From fine dining to a mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall, there is a seemingly unending stream of mouthwatering food options in Illinois. Here, we like to keep it simple, fresh, and cook from the heart. This isn’t Texas — we don’t need to showboat with steaks the size of windshields. Instead, we’re perfectly happy packing a major punch into a tiny package. That’s one of the reasons this tiny hidden gem restaurant in Chicago, IL is one of my favorites of all time. 

Byron's Hot Dogs, 1017 W Irving Park Road, is located on the North Side of Chicago about a 10-minute walk from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, and just next to the Sheridan "L" station.
tiny hidden gem restaurant in Chicago, IL
Jay Miner/Google
The classic greasy spoon is small but mighty, with only a rail counter and a handful of high-top chairs for indoor dining.
Ed Pizza/Google
Otherwise, your best bet is a spot on the patio, though lots of customers love to grab their food on their way commuting from the train, bus, or walking to a nearby block. This place is the definition of a neighborhood diner.
Drew Edwards/Google
Though it's tiny, it's made a huge impression on another famous Chicagoan — former President Barack Obama.
Byron's Hot Dogs/Facebook
When you step inside, you're immediately greeted by an old-school letterboard menu and the drool-worthy smell of meat on the flattop.
Ed Pizza/Google
Italian sausage, hot dogs, and the Dogzilla — a step up from jumbo — are almost always cooking on the grill.
Sharen Chester/Google
Choose your toppings from the array of fresh ingredients before you.
Richard Hafferty/Google
And what do you get when you drag juicy Vienna Beef through the garden? The absolute freshest Chicago-style hot dog you've ever had in your life.
A HacK/Google
The chef's kiss is adding on some cheese fries and an orange pop — trust me!
Burgers are another popular grab at Byron's. Considering getting a salad? Why not just put it on top of the burger!
Juan Tellez/Google
Actually, one of my favorite lighter things to get here is a simple grilled chicken breast salad. Although an uncomplicated dish, it's something I think about at least once a week.
Of course, you can never go wrong with Italian beef in Chicago. Pro tip: Add on some giardiniera for some extra spice, crunch, and Windy City flavor.
Pedro Chavez Jr./Google
And when the fry bag looks like this, you know it's going to be good.

 

Have you ever been to this tiny hidden gem restaurant in Chicago, IL? What’s your favorite thing to order? Have another must-visit tiny restaurant in mind? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by checking out the Byron’s Hot Dog website and the Byron’s Hot Dog Facebook page. And if you want to get in the Chicago mood before chowing down on your Chicago dog, check out this awesome drone footage of the city!

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Featured Addresses
Byron's Hot Dogs, 1017 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, USA