Hold The Beef: Huey's Is Huge On Taste
By John DiGilio in Food on Jul 11, 2012 8:40PM
After a short hiatus, Hold the Beef, a monthly series exploring Chicago’s vegetarian burger scene, is back! If you know any veggie burger joints that we should check out, please share them in the comments!
This month, Hold the Beef is again going to the dogs... hot dogs, that is. After all, we can't write about burgers all of the time. Who doesn't like a little variety between their buns? Of the three main American food groups (hamburgers and pizza being the other two) hot dogs hold a special place in our hearts. Luckily, for those of us who prefer to get our pups without killing pigs or other animals to do so, veggie wieners hold a special place in the hearts of the folks at Huey's Hot Dogs in Andersonville.
If there is one thing we have tried to make clear in this series, it is that not all vegetarian alternatives are created equal. Sure, they may all start with similar proteins (tofu, tempeh, seitan, etc.), but that is as far as the similarities go. There is a lot of magic that takes place during the preparation and especially the presentation of a meatless meal that can really make it either stand out or be relegated to the land of the bland and forgettable. Huey's works that magic most masterfully. They call it "Bon Bon's Veggie Dog." Charred or steamed, it is a site to behold and a bite to be believed.
Having heard great reviews of their regular burgers and dogs, we decided to put Huey's veggie pup to the test. It had been several years since our last visit to this place, so we decided it was time for a real review. For a small shop on a side street, this place sure gets busy. Even with all the hubbub, we did not wait long for our dogs and fries to arrive. What first won us over was they way they looked. Piled high, Chicago style, these were a sight for hungry eyes. One bite confirmed what we already expected - these hot dogs were not just another couple of pretty wieners. They tasted every bit as great as they looked. Simply delicious! We were two for two, folks. As if we needed any more convincing, the bill also made us smile. We had two hearty veggie dogs, two substantial servings of fries, and a pair of Cokes for just over $15. We filled our tummies without emptying our wallets.
The service is fast and friendly at Huey's and the location, just off Andersonville's bustling business corridor, is hard to beat for fun and convenience. In a neighborhood teeming with tasty, higher-priced options, Huey's is an oasis for budget-conscious, comfort-seeking diners. Let's face it, every once in a while, you just want a wiener. Huey's Hot Dogs is on our shortlist for places to go when we get the craving!
Huey's Hot Dogs is located at 1507 W. Balmoral Ave. in Andersonville and is open daily from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (7 p.m. on Sundays).
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