America's Dog

Eater: O’Hare airport dining guide

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:44:49 +0000

As one of the world’s busiest airports, O’Hare International Airport sees more than its fair share of travelers every day. And with so much traffic passing through, there are a large amount of hungry flyers waiting for their flights. Fortunately, there are numerous dining options scattered throughout the several terminals and Eater has listed them all out for you, including a few recommendations. Have a look and keep your stomach satisfied this holiday season as you kill some time before you take to the skies.

O’Hare’s Six Standouts

1) Tortas Frontera: The latest restaurant from modern Mexican chef Rick Bayless will make your flight delay a little more bearable. The main features are the griddle-baked tortas filled with meats such as chipotle chicken, beer-braised beef short ribs and pork chorizo. Also enjoy molletes, soups and salads and a guacamole bar. [Terminals 1 and 3, Gates B10 and K3]

2) America’s Dog: Chow down on a variety of hot dogs including the traditional Chicago-style dog, a Maxwell Street polish dog or a chicken dog. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and soup are also available. And if that’s not enough, try a fried Twinkie for dessert. [Terminal 1, Gate C18]

3) Berghoff Café: This dining spot has its own seating area and a selection of sandwiches ranging from breakfast creations to corned beef and a Rueben. Flatbread pizzas are also available alongside Berghoff beer drafts. [Terminal 1, Gate C26]

4) La Tapenade: A Mediterranean-themed café that offers flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps and grilled panini sandwiches. There’s also a full bar and an assortment of dessert pastries. [Terminals 1 and 2, Gates B5, E9 and F12]

5) Wicker Park Sushi Bar: Bringing a more refined dining experience to the airport, this 104-seat restaurant with sushi bar gives travelers the option of enjoying nigiri, sashimi, maki and specialty rolls like the Wicker Park tidal wave, the banana roll for dessert and the special veggie roll. Bonus: they serve sake, shochu, have a full bar and also have a quick sushi takeaway counter. [Terminal 2]

6) Garrett Popcorn: Chicago’s cult-favorite popcorn shop. Try one of the signature flavors from butter and CheeseCorn to CaramelCrisp and watch in amazement as the bag quickly depletes. [Terminals 1 and 3, Gates B8 and H2]

Terminal 1/Concourse B and C

Fast Casual/Bars

· Berghoff Café;: Sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, pizzas and beers on tap (C26)

· Chili’s: Sandwiches, salads, burgers, bar food (B14)

· Galileo’s: Bar (B20)

· Goose Island Bar: Sandwiches, bar (C10)

· Jazz Bar: Bar (C18)

· La Tapenade: Pizzas, salads, wraps, sandwiches (B5)

· Wolfgang Puck: Pizzas, salads, pastas, entrees (B7)

A Quick Meal

· America’s Dog: Hot dogs, soups, salads (C18)

· Auntie Anne’s: Pretzels (C17)

· Billy Goat Tavern: Burgers, breakfast, beer (C18)

· Brioche Doree: Sandwiches, salads, croissants (C20)

· Café Zoot: Sandwiches, croissants, pastries (C18)

· Chicago Style Hot Dogs: Hot dogs (C8, C22)

· Ciao Market: Sandwiches, salads (C17)

· Eli’s Cheesecake: Cheesecakes, desserts (B9)

· Garrett Popcorn: Popcorn (B8)

· Great American Bagel: Bagels, sandwiches (B14)

· Jamba Juice: Smoothies (B7)

· Manchu Wok: Chinese (C18)

· McDonald’s: Fast food (B11, C10)

· Nuts on Clark: Popcorn (C19)

· Pizzeria Uno: Pizza (C6)

· Reggio’s Pizza: Pizza (C22, C18)

· Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Chocolate, candy (B14)

· Salad Works: Salads (C18)

· Smoothie King: Smoothies (B6)

· Starbucks: Coffee, teas, pastries

· The Grove: Ice cream, frozen yogurt (B6)

· Tortas Frontera: Sandwiches, soups, salads (B10)

· Wolfgang Puck to Go: Sandwiches, salads (B1, B7)

A Leisurely Meal

· Tuscany Café: A traditional sit-down Italian restaurant with full service. Options include pastas, pizzas and classic entrees, as well as beer and wine. (B18)

Terminal 2/Concourse E and F

Fast Casual/Bars

· Fox Sports Sky Box: Bar food, sports bar

· Johnny Rockets: Burgers, shakes (Main terminal building)

· Skybridge: Greek, Mediterranean (F8)

· Stanley’s Blackhawks Bar: Sandwiches, breakfast, bar food, sports bar (E3)

A Quick Meal

· Argo Tea: Tea, coffee (E3)

· Auntie Anne’s: Pretzels (E2)

· Brioche Doree: Sandwiches, salads, croissants (F9)

· Chicago Style Hot Dogs: Hot dogs (E3)

· CIBO Gourmet Market: Sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruits, vegetarian (Main terminal building)

· La Tapenade: Pizzas, salads, wraps, sandwiches (E9, F12)

· McDonald’s: Fast food (F3)

· Nuts on Clark: Popcorn (E2)

· Pizzeria Uno: Pizza (E3)

· Quizno’s: Sandwiches, salads (F1)

· Starbucks: Coffee, teas, pastries

A Leisurely Meal

· Wicker Park Sushi Bar: A sushi bar with sit-down tables and counter seating. Try a selection of maki or indulge in some sake. (Main terminal building)

Terminal 3/Concourse G, H, K and L

Fast Casual/Bars

· Facade’s Bar: Bar (K15)

· Fox Sports Sky Box: Bar food, sports bar

· Goose Island Brewery: Sandwiches, bar food, bar (L10)

· O’Briens Restaurant and Bar: Burgers, Hot dogs, sandwiches, bar (H5)

· O’Hare Bar & Grill: Sandwiches, burgers, salads, sports bar (Rotunda)

· Prairie Tap: Burgers, sandwiches, bar food, bar (K4)

· Rush Street: Sandwiches, bar food, bar (H14)

· Skyscrapers: Bar (K9)

A Quick Meal

· Argo Tea: Teas, coffee (H1)

· B.J.’s Market: Southern soul food (K15)

· Brioche Doree: Sandwiches, salads, croissants (G1, K15)

· Burrito Beach/B Smooth: Mexican, burritos, tacos, smoothies (K4)

· CIBO Gourmet Market: Sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruits, vegetarian (H1)

· Cinnabon: Cinnamon rolls, pastries (G6)

· Dunkin’ Donuts: Coffee, donuts, bagels (H5)

· Garrett Popcorn: Popcorn (H2)

· Gold Coast Dogs: Hot dogs (L3)

· Great American Bagel: Bagels, sandwiches (H9, K2)

· Manchu Wok: Chinese (H5)

· McDonald’s: Fast food (H5, H8, K8, L4)

· Nuts on Clark: Popcorn (H6)

· Pizzeria Uno: Pizza (Rotunda)

· Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Chocolate, candy (H5)

· Starbucks: Coffee, teas, pastries

· Subway: Sandwiches (Rotunda)

· TCBY: Frozen yogurt (Rotunda)

· Tortas Frontera: Sandwiches, soups, salads (K3)

A Leisurely Meal

· Macaroni Grill: A full-service Macaroni Grill sits inside the terminal and offers a selection of pastas, pizzas, antipastas and other Italian classics. (K2)

· Wolfgang Puck Café: This restaurant location from the eponymous celebrity chef has full service, sit-down amenities. The full menu includes courses like pastas, rotisserie chicken, ribeye steak and pan-seared salmon as well as Puck’s signature four-cheese pizza and Chinois chicken salad. (K1, K12)

Terminal 5/Concourse M

Fast Casual/Bars

· Parades Bar: Bar (Upper level)

· The Bar: Bar (Lower level)

A Quick Meal

· Gold Coast Dogs: Hot dogs (Upper level)

· Graystone 1 Coffee: Coffee

· Lou Mitchell’s Express: Sandwiches, salads, soups (Upper level)

· McDonald’s: Fast food

· Pizzeria Uno: Pizza (Upper level)

Eater Chicago intern Jeffy Mai contributed this article.

Eat this!

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:44:30 +0000

Phil Vettel
Gourmet hot dog: I could (and do) argue that a hot dog needs little adornment other than those prescribed by Chicago tradition, but a number of purveyors, such as Hot Doug’s and Franks ‘N’ Dawgs, offer convincing rebuttals. Consider, for instance, this month’s featured special at America’s Dog, owned by the Alpogianis brothers (Manolis and George). Created by guest chef Heather Terhune (of Sable Kitchen & Bar and “Top Chef: Texas”), this $4.29 beauty takes a flash-fried Vienna Beef hot dog and adorns it with maple-bourbon-glazed pork belly, smoked cheese fondue, sharp beer mustard and crispy onion straws, nestled in a very sturdy pretzel roll.

Hot Dog!

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:47:23 +0000

HOT DOG! The Bulls’ Joakim Noah was spied picking up a “Dallas Dog” at America’s Dog, where owner Manolis Alpogianis is still over the moon from having been on Rosie O’Donnell’s chatfest last week. Alpogianis created a special “hybrid” New York-Chicago hotdog (brown mustard, sauerkraut, tomatoes, relish, onions and celery salt) in honor of Big Apple native O’Donnell’s recent move to Our Town. “The Duchess of York was there too — all of us making dogs,” laughed Alpogianis.

The Rosie Show

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:41:58 +0000

America’s Dog on The Rosie Show Nov. 1, 2011

America’ Dog & Manolis Alpogianis on The Doctors

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:46:30 +0000

In July, 2011, the nationally syndicated show The Doctors came to Chicago’s #1 hot dog stand, America’s Dog and filmed for a few days. Good fun.

America’s Dog WGN

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:45:01 +0000

Manolis is grilling up some chicken dogs on the patio of WGN. Low in calories, high in flavor.

Hot dogs with Bill Daley – Chicago Tribune Podcast

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:16:11 +0000

The Tribune’s Bill Daley talks about Chicago’s beloved sausage with George and Manolis Alpogianis of America’s Dog, and Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s.

Download 11-18-10 | Hot dogs with Bill Daley (Right Click and Save Link As)

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago

admin — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:16:15 +0000

Downtown Chicago has many restaurants offering a wide variety of food, so how do pick where to eat? If you find yourself in the Windy City, whether for business or for pleasure, let this be a quick guide to some of the best restaurants in Downtown Chicago.
Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago: Alinea

Rated number one in Chicago Magazine’s Top 40 Chicago Restaurants, this labor of love by Chef Grant Achantz has gained the attention of foodies and critics around the world. In 2002, Grant Achantz was named one of the top chefs in the world and if you find yourself in downtown Chicago, then treat yourself to a meal at his restaurant, Alinea. The menu is creative, taking you on a culinary adventure tour with small plates such as steelhead roe with coconut, licorice and pineapple, and pineapple with ham and freeze-dried cherry. Each dish is an architectural masterpiece and the presentation of each plate will delight you just as much as the delicate nuances of flavor. Chef Grant Achantz utilizes flavors and textures with skill and inspiration.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago: Quartino
This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Chicago if you are looking for authentic Italian meals. Quartino offers a variety of food options, from traditional Italian dishes, pizza, and small plates. There are several dishes serving house made pasta, like gnocchi and cavatelli, imported pasta dishes like Linguini with Clams and Penne alla Vodka, and house specialties like Veal Osso Bucco and Beef Short Ribs with a Salsa Verde. Is your mouth watering yet? Enjoy a fine bottle of wine with your meal, chosen from an extensive wine list. Don’t know much about wine? Don’t worry! The staff at Quartino will help you choose the best wine to go with your meal. If you are stopping in just to enjoy some vino, I highly recommend ordering a few snacks from their charcuterie menu, like sopressata, duck prosciutto, and asiago vecchio. There are over twenty different pizzas to choose from as well, making this an ideal restaurant for dining with the family or for satisfying your late-night hunger.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago: Everest
With some truly amazing views and exceptional dishes created by Chef Joho, Everest deserves a spot in any best restaurants list for downtown Chicago. Travel to the 40^th floor above the Chicago Stock Exchange for fine dining, superb wine, and beautiful artwork. Perhaps you can start with a small dish of Maine Peekytoe Crab with Celery Root Granny Smith Apple Remoulade before moving onto a main course of Dry Aged New York Steak with Sauce Choron and Alsace Potato Gnocchi. The dessert menu has sumptuous offerings likeCrème Caramel with a Fruit Compote and Mango Coulis and an Asian Pear poached in Riesling and Thyme with a Vahlrona Chocolate Cremeux and Lavender and Honey Glace. Each dessert is accompanied by a recommended drink pairing. Gourmet magazine has said that Everest is the “Best Chicago restaurant for business dining,” which is good to know if you are in town for work!

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago: Tru
For wonderful progressive French dining, one of the best restaurants in downtown Chicago is Tru. There are two menus to choose from at Tru, the first offers your pick of appetizer, main course and dessert (Prix-Fixe) and the second is a menu consisting of six to nine courses that are brought out to you in succession. Options for the Prix-Fixe menu include an appetizer of Seared Foie Gras with Caramelized Anjou Pear, Chestnut and Black Mission Fig, a main course of Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin with Lemon and Tomato Confiture and Fava Bean, and a dessert of Vanilla Risotto with Fall Fruits and Clove Ice Cream. If you choose from the set six to nine course menu there are also additional options you can choose to add on, including a sturgeon Caviar Staircase and Australian Wagyu Feef. There are over 1,800 wine selections, making this an appropriate restaurant for any wine connoisseur as well. The atmosphere at Tru is elegant and refined and if you enjoy fine dining then this may be one of the best restaurants in downtown Chicago for you.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago: America’s Dog
No trip to Chicago would be complete without experiencing one of the best restaurants serving up hot dogs. The owners of America’s Dog, who are brothers, took a trip cross-country and used inspiration from different locations they visited to build their hot dog menu. Try a traditional Chicago-style hot dog with mustard, relish, onions, peppers, tomato, pickles and celery salt or try something more unique. They’re also serving up Baltimore Dogs, deep-fried with melted cheddar and grilled onions and the Milwaukee Dog, with bratwurst, brown mustard and sauerkraut. If you aren’t in the mood for a hot dog, they also offer a variety of burgers and salads.Photo courtesy of Explore Chicago.

Chicago After Dark: Best Late Night Places For Grub

admin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:53:39 +0000

Gone are the days when late night fare meant drive-thurs and delivery pizza. After a night out at the bars in Chicago, you can soak up your booze with anything from a veggie dog to escargot.

Tempo Café: Can’t stand the wait at Tempo for brunch? Stop by any other hour of the day (literally, it’s open 24 hours) for some seriously tasty diner-style food. Try the Poor Man’s Skillet for a heaping portion of hash browns, veggies, ham, cheese and eggs any way. Personally, I prefer the pancakes for their amazing fluffiness and buttery quality. Top with syrup and eat quickly because you’ll want to order them again for brunch the next morning.
6 E. Chestnut St.; 312-943-4373

America’s Dog: If you’re not up for a verbal lashing at Wiener’s Circle, there’s another area hot dog shop that serves up quality food with polite service and the indoor seating is pretty nice, too. The Lincoln Park locationalways has a line to the door at bar time, but don’t let that discourage you. There’s really something for everyone, and even vegetarians can enjoy a veggie dog, topped with just about anything.
Multiple Locations; 2300 N. Lincoln Ave; 773-281-2333

Bijan’s Bistro: Looking for a classier bite of late-night fare? Bijan’s is a legit bistro serving everything from comfort food like meatloaf to a sophisticated escargot appetizer. Beat the crowds by stopping by this classy joint after-hours – it’s open until 4 a.m.
633 N. State St.; 312-202-1904

Hub 51: The bar at Hub 51 is an upscale lounge with the swanky clientele to match. If you’re lucky enough to nab a table, order something off their versatile menu and you won’t be disappointed. The pulled chicken nachos, made with braised organic chicken, fresh tortilla chips, loads of salsa, guac and cheese, are a beautiful mess of a late-night snack.
51 W. Hubbard St.; 312-828-0051

George Alpogianis on WGN – Lunchbreak

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:58:05 +0000