Theres a little hot dog joint on Western, just noth of Armitage on the west side of the street. Don't know the name, but the sign screams "FRESH CUT FRIES". I've driven by many times, last night I had to try them. I just took home fries. They cut them and fry them in plain view, and they are just the way I like em, hot 'n greazy. Two friendly Hispanic guys manning the place, a bit language challenged. Open until 4 AM, so it's sure to be a drunk parade. Limited menu, basically dogs, polish, and fries. MMMMMMMMMM!

Redhot Ranch

Yup.

I frequent that stand often. The first time, the I just ordered the fries as-is, and they were very good, but not quite crispy enough for my taste. Every time since I order them well done and they have been absolutely perfect 100% of the time.

But...we already have a thread on this topic. Maybe this thread could morph into great fries in Chicago?

As far as I can find, last topic on great fries hasn't been active for almost 6 years.

I think my two favorite fries in recent memory are Redhot Ranch and Edzo's. Redhot for the beautiful simplicity of their fries, while Edzo's are great for the over-the-top fixin's, with my favorites besting the truffle fries and the buffalo fries.

Thanks, I'm gald to see that I'm not alone in thinking this place might outdo Jimmys fries. And no surprise the place has already been anointed by LTH royalty! Silly me!

DClose wrote:But...we already have a thread on this topic. Maybe this thread could morph into great fries in Chicago?

As far as I can find, last topic on great fries hasn't been active for almost 6 years.

That's correct, assuming you're referring to this topic:

Hand-cut french fries

However, this topic was active less than three years ago, but only has a half dozen posts:

amazing fries

You can have one that's only a year old; however, if you want your fries topic supersized, would you like a burger with that?

Freshly ground burgers, fresh cut fries?

I tried this place a few days ago. Got a confirmation on the connection to 35th St. dogs, and was also told that there is an ownership relationship to Weiner Circle ( who knew ).

From my singular visit, I'll add my name to the fantastic fries chorus. Really some of the best fries around, any place, any price point. On the other hand, I did not love-love the dog. It had that slightly off-brand character. I just want the flavor profile of Vienna at these places, and did not get it here. I would, however, gladly return for the less than ideal dog because of those fries. In fact, maybe I'll just get the shrimp next time.

I stopped in yesterday in honor of the White Sox opening day (like I needed an excuse, but as it's the same owners as 35th Street Dogs, it seemed a good enough reason) and picked up 2 dogs w/everything and a 1/2 lb of the fried shrimp.

Fries were a bit limp by the time I got them home, but still hard to resist, and the fried shrimp were perfect as usual. I make it in here a few times a month and have yet to be disappointed, just a really nice little place to have in the neighborhood. If only they go back to *Coke instead of Pepsi, it would be just about perfect.

*I ran into the owner recently who let me know that Coke had jacked their prices, while Pepsi gave them a very attractive rate, hence the switch. Sigh.

Ursiform wrote:*I ran into the owner recently who let me know that Coke had jacked their prices, while Pepsi gave them a very attractive rate, hence the switch. Sigh.

Thus it ever is in The Cola Wars™

I made my first visit to Redhot Ranch a couple of weeks ago while walking to Quencher's to meet some friends. Opted for a simple hot dog and fries, and I'll definitely have to make a return visit even though Honey 1 normally calls to me every time I'm in the area. The hot dog was fine but didn't particularly stand out in any way, but the fries...oh the fries. Fried when I ordered, these were beautiful - crisp but not overly so, just perfect little sticks of potatoey goodness. Easily the best french fries I've had in the past year.

I might have to give the shrimp a try next time instead of a hot dog, but the fries are a sure thing any time I make it back.

Ive been meaning to get to Redhot Ranch for over a year now based on conversations with Da Beef, finally squeezed it in. I love the fact that the menu is small, and allows them to focus on what they are doing.

Places with large menus, and trying to tackle too much & not well isnt a good way to go.

Hotdogs, perfect, nice steamed bun, nice snap to the dog. Served with the fries with the dog, I ate my dog with mustard, onion & hot peppers with some of the fries in the mix. My daughter loved her dog with ketchup(she's 4 so the ketchup thing is ok).

Fried shrimp were the star. Nice breading, piping hot right out of the fryer. I also liked the hot sauce they gave for the shrimp.

Redhot Ranch, ill be back.

jimswside wrote:Hotdogs, perfect, nice steamed bun, nice snap to the dog. Served with the fries with the dog, I ate my dog with mustard, onion & hot peppers with some of the fries in the mix.

Finally made it up there tonight (it's less than 1/2mi from my house... no excuses). Hotdog with mustard and onions (no peppers) and a few extra crispy fries clinging on was the perfect way to end an evening after drinking caipirinhas on the patio of Folklore during Do Division Fest. Great snap to the hotdog, crispy, super potato-y fries, and really nice folks behind the counter. Looking forward to going back for another dog and an order of the fried shrimp.

-Dan

I went there yesterday for the first time with friends. We were doing a lot of eating all day, so we just tried the shrimp and the fries- really good shrimp- large, not overcooked and/or dried out. And the fries were excellent- just crisp enough on the ends while still being potato-y in the middle, perfect amount of salt and grease. I didn't get the chance to try a hot dog, but I'll definitely be going back.

Had some business to take care of at Thomas and Damen Sunday. Had 20 minutes to kill. You could do much worse than grabbing a snapper and fries and fighting southbound traffic on Western with a steamer in hand. Lingering onion smell on Tuesday was worthy shrapnel.

Was actually here recently after a drunken night spent at our favorite dive bar. Husband and I were actually very surprised at how good the dog and fries were even of it was an early Sunday morning and we were a bit tipsy. My husband remembered this place after he did not feel like driving all the way down to Jimmy's. Though I still much prefer the fresh cut fries of Beef and Burger on Montrose, thirs were pretty close in terms of flavor.

I knew this was going to happen! I've developed an addiction to their fried shrimp. I visit RHH on a bi-weekly basis for a shrimp fix.

Funny, Mr. KajmacJohnson and I went to shoot some pool over the weekend, had quite few drinks and developed a hankering for a polish (yet again) post dive bar and the taste was not as catchy as the first time. fries were overdone and bland. Hope it was just an off night.

KajmacJohnson wrote:Funny, Mr. KajmacJohnson and I went to shoot some pool over the weekend, had quite few drinks and developed a hankering for a polish (yet again) post dive bar and the taste was not as catchy as the first time. fries were overdone and bland. Hope it was just an off night.

A dive bar with a pool table within reach of Red Hot Ranch?!?!?!? Please tell me you're talking about Western Tap, aka The Fart Bar (because it smells like...) A couple friends and I ended up there once with only $7 collectively. We each had a beer and several rounds of well tequila. Unfortunately, that didn't leave us enough funds to stop a Red Hot Ranch afterwards.

Sweetbread wrote:

KajmacJohnson wrote:Funny, Mr. KajmacJohnson and I went to shoot some pool over the weekend, had quite few drinks and developed a hankering for a polish (yet again) post dive bar and the taste was not as catchy as the first time. fries were overdone and bland. Hope it was just an off night.

A dive bar with a pool table within reach of Red Hot Ranch?!?!?!? Please tell me you're talking about Western Tap, aka The Fart Bar (because it smells like...) A couple friends and I ended up there once with only $7 collectively. We each had a beer and several rounds of well tequila. Unfortunately, that didn't leave us enough funds to stop a Red Hot Ranch afterwards.

I wouldn't say it was actually in the vicinity of Red Hot Ranch. The bar we usually go to to shoot pool is around the Montrose/Pulaski area. Because Beef and Burger on Montrose is closed by the time we leave as it is pretty late at night/early morning and since I refsue to patronize Susie's which to me is not good and a waste of money, the only closest hot dog place to our home in the Avondale/Logan Square area that we can think of that is open late and is worth the dough is Red Hot Ranch. First time, it was great, the second time just did not pack the punch. Not sure if it is because the first we were definately drunker than the second time.

Redhot Ranch; still cranking it out at all hours of the day and night.

Redhot Ranch Picnic Tables


Redhot Ranch Shrimp


Redhot Ranch Dog & Fries

Since my last post in this thread I have actually been back here quite a few times on late night drunken binges with my husband. Not sure what time these guys close up shop (maybe 5am?) but we always seem to get there at about 4 or 4:30 am on an early Sunday and it is always the same gentlemen behind the counter, they are always welcoming and nice. That said for me, sometimes the fries are hit and miss, when it is good they can be addictive but sometimes they are also slightly disappointing but never downright bad or inedible.

Funny story was one Sunday morning, we had a friend of mine with us so we hopped on over after the bars closed and my friend (who was our designated driver) took one look at the outside and remianed skeptical. Then she asked what else they had besides hot dogs and I had to break it down for her like this "Look they have a short menu, it's either a dog, a polish or some fried shrimp. Make a decision!" She went with the polish and some cheese fries. She didn't care for the polish but she thought the cheese fries were really well done. Something for everyone.

KajmacJohnson wrote:That said for me, sometimes the fries are hit and miss, when it is good they can be addictive but sometimes they are also slightly disappointing but never downright bad or inedible.

I always ask for them well done and I am never disappointed.

ziggy wrote:

KajmacJohnson wrote:That said for me, sometimes the fries are hit and miss, when it is good they can be addictive but sometimes they are also slightly disappointing but never downright bad or inedible.

I always ask for them well done and I am never disappointed.

Thanks for the tip, Ziggy. That helps.

Finally had the shrimp here a couple days ago. They were indeed great. I forgot how good they can be when done right.

Made my maiden voyage to Redhot Ranch before the Bulls game last night. Since I was flying solo, I knew I had limited stomach space. (I know -- funny thing to say when there are four things on the menu.) Hot dog with everything, hold the fries, half pound of shrimp. Perfect amount of food...especially since I traded a couple shrimp for some fries with the guys who were behind me in line. I loved the shrimp -- the hot sauce added a nice kick. The dog had a nice snap; only quibble was an over-abundance of mustard. Next time, I'll bring a friend and get fries. I really enjoyed the 8 or so I had. I can see hitting RHR before or after a Bulls game during what will hopefully be a long playoff run!

Hold the fries!?!

kuhdo wrote:Hold the fries!?!

I know, I know...

Wanting to fall in line with the seemingly universal LTH love for the shrimp at RHR, I gave them a second chance yesterday. They look like big, beautiful, well-fried shrimp, but they have a metallic, fishy off-flavor that I really dislike. I'm not sure if it is a freshness issue or a basic quality issue, but after eating just a few RHR shrimp for lunch, I had to fight tasting that flavor for the rest of the afternoon. I don't get that from the fried shrimp at other places (say, for example, fellow GNRs Troha's or Cap'n Porky's).

I'm a big fan of the dogs and fries at RHR, but I won't make the mistake of ordering the shrimp a third time.

--Rich

HI,

Like Captain Porky's, I saw the people cleaning and deveining shrimp on the premises. I was really optimistic about the final result.

What surprised me was how fast the shrimp were delivered, yet how tough (somewhat rubbery) the shrimp were. I'm going to ask a few questions about how they are prepared before I order next time.

Loved the dog, especially how the fries are integrated into the whole package.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Like Captain Porky's, I saw the people cleaning and deveining shrimp on the premises. I was really optimistic about the final result.

I'm pretty sure I've seen them being taken out of a brown bag and dropped in the fryer. I'm not saying the contents of said bag were not entirely prepped in house. It was very late at night and I'm guessing that they're not made from scratch at all hours of the day. Like RAB, I've never been a fan of the shrimp here but who cares?! The dogs and fries are great enough.

=R=

i have only had the shrimp at RR once but they were delicious. the spicy sauce they serve with them just makes it even better.

dogs and fries are excellent. the cheese sauce they serve is also good.