Great Historic Find, Revealed Only Here: Carl's

Faithful readers of Waxing America know we bring you critically acclaimed stories, keen analysis and otherwise obscure but culturally informative knowledge that you would never get at Daily Kos or the Huffington Post.

Through dedicated scholarship and the good fortune on checking pictures from the Facebook group Jeffrey Manor, Chicago Il. Memories of Growing Up In Jeffrey Manor we bring you this priceless and impossible to duplicate photograph from the collection of Arnold L. Stern, the original Carl's:

While stuffy politicians and yuppies argue over preserving lake views, and upper east side swells swoon over some Frank Lloyd Wright design, we ordinary folk recognize historical places when we see them.

Sadly, age and the dyes of the 1960's no longer provide accurate portrayal of the garish reds but you get the point.

The relocated Carl's can be found conveniently located at 83rd and Jeffrey.

When I wrote A Chicago Hot Dog Review for Madison Worth Your Time...

I know my hot dogs; I have eaten them for almost sixty years. I ate them on the south side, west side, and north sides of Chicago. I ate them in the suburbs and in the ball parks. (No Chicago ball park ever served a real Chicago hot dog.) I ate them at Fluky's, Stash's, Big Herm's (he had only one good arm), Little Herm's (two good arms), a dozen places on Dempster or off of Western, more on Damen*, and all over Stoney Island. (The best was next to the Avalon Theater.) And I have a heart by-pass to prove it.

 Eddie Omens wrote in about this sanctuary near the Avalon Theater:

Carl's.....in the 50s......Very small place... warm steamy...The old guy ( it was Carl) who made the hotdogs wore glasses that were always so steamed up, I don't know how he could see to put the stuff on the hot dogs....He lined them up on a piece of wood that had door handles to keep the steamed buns in the correct position to dress them.....wrapped in paper and a bunch of fries.....25 cents each.....Oh yes A nehi....Orange drink.....I wish I had a couple now....Eddie Omens in San Diego

 

For those who need more imagery: More Chicago Hot Dogs - The Pickle and Mushy Buns (Ugh)

 

Comments

[Steve Vokers]

Paul,

Have you tried Papa Coronofoulos' Gyros and Chicago-Style Deli yet?

http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/venue.php?venue=1952

http://www.madisonatoz.com/2009/12/poppa-coronofoulos-gyros-chicagostyle-deli.html

[Ty O'Mara]

I can't figure out what is the problem with hotdog manufacturers. I've tried them all at home. Nathan's Hotdogs, Best's Kosher Hotdogs, and another premium hotdog, whose name escapes me, at the moment. I've even tried Vienna Hot dogs at home. I just don't get the pop....the pop from the natural casing.

They are definitely, selling a different product in the grocery stores than they sell to the retailers. That's Ok with me, I just keep thinking that the world's greatest hotdog hasn't been invented, yet. Nobody beats Vienna. Superior taste and great pop when you bite into it. It seems like such a luxury product these days, that I expect too much. I just keep thinking that there is room for a new competitor in the market. It's not like this is expensive protein. I think the University of Wisconsin should start work on the world's greatest hotdog, under the supervision of R.J. and Paul Soglin. Until that happens, I will continue to get my hotdogs out. Which is cool.

[freelunch]

I have to recommend the hot dog stand in the exit of the Nakoma Plaza Home Depot. They do a good job for a cart. The unexpected location is the big bonus.

[wondering]

Daily Kos or the Huffington Post. That's where your readers spend their time? Are you comfortable with that?