Byron's Hot Dogs — Restaurant in Lake View Township

One of the last great stands on the Northside. The 80’s era neon Art Deco (see glass block wall in back of dining area) stands as a great testament to that decade and it hasn’t changed since it opened then (The original Byron’s can be found on Irving west of Sheridan). I lived around here for 25 years. A true time capsule. Byron’s was bred from the great Zephyr Restaurant that was the pillar of Ravenswood late night dining. If you’re a longtime local or native, then you know what I’m talking about.

After Zephyr closed, Byron’s remained and stands strong to this day, serving up classic Chicago street food. Chicago Dogs are stellar as is the Maxwell Street Polish. Burgers (and sausages) can be literally “dragged through the garden” with a whole salad bar of toppings that include green peppers, lettuce and cucumbers. Don’t ever forget the celery salt. Menu also features daily specials and a “Dogzilla” a 1/2 lb dog that’s sure to bust your gut. I sure do miss the (virgin) Pina Colada drink and the fries they served up in large cups back in the day though.

Mike the owner is an awesome guy and a quintessential Chicagoan. He’s not afraid to man the grill or take orders when the need arises. He should be da unofficial mayor of Ravenswood. He even features Green River soda, a Chicago original which he means he’s down with tradition, something the people who run the city know nothing about. But hey, this review is about Byron’s. So go get a hot dog and don’t even think of asking for...

Literally just move into the neighborhood. My new home was right up the street from Byron’s hotdogs and I thought this could be my new local to go to. When I walked in, there was no greet. I explained it was my first time ever trying them out and the guy behind the counter couldn’t have cared less. When I asked him how it works, he shrugged and said you order hot dog and get fries 😖😕 just distasteful. There wasn’t any customers there so he could’ve taken the time to explain instead of just wanting us to order and get out. When he was preparing the hot dog he was putting the fixing on it, when the younger guy came he just told him “they want the grab and go” handed him the utensils and just stood there. I asked the friendly younger guy was they the manager and he said yes. He said, Javier the manager was a really nice guy but was so unfriendly, rude and had no personality for new visitors. Will never go back and support an establishment that has a manager that doesn’t treat ALL customers the same. If it was the other way around and the manager was observing the interaction with a customer, they wouldn’t approve of it. The only good customer service I got was from the younger guy, yet that...

I've been going to Byron's since the 80's! Personally, I almost always get a double cheeseburger because they're delicious! I know the food trend now is all about the smash burger, and Byron's burgers are not smashed..but it is undeniable that the burgers here is fantastic! And like a Chicago style hot dog, which are great here too, you can get your burger "dragged through the garden" . I recommend getting a sprinkle of celery salt on your veggies while you're ordering.

Byron's is a neighborhood staple and there's a reason that folks like me still drive over to get a quick meal after all of these years. The food is good and the service is always friendly and accommodating. The experience is constant. You can have whatever toppings you want on any sandwich and they don't judge. Even if you're new to Chicago and you want ketchup on a hotdog....I mean I will judge you, because ketchup doesn't go on a hotdog, but they will drown it in the stuff if you...