From Chicago style to chili dogs, some of the best hot dogs in Peoria, past or present

Dean Muellerleile, Journal Star
·5 min read
An Illinois classic, a Chicago Dog like this one is available at The Other Dawg, 712 E. War Memorial Drive in Peoria Heights.
An Illinois classic, a Chicago Dog like this one is available at The Other Dawg, 712 E. War Memorial Drive in Peoria Heights.

Ask Dean is a Journal Star column focusing on all things Peoria: its history, mysteries, quirks, developments and culture. Send your questions to dmuellerleile@pjstar.com.

Question: What were the best dogs in Peoria over the years? Hunter's Hot Dogs was always the best place, in my opinion. I think it was on Perry. My aunt, who lived in Indiana, would buy their chili dog toppings in bulk so her family could enjoy after visiting town. Others: Velvet Freeze, of course, "Home of the Wonder Dog." Several locations around here at one point, including North Prospect in the Heights, Forrest Hill and Gale, and East Peoria. There's a restaurant now in East Peoria called The Original Wonderdog. I haven't tried it, but my mother-in-law loves it.Duffy's, originally on Sheridan, then on Prospect, sold its Chicago Dog. There were more toppings than there was hot dog. Probably others that I'm not thinking of. — Mike Miller

Answer: Ask Dean himself can't answer this one: It's purely subjective.

Some people prefer a fully-loaded, Chicago-style hot dog "dragged through the garden." Others like their franks with meat sauce — chili dogs or coneys. Many Peorians fondly recall the free, cold hot dogs for kids at Raber's.

So this one goes out to the readers. Read on for their picks.

Reader Mike referred to a few wiener oases that surprisingly garnered no mentions when the Journal Star brought up the topic on Facebook.

Hunter's Lunch

The landmark luncheonette at 109 NE Perry closed after 57 years in 1981. At its height, Hunter's sold a thousand dogs a day. It was also known for its popcorn and lottery ticket sales.

Ask Dean:Let us remember Peoria's favorite departed restaurants. Where does yours rank?

Duffy's Eatery

The sandwich shop's "genuine Chicago hot dog" was indeed a fully loaded frank, but blasphemously included ketchup. At one time, in the 1980s, there were three Duffy's locations, including one downtown. Those closed, but a new Duffy's Eatery opened in 1994 in Westlake Shopping Center. It, too, has since closed.

And now, on to the reader suggestions.

The Other Dawg

712 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria Heights: The readers' favorite frank was formerly served on Prospect Road before a cross-village move. The Other Dawg boasts a fairly expansive menu but "has dogs just as good as The Wonderdog," as one commenter wrote.

More:Keeping it simple at The Other Dawg

Mr. G's

Mr. G's in Peoria closed in 2015.
Mr. G's in Peoria closed in 2015.

After a long history at 601 W. Main St., the storied sandwich shop shut down in 2015. Before that, one reader remarked, "Mr G’s was my go to place for a good Chicago hot dog until it closed."

Emo's Dairy Mart

Colton Leman, 9, right, sits with two other generations of the Leman family, including his father, Chad, center, both of Roanoke, and his grandfather, Scott Leman, of Peoria, as they indulge at Emo's Dairy Mart on Sunday, September 27, 2020, the final day of business for the season.
Colton Leman, 9, right, sits with two other generations of the Leman family, including his father, Chad, center, both of Roanoke, and his grandfather, Scott Leman, of Peoria, as they indulge at Emo's Dairy Mart on Sunday, September 27, 2020, the final day of business for the season.

3618 N. Prospect Road: A seasonal hot dog stand with an iconic clown sign welcoming customers, Emo's has been a Peoria mainstay since 1960. Its "million-dollar" coney dog sauce has a devoted following. Commenters were tightlipped but enthusiastic: "Emo’s!" wrote one.

Related:Hot dog! There is a secret to the sauce

The Ice Cream Shack

The line at the Ice Cream Shack on Northeast Adams Street continues to grow as the sun sets on opening day in 2015.
The line at the Ice Cream Shack on Northeast Adams Street continues to grow as the sun sets on opening day in 2015.

2313 NE Adams St.: The Ice Cream Shack shares family ties with Emo's, though not the same sauce. Commenters know the difference: "I like the Ice Cream Shacks chili dog the best," wrote one. The Ice Cream Shack and its secret chili dog topping dates to the mid-1980s.

Looking for the best ice cream?Check out this list of 24 businesses in the Peoria area

Velvet Freeze

From a lone ice cream shop in Peoria Heights, the fabled frankfurter venue grew into a mini empire. The signature Wonderdog — a chili dog with homemade meat sauce — dates to the '50s. At the peak of its 72-year run, the venerable Velvet Freeze boasted four locations. By 2010, they'd all shut down. But readers haven't forgotten. "The best by far," wrote one commenter.

The Original Wonderdog

2430 E. Washington St., East Peoria: From the remnants of Velvet Freeze, the Wonderdog was born again. The supplier of the secret meat sauce acquired the recipe and the equipment at the Velvet Freeze at Fondulac Plaza. The Original Wonderdog suffered a fire in August that closed the location. It has launched a gofundme fundraising campaign and hopes to return. For commenters, that can't come soon enough: "Hopefully they will repair and open again!" wrote one.

Will Wonderdogs never cease?Wonderdog working its way back to Peoria

Lou's Drive-In

4229 N. Knoxville Ave.: The venerable hot dog haven opened in 1952. Familiarity clearly bred respect: "Everybody knows the best is Lous Drive In," wrote one commenter.

Portillo's

4412 N. Rockwood Drive: The Oakbrook-based chain opened a Peoria outpost in 2018. Portillo's has quickly built a loyal following.

Raber Packing Co.

3000 W. Farmington Road, West Peoria: After burning to the ground in 2018, the West Peoria institution reopened in a larger facility. The old-fashioned meat market dates back to 1954. Raber's still offers free cold hot dogs to kids. One reader commented, "When it comes down to just a dog on a bun (and maybe a line of mustard), Raber’s is easily the best."

Chicago Grill

814 W. Pioneer Parkway: The restaurant offers Chicago-style dogs, among other extensive offerings.

The Dream Hut

600 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville: The ice cream shop also offers "sandwiches, snacks & everything else," according to its Facebook page.

Nate Dawgs

The family-owned food truck specializes in chili dogs, pretzels and fries. For hours and locations, visit the Nate Dawgs Facebook page.

More:31 of the best places to eat and drink in the Peoria area as voted on by readers

Theo's Ice Cream

3633 N. Gale Ave.: A Peoria institution since 1994, the ice cream shop also offers chili dogs and other short-order fare.

From the Wonderdog to The Other Dawg, from Velvet Freeze to Mr. G's, readers clearly love their dogs.

Submit your own:If you have questions about Peoria, Ask Dean. He's worked here for a quarter-century

Whether it's a person, place or product, send your "Whatever happened to ...?" and "Wasn't there a ...?" questions, comments and suggestions to dmuellerleile@pjstar.com. Please put ASK DEAN in the subject line.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria restaurants: These places serve some of the best hot dogs around