st. louis chicago I55

Making the trip from Saint Louis to Chicago-

Can anyone give any reccomendations for the trip down I55?

There was a thread from 2003 that I read here:

http://www.roadfood.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=922&SearchTerms=i55

How about that Dixie diner?

Any place new in Chicago? I left the city in 2000. I hear there's someplace on west Roscoe that serves fancy hotdogs and cooks the fries in duck fat- I'll post on the hot dog forum later

Alexis

ariston cafe in litchfield is a neat old route 66 diner/ballroom with good food -
great ambience... more interesting than dixie. don't forget kozy dog in springfield, home of the corndog.

The dog place was hot doug's.

it burned down a while back - not sure if they have reopened, someone might have more up to date info.

they had great sausages - not the typical chicago dog.

it was a good idea, hope they come back.

Alas, the Dixie Truckers Home has undergone some ownership changes the past year or so, and reports of the food from there have been erratic.

I do have recommendations:

-- The Ariston Cafe, east of the turnoff in Litchfield, is a classic. It's sort of a throwback to the old-fashioned supper clubs, and just about everything on the menu is good. Make sure you sit in one of the comfy old wooden booths.

-- The Cozy Dog, a couple miles north of the Sixth Street interchange in Springfield, is reputedly the inventor of the modern-day corndog. I'm not a corndog fan, but I have to admit the corn covering is fluffy and not greasy. I'm a convert of their cheeseburgers and skin-on french fries. It's a Route 66 institution.

-- I've never been to Del Rhea's Chicken Basket near Joliet, but I've heard so many good reviews about it that I don't think it can steer you wrong. Its claim to fame is fried chicken. White Fence Farm, also a fried-chicken icon, is nearby, too.

-- If you see a place that serves Chicago-style pizza, go.

Hot Dougs has reopened.

that's great jeepguy - are they in the same spot?

Actually, it is opening in January 2005. The new location will be at Roscoe & California about 1/2 mile west of the old location.

Hot Doug's! Yes, that was it! Will it ever be open when I'm actually in Chicago? I'll just have to settle for the char-dogs and foul-mouthed women working at Weiner Circle.

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies. It never ceases to amaze me how helpful the community here at roadfood.com can be.

lexypooh

Here you go. Check out the menu including the specials @ http://www.hotdougs.com/

Sorry. This one has more information.
http://www.hotdougs.com/address.htm