Lulu’s Hot Dogs
1000 S Leavitt St, Chicago, IL, 60612
Lulu’s Hot Dogs Menu
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Address :
1000 S Leavitt St
Chicago, IL, 60612 - Phone (312) 243-3444
- Website https://www.lulusbeef.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Michael D.
Lulu's Hot Dogs is located in the University Village neighborhood. It is essentially a glorified hot dog stand. That is, it has a small, expanded menu in addition to hot dogs, e.g., Italian beef sandwiches and BBQ ribs, and a dining room with washrooms. My reason for going there is to get a hot dog. The type offered is the traditional Chicago style Vienna brand hot dog with the usual assortment of trimmings, which includes onions, tomatoes, pickles, relish, and sport peppers, served on a poppy seed bun. The dogs come wrapped in paper with French fries rolled in. The dogs are good and the buns are properly steamed for warming. The fries, however, are too soft and greasy. The price is reasonable. For example, two dogs with fries is $4.89. The folks that work there are friendly and helpful. The hot dogs at Lulu's are not the best in town, but if you are in the neighborhood and have a taste for one, stop in.
(3)Ria S.
I can only base my review on the one item I ate here which was a hot dog. I asked for it to he chargrilled however it wasn't & the bun was hard. The fries on the other hand were tasty. Staff was very friendly & personable. I would go back but not for a hot dog.
(2)William W.
Good food, good prices, and really friendly staff. We stopped into LuLu's late one night on our way home from the bar and didn't have cash (FYI cash only = -1 star) but they were willing to throw our pizza puffs (which were amazing btw) into the fryer while we ran home to grab some cash. Had a good conversation with the guy working the register too. One of the many great lunch places in Tri-Taylor!
(4)Kristen P.
The first time I tried an italian beef I did not see what the big deal was. Then I came here and tried it and it was AMAZING! Also, the customer service there was awesome and they were helpful and great people! Place was clean and food was awesome! Glad I went there and I will remember it for future trips to CHI. Must visit and do the italian beef with provolone and the spicy peppers.
(5)Rene G.
Good place to eat, staff friendly and funny. Try the chicken sandwich! it is good!
(4)Walter Alan H.
Lulu's is a classic hotdog stand, Chicago accents and all! The food is great and the staff is even better! I love supporting this CASH ONLY spot! I've eaten many things there, from the twofers(Chicago dogs), ribs, shrimp basket*(my favorite) and shrimp and catfish combos, corn dogs, onion rings, deep fried mushrooms, shakes, slushies and the bacon cheese burger, it's all been wonderful.
(5)Robb Z.
I simply cannot say enough good things about Lulu's! Every time I walk in it's like coming home after being away at school. Food is hot, it's made how ya want it, and the staff treats you like royalty. Cannot say that I've ever had a bad meal from there. Thank you Lulu's for making me feel special.
(5)AJ N.
I have such love for Lulu's I can't even describe it properly. This place is old school in the absolute best of ways. The service is prompt, funny, and from guys who take the time to get to know their customers in an unobtrusive way. They've got a huge menu, and if something's not up there, if you beg, they can probably come up with it. Honestly, this lunch-counter (and it's totally a lunch-counter place) is MY hot dog stand in the city. Their food is cheap and good, but what really ups the experience is the staff. I've been coming here off and on for twelve years, and I'm always remembered and greeted with a smile and an inquiry about what's going on in my life. Chicago's neighborhood hot dog joints are really where it's at, and this one will always be mine! (They are cash-only, but there is an ATM in the seating area. They also have a parking lot, and are super-accessible.)
(5)Paul B.
You gotta be kidding me. A grilled barbecued turkey leg with a mountain of fries (and garlic bread) and a drink for less than $4.89. This is 2010, Baby, what's the catch? There is no catch! Ya' just gotta boogie down to Ogden Avenue. One of my jobs has me down in that neighborhood for long stretches on Saturdays. Today's breakfast was their 2 hot dogs (trimmings and fries) for $4.00. Perfect way to start the day. Dinner was this turkey leg dinner. Now I will try anything at a restaurant - anything. But the idea of a turkey leg meal for 4 bucks seemed too good to be true... or was it... I sat and waited for just a few minutes and was pleasantly surprised when I was handed my white Styrofoam container of heaven. This leg was succulent and delicious - not gamy and dry like a turkey can be. I - uncharacteristically - savored each bite (as opposed to wolfing it down like starving urchin). It was culinary highlight of 2010 (so far). The guys that run LULU'S are old-school guys from the neighborhood. They are polite and friendly - in a gruff kind of way. Everyone knows everyone and asks about the family. It is rare - these days - to be treated so well in a hot dog joint (except Donald Duk's on Ashland - but that is a different story) . These guys were like old buddies who were cooking your dinner. I have only one complaint is the seating areas has tables with affixed chairs - they do swivel out - but they are not built for tubby diners like myself. I had to do a little shimmy-shake to get into the comfort zone to enjoy my meal. They have regular specials - price busting deals - great service - awesome Chicago-centric art/photos on the wall. If you haven't been there yet - yo ureally gotta get in there. I'll see you there...
(4)Cristina T.
We were craving hot dogs on a Sunday and since none of our usual stands were open, we headed to Lulu's. Service was really quick and friendly. Just make sure you have cash, otherwise there is an ATM in back. The hot dogs were typical Chicago style dogs while the fries were a tad undercooked for my liking. I would like to frequent Lulu's, so hopefully they can cook their fries a little more next time.
(4)Kent B.
For years my buddy has been recommending restaurants and they always seem to fall short. FINALLY, he suggested a winner with Lulu's. Lulu's is housed in a free standing building with its own parking lot. The dining area is quite large and clean. While busy on a weekday lunch, I was surprised the place wasn't jammed. It's in the area of several hospital complexes with many people. I ordered a beef-sausage combo, fries and a diet coke to absorb the excess calories. The combo sandwich was delicious and served on fresh Italian bread with sweet peppers. I'm not an Italian beef person, but this was excellent. The fries are of the standard frozen variety and just so-so. My sandwich was wrapped in a DQ (Dairy Queen foil wrapper) and our drinks were served in out-of-state surplus paper cups. I really like it when a restaurant does this. In this case I think it means they care more about a fresh, quality product than a pretty monogrammed box, wrapper or cup. The staff was friendly and engaging. They remembered my buddy, what he usually eats and joked about his girlfriend being absent. You won't find this banter at a chain store restaurant--only at a mom and pop. There's one bathroom that's faithful to a fast food dive, but it was clean. I wish this joint was closer as I would come on a regular basis. I hope to be back soon though and look forward to trying something else from their extensive menu. Nice job Lulu's!
(5)Greg D.
Good food- great specials.
(4)laela l.
Reasons I keep going back - 1. service - the staff is very nice, a little old school (being called Sweetie or Baby won't get ya anything extra in the tip jar), but it's a mom-and-pop/family owned spot, and I'd rather support that than a McDonalds or BK any day. 2. reasonable/reliable - more bang for your buck. Bigger and meatier portions than a chain for around $5ish. 3. the yummy catfish sandwich...and it comes with fries
(3)Stephanie C.
One word. YUM!
(5)Karma K.
Lu Lu's makes going to see the Hawks at the UC that much better! The staff here is friendly, the food is unhealthy and absolutely delicious. They have a burger called "The Paul Bunyan" burger, how funny is that. They also having something called sea nuggets! Pretty much everything but the dogs and salads are deep fried. I'm OK with that because what they put out is always hot, fresh and just what I'm craving. You know when you eat a restaurant buzzed after a night of drinking and you say "Dang, that was the bestest meal I've ever had!" (slurring of words is appropriate here). Well with Lulu's you can go back stone cold sober and say the exact same thing but without slurring your words. Go to Lulu's today and get a couple of dogs or a huge ass turkey leg with fries. Their beefs are legit too.
(5)Rachel P.
I've eaten here a couple of times on my lunch break since I work in the neighborhood. Cash only, but an ATM is located inside. Standard sub shop offerings: subs, burgers, hot dogs, fried things of all kinds, milkshakes, etc. First time I had the shrimp basket (great deal for $5), and thought they were really tasty and crispy. Fries are kind of similar to McD's. Second time I had the steak, and would definitely not order it again; my jaw ached from trying to chew through that rubbery mess; even my garbage disposal other half wouldn't eat the rest of it and I ended up throwing it out. Inexpensive, friendly staff, would probably try again sometime.
(3)Ckardee A.
Good food great service 1st time here and I recommend this place. The staff was friendly upbeat
(5)Señorita Rodrigue Z.
I love LuLu's! I have been coming here since I was in the womb! My mother had cravings of this place, which is probably why I love their food. Nowadays, I am stuck on their Italian Beef with Sweet Peppers. Beware if you ask for hot....I am a spicy lover but the hot peppers have been extra hot these days. I hope they are not using habinero but it sure tastes like it. I have my italian beef, double dipped in its juice. If there is someone else ordering with me, I order cheese fries or fried mushrooms. The other things I have order in past years are polish sausage, milkshakes (this was a veryyy long time ago) and hotdogs. Those who know me, know that I despise hotdogs and when I order them, its for other people but they claim they taste great. If you go during the weekday, I would call in order during 11a-1pm as the medical district and county employees have lunch, you dont want to be there during this time, because youll be in line for a VERY long time. The parking lot is in the back, big ample space. Altho, I rant and rave about this place, I could not give 5 stars as this place is more a pickup joint than a sit down type (altho they have a huge dining area 99%never use it) & it looks dingy and the floor is sticky n sometimes dirty. Also, they still dont accept credit cards!! CASH ONLY!!!
(4)Paul S.
Dude, i had a fabulous meal! I walked in the door chanting, "Lu-Lu's...Lu-Lu's...Lu-Lu's!" The guy behind the counter was ecstatic to see me and my buddies. He recommended the beef. So, i got the Italian combo wet, hot, with provolone cheese melted on top (the only way), cheese fries with hot peppers on top, and a healthy glass of water to rinse it down. Holy Christ was it delicious. Not only was i starving, but the customer service was fun, the quality delicious, and the atmosphere nostalgic. Lu-Lu's...Lu-Lu's....Lu-Lu's!!!
(4)Kevin E.
Got to love when two people can eat two amazing dogs and fries for 5.00.
(5)Bailey Z.
I was staying at the nearby UIC campus guest housing for an interview. I had no idea where there was any food so I just started walking west. Little did I know, if I had walked a little east, I would have eventually hit the Italian and Greek neighborhoods. Instead, I came upon this shanty hole-in-the-wall. It seems like this place came straight out of the 80's. All the decor was outdated, but it had a nostalgic feel to it. Although it was probably way past its prime, I decided to give it a shot because most good local places aren't particularly flashy in appearance. I ordered the double Italian special, which came with fries and a drink and the food came out in about 10 seconds. I sat myself down in a completely empty dining room and saw a very sad looking sausage with various toppings. It was greasy and didn't taste great, but at that point, I hadn't eaten in almost a whole day so I could have eaten anything. The fries tasted like the oil had been reused for a long time. As I was just finishing up my Italian dog, I overheard some people referring to me as "oriental." I guess that's how I knew I was on the wrong side of town. I quickly finished up my fries and left. It was an interesting experience and kind of weird, but don't think I will return for a second try.
(2)Tony L.
This place right here is 100% what Chicago is all about! I love the unassuming little neighborhood spots and this one gets the job done! I love the atmosphere. Cool Chicago sports stuff hanging up all around the dining room. They have it all! Dogs, burgers, gyros, ribs, chicken, the list goes on. It's all very affordable too. Try the shakes and the fries too. Parking is never an issue there either because they have a huge lot. In the restaurant industry there is so much competition, places popping up left and right. And they're usually out of business just as fast as they open. But Lulu's has been stuffing hungry faces for over 40 years! I guess they gotta be doing something right, huh? But forget about the food, the atmosphere, longevity, prices. All that goes out the window if there is shitty customer service, right? Let me tell you, Lulu's is hands down the most customer friendly place I've ever been in my life. They really couldn't be nicer if they tried. They remember faces, and if you go there enough they really get to know you. And don't be afraid to ask questions about the menu. After all, it's huge and can be overwhelming. These guys are so nice that sometimes I don't even have a particular taste for their food but I go there anyway just for the great customer service and to support this place. Another thing I love about Lulu's is they only accept cash. Little things like that just bring me back to how things should still be. Don't worry though, they have an ATM inside. The only reason they got 4 and not 5 stars is because they're not open 24 hours. And sometimes the tv is too loud. But that's just me being way too picky.
(4)Maya P.
Great service, fast and super friendly. I wish their roast beef sandwiches were not as dry though.
(4)Taylor M.
I went to try out Lulu's on my quest for the best Italian beef sandwich in Chicago and Lulu's gave me a pleasant surprise. I was expecting it to be a place where the hot dogs are good (which they are) and everything else kinda sub-par but I was wrong. The beef was so fresh and juicy. The sandwich was stuffed with beef, not like the skimpy ones you see at Al's Beef. The seasoning was amazing. The service was great as well. They remembered us when we came back the next day to feed our addictions. They also have a hot dog special with two everything hot dogs and fries for under 5 bucks. Who can beat that!? I will definitely be returning many more times. I am no longer going to waste my money at Al's (or leave with greasy hands because Lulu's has a bathroom unlike Al's). Lulu's here I come! One word of warning... they sometimes close earlier than 1 am on the weekends... I learned the hard way and had to settle for a burrito on Friday :(.
(5)Andrea G.
Woah crazy salty! The Italian beef tasted like pure salt. If you want a sandwich that actually tastes like Italian beef, go down the block to Al's- so much better!
(2)Gilberto V.
not what i expected, fries were soggy and oily.. hot dogs were ok buns were hard on one side,, i would not go again....
(2)Steve D.
All the articles appearing in metropolitan Chicago publications about hot dogs prompted me to get to this fabled hot dog stand again. LuLu's has been around a long time. How can an 'insider' tell? Its street address is on Leavitt St. But Leavitt St. doesn't run by it any more. It was cul-de-sac'd a half-block north. LuLu's is now on the southwest corner of Ogden Ave. & Taylor St. Another way you can tell it has been around a long time is go inside and notice a reproduction of a Chicago Sun-Times readers' responses to one of Pat Bruno's fast-service-restaurant articles. It dates from 1983. You should recognize a familiar name represented thereupon. Was it a good hot dog? Yes, it was. The size here has always been the 'tens'. It was the best hot dog value in the city. Back in 1983, _not many people_ knew about it. Back then, the standard was a branded David Berg hot dog. David Berg ultimately was bought out by Vienna Sausage Mfg. Co., and whatever brand hot dog is being served here now is unknown to me. (It may even be not strictly kosher.) Is it still the best hot dog in the city? Sorry, no. But the bar has been raised considerably in the subsequent years. Lulu's is _still_ one of the best hot dog _values_ in the city. Two hot dogs will now cost you $3.25. The french fries are still institutional, but they're well prepared, and you get a reasonable quantity of them. (I won't spoil this review by otherwise mentioning other hot dog stands where it seems the amount of french fries you get with the "special" are strictly rationed to try and compel you to buy an additional order.) There are now a number of other entrees, including hamburgers, shrimp, catfish, perch, and chicken offered in a combination special. Amazingly for the neighborhood, there is a free parking lot aside. It is open until 11:00 pm on Monday - Thursday, 1:00 am on Friday & Saturday, and 10:00 pm on Sunday. Another aspect which has changed over the past quarter-century is that in 1983, I would not have attempted to walk the four blocks from the Blue Line "L"'s Illinois Medical District station [Damen exit]. The westbound #12 Roosevelt bus jogs north to Taylor via Damen along this span. The #38 Ogden | Taylor bus serves here, but only during weekday sunlight hours.
(3)Jonathan C.
I find it interesting all the cups here are from restaurants that are not Lulus. Hmm. Food here is greasy and but ok. I'm a fan of the pizza burger, but beware, they pile on enough garlic powder on it to kill you co-workers with your breath. The garlic actually stings as you as you chew. But that burger is delicious. Prices are reasonable. I prefer the "Twister" (curly) fries, which take a bit to cook up. The normal fries are just fine. I can't comment on the dog, as sadly, I like plain dogs, so its always a waste of money for me to order a Chicago dog, unless its like one dollar. Minor gripe though, the shakes are thick, like frosties, they don't whip them soft, for either broken equipment or speed reasons I imagine. If you feel like frosty though, this is the shake for you. This place has long lines, but moves them out quick, eat in area is bigger than you expect as well. Lots of us civil service type workers eat here for lunch, very working class type of place.
(3)Maxxy C.
I havent been to LuLu's in quite a while. But I know recall its a very popular hot dog joint in the West Loop. I will revisit Lulu soon and update this review. I don't know why I had not visited Lulu's more often. Maybe because it is a bit west. But, I'll revisit soon!
(3)M C.
Food is better than Bacci's, but it's hard to get over the uncleanness and urine smell in the dinning room. Overall decent diner food.
(2)Ramsey B.
A family favorite since the 1970's. I've had just about everything on their menu. What keeps me going back is their back to the old days hot dog special. Their Italian beefs are very good as well. Although, I don't understand why they would offer American cheese to add to their beef. Wouldn't mozzarella be the ideal cheese of choice? Anyway, there's nothing like having a beef minus any cheese. Lulu's does a great job with all their items. The restaurant is great for dine in as well...plenty of seating.
(4)Daniel S.
Solid option for greasy food on taylor street, ive gotten the shrimp and the polish sausage, both were good, as were the fries
(4)Michele B.
Al's watch out--this beef is the real thing!! Lots of meat great hot peppers and who could not add the friendly counter staff---they know the neighborhood and know their patrons--have gone back several times and they always seem to remember--and who could not love the views!! LOL Hot dog special is my second favorite, but they have specials all week long.
(5)Samantha G.
Fast food & friendly service at its finest. Lulu's has the largest assortment of fast food choices that I have ever encountered. They only accept cash, however they have an ATM conveniently located inside. One evening I came in and totally forgot to get cash. As I cried to myself a "damn, I don't have cash on me"...one of the sweet young guys offered to take care of the bill. As a strong, independent woman, I kindly refused and walked over to the ATM. I always look forward to eating at this place and catch some laughs with the guys. The guys are always friendly and never have an attitude. Come in and grab a bite to eat!
(5)Camille O.
Hungry and looking for a place with all the gritty feel of a Chicago detective story? Lulu's is pure Chicago - hot dogs ('everything' does not include ketchup which every Chicagoan knows!), Polish sausage, Italian beef, and meatball sandwiches - served up fast and hot. There's plenty of parking and a large dining area that's kept clean and tidy. Everyone from cops on the beat, docs from nearby County Hospital, neighborhood locals, and university students file in and out of Lulu's for good, inexpensive, authentic Chicago west-side dining. Hours: Monday - Thursday 10A - 11P Friday and Saturday 10A - 1A Sunday 10A - 10P.
(3)mikey m.
Great place. Food is good and prices reasonable. I eat there quite a bit seeing how close to my work it is
(4)Masala B.
If you are a meat-lover, try the double italian sausage combo. For less than five bucks, you will understand why Chicago is famous for it's meat foods. Food is cheap and delicious. Service is fast and friendly.
(4)David K.
Pros: The hot-dogs...well they taste like hot-dogs. DELICIOUS. The employees are suuuper nice. The hot dogs come with a healthy serving of fries. Also tried the ribs here. I usually don't like ribs, but i ate these with joy. Cons: Some of their customers are creepy. Don't go there alone if you are a female, you will get stared at...hard. Note: its not on leavit St. its on the corner of Damen and Taylor.
(4)Kayee I.
It had been eons since I'd frequented Lulu's but I made it a point to do so one sunny fall afternoon, famished after running a laundry list of errands. I had been craving a burger and spotted the words "Paul Bunyan" in the corner of my eye as I strolled in to Lulu's. The Paul Bunyan is a double burger served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese served on French bread. For the massive burger, a side of fries and a medium iced tea, the damage to the pocketbook was only a mere dent of about $10. If you're looking for a little less to gorge on, try one of their combo specials.
(3)James V.
The best place for cheap hot dogs and pizza puffs that you're gonna find. Typical Chicago style with no crap attitude, which I love. Just give me two dogs and a pop for 6 bucks. How can you beat that? How can you not go to Lulu's and love Donny. Been going here for years and not stopping anytime soon. Tip: point to the sky and ask Donny when the last time he talked to the big guy.
(5)Tracee H.
I usually don't write reviews but I was so blown away by this place, I wanted to give them a shout out. I walked in and ordered 10 Chicago dogs and a few sandwiches. The food was prepared quickly, fries were made to order, and the price was crazy inexpensive. $5.25 for TWO HOTDOGS WITH FRIES. The hots dog buns were nice and soft, hot dog was juicy and the toppings were perfect. Oh, and did I mention the staff? The guys behind the counter were friendly, funny, and overall cool. I'm only in town for a few days but I will definitely be back!
(5)Passhon J.
Lulu's could never do it for me. I've tried several different items, and absolutely disgusting. Hot dogs on down to their shakes.
(1)Rozalynn B.
I had an Italian beef, ext5ry juicy w/hot peppers. I also had an order of fries. The beef was very good & dipped exactly as requested. YESSSSSSSSSS .... The beef was not fatty & they didn't skimp. The peppers weren't that hot, but that's ok. The fries were fresh, but they skimped on those.. I wasn't pleased with that I love fries. But I'll definitely be going back for more!!!
(4)Vishal P.
This place... WOW. The quality of food for the price is great. Their hot dogs are pretty standard. Can't really mess up a hot dog. Their special is pretty good - 2dogs chicago style and fries for $5. What sets this place apart is their Italian Beef. It's the best I've had. Better than Al's beef in my opinion! The beef is perfectly cooked, tender, warm, and is paired perfectly with the jous. Add some pepper and celery salt... perfection. Oddly enough this place makes good gyros, ribs, and milkshakes also! Great hole in the wall place. The service is friendly. Every time I walk in the man behind the counter takes the time to talk to me while he's making my food. Great place!
(4)Jeff M.
I really like this family owned business, both Don and Joe always treat me great even if I only make it by a couple of times a year. Like my Dad (Doc), I love the Italian beef with hot peppers,
(5)Zachary H.
I grew up eating this food, I just love this place, I remember when you can get two hot dogs and fries for a $1.25
(5)Adam K.
Good for a quick fast food bloated artery bomb but nothing that special. Their fries are good. Ribs are good, chicken wings are actually really good, but the creepy mural on the side of the building makes me want to say, thanks but no thanks. Also, I have been standing in line and def felt like I was being mean mugged, and I was. This is directly across the street from the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center and I think that bad energy fucks with the qi in this place, namaste.
(3)JB A.
One word: love. The dogs are as awesome as the friendly owner, who suggested a tasty combination of a Chicago dog, fries, and an Italian beef sandwich. Be prepared for a great meal, friendly staff, posters from the late 80s, and hideously-cool orange plastic seats.
(5)Josh A.
Nothing was all that special to me about Lulu's. I live incredibly close but I tend to frequent Bacci's more often as I think their food is better. I love the sports/Chicago theme inside, but I never feel particularly safe at Lulu's. Their dogs were nothing special.
(3)Ruben Q.
Had the meatball sandwich and chilli tamale combo its was great! Great food, friendly staff and fast service. A must try Chicago spot.
(5)