Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs

As a Chicago native you would think that I love hot dogs, but that is not the case. You may be wondering why then I decided to review a hot dog restaurant. The answer is simple... if there is one place I am going to find a taste of and reminder of home, it is going to be at a hot dog joint. I brought my dad (another Chicago native) and my neighbor along with me and we ventured into Billy's newest location to open up on Colfax. We walked in the door and were greeted by the gentleman working. We looked over the menu and planned our attack as a few people walked in. Other than that it was fairly quiet inside. The interior is very traditional of a fast food restaurant, hard-top tables and plastic chairs. They have two televisions and additional seating upstairs.

My neighbor ordered the 24-hour hot dog ($4.50). A Vienna beef dog with everything on it. My dad ordered the Deluxe Burger ($6) with cheese ($1) and I ordered my all-time favorite Chicago sandwich... a Chicago Italian Beef ($7.50)! I added mozzarella cheese ($1) and asked for my hot peppers on the side. When he asked me if I would like my beef wet or dry I promptly responded that I wanted it wetter than any girl he's ever touched. He smiled sheepishly and asked if we would like anything to drink.

I asked for a pistachio milk shake and was sadly informed that the ice cream machine was not working so we all ordered a beer. They have seven craft beers on draft ($4.50) along with Coors Light ($3). I saw they also had wine and a couple beers available in cans but no list of alcohol offered. As I handed him my payment I remembered that I forgot to order their absolutely amazing garlic french fries. I asked him for an order of the garlic fries and much to my dismay they had not received their garlic shipment that day and could not make them. My heart sunk. I was lost in disappointment when he offered to make us Cajun fries (not on the menu) on the house. I am not crazy about Cajun seasoning but I could see he wanted to make up for the items they could not provide so I obliged. He asked if we would like everything all at once or as it was ready, we said as it was ready, grabbed our beers and took a seat.

It only took a handful of minutes before for the 24-hour dog, cheeseburger, and fries were ready. The gentleman brought them over to us and returned to finish making my Italian beef. I started with the Cajun fries. They were a little on the salty side, as is common with Cajun seasoning, but hot and fresh. Then I took a bite of my neighbors 24-hour dog. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! It reminded me of a nice warm summer day at Wrigley Field watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball. Next I took a bite of my dad's cheeseburger. It was an a-typical fast food cheeseburger, however it was pretty heavy on the mustard and did not have everything on it that the menu listed. There was no ketchup or mayo, the pickle was a spear on the side and the tomato was not sliced, rather a wedge (common preparation for hot dogs). My Italian beef arrived and the gentleman asked us how we were doing. Immediately I picked up my piping hot, soaking wet sandwich and dove right in. My first bite was exactly what I was looking for. Hot and savory roast beef, sweet green bell peppers and melting mozzarella; but the last few bites are the best part, completely soaked Gonnella french roll with the remaining remnants of beef, peppers, and cheese. Instantly I was back home reveling in the glory of a Chicago style Italian beef.

In the end I really enjoyed Billy's. Yes there were some hiccups; no shake, no garlic fries and items missing from the cheeseburger, but the service was outstanding. I have never eaten at a fast food restaurant where the associate working constantly checked on us and cleaned our table as we ate. You cannot get that kind of genuine hospitality at some casual restaurants let alone fast food places. Tasty Chicago style food and exceptional service, I give Billy's 2 stars.

Billy's Gourmet Hot Dogs
600 E. Colfax
303-593-1622
Cash, MC and Visa only
M-TH 10am-10pm
Fri-Sat 10am-12am
Sun 10am-9pm
Parking lot behind store
No reservations
$

  

enJoycement

I was born and raised in the wonderful city of Chicago! I am very fortunate to have grown up in a city with such great diversity and have the opportunity to enlighten my palate to the many delicious cuisines this vast planet has to offer.

Over the course of the last twelve years I have lived in six states and nine different cities or towns across the United States. My travels have allowed me to further enhance my palate's knowledge of cuisine as well as experience many of the various cultures that thrive in the United States.

I have worked in the hospitality industry for ten years now with experience in a number of different facets within the industry to include: corporate chain restaurants, mom-n-pop diners, locally owned restaurants, hotels, resorts and a cruise ship. When I started working in the industry I just needed a job and it is an easy industry to access without experience; but as time went on I developed a burning passion for this industry and the opportunity it provides to bring enjoyment and fulfillment to other people's lives. I am a student at Johnson & Wales University studying culinary arts and food service management and I will apply for their MBA program with a concentration in hospitality.

Colorado Coolinary is my quest for enlightenment and enjoyment through hospitality. I will begin with a focus on finding all that I came to love about food and service in Chicago from locally owned, non-corporate restaurants here in Colorado. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all and I hope that these experiences provide you with an opportunity to enrich your lives and enjoy them the way the human race has been since the beginning of time!

~Joyce