Max’s Take Out

$ 3.48 for a regular Chicago style hot dog.
There were a few peppers on it but not too hot, the hot dog itself was one of the better ones I’ve had. All in all a taste experience.

Being that this was my first Chicago hot dog experience, I have to say it was pretty good! Small little takeout joint. I went around after 5 and wasn’t crowded at all. Only waited about 5 minutes to get my food. Do not let the Unilocal menu fool you, there are no salads at this place. Just saying. Being I usually have my dog plain, this was a huge giant leap for me. It has tomatoes, a pickle, relish, mustard, onions and celery seeds. It was pretty tasty to be honest. Hot dogs have that «pop» when you bite into them. The bun was soft and fresh. Got a small fry to compliment the hot dog. They were hot and crisp and not too salty. They had a little stand with various flavored salts for your fries, sour cream and onion, cheddar just a name a couple. Definitely a good place to go to try out a Chicago dog. If that isn’t your thing they also have burgers and chicken sandwiches too.

Order at the counter. Grab your food. Eat at the stand up counter and soak into the glory of a solid chicago dog. Yes, they have burgers (which are no frills but not bad) but their hot dogs shine. Just don’t use ketchup on it-​blasphemy!

Came here on a suggestion from my daughter’s college friend. We ordered the Chicago dogs and fries. It was tasty, complete with tomatoes, a full pickle, relish, mustard and a hot chile. Tasted great and I’d be back for another when in Chicago. The place is a small storefront amidst the tall skyline of Chicago. The ambiance is real, no frills and prompt service. When in Chicago try Max’s take out. Don’t let the name fool you, there is a counter seating along the wall within the narrow walk-​way but not much.

We found this hole in a wall place only through Unilocal but it was the real deal. It’s literally about six feet wide but they do have a bar and chairs lining one wall for quick chowing down.
We split a Chicago dog, an Italian beef and an order of fries. Everything was made to order and absolutely delicious.
This is not fancy. But this is delicious and this is real Chicago food. Check it out!

Even on a weekday during the lunch hour, Max’s was quick (order, then pay — their system works alright). We split a Chicago dog, Italian beef sandwich, and a small order of fries.
I’d never had a Chicago dog before, but it was fantastic: delicious beef hot dog, crunchy pickle spear, and the yellow mustard were my favorite parts… everything else was practically falling out, it was so packed.
The Italian beef sandwich was delicious and juicy. If you order it hot, it comes loaded down with a hot pepper mix (that also includes hot carrots/​celery). It had a generous portion of meat, too; my one complaint would be that it soaked through the bread and made it soggy. Eat quickly.
The fries were good. I suggest a large portion for two people.
Easy walk to the L or the Art Institute as an added bonus.

I don’t remember much about my first Chicago hot dog from Portillo’s other than how different and fresh it was, but I can tell you that I haven’t had many hot dogs back home (in New York) since. I loved the idea of having fresh ingredients in my hot dog, rather slapping half-​assed cooked meat in a bun with cheap ketchup and mustard and call that a hot dog. Chicago, you have upped my hot dog standards.
Having had Max’s Take Out bookmarked since my last trip (in 2012), I probably would not have randomly gone out of my way to come here had I not looked at my bookmarked places; this was pretty much my first meal right off the plane and I was starving. The one thing I’m still can’t get used to is paying close to $ 4 for a hot dog, but then again, fresh ingredients are being substituted. The Jumbo Hot Dog was good – it had the essentials of a Chicago hot dog, but I didn’t really like the celery salt, which was too strong for me and was lingering in my mouth even hours later. This place is small and can easily be missed, but a decent no-​frills fast food join regardless.

Max’s Take Out was my go to place to try the famous Chicago style hot dog. I was recommended by a friend to go to Super Dawg’s but never made it up that way so Max’s would have to do.
Chicago style hot dog vs. New York style hot dog. The only difference in my opinion was the additional toppings. The hot dog itself was a normal size loaded up with mustard, relish, onions, a giant pickle, tomatoes, and hot peppers (I think I got them all). I’ll admit once I had bitten into it the aroma of all of those ingredients combined gives off a nice taste. A little bit of sour and sweetness. However once I was half way into the dog itself I was kind of over the entire taste. I guess I was expecting more out of the bun itself or the hot dog itself instead it tasted like a NY style dog you would get from a stand filled up with whatever toppings you want.
On a lighter and positive note the fries were delicious and I got a good laugh out of the no ketchup rule unless you’re under the age of 17. Of course they do have a bottle there for you if you would like and also throw in a few packets in the take out bag.
Could just be me but I’ll take a hot dog with chili and cheese any day instead of all the crazy toppings.

One final stop in our Chicago food adventures lead us to Max’s! Love the dive feel… Alll you truly need when chasing the best Chicago Dog in this city…
Very very fresh ingredients. Spicy! I dug that… The Fresh cut relish gave it that extra «Mmmmm.» I’m actually at loss for words since Max’s hit the Chicago dog out of the park. Definitely rivals the big spots like Portillo’s. Max’s dog was definitely bigger and about the same price so here at Max’s, you’re getting more for your buck! The huge crisp pickle was the cherry on top!
I highly recommend Maxs if you’re looking for a good dog and not want to battle the big crowds.

Came in here on our walk to the Institute of Art and Millennium Park. It wasn’t on the itinerary but we were hungry and wanted to try something that wasn’t a chain restaurant or expensive. Max’s has the makings of a hole-​in-​the-​wall — local kids messing around near the front door with passerby’s just stopping by for a quick bite.
Being the tourists we were, we asked what the best thing to order was.
«Where you guys from?»
«LA, heh.»
«Chicago Dog it is.»
So we both ordered a Chicago dog and a side of chili cheese fries. The fries weren’t anything to talk about — it was good, but it wasn’t any different than the ones at home.
The best way I can describe a Chicago dog is that it was like they threw hamburger toppings on a hot dog bun. Two big slices of tomato, pickles, onions and relish on top of a hot dog… but it works. Great for a quick bite as it’ll tide you over until your actual meal (lunch/​dinner).

Max’s take out. When someone says «hole in the wall» food joint, this is what they mean. Seeing as how this was my last stop to eat before having to fly back home to Los Angeles, I had to order the Chicago dog. I was not disappointed. Not the best Chicago dog I had that weekend, but still great enough to satisfy the craving. I was sad I didn’t save enough room to try the gyro, but those chili cheese fries were just too good. The cheeseburger was fantastic as well. Overall I would definitely recommend Max’s to anyone

I’ve mentioned to more than a few of my Chicago friends that the best hot dog in town consistently comes from Portillo’s. This is sacrilege for some, so I’ve been given a list of other hot dog places to hit up to try to find a better dog. Max’s was the first on the list. We got a huge spread of food, between normal hot dogs, a chili dog, a tamale, a pizza puff, and some cheese fries because why not.
The pizza puff was off the chain, the tamale was great. (It had a more sweet corn flavor, which was interesting.) Cheese fries were awesome… But the hot dogs, I don’t know, maybe I’m just an idiot from the ‘burbs but I still like Portillo’s better! Don’t get me wrong, Max’s dogs were VERY GOOD, but, I don’t know, there’s just something missing.
What I will say is that the massive amount of celery salt they put on their hot dogs was A+. Definitely will be back next time I’m in downtown, I want to try an Italian beef but, well, I can only gorge myself so much in one sitting.

The 7.99 double cheeseburger special is really good
the double burger is pretty big and the fries are too
Only thing is that the place is small & it gets crowded

Nice, convenient place downtown to get a Chicago dog. There are a few other items on the menu like pasta dishes, but I would suggest sticking with the dogs. I wouldn’t skip on the fries, which you can get covered in cheese or chili cheese. And then you can go to the fries stand and put your own seasoned salt and flavored seasonings on top! Nice, quick place that is reasonably priced and great to take your friends to get a classic Chicago dog with all the fixin’s.

If you eat halal meat, this is one of those places you have to check out. Even if that doesn’t apply, this is still a place you have to check out. This is that type of place. It’s great and just happens to also be halal.
Spicy Gyro Double Cheeseburger and Jumbo Chili Dog. That’s what I usually have and enjoy it every time. They make the trip to downtown worth it.

Solid Chicago-​dog experience. 4 stars because I was there on a wet, freezing, snowy day and having a place to sit down indoors for a street dog was exactly what I needed. Easy access off the metro stop if you’re heading to the Art Institute.

We were visiting Chicago for a long weekend and needed to get «Chicago Style Hot Dogs» at least once, and the nice woman behind the desk at the Art Institute pointed us to Max’s. The outside is inconspicuous and overbearing.
We both ordered hot dogs with «everything» — trying not to scream «WE’RE NOT FROM HERE» while doing so, but the nice man behind the counter couldn’t have been nicer and more welcoming. The dogs themselves were great, rich in flavor & nicely balanced by the myriad of toppings. My favorite topping was the sport pepper — why aren’t these things in more dishes?
Like the name says, it’s definitely more of a take out place, but we squeezed into a spot at the counter and wolfed down our hot dogs.

Great dogs and burgers. So fantastic we stopped here twice on our way to Grant Park. Right off the «L», it is near everything. I have never had a Chicago dog before and I am hooked! This is just a take out place and popular with the locals. There is counter space to sit and eat though. Terrific if you are looking for a quick tasty bite or something on the go.

My first Chicago-​style hot dog! Max’s is right in the Loop so it was of course one of the first stops as a tourist visiting Chicago for the first time.
Ordered a Hot Dog ($ 2.99) with everything aka «Chicago style» — hot dog, mustard, relish, pickles, tomatoes, onions, peppers.
The hot dog itself was very tasty and juicy. The only issue I had with it was the «skin» on it was pretty thick and chewy. Not my favorite type but it tasted good. Also I was a little disappointed (as a tourist) because Chicago hot dogs should have a poppy seed bun and this just had a plain hot dog bun. This may just be nit-​picky but I expected poppy seed!
Chicago Style hot dogs are delicious, by the way!

First stop on my trip to chicago! Gotta get a chicago dog. Actually ordered 2 dogs, fries and a drink. Total came out to slightly above $ 10. The place is no thrill, no nonsense, and absolutely speedy service. The shop is located in the heart of downtown chicago. Very close to the bean and the park.
A good quality hotdog. I wouldnt mind coming back on my next trip to chicago