Updated: They have really turned around since they opened. They now offer live music and the food quality has really increased. I would highly recommend them to anyone. They are much better than the big box competitor! My old review was just them working out the kinks in their new business. We visit the location monthly and have never had a bad experience since our first visit. Dan
Old Review: We tried Chicago Avenue HotDogs today 3/31/2022 for the first time and the food is really amazing! The beef sandwich is my favorite thing we tried but everything was really tasty. Now my 3 star rating is because I'm giving them a bit of slack since they are still in a soft opening stage. They don't have a full menu yet because they didn't have salads, ribs, or chicken sandwiches to sell yet. I'm hoping that is a short term thing and they will come in soon.
If I rated on this experience, I would give them a 1 star. It took over 50 minutes to receive our food. Well, that's because it was dinner time and they allowed someone to order 30 sandwiches in one order. So, that backed the entire kitchen up for almost an hour. When you are in a soft opening mode and you can't handle that size of an order you need to simply tell them that you can't do that right now. Doing that might have made them mad but surely they would understand. Instead, you took that order and made the 15-20 orders that were backed up over 50 minutes mad that they had to wait so long for their food. The kitchen was trying to crank out the orders but it just wasn't happening in a timely manner.
Another major issue is the soda fountain is behind the counter where they call out the orders. So not only did we have to wait 50 minutes for our food but we were thirsty the entire time also until I asked for them. The drinks need to be self serve in the dining room so you aren't using an employees time to serve drinks.
The other concern is the disorganization of the entire operation. They had kids behind the counter helping out but I don't think they are fully staffed yet. Also they had two cashiers standing up from talking for the entire 50 minutes we waited for food while the trash was overflowing, tables not cleaned, etc. I'm hoping this gets resolved as they get in to a rhythm.
That said, I'm going to give it a few months before I go back to let them actually fully open. Hopefully I can move them up to a 5 star if things improve. But the food was so good I'm going to give them...
Read moreChicago Avenue Hot Dogs in McKinney Is A Culinary Gem located at Custer and Eldorado and I come here all the time !!!!The Ambiance and Service is amazing and at the bustling intersection of Custer and Eldorado, this culinary haven immediately welcomes guests with its impeccably clean environment, setting the stage for a fantastic dining experience. The proprietors, Jamie and Rick, elevate the atmosphere with their warmth and professionalism. They are truly among the best in the industry, creating an inviting space that makes every patron feel like … of course the hotdog is a staple of Chicago cuisine, and the rendition here does not disappoint. Cooked to perfection, it embodies the essence of the classic Chicago hot dog – a symphony of flavors in each bite, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors alike. The burger isn’t just any burger; it’s an experience. Cooked perfectly to the requested doneness, it’s juicy, flavorful, and satisfying in every way. It's clear that attention to detail and love for good food govern the kitchen's operations. The pizza is an understatement when describing their pizza. With a perfect crust, balanced toppings, and just the right amount of sauce, it's a gastronomic journey worth taking. The quality of ingredients and the care in its preparation shine through, making it a winner. See the bar pics… The bar selection complements the menu excellently, offering a variety of choices to suit every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a craft beer, a fine wine, or a signature cocktail, the options are curated to enhance your dining experience. This place is not just a restaurant; it's a testament to what passionate culinary professionals can achieve. The combination of exceptional food, stellar service, and a welcoming ambiance makes it a cornerstone of the local culinary scene. If you find yourself around the area across the street from H-E-B at the corner of Custer and El Dorado , Chicago Ave HotDogs is worth a visit… It's an amazing experience that transcends mere dining — it's an exploration of flavors, a celebration of quality, and a heartfelt homage to classic American cuisine. Don't just take my word for it; experience it for yourself and be prepared...
Read moreTough to say this — but a real letdown.
I wanted Chicago Avenue Hot Dogs in Frisco to be that hidden gem. As a lifelong fan of true Chicago-style eats, I came in hoping this place might finally raise the bar, especially when compared to the bigger, watered-down Chicago corporate-owned hot dog beef companies that have expanded to DFW. Instead, what we got was a frustrating, underwhelming experience on every level.
The wait? Nearly 20+ minutes for two Italian beefs, a hot dog, and two fries — and we were one of only a few orders in the place. The food? Bland, poorly executed, and way below expectations:
The beef had zero depth of flavor — no richness, no spice.
The fries were hard, dry, and felt like they’d been sitting under a heat lamp way too long.
The hot dog — the thing you’d hope they’d nail — was forgettable. Just “eh.” Not bad… but not worth the drive.
And that’s the kicker — we drove 30 miles out here thinking we were about to find greatness. Instead, all four of us walked out shaking our heads and asking the same thing: “What happened?”
This place has potential, but right now it’s suffering from what looks like a complete lack of quality control. I get that food service isn’t easy — but if you're going to put Chicago in your name, you better deliver something that’s at least above average. This wasn’t even close.
There’s a big music event happening there in September — and honestly, not even that is enough to make us come back.
Massive disappointment. Hope they figure it out
And that’s the kicker — we drove 30 miles out here thinking we were about to find greatness. Instead, all four of us walked out shaking our heads and asking the same thing: “What happened?”
This place has potential, but right now it’s suffering from what looks like a complete lack of quality control. I get that food service isn’t easy — but if you're going to put Chicago in your name, you better deliver something that’s at least above average. This wasn’t even close.
There’s a big music event happening there in September — and honestly, not even that is enough to make us come back.
Massive disappointment. Hope they...
Read more