Restaurant
Alinea
Grant Achatz's Alinea in Lincoln Park is one of a handful of US restaurants with three Michelin stars, serving theatrical modernist tasting menus in three formats…
Superdawg Drive-In
Opened in 1948 by Maurie and Flaurie Berman, Superdawg is a family-run drive-in on Milwaukee Avenue with carhop service and hot dogs served in a box with fries.
At a glance
- Type
- Hot dog drive-in
- Area
- Norwood Park, Chicago, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- superdawg.com
Good to know
- Carhop service
- Walk-up window
- Open late
- Family-run since 1948
Why we recommend it
Superdawg Drive-In opened in May 1948, when Maurie Berman, just back from the Second World War, and his high school sweetheart Flaurie started a hot dog stand at Milwaukee and Devon Avenues on Chicago's North West Side. It is still owned and run by their family, and it is one of the few original drive-in restaurants left in the United States, with methods that have changed little since it opened.
The experience is part of the fun. You pull into a carport, order through a retro speaker box, and a carhop brings the food on a tray that hooks onto your half-open car window. When you have finished, you flip a switch to call the carhop back for the tray. If you arrive on foot, there is a walk-up window and a few outdoor tables and benches. On the roof stand two large hot dog figures named Maurie and Flaurie after the founders, which date from the opening.
The Superdawg itself is the order. It is a spicier-than-usual hot dog served with a signature pickled green tomato, which sets it apart from the classic Chicago-style hot dog, and it comes with crinkle-cut fries in a box designed to keep it warm. Prices are low.
Superdawg is open from 11am to 1am Sunday to Thursday and from 11am to 2am on Friday and Saturday, which makes it a good late-night stop. A second branch in Wheeling, in the suburbs, opened in 2010 and keeps shorter hours.
It suits families, road-trippers, fans of Americana and anyone who wants a cheap, cheerful and very Chicago meal. Children love the rooftop figures and carhop trays. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. It is best visited by car, since the drive-in service is the point, and weekend evenings are busiest. If you are visiting with children, a carhop meal in the car is often the highlight, so try to come by car if you can.
For enquiries call +1 773-763-0660. The drive-in is at 6363 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Norwood Park area, well north-west of downtown, so combine it with a drive out of the city or a journey to or from O'Hare airport. Smoque BBQ, on North Pulaski Road, is another North West Side favourite if you are exploring this part of Chicago.
Superdawg Drive-In FAQs
When did Superdawg open?
In May 1948, opened by Maurie and Flaurie Berman.
Is there carhop service?
Yes. You order through a speaker box and a carhop brings your food on a tray to your car window.
Can you go without a car?
Yes. There is a walk-up window and some outdoor tables.
What is a Superdawg?
A spicy hot dog with a pickled green tomato, served with crinkle-cut fries in a box.
What are the opening hours?
11am to 1am Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 2am Friday and Saturday.
Who are Maurie and Flaurie?
The founders, after whom the hot dog figures on the roof are named.
Is there another location?
Yes, in Wheeling, Illinois, which opened in 2010.
What is the phone number?
+1 773-763-0660.