Jim's Original Reviews

Used to go here to enjoy Maxwell Street Polish but no longer because the prices are outrageous for street food. Major mark up on the Polish Sage that they are well known for. The polish costs .70 cents a piece, the french fries are around .60 cents. Now they are charging $5.15 for a polish and fries. Nit fair to any customer. Will not be back. Just not worth it.

This food stand(?) is a winner! I've been here a few times, but each time I get the same things. The polish sausage with grilled onions and the greesy fries for less than $5. This makes for a quick and inexpensive meal, leaving you wanting some more. Jim's Original Hot Dog definitely hits the spot. Whenever I'm in Chicago and craving for some hot dog-like food, only this place can satisfy. On a side note, this place is perfect for the winter. Whether you're shivering outside in the cold and need something warm in your belly, or you're comfortably enjoying your meal inside your parked car and feeling sorry for those outside, either way, you'll end up happy and warm.

You can't get a better Polish sausage sandwich in the city. Had it like I always do, with grilled onions, easy mustard, and hot peppers. The hot peppers are not the sport peppers one usually gets from a jar. Maybe it's their own concoction, but they're good, but not crunchy. Cars are always backed up on both sides of the street. It's metered parking and I saw the meter-maid on the next block afoot, but the service is so fast, I always get away without paying. They have a counter outside against the wall where you could eat. Super-fast and delicious! I did notice every car had Illinois plates. Maybe the secrets not out yet. Yeah, right. Right off the expressway. Get off at Roosevelt and go west to Union (it runs along side the expressway).

Never had one before in my 45 years of life born and raised in Chicago and the burbs but I'm gonna try my first jewtown polish tonight!

If you are looking for some fantastic street food, you found a winner. Jim’s Original is a Chicago Classic. Open 24/7 so you can get your fix any time, of their yummy grilled onions that cover just about everything on the menu. My favorite is their famous bone-in Pork Chop sandwich and their simple but perfect fish sandwich. Everything is good from the chicken sandwich to their jumbo all-beef hotdogs and legendary Polish Sausage. There is always a line of people at the window because I am pretty sure everyone in Chicago eats here. The service is fast and the fries are always scorching hot. Don’t be tempted to go to the look-alike next door that has no line, it is empty for a reason.

It’s a Chicago thing. I always go to get a polish sausage whenever I get home again. Nothing like it on the east coast.

I saw this restaurant on YouTube a few years ago and made a mental note that one day when I’m in Chicago I was going to check it out. In April of 2025 I was there and, that sausage was amazing. It just worked. I order a polish sausage with everything on it. The sausage was just drowning in cooked onions with two cooked peppers also added, fries and a drink come with it. The fries were fresh cooked and I order a water to wash it all down. Before I left Chicago I was carving another polish sausage before my flight but was unable to. I’m a little jealous that I don’t live in Chicago to come here all the time.

I had a really local experience! I was lucky, no lines when I arrived. Fast service, good price, and so yuummm. And the best part of the experience was eating outside stand up, reading the amazing history about the Jim´s Original hot dog. A hook to my list LOL i heard a lot of local people never have been there. OH, be careful with the pepper is HOT

I came to Jim's Original for the Vienna beef hot dogs. That was back in the 1970s and 1980s when Jimmy Stefanovic's original stand was located on the northwest corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets. Due to expansion of the Illinois-Chicago campus, Jim's Original was relocated in 2001 and again in 2005 to 1250 South Union Avenue, on the southwest corner of Union and James Rochford Street. And another Jim's Original opened in 1990 at 16 East 95th Street, a half-block east of the Dan Ryan Expressway. But some things never change. Jimmy created the Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich in 1943, more than 70 years ago, and it still attracts hungry customers today, no matter where the stand is located. The sweet, smoked Polish sausage is served on a hot bun with a layer of yellow salad mustard topped with a mountain of sweet colossal Spanish onions grilled to perfection and with an abundance of spicy hot sport peppers. There are other delicious sandwiches on the menu--hot dogs, pork chop, hamburger, cheeseburger, filet of fish and chicken breast. I must admit that I am more tempted by the Vienna beef hot dog. But who can argue with the overwhelming choice of most customers who come for the Polish sausage? And wash it down with grape pop, as it was done in Jimmy's time? There is a lot of history at Jim's Original. But the most memorable thing of all is the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich still tastes as good as ever.

Didn't get to eat lunch so grabbed a polish and double cheeseburger. Got home, ate it, tummy got warm and vomitied. And I kept vomiting until it found a different exit.

I had heard about this place and then, in a stroke of luck, stumbled upon it on our way out of town. It is basically a couple of walk up windows, so don’t expect sit down dining. That said, the lines move very fast. We got sausage sandwiches which came with mustard and a pile of stewed onions. The taste was fantastic. The sausage was smoky and the mustard and onions added the perfect complement. These were not greasy or heavy at all, more like a hot dog than the sausage sandwiches you get at the county fair. The sandwiches wall came with fries, which were very crispy and tasty. Price was very reasonable. This was the cheapest meal we had all week. Servers were also very friendly. Great place for a Chicago classic.

Absolutely love Maxwell Street Polish sausage and hot dogs and burgers always hot with lots of onions and free fries at a price you can't beat

As an Aussie on a trip around the USA one of the things I wanted to try is a local legend Im lucy that I found this by chance while out walking. I tried the sausage. It was great (after i took the onion off) I will be heading back a few times since its so close to where I'm staying. If you are local then make sure you try it.

So Yum! Cheap, fast, delicious. Pork Chop sandwich, say what! Security is also now in place so you feel safe. The only downfall is the smell of piss everywhere outside. But such a unique experience. You want local and history, you go to Jims!

Get the original Chicago Polish Sausage. With everything: Grilled Onions, Mustard, Hottttt Peppers on the bun. French Fries included! Open and delicious 24/7/365. I think I may have went there during the Polar Vortex this winter and these guys were open. Bring a couple of bucks as tip!

Opened in 1939, Jim's Original is an old-school, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week hot dog stand that is noted for smothering almost all of its hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches with Sweet Colossal Spanish onions, spicy hot sports peppers and yellow salad mustard. Located at 1250 South Union Avenue, at the southwest corner of Union and James Rochford Street, it started at Maxwell and Halsted but moved to its current location in the wake of the University of Illinois-Chicago's expansion. Jim's claim to fame is the original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage sandwich, which it created in 1943. It features Polish sausage on a hot bun with a layer of yellow salad mustard topped with a mountain of Sweet Colossal Spanish onions and spicy hot sport peppers. With a free order of fries. Honestly, I've never warmed to Polish sausage or brats. But I truly enjoy Jim's cheeseburger with grilled ground beef on a hot bun with yellow mustard, onions, peppers and a slice of American cheese and Jim's filet of fish sandwich with tender whitefish on a hot bun with tartar sauce and onions. My wife prefers the chicken breast sandwich. Imagine, a hot dog stand that isn't noted for its hot dogs. Perhaps that's because Jim's version is a 100 percent beef hot dog with yellow mustard, onions and peppers, not the more celebrated Chicago-style model. Jim's pork chops sandwich also is very popular. Jim's has been in business for 80 years. So he must be doing something right.

After a concert, our Uber driver dropped us here for a late night snack. Be prepared to wait. It was busy. I ordered the polish and cheese fries. Best polish I've ever had. Perfect snap and packed full of flavor. Decent bun with some sautéed onions. The fries themselves look like handcut fries and were good. I was hoping for something better than a bland cheese sauce for the cheese part so the part was disappointing. It is worth the wait and gives you a glimpse into Chicago food culture. It is famous for a reason.

My Daddy has been taking me to this place since I was a kid!! I no alive in Chicago,but when I visit this is a must go!! I would love watching how they prepare the polish for me and my dad!! Definitely gives me a feeling of nostalgia. Historical place and it will ALWAYS get 5 stars from me!! ❤️😁

Went here on a Friday night for a quick bite before going home after hanging out all night. Quick sevice, the food was good too. Not bad for a 24/7 spot.

Jim’s is a bit out of the way, especially for tourists without a car, but this ~80-year old street food destination is a Chicago foodie institution. If needed, the Chicago Transit Authority’s #8 Bus (Halsted) lets you off a block from the Sandwich Shop. I decided to visit Jim’s (based on the “Somebody Feed Phil” recommendation) and enjoyed my taste of the local cuisine. I tried the all-beef Polish hot dog with cheese fries. There wasn’t much of a line when I was there, the prices were decent, and the service was quick. Be warned, the accompanying hot pepper is extra spicy!

I am sorely disappointed. I grew up eating the "Jew Town" Maxwell Street polish. I moved away 30 years ago now and had a taste for one. I went to a place that appears to be a franchise called The Original Maxwell Street . I asked "Are your polish like the real Jew Town polish?" The guy assured me that they were. They weren't. Matter of fact they were some burned dried out smoke links the size of a hot dog. The onion (the staple of th JT Ppolish) paled in comparison. It was few and they were dark and oily. I was hungry so, I took one bight. My mouth kicked it out. I wrapped the polish and headed to the trash can. A man was there asking for $5 to buy one. He excepted that one so, I felt like my money wasn't wasted. Another gentleman heard my choice words and informed me about This place (Jim's) I went for lunch the next day. I saw the onions, the looked good so I was hopeful. The wrap them up. I opened it and looked at it. Looks like a hotdog too, and the onions were sparse. I told the cashier, a jew Town polish has more onions, so, they added a few more. I put it into the bag. At the few fries they give you, then took the polish out and bit into it. It was room temperature, dry, and the onions were room temperature as well. I give up! I am so disappointed. It's the next day. I had thrown it into the refrigerator when I got home. I am forcing myself to eat it now. I have conceded that THE Jew Town polish is gone forever. It's just a memory.

They have the best polish and fries in town! We come here like once a month from up north just to eat. We love it! Be careful with the peppers!! One big bite will ruin it if you don't like Hot peppers!

Ok, I know they have been at the new location for a while. I went to college at UIC and have been going to Jim's since the mid 1980 at the old location. While I miss the old location, the food and quick service are the same.....FANTASTIC. Best polish that can be purchased at a fast food place....BY FAR. So it's been a few years since I have been to Jims but decided to take my wife who has never been there and it was a hit for her as well. We each had a polish each and split a porkchop sandwich that everyone should try at least once. Me I love the porkchop sandwich but the polish is still THE BOMB. Fries are still as awesome as I remember. Great during after or before a night out drinking.

The food is so good. fresh & hot right on the spot, everything on the menu is great. Been going to this restaurant since i was a kid(1980's). I love this place, everthing on menu is good, my favorite is the fish ^ Chicken sandwich.

If you have to look on trip advisor for this listing, you are either a tourist and/or desperately trying to take a hard fall off the Vegan wagon. Jim's is a unwavering Chicago institution which I have had the honor of enjoying for over four decades, especially at 3am and every time I am on my way to/from Midway. Air travel is probably my most opportune time time enjoy these cylindrical feats of wonder as its right off/on the Kennedy Expressway and there is no place to sit and eat, so its either your car like dozens of others illegally parked at all hours (including cops) or take away. In all my flights out of Chicago every year, I always get complements and actual cash offers when the awesome fresh smell permeates the aircraft cabin! I believe you will understand this true enchantment with the Maxwell Street Polish just by walking up to the order window. You will be a witness in a rare physical display of simple culinary artistry from a bygone era, with the entire process from grill to bag is conjured up in seconds within two feet of your eyes. I have out of town guests leaving with severe oral burns because they had to eat it before even getting back to the car so I suggest you wait a few minutes.

Came here on New Year's Day. I wanted my sister to get a new experience so my daughter & I was trying to go find a place for a quick bite but instead ended up here. Unfortunately no longer a meat eater 😢. But I knew she would have what I know a good sausage. My daughter & sister got the polishes with fried onions & of course free fries. They were crispy & hot. A must when coming to Chicago.

As a former sportswriter for the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times,I remember when I covered Chicago Public League playoff games at Illinois-Chicago's old baseball field in the 1970s and 1980s. Sometime between the fourth or fifth innings, we'd always sneak away to buy a couple of hot dogs at the famous hot dog stand at Halsted and Maxwell Streets. Well, due to UIC expansion, the hot dog stand was relocated in 2001 and again in 2005 to 1250 South Union Avenue, at the southwest corner of Union and James Rochford Street. It's still what it always was, from the time it opened in 1939, a go-to destination for the original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, pork chop sandwich, Vienna beef hot dogs, hamburgers, double cheeseburgers, filet of fish and chicken breast. Served on hot buns with a layer of yellow mustard topped with a mountain of sweet colossal Spanish onions grilled to perfection with an abundance of hot sport peppers. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. And Jim Koutrotsios is still around to make sure every customer has enjoyed his dining experience, as he has for the last 35 years. I still remember the old Maxwell Street site, just down the block from the old police station that served as a centerpiece for the popular and long-running Hill Street Blues television show.

Following our drivers recommendation, we endured terrible friday night traffic to get here. Quick service, yet very buys. Great dogs and other menu options. Worth the effort for old school food. we only ate the hot dogs but the other food looked great.

Came here for the famous Maxwell Street Polish. There was no wait on a weekday late afternoon, and the price was right: $6 for a Polish sausage, fries, and soda. The Polish was delicious and the fries were crisp and tasty. The location is kind of tucked out of the way, but it's a great spot for old-school street food.

It's amazing to think that Jim's Original Hot Dog has been in operation since 1941. Even though it has been relocated to a nearby location over the years, it is still THE place to come for a late night hot dog, Polish sausage or burger, among other things. We ordered a cheeseburger and a Polish sausage today, both of which came with tasty French fries. You have to love the gobs of sweet grilled onions, along with a smear of mustard. It had been awhile since we had been here, but we learned that Jim's Original Hot Dog now accepts credit cards.

Was in Chicago for a conference, got the tip from the hotel cleark that if you want a true Chicago polish sausage, this was the place. They were so right and glad we took up the suggestion. Took an Uber from downtown ($8) each way approximately. Place is 24 hours and does not have a place to sit, but has a small shelf table on the side of the building to eat the goods. Fries come with each purchase and they were almost as good as the polish sausage. Make the trip eat some great drunk food, and then order another to sober up.

We had a good american fast food experience here. The polish sausage is yummy with fried onion on top. Price is great for it. Comes with Fries! lots of it. You can required the hot pepper which is too hot for us hahaha.

One of my favorites. One of Chicago's classic must go's. The entire experience is amazing. Grab a fish sandwich, eat at the counter outside, and enjoy the city. Beware: the peppers are hot!

Always great polish,hot dogs,pork chops,fish burgers open 24/7 Maxwell polish beef or pork always great!!

Everything was great except we said 4 times coca cola order was rang up NO COCA COLA just for the man to say YOU ALL DIDNT ORDER COCA-COLA waved us off to the next customer WOW how we said COCA-COLA 4xs just to be told we didn't I told my family 🙄 WELCOME TO CHICAGO

One of the BEST of Chicago eats! This stand is open 24 hours a day and has been serving those delicious Maxwell St. polish for decades! Loved that little snap you get when you bit from a hot dog (it comes with fries). Parking can be tricky but service fast and friendly! It's a must-do if visiting the Windy City!

When I attended the old Chicago Police Academy at 720 W. O'Brien St. (before the one on 1300 W. Jackson Blvd.), Jim's Original Hot Dog would be a distracting smell while listening to lectures or taking exams. Now O'Brien St. is named for the late Chicago Police Supt. James Rochford. On days when the weather and the wind were right, you could take in the smells while working at the old Area Four Headquarters, which became known as the Hill St. station, and is now the headquarters for the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department at 943 W. Maxwell (some distance away from Jim's original Hot Dog). Sure, it wasn't the healthiest food, but it did taste good. And if you happened to be working the 3rd Watch (evenings) or the 1st Watch (midnights), there was nothing like stopping at Jim's for that hot dog with onions and mustard. Often you would find yourself standing in line with folks that you had investigated or arrested. But the one thing everyone had in common was the hot dog, so I guess it was like a DMZ. Nothing seems to have changed with the hot dog, or burger or the bone-in pork chop or the Polish sausage with the fries in a brown paper bag. The prices are really good and the service is extremely efficient.

Came in September 21 We got the original dog with all the toppings and stood right outside of the stand and scarfed them down. This was our breakfast for the day since we had just landed! It is in a sketchier part of town so we kept our baggage close and ignored the drama that happened briefly around us. Well worth it and would do it again!

This is one of those places that earned a reputation and continue to protect that reputation. Jim's has been around for 8 decades. Their hot dogs and sausages are simply the best, cooked properly and a most gratifying snack or meal. As a testament to their quality it is amazing to see how many cars pull up for a to go meal (this is not a restaurant, ie: it is literally a great stand. Worth the trip!

We hadn't planned on stopping at Jim's, but when traffic on the Kennedy was way heavier than expected, we decided to pick something up there, as we finished two quick errands in the nearby West Loop. We ordered a cheeseburger and a Polish sausage. They both hit the spot as we continued driving out of Chicago. They have a taste all of their own - which is good!

I happened to catch a long YouTube video showing how they grill polish sausages, hamburgers, pork chops, onions, and more, and it all looked incredibly delicious! But I wasn't sure I'd ever have an opportunity to get there. But . . . a family wedding took place in Elkhart, IN on April 30, and we flew into MDW from LAX on the 28th. My first stop after picking up my rental car was Jim's! It was a few minutes before 1pm and I expected it to be busier, but we had no trouble parking on Union Ave. Ordered my polish with extra mustard and loaded with onions, and I was not disappointed! The onions were tender and sweet, the sausage was perfect and not at all greasy. I only had one, but could have eaten two more. Yummmmmy! I don't usually eat french fries, but the ones that come with the sandwiches are definitely unique . . . they are extra crispy on the outside and wonderfully creamy on the inside. I've never had any like this before, and will certainly get an extra order the next time . . . possibly before my return flight to LA. If you like hot dogs or polish sausages, and you don't know about Jim's Original, you have to check it out!

If I lived closer, I'm sure I would come here at least once a week. But it's miles from my house and I am almost never in this neighborhood so I can't see myself making the pilgrimage. The Polish is their go-to and yeah, it's tasty. The food isn't "better" than anywhere else in my opinion, but there's a lot of kitsch appeal because it's a walk-up window and it's got the history and everything so it psychologically feels cooler than an average greasy spoon. That being said, you should certainly come here as a tourist or a hot dog stand enthusiast or because you saw it on a food show somewhere. Lots of blue-collar types and people that work nearby are the main clientele. Parking on the street is great fun as you'll encounter dozens of people that don't know how to parallel park and navigating all the trash that's spread out around the street is fun too. Does it add to the mystique? You decide.

After a swim meet at UIC. As always it is fast and good. If you like polish sausage it is the best in Chicago. And the kids love the hot dogs and burgers. Only draw back is it take out only.

Seriously, nothing great about it. Nothing poor about it. Theyre hot dogs. The fries are good and come with your order.

It was a wet and cold winter morning that we stopped by to buy several hot dogs. There were many cars that parked along the road, but surprisingly the queue moved quickly. The hot polish sausages with fries and grillled onions were delicious and certainly welcome to the famished. The prices are very affordable and they accept credit cards for payment. For an out-of-town visitor, this is definitely worth returning for.

Finally made it to Jim's Original Hot Dog and I can't wait to go again. I tried polish Hot dog. Amazing it had a great snap and a wonderful beef flavor. Also tried the Pork chop sandwich juicy tender and delicious. A lot of people standing in line but let me tell you they are fast every traveler should go there

Never again will I go there! When the rude guy yells NEXT, go to the place NEXT door!!! People were complaining! Very RUDE!

I've been eating from Jims for over 30 years! My mothers husband used to gamble quite a bit when I was a child and would frequent the dog track so we would drive to Illinois almost every weekend. On the trips we used to get these huge burritos or polishes. As a teenager, I didn't do the trips any more, but my much younger siblings did and they ate all of the polishes on the way home, so all that was left was a few pork chop sandwiches, in which I had never even had a pork chop before, but I tried it since that was all they had left and I've been hooked every since!! It's soo crazy how I crave their pork chop sandwiches! I live in WI, but I don't care what time it is , if I'm in the Chi or even just driving through, its mandatory, that I stop and get one! I just wish I knew the secret to the marinade of those pork chops and onions, my goodness! I LOVE THIS PLACE! ** THIS IS COUNTER SERVICE ONLY*** SERVICE IS QUICK AND FRIENDLY

If you haven't been here @ 3am filling up on a Polish sausage or pork chop sandwich after a night of partying you don't know Chicago. I love Jim's, been coming here since before I knew my ABC's  when they were on Halsted and Maxwell. It doesn't get any better than this. And, no long lines. I used come here after a long night, overload on Polish sausage and pork chops. This place has been featured on local TV food critics shows as the best and original.

Such a great polish sausage. Wonderful snap and full flavor. I will definitely return the next time we are in Chicago. I would love to do a comparison with the very similar looking Express Grill next door. Menu item to menu item. I've heard Jim's wins across the board.

Yummy, authentic and accessible from I-90, the location is perfect for grabbing a Chicago classic before heading home. The place is fast, well priced and tasty. I look forward to it every time I visit. Why would to buy any other road food if in the area.

We ended up at Jim's thanks to our Uber driver after a Dead show. I had the all beef polish dog with sweet onions and mustard. All dogs and sandwiches come with free fries! I also ordered the pork chop sandwich, bone-in. It was amazing! Covered in onions and sauce, I've never had anything quite like it. Cheap, fast, and delicious...Definitely a must late-night stop for anyone visiting Chicago.

Jimmy Stefanovic created the first polish sausage sandwich at his small hot dog stand on the corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets in 1941, two years after he opened. A complex mix of spices, garlic, crunch, meatiness, sweetness and hot, Jimmy grilled one-third pound of specially prepared and smoked port and beef Polish sausage until the casing achieved a light crunchy texture. On the same grill, he slow-cooked pounds of sweet onions to a perfectly caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Then he smeared bright yellow mustard on the inside of a white hot dog bun and placed the freshly cooked Polish sausage inside. On top of the sausage he heaped a pile of the sweet, grilled onions, added a couple of hot sport peppers, wrapped it in wax paper and placed it in a brown paper bag. The Original Maxwell Street Polish sausage sandwich was born. Due to Illinois-Chicago's expansion, that tiny stand was relocated first in 2001 and then in 2005 a block north and a block east to the southwest corner of Union Avenue and James Rochford Street. But the Polish sausage recipe remains the same. It's an old-school, 24/7 hot dog stand that continues to attract old-time customers who recall when Jim's Original was the cornerstone of the Old Maxwell Street Market. While the Polish sausage remains the signature item on Jim's menu, there are other sandwiches that are popular, including bone-in pork chop served on a hot bun with a layer of yellow mustard topped with a mountain of sweet Spanish onions, Vienna beef hot dog, double cheeseburger, filet of fish and chicken breast. Everything comes with sweet Spanish onions grilled to perfection and a bag of French fries. Wash it all down with a bottle of grape pop or root beer. I remember in the 1980s, before Jim's moved from the original site on Maxwell Street, near the old police station made famous in the famed television series Hill Street Blues, we used to run to Jim's for hot dogs between innings during Chicago Public League playoff games at UIC's old field. Even the players wanted some. You never can get enough of a good thing.

During my visit to Chicago I had to stop by Jim's original! Groupon even offers cashback if you go there and use the same card that is linked to your Groupon account. The hot dog had an excellent snap and my son said the chicken sandwich was delicious as well. You can't beat free fries with your sandwich! So good and the prices were even better!

I flew into and out of Chicago on a recent visit to Wisconsin, and sadly only had 15 minutes between plane and bus connections when I arrived so I vowed to find some good food when I came back the next morning to fly out. Only problem being this was at 5.30am. This added time difference meant Jim's was the only logical explanation. Walking the streets at that time with the sunrise is an experience in itself, but to find Jim's hot dog hatch in the middle of the Chicago backstreets was magical. The service was ridiculously quick, with the 2 servers bagging my (free) fries and polish sausage before I'd even gotten the money out. The food tastes unbelievable, with perfectly cooked fries and the best sausage I've ever tried. Finding this place early in the morning felt surreal but I'd do it again every time! Cannot recommend this place enough!

The Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Pork Producers Association are co-sponsoring a contest to determine which high school's concession makes the best pork chop sandwiches. So which Chicago sandwich shop produces the best pork chop sandwich? What makes a great pork chop sandwich? Start with a bone-in pork chop. Dredge it lightly in flour and cook it in a healthy amount of oil until it is golden brown and crisply. Then put the tender, juicy pork chop between a steamed bun with a layer of yellow salad mustard and top it with a mountain of grilled Spanish onions and spicy hot sport peppers. One place you can find this iconic sandwich is Jim's Original Hot Dog stand. Located at 1250 South Union Street, at Rochford Street, south of Roosevelt Road, next to the Dan Ryan Expressway, in the University Village and Little Italy neighborhoods, it is an old school hot dog stand that started in 1939 and is open 24 hours a day. Jim's is more widely known for its all-beef hot dog and the first Maxwell Street Polish sausage sandwich, which it introduced in 1943. But old-timers insist that the oldest continuously operating hot dog stand to have once done business on Maxwell Street that Jim's bone-in pork chop sandwich is every bit as good if not better. In fact, the bone-in pork chop sandwich also was invented at Jim's, also in 1943. Other competitors for "best pork chop sandwich" include Maxwell Street Depot in Bridgeport and Original Maxwell Street in West Garfield Park.

You order at a window facing the street. There is no place to sit. The hot dogs are very good and come with fries. Get the peppers with it. Reasonably priced!

Open 24/7. On street parking is limited. All menu items are delicious. However, this establishment is in a high crime area with shootings, deaths and robberies.

The Polish sausage was very good but I've had better. It's served with mustard and caramelized onions which were wonderful. Very good fries too. Overall a good meal but not fancy. Order at the window then stand at the counter and eat - no seating. Worth a visit.

This location is the King within all chicago for Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage. The loaction next door does not compare. You can cook your fries a lil longer. But the grilled onions, hot peppers and polish is the true King. Will always come here and never next door to the other imitation polish. Thank you for keeping it real with the old school tatse from the 70’s and early 80’s.

Our guide took us to this out of town hot dog stand , off the tourist track but am amazing tasting hot dog and free yes free fries

Initially the sandwich didn’t have enough mustard on it for my liking so I simply went back up to counter and they obliged.

I am surprise to find that there is so few review for this place, if you live in south loop, west loop, downtown, this is the place when you need some grease! Polish is awesome, I also love love love their fish sandwich, $3 including fries, where can you find that. Also when you see there's always couple polices car lining up to get hot dogs, you know this is the place.

Best place to hop off the highway on your way in or out of the city. Chicago Flavor served up at its finest. Burgers and Hot dogs done right, for a price you can't argue with.

We had a friend bring us to this place. What a place to have your first Chicago dog! He recommended the polish dog and it was tasty. And the French fries completed the meal! The history of this place is cool as well. And we were told if you came here late night- it would be packed!

The pork chop sandwich is to die for. You can't ask for a better food for a cheap cost. I also tried the polish sausage with onions. This place is a must stop next time you are in Chi town.

Great place for polish Sausage and fries!! Grow up in Chicago and wanted some of those the taste I grew up eating.It did not disappoint.

76 years and still going strong. Jim's Original Hot Dog has been selling hot dogs since 1943. They actually began on Maxwell Street, but when Maxwell Street was re-done, Jim's Original Hot Dog moved over to the 1250 S. Union location. I remember eating here while attending the Chicago police academy when it was located here. Now, all that remains of that time is the street named for the former superintendent. But, I digress. This time, we decided to do a taste test and pick up one Polish sausage sandwich from Jim's Original Hot Dog and one Polish sausage sandwich from Express Grill. We decided to each eat one half and then switch. So, we found that the Polish sausage was very similar tasting and probably is from the same supplier. On top of the Polish sausage sandwich were mounds of sweet colossal Spanish onions, two huge sport peppers and a bed of yellow salad mustard on the bun. We thought that the onions tasted great. The French fries at Jim's Original Hot Dog were not the crinkle-type, so they didn't seem as crisp as the French fries from Express Grill. Both sandwiches come with a small bag of French fries and both sandwiches are $5.15 each Jim's Original Hot Dog is the first of the two hot dog stands on this block of S. Union Ave. Jim's Original Hot Dog does accept credit cards..

The area is a little sketchy, but the dogs are excellent. Grilled onions and mustard on the polish dog. Fries come with every dog and are surprisingly really good. Go during the daylight hours, excellent place for a Chicago style dog.

We had left church and decided to grab a sandwich from Jim's Original Hot Dog. Jim's is the first hot dog stand that you come to when you are driving southbound on Union Ave. I must admit that I think that people park rather sloppily on the street and for that one reason, I would consider the second hot dog stand. But since the food is pretty comparable we ordered a Polish sandwich and a single cheeseburger - both with everything. Now, each sandwich comes with French fries, so though we wanted a single order of cheese fries, we ended up with four orders of French fries with a cup of cheese. Oh, well, the food was exactly what we were looking for. The prices are reasonable and they do accept credit cards.

Great dogs and more. These guys have been doing it right, from the beginning. Fun just to watch them work and how efficient they are with creating great food. Fries were awesome, decent prices and great easy location.

Well. The Polish Sausage is OK. Need grilled onions and chili peppers for flavor which did not excite me but The fries was actually good. Had the right size, taste and texture. Not sure if it holds good for leftover food. Being more classy when it comes to food this is the only Judgmental comment I can say about them. I just wonder how they compete with the other place next door? LOL. Old school Street food. It is something I would not think of 1st to grave but co-workers rant this is good. It is just OK. 3 stars for the fries. Take the side away and I would have given just 2 stars.

We had hotel in downtown and the location is a little bit far, if you traveling by public transport. But nevertheless the Polish sausage is great especially it is similar to Kranjska klobasa from Slovenia. We will be back next time in Chicago.

Always a line..cars parked everywhere, no designated area to park...and you wait. Delicious food that must be tried at least one time. Think the Polish and the hot dog are on the smaller size for the buck, but nevertheless, mouth watering. Fries are included and are excellent. Can go there day or night. Line moves fairly fast. No inside dining. Great on a summer night...eat in car during the colder days.

An absolute Chicago staple. A must visit! Food always fast and good! Will always stop by when we return to the windy city! It's home by the way!

No matter if its the pork chop sandwich, polish or cheese burger you will enjoy your meal. Open 24/7 your craving will be meet.

This Restaurant (hot dog stand) is a Chicago icon. It sets the bar for what isknown worldwide as the "Maxwell Street Polish." A grilled polish sausage with grilled onions and mustard. That's it . That's what you want. Guaranteed hot dog bliss. There are other items on the list - a double hot dog sandwich is popular as well as a pork chop sandwich. Definetly a must try while in Chicago.

The one and only real Chicago's Polish Dog. Cheap but delicious. The fries is also unforgettable. Oh my god, how is it even possible to make a Hot Dog that good. It is otherworldly.

True Chicago style hot dogs and Maxwell Street Polish. I just pull up, hop outof the car, and hold up four fingers and four perfect polish are in there way.

It was great! A Chicago classic cheeseburger. Double cheese, onions and mustard with jalapenos on the side.

For my wife's bday this year I insanely drove from my home in NY to S.Union just so we can taste the goodness that is Jim's. The taste, the quality, and the flavors are extraordinarily addictive. If you are i the area or need a a fix, stop by the original Jim's

I love this place! Stop by often for a quick bite. The Maxwell street polish is the best! I also love their fries. They are fast too.

Love this place. Been going since I was a little girl with my Dad. Now I take my kids and we eat in the car right outside the place. I get the beef polish, usually I'll have the split it and grill it for extra added flavor. Still a cheap date at $10 for two.

We can't go to chicago and not stop here. I LOVE this place. I don't care how full I am I always get something from here. Even if I have to wait to eat it. EXCELLENT

I have to be honest I watched a Chicago's best video on this place and wanted to go. I gave this three stars due to the lackluster customer service. It was not even busy and they biffed my order. The sausage itself I would rate as above average, they did not put on a ton of onions like on the picture and honestly I thought Portillos had a better polish sauage.

BE sure to ask to have your onions a little more well done. Great dogs and maxwell st polish. A Chicago dog staple. Perfect fries. p.s. the hot peppers are hot (very tasty)

This place is good after you get out of a club or bar and you had a little to much to drink everything comes with mustard and grilled onions recently they started hounding the customers for tips gets kind of annoying when you feel pressured to tip not good business practice hope the owner puts a stop to this I dont mind tipping just don't say as your getting my order together hey don't forget to tip