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
$
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