It's been a few months since Leo's Coney Island (3455 N. Southport, 773-281-5367) opened, along with the subsequent rush of gawkers and gourmands who have to be The First Through The Door. Folks here at Chicagoist are not ones to shy away from a good chili dog, especially a Detroit-style Coney. After ordering two Coney dogs from Leo's (partly for dinner, partly to bring down my blood sugar levels after sneaking guava Jarritos and Reese's Pieces into a screening of the restored "Metropolis"), I wished I had made my own from Karl's recipe, or my own favorite combination of Vienna Beef and chili from Ramova Grill. more ›

While we love our Chicago-style dogs, we don't shy away from a real good chili dog. Depending on which "wacky food holiday" calendar you're referencing, either last month was or this month is National Chili Month. But far too many hot dog stands , using the "stack 'em high" approach of building a Chicago Dog, try to do the same when making a chili dog, leading to a mess of a meal. In the case of a chili dog — with a couple exceptions — less is more. Simple is the order: chili, some shredded cheddar and raw onions is all you need. more ›