Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Hot Dogs

The hot dog is a kid-friendly staple and with Champaign-Urbana’s close proximity to Chicago, we take our hot dogs seriously around here

Every now and then, a reader asks, “Where can I get a good hot dog in Champaign-Urbana?”

Hot dogs don’t get a lot of love … but hot dogs are the ultimate comfort food, an unbeatable dinner-on-the-go (we’re looking at you, Costco and Sam’s Club), and a lifesaver for parents of picky eaters everywhere.

Hot dogs are also perhaps one of the more common cravings for expecting moms. So common, in fact, that you can even find articles online about how to safely eat hot dogs while pregnant. (The secret is making sure they are fully cooked, which should be observed for anyone, pregnant or not.)

Of course, you don’t have to be pregnant to want a good ol’ fashioned dog, on National Hot Dog Day — the third Wednesday of July — or any other day.

Favorite hot dogs found around Champaign-Urbana

These are recommendations from chambanamoms readers and do not constitute endorsements by chambanamoms.com

Niro’s Gyros, several C-U locations (including W. Kirby): “Legit good hot dogs, especially with their cheese sauce!!” “Great Chicago dogs and fries!”

Dave’s Dogs, Campustown: Dave’s Dogs is a food truck “serving Chicago Style All Beef Hot Dogs to Champaign-Urbana.” Oftentimes, you can find them at 5th and Green when U of I is in session, serving the late-night bar crowd. Look for them at private events also.

Project 47, Mahomet: “Has a good hot dog and the tater tots and pork rinds are yummy”

Normally at chambanamoms.com we strive to direct attention to local businesses. But on the topic of hot dogs, our readers have spoken loud and clear and one truth cannot be denied. C-U loves its chain restaurant hot dogs.

Some highlights:

Portillo’s (N. Prospect, Champaign): no further explanation necessary if you come from Chicagoland.

Meatheads (Neil St., Champaign): “When I was pregnant, I ate way too many chili cheese dogs at Meatheads. This is why my child named her baby doll “hot dogs.”

Freddy’s (Town Center Blvd., Champaign): “They use this amazing toasted piece of Texas toast for the bun. Fantastic hot dog overall.”

Not local, but still worth a mention

Dog N Suds, Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana: “They advertise their humble beginnings in Champaign IL in 1953.” “I miss their coney sauce.” Nostalgia hot dog road trip?

Other national chains whose hot dogs are loved by our readers: Sonic, Wienerschnitzel, Dairy Queen

Most unexpected reader recommendation: the Savoy golf course
Most practical reader recommendation: buying Hebrew National dogs at the grocery store

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Hot Dogs

The hot dog is a kid-friendly staple and with Champaign-Urbana’s close proximity to Chicago, we take our hot dogs seriously around here

Favorite hot dogs found around Champaign-Urbana

Normally at chambanamoms.com we strive to direct attention to local businesses. But on the topic of hot dogs, our readers have spoken loud and clear and one truth cannot be denied. C-U loves its chain restaurant hot dogs.

Looking for favorite foods around Champaign-Urbana?