10 Places to Fill Your Hot Doug’s Lunch Void

With Hot Doug's gone, here are 10 destination-worthy lunch spots.

by Eater Staff Oct 7, 2014, 3:31pm CDT

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by Eater Staff Oct 7, 2014, 3:31pm CDT

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Now that the dust has settled from last week's closing of Hot Doug's, it's time to turn the page.

The sausage stand represented a unique place to eat lunch. It was a little out of the way, north of the Loop in Avondale, which made it a trek for those working downtown. The hours — 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday — made it somewhat difficult to drop by on a whim without taking PTO or having an irregular work schedule that's not 9 to 5. Cue the throng of working stiffs that never had a chance to eat there.

With that mind, here are a few places diners can go for a casual lunch. These restaurants capture some of the characteristics that made Hot Doug's unique. The bonus is there aren't usually long lines.

—Ashok Selvam

Kuma's Corner and Kuma's Too

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Kuma’s original post on Belmont has served as a popular nearby alternative to waiting in lines at Hot Doug’s for years. You know the drill by now: Enormous burgers topped with ingredients like mashed potatoes or fried chicken served to a background of pulsating metal.

2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 604-8769

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Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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Doug Sohn, owner of Hot Doug’s, on the restaurant’s last day joked to his first customer that he was out of sausage and that the customer should instead walk down the street to Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Be warned, they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 478-4000

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Belly Shack

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Near the Western Blue Line stop, this joint offers sandwiches and other fare that blends Korean and Puerto Rican tastes. They’re closed on Mondays.

1912 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 252-1414

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Skrine Chops

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Owned by Steve Skrine, brother in law of comedian/actor Patton Oswalt, they’re serving up barbecue including tri tip sandwiches, ribs and pork chops. But get there early, as the Loop location is only open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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400 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL 60605

312-566-9334

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J. P. Graziano Grocery Co.

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The grocery store has been around since 1937, lasting much longer than Oprah did on Randolph. Graziano’s expanded operations in 2006 and opened the sub shop. You’d be a fool not to order the legendary Mr. G sub topped with provolone, hot sopresatta, prosciutto, genoa salami, truffle mustard balsamic vinaigrette and other ingredients. They’re open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 666-4587

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Saucy Porka

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Yes, it’s difficult picking between neighbors, as Skrine Chops and Saucy Porka sit next to each other. But you’ll win either way. By mixing Southeast Asian and Puerto Rican flavors, Saucy Porka serves baos stuffed with carnitas and Asian-style paella. They’re opened 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and closed on the weekend.

400 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 662-1351

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Cemitas Puebla

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The new Fulton Market location has increased accessibility to Cemitas Puebla’s delicious Mexican tortas. There’s different ambience between the two. The Humboldt Park version feels like a taqueria, while the newer post attempts to blend in with its Fulton Market surroundings. No matter — bother serve the gut-busting Atomica which includes pork loin, milanesa and jamon.

817 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL

312.455.9200

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