Jim's Original

For the past 20 years, Jim's Original or how we all call it, Maxwells has been my go-to destination whenever I crave a taste of authentic Chicago flavor. Maxwells is a legendary establishment that has become an integral part of Chicago's rich culinary history. With its iconic location and renowned menu, it has become a staple in the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike for generations. From the moment you step out from the car, you are transported back in time. The vintage decor, reminiscent of a bygone era, added an extra layer of charm to the dining experience. The bustling atmosphere and mouth watering aromas wafting through the air only heightened my anticipation for what was to come. The menu has everything for a fast and delicious meal but One particular standout on their menu is the famous Polish sausage, a true emblem of Chicago's culinary identity. Certainly! The Polish sausage is a true masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of traditional Chicago cuisine. It's a culinary delight that has stood the test of time, and one bite is all it takes to understand its legendary status. The Polish sausage itself is a meticulously crafted creation, made with rich meats and a secret combination of spices. The sausage is coarsely ground, giving it a hearty texture that enhances the overall eating experience. It's expertly seasoned, striking a perfect balance between savory and slightly peppery flavors. When it comes to cooking, the sausage is grilled to perfection. The exterior receives just the right amount of char, providing a smoky and slightly caramelized note that adds depth to the flavor profile. This caramelization locks in the juices, ensuring a succulent and tender interior that bursts with juiciness when you take a bite. To elevate the experience, the Polish sausage comes with an array of condiments and toppings. Classic choices include grilled onions which adds a pleasing crunch and a hint of acidity, and yellow mustard, known for its zesty kick. For those seeking an extra burst of heat, hot peppers are available to provide a fiery punch that harmonizes with the overall flavor profile. Jim's Original is more than just a place to grab a quick bite, it's a cultural institution that has left an indelible mark on the city of Chicago. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor eager to delve into the city's culinary heritage, a visit to Jim's Original is an absolute must. So, step into this timeless eatery, indulge in their famous Polish sausage, and embrace the flavors and traditions that have made Jim's Original an iconic part of...

Was headed to the airport after a wonderful weekend in Chicago. But can't leave without stopping at my favorite polish spot. So i order and pay for 2 polishes and wait for my food. My order comes up and I'm on my way. I'm setting the GPS and then go in the bag and realize there's only one polish . So I make my way back and i explain. The lady making the food and the cashier have a back and forth then the lady makes my polish then sits it on the cutting board and walks off. She's gone for about 5 minutes then I ask am I free to go ? (mind you it's like 22 degrees and I don't have my coat on because I thought this would be a quick fix I literally had left 2 minutes prior...so I didn't put my coat back on)They tell me she's looking at the cameras.(which tells me she does this often enough that the crew knew what she was doing) So I'm made to wait while she makes sure I'm not lying. While I respect the transparency a customer who left less than 2 minutes prior shouldn't be made to suffer in the cold while a manager or worker certifies her ego. She was insistent that she put the polish in the bag. Then she returns and hands me the polish. She doesn't apologize, offer a free soda or even a genuine "sorry about that" nope she hands me the polish and jumps right back in routine. The fact that there was no apology after I had to come back in the 1st place left me with a very sour feeling for this place which I previously rated a 5 stars. I really didn't like this experience. Now since this was also a rating about food I'll be honest. I ordered my polishes with ketchup and it didn't have any but the polishes as always were amazing. So I gave them 2 stars because I can appreciate the food even if the service was bad in the end because prior to this situation they were gonna get another...

We were looking for some of the most famous, top rated Chicago Dog places we could find. The Jim's original business came up on top as a very appealing option. We arrived on Thursday almost at midnight (after spending some time at the Millennium Park and taking a short walk across the nearby places) and there was almost no waiting time in this location. There are no official free parking spots, but we saw that the people didn't mind and just parked wherever they wanted. We had a flight in the morning but we didn't want to leave town without trying the famous Hotdogs. We ordered the All beef Hot dog, and it looked really good, smelled good and the onions were looking nice and all, but to be honest it was nothing special, it was like taking a Costco Hotdog and put caramelized onions a a couple of serrano peppers on it and that was it. If you like that kind of dogos, you might love this one, but if you, like us, are looking for a next level experience, you ain't going to get it here. Cheap prices, considering that they include french fries with the order, it was like $5 for the dogo with fries.

PS: If you ever visit México (Sonora or Chihuahua states), look for the Sonora style Shrimp Hot dog and you're going to indeed get the next level experience you are...