Eat, Drink, and Have Fun in Chicago | A Hot Dog Shop Made with the 'Spirit of Craftsmanship'
Today I’m introducing a hot dog shop that has been open in Chicago for 72 years. This shop perfectly embodies what it means to have the 'spirit of craftsmanship'—focusing on one thing for decades and perfecting it to the extreme. This is Superdawg, a very popular family-owned drive-in hot dog stand in Chicago.
The Founding of Superdawg
Maurie Berman, a former general investigator who had just returned from World War II, married his high school sweetheart Floree in August 1947. Seeing many other returning investigators setting up hot dog stands by the roadside, Maurie and Floree decided to open their own roadside hot dog stand—one that was unique and different. In May 1948, Superdawg was established at the corner of Milwaukee, Devon, and Chicago. It remains family-owned and operates at the same location to this day.
Creating the Icon and Name
Maurie designed a distinctive 20-foot by 12-foot building topped with two 12-foot-tall hot dog icons, whose sparkling, captivating eyes beckoned hungry passersby. Maurie and Floree then developed a proprietary secret recipe that made their hot dogs stand out among the many other stands popping up in the city. Everything was ready except for a name. Their inspiration came from the popular comic book superheroes of the 1940s, and thus the name Superdawg was born.
A Fun Little Story
In 1948, Milwaukee and Devon were the end of the streetcar line. Across the street were a forest preserve and Whealan Pool, making the area a great spot for teenagers to swim and play. Kids could take the streetcar for a nickel and then buy a hot dog and a drink at Superdawg for 32 cents. Often, on their way home, they would stop by Superdawg and ask what they could get for a dime. If they were a few cents short, Maurie and Floree would give them what they wanted and tell them they could pay back the difference next time. The kids always kept their word and honored that agreement.
A Tradition That Never Changes
When Superdawg first opened, electronic speaker systems had not yet been invented. Carhops had to walk to each car to take orders, and customers signaled they were ready for their food by turning on their headlights. In early 1950, Superdawg installed an electronic speaker system called “carhop in a wire,” and Maurie designed a glowing blue “control tower” where carhops could sit to take orders. Over the years, Superdawg has kept the drive-in tradition alive; customers can still order from their cars and wait for carhops to bring their food. In 1999, Superdawg underwent a renovation, adding a neon-lit canopy over the parking lot, installing a new speaker system, and building a comfortable indoor dining room.
After hearing so many stories about Superdawg, you might be wondering what magical food makes all of Chicago go crazy for it. In fact, Superdawg’s menu is very simple.
01 Superdawg
This is not a Vienna sausage or a frankfurter—it’s the one and only Superdawg! A delicious, juicy all-beef hot dog in a bun, served with the always-imitated-never-surpassed Superfries, golden mustard, tangy pickles, Spanish onions, and unforgettable chili. This unique Superdawg has driven countless people wild.
02 Sandwiches & Burgers
There are many types of sandwiches. In the U.S., sometimes a sandwich is just a small burger as we know it. Whether it’s a burger loaded with rich cheese, one with a large, crispy fried chicken fillet, or a fish burger or shrimp burger, they have it all.
03 Other Stuff
Besides hot dogs and burgers, there are also other tasty desserts, drinks, snacks, and more. Friends who are interested are welcome to come explore!
