Joey's of Chicago

Even though add-ons cost extra (why wouldn't they?) the prices here are very reasonable. We stopped in and ordered a dog, sausage, turkey sub, beef with peppers, fries and a home-made cookie. The total, excluding tax and tip, came to less than $25. Refills of beverages were free.

Joey's of Chicago is a come as you are family-style casual place. It's got an open, uncrowded dining room with more tables than one might expect for a 'hot dog' place. The booths all have Chicago street signs identifying them, and a large mural of downtown Chicago sets the scene. The kitchen is open; you can watch them prepare your food.

A Sunday afternoon in the north part of town found us craving a hot dog. We stopped in to Joey's of Chicago in Cave Creek to scratch that itch. The posted menu board revealed that our decision would be more difficult than anticipated since there is a good variety of dogs and sandwiches, salads and even ribs offered here. I grew up in New York, where a real hot dog is served from a street cart, steaming hot and smothered in either sauerkraut or red onions. I can accept the Chicago version, especially as it is made here. The dog ($2) comes standard with lettuce, tomato, chopped onions, mustard. The sausage ($3.79) called to me and I'm glad I called back. The beef sub with extra grilled peppers ($6.50) was piled high with meat. We didn't order it wet, which I understand is the preferred presentation when in Illinois. We wanted to get the taste and texture of the meat, and we were pleased; even without drenching it was a hefty, tasty sub. Having been told that the turkey sub ($6) was another popular selection, I ordered it and was surprised to find that it was real turkey in the sandwich, not processed meat. Beware that sandwiches are prepared with everything unless you otherwise specify, so while I normally wouldn't have mustard on my turkey sandwich, it tasted right in this environment. Very good! The fries ($2.50) were reminiscent of Mickey D's, nothing extraordinary, but at least hot and crisp.

I tried a chocolate chip cookie ($1.29). I probably should have asked when it was made, since it didn't have that soft, chewy texture that I was hoping for.

Joey's of Chicago wraps everything as if you are leaving. That wouldn't be my preference, since all that neat stuff on the hot dogs and sandwiches is inevitably squished as soon as they wrap it.

I was impressed at the apparent cleanliness of the restaurant as well as the kitchen that can be seen from the customers' side of the counter.

Sometimes you just gotta have a Chicago dog. When that happens, stop in at Joey's.

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice. 09/2009}