Murphy’s Red Hots

Murphy’s Red Hots

I’ve blown past Murphy’s storefront many times, mentally noting to myself that I really should stop in sometime.



Today, I finally sat down for a dog and was wowed by this paradigmatic version of the fully dressed Chicago red hot.



All that produce is not going to be to everyone’s tastes, but I thought it was a beautiful example of its type, with fresh cut ingredients united under celery salt, perched on a poppy seed bun, and compact enough to pretty much fit in the mouth without pre-eating the toppings.

The Wife had the charred dog, and she thought it one of the most satisfying wieners she’d had in a long time. I tried a bite, and it was good (the boys behind the counter grill them up to order, which means they’re juicy and nice when served).

Fries were fine, and I was issued a catsup bottle with clear instructions that it was “for the FRIES.” The one weak point in an otherwise strong dining experience was the crypto-fascist directives about where to apply this condiment.

Apparently, Murphy’s has Asian outposts, which is pretty cool.



Despite the fact that it’s projecting itself internationally, Murphy’s is a great neighborhood restaurant.

Murphy’s Red Hots
1211 W. Belmont
773.935.2882

I've been going to Murphy's since I used to ride my back over as a kid. It became my go to beef spot when Fazzio's closed down over on Lincoln ave. Although the beef is nothing special, ever since I got a car I stopped getting it, the dogs, burgers and cheese fries are great Chicago fast food as is the grilled chicken sandwich. Nice neighborhood spot and it's always been a good option before or after a Cubs game for some good quick food.


bacon charred cheddarburger

Da Beef wrote:Although the beef is nothing special

I saw the Italian beef on the menu and figured it would probably not be as good as the dogs (which are clearly center stage). It almost seems like a place has to specialize in the stuff to be worthy of consideration (e.g., Al's, Johnnie's, etc.).

I grew up a few blocks from Murphy's and never visited. Now, sitting in Manhattan's East Village with nary an edible dog to be found for miles, the rain and howling wind outside tormenting me for my omissions, I dream drunkenly of a great hot dog topped with oversize cuts of vegetable, kicking myself for never darkening the door of Mr. Murphy. Don't let the same fate befall you, good folks. Eat the godamn hot dog!

Funny that this popped up since I've been meaning to post on it for a while...

My 10 year old stepson is a picky eater but a hotdog afficionado. Meaning he won't eat much, but hot dogs, he'll eat! So we had a day on our own in the city this summer and I promised him a "real" chicago hotdog experience. So we walked down Belmont to Murphy's, he orders the dog, nothing but ketchup and proceeds to receive a nice but "firm" lecture about why you NEVER put ketchup on a hotdog. He was positively wide-eyed while this was explained to him.

He now makes his brother and dad go to Murphy's every time we're in the city and NO ONE is allowed to put ketchup on a hotdog. And they are damn good. Personally, I make sure he orders a basket of fries so that I can eat most of them.

boudreaulicious wrote:So we walked down Belmont to Murphy's, he orders the dog, nothing but ketchup and proceeds to receive a nice but "firm" lecture about why you NEVER put ketchup on a hotdog. He was positively wide-eyed while this was explained to him.

I agree that "nothing but ketchup" is wrong.

From lunch today:

Mr. Hammond, you are the definition of a rebel Glad you reminded the world about my favorite neighborhood dog spot!

David Hammond wrote:All that produce is not going to be to everyone’s tastes, but I thought it was a beautiful example of its type, with fresh cut ingredients united under celery salt, perched on a poppy seed bun, and compact enough to pretty much fit in the mouth without pre-eating the toppings.

Although I'm an admitted hot dog purist, if one were going to go the veggie dog route, Murphy's has the largest "garden" I've ever come across. They've got more stuff to put on your dog than even Byron's. The dragged through the garden style is not my cup of tea, but if you forgo the toppings except for the traditional mustard, relish, onion and sport peppers, at its core Murphy's hot dog is a fine example indeed.

I had my first and only Murphy's dog before a matinée performance at the Theatre Building of Jerry Springer: The Opera a few years ago--doesn't get any more quintessentially Chicago than that. That was an awesome day. I don't think I've seen anything at the Theatre Building since then, and I haven't been back to Murphy's. It's time to return. Thanks, David.

Murphy's looks like a good dog stand, though I am not down with dressed or (shudder) ketchup. While there is ample info in this thread the most important question, at least to me, is not answered. Natural casing or skinless?

Wow, I have to say, I am shocked that so many LTH vets have not been/just been for the first time to Murphy's, my go-to hot dog place growing up.

I would strongly encourage everyone to try this place and think it has one of the best dogs in town. I'm also a big fan of the owner, who, when I say something like "I'll have the regular char dog," responds, "we don't serve regular char dogs. We serve outstanding char dogs."

It may be in the trendy Lakeview neighborhood, and it may be a little pricier than other hot dog stands, but a dog and a Green River from here always hits the spot for me. As someone who has benefited from countless recommendations from this board and not been able to give anything back, I'm anxious to hear what you regulars think about it.

Love,
John

This place is awesome. When I first moved here I made the mistake of ordering ketchup on my char dog...luckily for me the guy working behind the counter recognized my n00b status and quickly taught me to never put ketchup on a hot dog.

Thank you Murphy's.

David Hammond wrote:

boudreaulicious wrote:So we walked down Belmont to Murphy's, he orders the dog, nothing but ketchup and proceeds to receive a nice but "firm" lecture about why you NEVER put ketchup on a hotdog. He was positively wide-eyed while this was explained to him.

I agree that "nothing but ketchup" is wrong.

From lunch today:

Yeah, fight the power Hammond. But do me a favor, when you decide that the "Man" isn't going to force you to wear "pants" anymore, keep the photographic evidence to yourself. Your image of ketchup on a Chicago dog is more than enough profanity for me, thanks.

G Wiv wrote:Murphy's looks like a good dog stand, though I am not down with dressed or (shudder) ketchup. While there is ample info in this thread the most important question, at least to me, is not answered. Natural casing or skinless?

Natural casing.

Ok, what about the other critical criteria for a hot-dog stand:
1) Neon Relish? Check. (see photos in OP)
2) Poppy Seed Bun? Check. Not sure if it's steamed, but that's not a tough thing for anyone to do.
3) Fresh-cut fries?

JoelF wrote:Ok, what about the other critical criteria for a hot-dog stand:
1) Neon Relish? Check. (see photos in OP)
2) Poppy Seed Bun? Check. Not sure if it's steamed, but that's not a tough thing for anyone to do. check
3) Fresh-cut fries? Check