, but you guys were all out...

To those heading to W&SC for the first time who are looking to try some of the delicacies mentioned in the threads here, especially the more esoteric ones like the deep fried bacon, chile, and gyros meat or the Flat Iron steak sammy, just call ahead. If you know you area heading there a day before (and not everyone does) a day ahead, Gus can make many of the items (though not all) that have been listed here.

You have to remember that some of the things that drive us wild here were experiments and probably don't appeal to the everyday simple dog and burger crowd. I'm not sure how feasible it is to keep all of these dishes in-stock and prepared full time. On the other hand, W&SC is very much a labor of love and Gus really will move heaven and earth to make sure people aren't disappointed. Just give him (and your cardiologist) a heads up and enjoy.

Stagger wrote: just call ahead

847-869-0100

RAB and I made our first visit to WASC yesterday. We were lucky enough to be accompanied by my 93-year-old grandmother who's always up for some tasty french fries. And, the fries didn't disappoint. They were outstanding. Crispy, skin-on, and tasted like potatoes. Just the right amount of salt. RAB was surprised when Gus told him that he'd just had to change the oil and that the fries are usually better. How?

I went with the two dipping dogs combo. As everyone's said, wonderful corn dogs. I really enjoyed them. Although, I did look longingly at my grandmother's hot dog a few times - - the only downside of a corn dog is the lack of condiments. RAB enjoyed his cheeseburger. Great bun, tasty meat, fresh toppings.

The only disappointment was the dipping sauces. They were fine, but I'd expected more after reading this thread. I wanted a mustard for the dipping dog (no ketchup or mayo near any hot dog I'm eating), and tried the spicy mustard, which was just a spicy mustard. Nothing unusual. The spicy aioli, which we got for the fries, wasn't very spicy. It was fine, just not great. I actually didn't like the Argentine sauce, with herbs and garlic. I'd hoped for something more chimichurri-like and was thus let down by the mayonnaise-y sauce. But, I'm quite happy with simple yellow mustard and ketchup, so my views of the dipping sauces won't keep me from returning.

WASC is a great spot. I don't think I'd drive from Logan Square to downtown Evanston just for WASC, but when I'm again in the neighborhood, it'll be at the top of my list.

Ronna

REB wrote:I actually didn't like the Argentine sauce, with herbs and garlic. I'd hoped for something more chimichurri-like and was thus let down by the mayonnaise-y sauce.

Just so you know for future visits, I think Gus does have something that may be more what you're looking for. Dunno if it's always on hand but it's worth asking.

I really hate to make my first posting here be a negative one but I went to the Wiener based on endless glowing reviews here and I feel that I should share my view, because my experience is so far away from what I have read here, that I am wondering if we are talking about the same place.

Because I live a short distance away I was really excited to try the Wiener. I used to go there years ago, and it was one of my favorite hot dog stands in the Chicago area. When the owner sold it I tried it a few times and was always disappointed. So I was excited to try it under the new ownership. (I realize that the current owner has been there for
some time, but this was my first visit under his ownership.)

The first time I want, about 2 months ago, my initial impression was that the place was dirty, tables unwiped and dirty floors, but since I am taking it to go for me this is not a big problem, I am here for a hot dog not a gourmet experience.

I ordered a cheesburger and a polish . The cheesburger was tiny and lacked flavor and the pickles were the thinnest I have ever seen on a burger aside from Mcdonalds. The polish was fried and still somehow lacked any flavor. It came with a tiny pickle spear and the usual fixings on a stale bun, all in all it looked rather sparse compared to other polish's I have eaten, and I have eaten quite a few. The fries were excellent and the portions was huge.

I went back a second and last time, having read even more glowing reviews and because the fries were excellent, and I ordered the triple cheesburger and a hot dog. I found the meat to be dry and tasteless, the bun too small, and the fixings basic. The hot dog lacked snap and the bun was stale. The fries were still very good but the portion was much
smaller than the last time. I can't speak about the fried bacon or pickles, or corn dog, maybe that is what I should have ordered, but I figure a hot dog stand should first and foremost have a great dog.

Again I apologize for the negative review and tone of my posting , and I realize that most people here would disagree with my review, and that is fine with me.

I'm not trying to hurt anyone, I just feel that I needed to have my say.

JP1121 wrote:I'm not trying to hurt anyone, I just feel that I needed to have my say.

Welcome to LTHforum. We like opinions, even if they're against the norm.

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the standard cheeseburger. The char cheddar burger is fantastic, a destination burger for us, but the regular cheeseburger? Eh. It's OK.

I treat the WASC kind of like Hot Doug's in this regard - I skip the standard burger/dog menu and get the good stuff. Corndogs, Flatirons, char cheddars, and OMG the fried pickles.

(Slightly off-topic, but last week we were in Memphis, and ate at a chicken shack called, coincidentally, Gus's. The chicken was top-notch, but the fried pickles were a big disappointment to me. They were breaded pickle spears rather than the chip-style at WASC, and so failed to distribute the pickley goodness in the way that I like. I might have to stop by soon to wipe them from my memory.)

One caveat that generally should go before any virgin visit to an LTH favorite, be it GNR or not: it helps to read up on the place and see what not to order. I've posted many not-so-good experiences about many other places, and even kept some to myself - eventually realizing that in many cases I'd just plain ordered wrong - frustrating when you don't have a wi-fi connection to LTH when you're looking at a menu.

I prefer the 1/3lb larger burgers that are reserved for the double, triple, and undisputed - I think the regular burger is there to appease the kiddies and the folks who like them that way. That being said, I've always had snappy dogs there, never stale buns, and the spouse loves the polish (I've never had it, other than the dipped version) Maybe the karma was off that day, maybe it's just not your thing, who knows - but I always welcome a new perspective.

PS. If Gus is there, and it isn't too busy, you can ask for the Argentine sauce viniagrette-style - which I prefer, but I'll be the first to admit I'm biased . He keeps the two parts separate, so there's usually some unmixed in the back somewhere.

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:(Slightly off-topic, but last week we were in Memphis, and ate at a chicken shack called, coincidentally, Gus's. The chicken was top-notch, but the fried pickles were a big disappointment to me. They were breaded pickle spears rather than the chip-style at WASC, and so failed to distribute the pickley goodness in the way that I like. I might have to stop by soon to wipe them from my memory.)

We had these last month while we were in Memphis and I agree that they couldn't hold a candle to the version served at WaSC. The pickle to coating ratio was way too high . . .


Fried Pickle Spears from Gus's in Memphis


(far superior) Fried Pickle Chips from Wiener & Still Champion

=R=

JP1121 wrote:
Again I apologize for the negative review and tone of my posting , and I realize that most people here would disagree with my review, and that is fine with me.

I'm not trying to hurt anyone, I just feel that I needed to have my say.

Welcome, no need to apologize. You have the right to say whatever you want, as long as it is true. I too have been to WASC on off days (it really depends on who is cooking). The corn dogs are like no others and are always a good bet. The dipping sauces are also a unique touch. I have had both good and bad experiences with the burgers (again it depends on the cook). I have never had a stale bun there, but buns do get stale (perhaps it was steamed then dried out). I also don't understand the lack of "snap" in the dog, since they use natural casing Vienna dogs, which do have snap. Anyhow, it is like you said, the fries are what keep me coming back. They are damn near perfect. For me, the rest of the food is just something to accompany the french fries. The country fried bacon is definitely worth trying, but you have to be in the mood for huge dose of saturated fat. I actually like it better cold for breakfast the next day.

I concur with Mhays that the 1/3 Lb is the only way to go for the burgers.

As far as the Hot Dogs go I have found that if you're not there during a busy period they are likely to be less than stellar. Despite its name, I don't think of WASC as a hot dog stand as it is not what they do best.

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:I treat the WASC kind of like Hot Doug's in this regard - I skip the standard burger/dog menu and get the good stuff. Corndogs, Flatirons, char cheddars, and OMG the fried pickles.

First of all I just want to say I am impressed by how well my posting was received, I was kinda expecting to be slapped down a bit for not holding to the party line, so thanks very much to all for showing so much class

I don't recall seeing the flatiron steak sandwich on the menu when I was there, cause I would have ordered it for sure. Did I miss it or is it a recurring special? If it is available I would defiantly go back and give it a try, that and the fried pickles, cause that picture posted makes them look kind of amazing.

The fried bacon and corn dogs don't appeal to me, no matter how good they may be, but that's just a matter of taste.

Not only is the flatiron sandwich not on the menu, it usually isn't available at all - you have to call ahead and order it a couple days in advance. I realize how insane this sounds, but if you read back through the threads (or it might be elsewhere on the forum) you'll find that it was never intended to be made available to the public - Gus had made it for himself at lunch and shared it with someone who posted about it here. The steak is marinated for 24(?) hours, which is one reason for the need to call ahead (the other being that the meat needs to be sourced just for your sandwich.)

It is my favorite steak sandwich in the area, and worth the call ahead. I wish Gus would make it a once-a-week special.

Mhays wrote:I prefer the 1/3lb larger burgers that are reserved for the double, triple, and undisputed - I think the regular burger is there to appease the kiddies and the folks who like them that way.

Yes, this is what threw me too, when I read the OP about the burgers being "too small"... I was thinking 1/3 lb, since thats what I always go with too. And, frankly, the 1/3 lb cheeseburger plus a whole mess of (very very good) fries for 5 bucks is as good a value deal for both quantity and quality as there is out there.. which is why I couldnt conceive of someone thinking it "small". But obviously it was the regular burger that was referred to (Ive never tried it, so have no idea what its like).

I suppose what I do most often at WASC is basically cheeseburgers, fries and corndogs - so everything ends up being great for me, usually. The dipping sauces are decent - but Iam more likely to go with just ketchup for my fries no matter what, so theyre kind of wasted on me anyway. I think Ive done the fried bacon only a couple of times, and it was quite excellent (one of these days I must try the deep fried gyros).

c8w

c8w wrote:es, this is what threw me too, when I read the OP about the burgers being "too small"... I was thinking 1/3 lb, since thats what I always go with too. And, frankly, the 1/3 lb cheeseburger plus a whole mess of (very very good) fries for 5 bucks is as good a value deal for both quantity and quality as there is out there.. which is why I couldnt conceive of someone thinking it "small". But obviously it was the regular burger that was referred to (Ive never tried it, so have no idea what its like).

Just to clarify. The first burger I had there was the little one but I did read the postings here so the next time I did get the triple cheddar burger which is three 1/3 pound patties I think. I did not say it was small, I just thought it was very dry and had a strange off putting taste to it that I couldn't really identify. I just know I didn't like it at all.

I am sorry but I have to disagree about the quantity and quality value, I don't want to mention places I do like for burgers because I don't want to turn this into an argument but I have to say that within a few miles there is a cheddar burger that in my opinion blows the Wieners away, although it is may be a tad more expensive.

Mhays wrote:Not only is the flatiron sandwich not on the menu, it usually isn't available at all - you have to call ahead and order it a couple days in advance

That's to bad because I have trouble getting the timing together to order Peking Duck a day in advance, I doubt that I would bother to do it for a steak sandwich, and believe me I do love to eat.

I wonder why the owner doesn't put the steak sandwich on the menu, is it a price point issue or is it just do difficult to make fast to order? I ask because it seems to me that it would be a terrific seller in Evanston because there is nothing really like it offered anywhere else.

JP1121 wrote:I am sorry but I have to disagree about the quantity and quality value, I don't want to mention places I do like for burgers because I don't want to turn this into an argument but I have to say that within a few miles there is a cheddar burger that in my opinion blows the Wieners away, although it is may be a tad more expensive.[/color]

Are you talking about Poochie's on Dempster? I feel that both char cheddar burgers are comparable in overall appeal, though Poochie's goes for a wetter (greasier?) presentation than the WaSC does. Depends on which you're up for in my opinion (or maybe how far you're willing to drive), but thanks for sharin' anyway.

--Dan