Chicago Pastrami — Restaurant in Issaquah

Store location is in a very little town, and it's all atmosphere. The actual restaurant is literally a small garage; I would guess the dining area is about 700sq ft. It is loaded with amusing kitch and wall signs, and there's a 1950s style gas pump gumball machine at the entrance.

Service was prompt, and the signage was kind enough to indicate that a slight wait is to be expected, as they have limited kitchen staff. Essentially, it's a family owned business. How a middle eastern family got into Chicago cuisine in a cozy Washington town, I do not know. But get into it, indeed they did.

-- The Food -- I specifically traveled here for over an hour just to get some Chicago Dogs. There are several unique things about Chicago Dogs that make them above and beyond, and there are far more qualified people to explain it. But suffice it to say: anytime you have an opportunity to eat one -- by all means do so. So how does Chicago Pastrami measure up? Decently well. Let's get into it.

Your Chicago Pastrami Chicago Dog comes boxed in cardboard, floating on a doilie. Two napkins are included (and you'll need them). I ordered two to go, so they handed them off to me in a grocery sack. This dog conforms in regards to all Chicago Dog standards except for three major deviations:

1.) No poppy seeds on the bun(!) 2.) The frank was split in half down the middle 3.) Ridged, sandwich-style dill pickles

All other ingredients were on point: all beef frank, neon green sweet relish, celery salt, tomato slice, mustard, and an abundance of sport peppers (double the standard recipe). And despite the deviations, this dog was pretty slamming. The snap was there, the need to slurp, the collision of layered flavors, the sweet and the heat, and the kiss of the dog 5-10 minutes after it's gone. Tasty, tasty, tasty. The only other Chi Dog that holds a candle to this is at Red Hot on 6th Ave in Tacoma.

The BIG downside here is the expense. 2 dogs, no drink, plus tip -- $25. Too expensive IMO if you're NOT going to hit every single ingredient on point. The receipt is set up to encourage you to select 1 of 4 exorbitant tip percentages while the cashier waits for you to hand him back the tab. Uncomfortable pressure.

Chicago Pastrami Chicago Dog is super tasty if you have the pockets for it. Just be prepared for what comes along with it. And...

While out on a Tiger Mountain trail run, my wife developed the need to devour a chili dog, and upon our return to our car, I was tasked wife finding one ASAP. Using the Google machine, I found ‘The Best Chili Dog in Issaquah’ to reside at Chicago Pastrami on Front street, and we were on our way!

We found the establishment to be a cool retro style diner with quite a few tasty options on the menu, and upon sighting the garlic fries, we couldn’t resist those as well! We each ordered a chili dog and a large order of fries. Be warned, large means LARGE as the box was large enough to place my entire head in. Needless to say we had leftovers here and I’ll be eating fries for the next couple days…

The fries were of course great as were the chili dogs. We didn’t make any modifications to the dogs and ate them ‘as is’. What I think I enjoyed most about them was the fact that they were not a complete sloppy mess; I could pick it up and eat it. We did get this order to go, so please do not take the presentation into consideration when viewing the attached photos. I’m sure the presentation would be much better in the establishment. Everything tasted great regardless!

Last note, they do have a rewards program as well, so if you intend to frequent the establishment as I do, do yourself a...

I worked at a place not to far down the road from this little corner shop and being from Chicago when I learned of its existence I figured why not? I waited till a day I got off early from work because I learned that even a mcdonalds burger and fries takes 5 plus minutes even if you do a walk in order. The parking is okay but kind of hard to pull in if your crossing the intersection. Upon entering they have tons of old style advertisements and posters which made me think this was a good choice. I waited patiently and was greeted by a single gentleman that took my order of a Chicago style dog and fries. Sadly the hotdog doesn't come with fries so you have to order them separately at an extra charge, which I did not get because of prices. He apparently was the cook as well and went about making my dog, I believe it took about 7-9 minutes for the single dog with no sides to be served. The hotdog itself was pretty decent, very thick dog and lots of toppings but nothing compared to a Chicago style from a cart/restraunt in the actual city of Chicago in under half the time and cheaper. I wish the fries came with the dog but for the prices I just couldn't warrent it. Overall it was a decent meal and next time I'm in Issaquah I'll try one of their...