Vienna Beef, Cubs to bring 'Smokies' back to Wrigley Field

Vienna Beef, Cubs to bring 'Smokies' back to Wrigley Field

The Chicago Cubs and Vienna Beef are partnering to bring back a familiar smell and taste with the introduction of Wrigley Field Smokies this weekend.

The six-inch smoked sausages will be available at a newly re-branded grill cart in Wrigley Field's main concourse throughout the rest of the season and in retail locations throughout Chicagoland within the next several weeks, in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

"We are very excited to team up with the Chicago Cubs to 'bring back the Smokies' to Wrigley Field this year. For decades, fans enjoyed great-tasting smoked sausages while they took in a game at the ballpark. They'll be able to savor that smoky flavor once again both at Wrigley Field and at home from their local supermarket," said Vienna Beef Chairman Jim Bodman.

Oscar Mayer was the original maker of these things and they were called "Smoky Links". They discontinued them around 2008,and brought them back around 2013.

I loved them but always felt weird about actually enjoying an Oscar Mayer product. Thrilled to see that Vienna will now be making them.

Oh my god those are disgusting. Sorry, but damn, talk about nasty plastic tubes of Liquid Smoke.

I haven't had Smoky Links in decades, but as a kid, I loved them. Wonder how I'd react now. (I fear with the same level of disappointment as when I rediscovered Cheez Waffies, which I also loved as a kid, but which are now, how shall we say it, a less pleasant experience than I remembered). Mom used to make a macaroni casserole with sour cream, tomatoes, and Smoky Links. I remember adoring it -- but that was 45 years ago. Sigh. Sic transit gloria.

Still, if Vienna is coming out with them, I'd consider trying them again.

Smoky Links? The last time I think I had one was in the early 80's at Wrigley Field.

Hated 'em as a kid. Blech. I swear, Wrigley had the most appalling food back in the day - and it's not much better now. This is a step backward.

HI,

I was delighted when I found smoky links at Walmart last fall. Since they disappeared, I have been substituting all sorts of smoked sausages.

My Oma used smoky links in her spaetzle and sauerkraut. Pure nostalgia love for my family and I. For whatever reason, Hillshire's little smokies and such did not cut it.

One person's yuck is another person's yum.

Regards,

OK, not for me. I'm a big fan of "pigs in a blanket" -- little kosher-style hot dogs wrapped in pilsbury crescent roll dough.

Bagel dogs are not a substitute. Smoky Links are not a substitute.
Bagel dogs are OK, but the harder bagel dough can cause hot dogs to be propelled across the room.
Smoky links in crescent dough gives you this greasy, ashy flavor that can't be washed away.

Saw packaged Wrigley Field Smokies At Jewel on Lake St in River Forest yesterday.

You mean "Da Jewels"

I remember getting these off a grill that was always set up in the bleachers when I was a kid. I dont think they've had them since the Tribune took over.

I'm looking forward to it!

Vienna "Smokies" are not what was sold at Wrigley field decades ago. Smokey Links were an Oscar Mayer product. The taste will not be the same.

Hey, isn't that Joe Generic on the WF Smokies label? He's my favorite Cub ever!

It cannot be denied, though, the Cubs organization does understand the concept of marketing. The Sox, on the other hand, apparently prefer to operate in secrecy.

funkyfrank wrote:Vienna "Smokies" are not what was sold at Wrigley field decades ago. Smokey Links were an Oscar Mayer product. The taste will not be the same.

With Vienna making them they'll probably be better. I gotta get to 'Da Jewels over by dare" pronto!

Stopped at Jewel earlier today. These puppies were $6.99 for a 12oz package of 4,on sale from their regular price of $7.99 Sorry,but I can buy a steak for that price!

I hemmed and hawed over whether I should purchase them. I finally deciding not to, after taking into consideration that Tank Ricketts & Co probably gets a cut of the profits.

I didn't leave empty handed though. A couple of rows up were packages of Oscar Mayer "Smokies" $2.99 for a 14oz package.

Hi,

I saw the price on the Vienna smokies at Jewel, too, and simply would not buy them. Premium priced hotdogs with natural casing cost less for more.

I killed time at Walmart in Waukegan yesterday who was selling 14 oz Oscar Mayer smokies for $1.50. I bought one for later use.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I saw the price on the Vienna smokies at Jewel, too, and simply would not buy them. Premium priced hotdogs with natural casing cost less for more.

Cathy,The only hot dogs I'm coughing up that kind of money for are the kosher Garlic ones at Romanian Kosher Sausage.

Romanian Kosher Sausage Co
7200 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: (773) 761-4141

the kosher Garlic ones at Romanian Kosher Sausage

I second the recommendations - there regular hot dogs are good too!